Debra's Journal

It's been over 2 years since my open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic aneurysm. My question to you all is, has anyone experienced pinching, pain and sharpness in the chest area where the ribs were wired together? I had a minimally invasive procedure so they did not have to cut the entire rib cage. The pain is quite sharp when I do certain activities. I am a bit concerned.

Hello fellow heart valve friends!

I am in need of some experiences and professional advice. I recently had a stress test and echocardiogram for my 1 year post surgery evaluation. I am 1 year (June 21, 2021) out from my aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm semi repair. My cardiologist gave me some pretty frightening news. He said that he is concerned that my heart (muscle) has become stiff and that I have CHF (congestive heart failure). When he did an echo soon after my surgery, the heart was not stiff. At this point , moving forward ,I am on a no salt diet and getting cardio 30 minutes per day. In my naivety, I thought, OK now that my bad valve has been replaced and the aneurysm (which will need to be monitored 1/yr from now on) is in check, I have a new lease on life! Has anyone been faced with this and what is the outcome? Thank you for any advice.

So this smiling face is almost 1 year after aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair. The scar is almost not noticeable (I can see it clearly, though) I am still having some nerve pain around the incision site that radiates out as well as a lot of clicking and crackling from the 2 ribs that were cut and wired. I still feel anxious and worried at times thinking I am having weird pain and sensations in my heart. I will be seeing my cardiologist to help calm my fears. I am sure that all of you have bouts of anxiety knowing that you no longer have your own valve but, I am here to tell you, WOO HOO!!! We are alive and ready to face life head on! I'm feeling so much better and the strange part is, I didn't even know I had these issues until I got a simple calcium test and that test discovered the aneurysm which led to a cardiologist visit, which led to an Echo which discovered severe aortic stenosis. I thank GOD everyday. This forum has been very helpful. I love reading all of your stories and can truly relate. Hugs to all!!!

Almost 6 weeks post op. A question to you all. Has anyone else experienced pain across the chest area that feels like nerve endings pain and tingling? I can't stand to have anything touch that area. Wondering if this is normal and will it go away. Also feeling like I can't get full lung capacity. I have what feels like gas cramps across my solar plexus. Thanks

I am now 5 weeks post op. I have had a lot of pain and weakness throughout my recovery but this week I had a breakthrough. I suddenly have less pain and a lot more energy. I feel that I have reached that milestone everyone was telling me about. Suddenly you wake up one day and feel great improvement! I have to say, I still have many more weeks/months of full recovery, but, I am feeling so much more hope for my future. I hope the same for all of you!

I am scheduled for my surgery June 22, 2021. I did a day of pre ops today. Fun! The surgery will be partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine valve and place a protective sheath around my aortic aneurysm. I am terrified of the surgery but I know this is my lifesaver. My surgeon said that if I had not had this done it would have meant a 1-3 year life expectancy. Pretty scary stuff. I will be in the hospital for about a week and the surgery will take 3-5 hours, give or take. I am looking forward to living out the rest of my life with a new outlook, new adventures and just feeling better! Cheers to us!

I am scheduled for my surgery June 22, 2021. I did a day of pre ops today. Fun! The surgery will be partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine valve and place a protective sheath around my aortic aneurysm. I am terrified of the surgery but I know this is my lifesaver. My surgeon said that if I had not had this done it would have meant a 1-3 year life expectancy. Pretty scary stuff. I will be in the hospital for about a week and the surgery will take 3-5 hours, give or take. I am looking forward to living out the rest of my life with a new outlook, new adventures and just feeling better! Cheers to us!

My surgery has been scheduled for June 22, 2021. Hallelujah! I will be getting a partial sternotomy to replace my aortic valve with a bovine vale. My surgeon says it can last 20t years. If it needs to be replaced, the procedure is very simply done through the groin and the new valve goes over the old one. They will also be putting a protective sheath around the aneurysm. This is something that will still need to be monitored via CT scan every year as it can still grow. I am very pleased with my surgeon and ready to get this over with!! Life begins again at 61.

Thank you all for your support. I have a wonderful update! I did ask my cardiologist for another surgeon. I was NOT about to wait. He referred me to Dr. Katz. He performed valve replacement, by pass and carotid repair 9 years ago for my husband. He is awesome. I feel so blessed. Long story short, I met with him last week and he recommends open heart to replace the valve and repair the aneurysm at the same time, instead of waiting for it to get any larger. He has a new partner joining him from NY June 14th. I will see this Dr. (Kokotos) on the 15th because he specializes in a less invasive (smaller incision) approach. It's still open heart but he can do everything with a smaller incision. I am beyond grateful and feel very good about this. I'm sure he will schedule the surgery the day of my appointment.

I am a nervous wreck. I had a heart catherization done on Friday the 21st. Thank God I had no blockages to further complicate the valve replacement . My cardiologist said that I need to have the surgery done sooner than later because I have severe aortic stenosis and I also have an aortic aneurysm. I am experiencing chest pain and tightness all the time. The surgeon is going on vacation and cannot see me until July! Is this something that is ok to wait for? I am trying to stay calm and was told no physical activity. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I be going to the emergency room? I really scared.