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My St Jude mechanical valve + Dacron tube is also quite noisy 3 months after surgery. Next time (hopefully will not happen), I will ask the surgeon to do some kind of soundproofing work...:)

Had St Jude Regent aortic valve and aorta root replacement 4 weeks ago at age 43. All I want is to minimize the possibillity of another surgery too soon. The clicking and chest pounding is quite loud. The surgery was apparently "textbook". My energy level is great, all the more that that after...

Had surgery on 01/05/11 and same as you, suddenly has palpitations and fast heart beat (160/170 /min) around 2 weeks after surgery. I went to the ER right away: The IV drugs did not work and they finally did a cardioversion (small electric shocks). It happened 2 more times after that. Then I...

Had surgery on 01/05/11 (aortic valve + aorta root) and the same thing happened to me last week 3 times. First, irregular heartbeat and then very fast rate (160/min). ER trip + cardioversion. Then my cardiologist put me on Amioderone and since then it has not happened. The Metoprolol...

Malibu82, I had no idea that a woman would do that 10 day after surgery!:) Anyway, the ER told me to put it on hold for 5 weeks.... Clement

OK. I had sex 12 days after surgery (just checking if things could still work...) and apparently it was not a good idea. The discharge of adrenaline apparently put my heartbeat out of whack (irregular and then continuous high beat rate). I had to go to the ER yesterday. They tried some IV meds...

Hi Dmeehan, I had my surgery exactly 2 weeks ago. For the 1st 6 days at the hospital, I did not touch a single book that I had brought with me. Basically, there is lots of pain and your mind is somewhere else. Then since being home: Lots of web surfing. A little bit of reading. I feel pretty...

Hi Topmommy, Have you tried yoga with mostly restorative positions and breathing? Clement

Had exactly the same pillow 10 days ago in Portland, OR. It seems like the "heart pillow" is a must these days...:) Clement

Just had a St Jude mechanical valve 10 days ago and I am confirming that the clicking is pretty loud. It is kind of comforting. My kids can hear it several feet away and think that it is funny. I 'd rather have this noise than going thru the pain of another ops soon. The after surgery pain...

Hello Catwoman, Thank you for the data. Actually, I need to correct my statements: My cardiologist office has already started the process to provide me with home monitoring. I was told that it takes 4 weeks to get one. Paid or not by my health insurance. However, in the meantime, I still need...

I am having the same issue in Portland, OR. I cannot find a single ACT clinic that does finger prick instead of vein draw. I am willing to start a long journey/battle to make it happen. The US seems like a moron compared to Europe where home testing/finger testing is so much more common...

Oh yes... I got the entire deal with full sternotomy. Because of the aorta root replacement, minimally-invasive surgery was not possible.

Hi Eloise, I was diagnosed late last October 2010 and had surgery 7 days ago. Facing my possible own mortality for the 1st time in life at age 43 was unbelievably difficult. What helped me: - Hypnotherapy sessions with listening daily of the recordings - Counseling sessions to talk about my...

Answers to questions Answers to questions Hi all, In terms of pain, I suppose that I was a bit naive. I have always been relatively fit, and have done lots of yoga in the last 2 years. Consequently, due to my age (43) and good health, I thought that the pain would be lower than with most...

First, a big thanks to Hans, the creator of this website. Second, about my surgery: Took place 6 days ago in Portland, OR - Providence St Vincent. Mechanical aortic valve + dacron tube for aorta replacement (age 43). Surgeon = Dr Swanson. If I could sum it up: Everything went OK except for the...

Hi Gerry, Like you I have kids (2 daughters 9 and 14). I have been able to reduce my fears tremendously with hypnotherapy. I listen to my tapes each days. Do you know that hypnotherapy was used before anethasia to perform surgery on people? Happy Christmas, Clement

Hi Gerry, I am a bit like you: Was diagnosed with bicuspid condition and 5 cm aorta dilatation 2 months ago at age 43. My cardiologist recommended surgery in the new "few months", 6 months being the maximum recommended (What a lovely voicemail it was...). My surgeon recommended surgery in the...

Hello all. Dick0236: I just read that you have had the same mechanical valve for 43 years! You are my new hero. You mentioned also that you have learned "the hard way" how to monitor your INR. What happened?

Hello all, My surgeon has recommended surgery within 6 months to avoid "catastrophic consequences due to aortic dissection and rupture". My cardiologist has recommended surgery within a few months. What does it mean exactly? Do they mean that I would die after 6 months or that the risks would...