John's Journal

Hi Everyone - well it’s been an interesting journey but having had OHS for a new Aortic Valve on 29 January, I finally return to work on a phased basis today ( May1). I just like to wish everyone who is waiting for their surgery good luck and for everyone who has had surgery, a speedy and healthy recovery. I will continue to pop into this amazing forum which has given me so much comfort over the last few months but for now, take care everyone and I wish you all well. John 🇬🇧

Hi Everyone, I’m still considering how best to protect my scar from the sun when my wife and I take our holiday to Turkey in June which will be approximately 5 months post OHS. I was wondering if anyone has used Hy Tape to protect their scar and whether or not it provided suitable protection. Any advice would be appreciated Thank you

Eight weeks ago this morning I woke up in the intensive care unit at Papworth hospital in the UK - where has that time gone!! The date coincided with my post operation assessment with my surgeon Mr Choo Ng I am pleased to report that my AVR operation has been a complete success and Mr Ng has discharged me. Arrangements are to be made for me to see my cardiologist at my local hospital in the next week or two who will monitor and assess me over the coming months and years. Time to enjoy myself and start chasing the grandchildren around the garden😁

Hi everyone. It is 8 weeks today when I had my OHS at Papworth in the UK. To celebrate my wife and I have just booked our summer holiday and we will be relaxing in the Turkish sunshine in June. As this will be the first holiday after my OHS, I would welcome any advice on how best to protect my chest and particularly my scar. Hopefully the scar will not be as prominent in June but other than traditional sun screens, will I need any other protection. We both enjoy spending time lying on the sun loungers around the pool while on holiday. Any advice would be gratefully received.

After undergoing echo cardiographs every 6 months since 2014, I was diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis and mild aortic regurgitation in October 2017. I was referred to Mr Choo Ng at Royal Papworth Hospital (UK). My appreciation and gratitude to this man is immense. He lives for his work and his patients. My OHS took place on 29 January when my aortic valve was replaced. The decision to go with an organic valve or a mechanical one was difficult one. I did the usual research and spoke to my local doctor. Taking into account that I am 59 and am a complete wimp, in that I only want to have this operation once, I decided to go with the mechanical valve. During my deliberations , my brother made a really good point in that he said, that if I opted for the organic valve, in 20 years time, you will naturally be starting to slow down and get tired, however will you know if this is down to old age or the wearing out of the organic valve? I’m now looking back on my OHS and am able to do most things. The surgery went very well without any real issues and I was discharged on 3 Feb. It is true what people say, once you get home you feel much better and your recovery starts to kick in. I start my cardiac rehabilitation next week which I am looking forward to and I’m now looking at dates when I can return to work. The two main issues I have had are managing my blood pressure which is still high and balancing my diet as a consequence of warfarin ( I have downloaded all of the vitamin k apps!!) From day 1, I have been determined to be have a positive outlook and I believe this has helped in my recovery. I have to be careful about lifting anything but other than that I am now doing most things. I resumed driving last week and can get about . My wife has returned to work and I’m able to prepare the evening meal. I have even had the odd glass of wine. My wife and I have recently become grandparents and have acquired 3 grandchildren in 6 months. Our first was born in August and we had twins arriving 4 weeks ago. These arrivals have given me all I need to make sure I become fit and healthy. As I close, I just want to add that this forum has helped me so much, and although I’m in the UK, I have felt part of an extended family. I would like to thank Adam for making all this possible. If anyone wants to ask me any questions or share experiences please get in touch . Regards to you all John 🇬🇧

Hi everyone. Is anyone having problems with high blood pressure after surgery? I was on medication ( Amlodipine and Ramipril) to control my blood pressure before my operation which fluctuated around 135 - 145 / 90 but it is now 5 weeks since my replacement aortic value operation and my bp remains around the 150/ 80 level. My initial medication has been replaced with a beta blocker ( bisoprolol) and my gp is monitoring the situation. All other aspects of my surgery have gone well. Would welcome any thoughts or views. John