Ann's Journal

Jennifer Fuller  I’m also at 3 1/2 weeks post op. What kind of pain are you feeling? My back finally feels better, but I sometimes have sharp, stabbing pains in my chest if I move the wrong way. 

Richard Munson  I think the most important thing you say is when i move the wrong way. I had on again off again pain for a few months after my minimally invasive surgery. 3 1/2 weeks is nothing. To reach your heart they cut thru a lot of stuff. 

Robert Miller  If you are just 3 1/2 weeks post surgery your surgeon's office should still contact you about how you are doing. If not, contact them and tell them about the sudden pain. You will have to be specific on where the pain is, how it feels when you rest and move, etc. While I didn't have any pain after surgery, it is pretty common to experience it. But if it comes all of a sudden then it should be checked out. 

Mohammed Abdulrahman  Me to 
i am now 19 days post surgery

in the early days after surgery , i felt the same symptoms you are, dizzy, can not catch the breath, no more energy to walk, sweating and cough 

I can not sleep on back as i was feeling cut on breathing

Now the health is enhanced and today i walked 8 kilometres



Just  

Jennifer Fuller  You’re only 10 days out! Cut yourself some slack! I’m 11 days out, and sleep is starting to get easier. You could try melatonin.I can’t take it because it gives me terrible nightmares, but some people swear by it. Try to identify the problem you’re having with sleeping. Can’t get comfortable? Try more pillows/changing positions. Racing thoughts/anxiety? Try listening to soothing music or white noise as you fall asleep. It will get better,

Grace Mason   Hang in there Ann. You are really early days. My GP prescribed some sleeping pills for me to take if I needed them. They have been helpful for me, used occasionally. I would ask about the dizziness, your meds may need tweaking.

Rita Savelis  Long? 10 days is so very very early. Your body has been through a lot - you can't see it, because it's inside. Your heart, which controls so much, needs time to heal. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. Everyone has trouble sleeping after surgery. I asked for some sleep medication (which I normally would not take) to give my body some rest, because sleeping was hard. There is so much discomfort and exhaustion after surgery. You have to take it slow with the walking. You are probably also taking new cardiac meds and these can make you dizzy. Take breaks when you need them. Don't try to do too much. You will see a slow progression. But some days there might be no progression. Recovery is longer and harder than surgery unfortunately. Hang in there. Every body is different and every recovery is singular.

Pamela Gregory  Definitely try the recliner! I slept in that for months. Also had a sleep aid which helped for about 4-5 hours at a time. This is a process so pack you patience and let people help you out as you relax and heal day by day. Weekly you will see a lot of improvements

Robert Miller  I wish you all the best!! Make sure you are prepared for the few weeks after surgery. That's the toughest part. It makes it a lot easier with proper preparations. 

Grace Mason   Ann, 3rd week I felt good. Walking often. The past week I have been running a low grade fever with chills. Feeling kinda crummy. Saw my GP Friday and tested negative for Covid, RSV and flu. Having SOB today and new discomfort in my lower chest. Saw my cardiologist today and had an EKG and X-ray, waiting to hear what he says. Have echo scheduled for next week. So, hopefully I just picked up a bug, and it can be managed with some additional meds🤞☺️. He did say EKG looked good 👍 Thanks for asking ❤️

Rose Madura  Hi Ann, being scared is normal. I had my aortic valve replacement (and other things) six years ago and I feel great today. Try to focus on the positive - odds are definitely in your favor ask lots of questions and don't be afraid to get a second opinion.  Godspeed. We are here for you and will help you all the way 

Klara Čičić  Dear Ann, you fear is completely understandable. It is huge surgery, and it's scary to think about it. But my advice would be educate yourself from this website, you will realise how safe this surgery is and how magnificent today medicine is. We are lucky to live in age where these problems are curable! Focus on positive things. You will be ok, you are strong enough and you can handle it, trust me.

Marie Myers  I also had a tissue valve at age 63, six years ago. The choice between tissue valve and mechanical valve was a really hard decision for me, and I went back and forth for weeks. I was really shocked and in disbelief when I first got the news that I needed surgery. This is a good site to ask questions and vent your feelings.

Andrew Dial  Ann.. please know that everything is going to be ok :) what really helped me was to really educate myself on the different valve options, the pros and cons, and then once you find the one for you, start to read all the success stories of others before you that have gone thru it and are doing amazing afterwards :) There is light at the end of the tunnel…. I promise.