hi all. Had my sortic valve and root replaced on Monday evening. Op took nearly 7 hours but there were no complications. Because I had s congenital surgeon they tend to take a lot more care cutting through existing scar tissue etc. My aortic root didn't really need replacing but as it was Showing mild dilation the general agreement was that it would need replacing at some point. My surgeon said he didn't want me to have any more ops down the line although this can't be totally ruled out due the obvious complications. He expects this to last 40-50 years! I can totally see his point, heart surgery and recovery is an awful experience!! I forgot how awful it was when the drainage tubes are pulled out. Prob the worst experience of my life! Good job the nurses were so great! Its hard to imagine what heart surgery is like for people who havnt had it, i almost feel like i could put up with anything after that! However, I was walikng around weds morning and now I feel pretty good. Walking lots, eating and generally building my strength up. I was meant to be coming home today but I have a slight temperature and my heart rate is pretty high (96) so they want to monitor this for a few more days and put me on antibiotics etc just incase it is a slight infection (very common after heart surgery I've been told). I'm in no rush to go home, I have my own room and I'm checked 5 or 6 times a day which is much better than feeling worried at home.
I've already had a chat about home monitoring for warfarin and it looks like this won't be a problem, I should be getting my own machine within next month or so which is pretty good for the uk.
I had my failed mosaic tissue valve. It wasn't to do with pannus or an infection but s common problem with this valve. The coating used on the valve basically causes it to fail early. Apparently I'm lucky that I got 4 years. Thousands of these valves have had to be replaced. It's a shame but I'm glad it was the valve and not pannus or tissue growth etc which could have effected the mech valve also.
I've already had a chat about home monitoring for warfarin and it looks like this won't be a problem, I should be getting my own machine within next month or so which is pretty good for the uk.
I had my failed mosaic tissue valve. It wasn't to do with pannus or an infection but s common problem with this valve. The coating used on the valve basically causes it to fail early. Apparently I'm lucky that I got 4 years. Thousands of these valves have had to be replaced. It's a shame but I'm glad it was the valve and not pannus or tissue growth etc which could have effected the mech valve also.
