Juli's Journal

Hello my helpful Heart Valve Community, It has been just a little over a year that I had my Aorta Valve replacement being diagnose with Severe Stenosis of the Aorta Valve and it being a bicuspid in 2023. It took me a whole year to have the surgery and I had it in January 2024. This website and all the wonderful people got me through this. I was terrified and scared. I feel the first 4 months were the hardest in the recovery. Sleeping on my back was the worse for me because I am a side sleeper. Getting to how I feel today I am not sure if I feel better. I guess so? I am still working on my stamina. It is getting better. I still can't walk 5 miles without huffing and puffing. I do need to exercise more which I am working on. I went with a biological valve. I was on blood thinners for 3 months only. I just got off my beta blocker in January and just on one med that is Lipitor. My cholesterol isn't high but they want me to stay on it. I found out that I have titanium clips in my chest. That kind of freaked me out but I guess that is life. I am hoping if are when I need this replace I can have the TAVR procedure. I also noticed Cardiac department doesn't care about you after 3 months. My cardiologist said I am doing fantastic. Do I feel fantastic. Not yet. It was hard but I am glad it is over. I am here for anyone if they have any questions are would just like to talk. If I could go through this so can you! Thank you All! Juli : )

Hello Heart Valve Community! Going on my 8th week of recovery of my Aorta Valve replacement with a biological valve. Feeling good but still need to get my stamina and energy back. Had my first echo-cardiogram since my surgery and my cardiologist said everything looks good and is normal. In a Cardiology walking program with Kaiser Los Angeles and I am walking 30 minutes or more a day. Still walking slow like a turtle and working on my diet as well. Just had my 61st birthday yesterday.

Hello All,
I wanted to tell you all I survived my surgery for the Stenosis of Aorta Valve surgery that took place on Monday. Oh boy! I was in ICU after surgery and Tuesday. They moved me too the cardiac surgery department recovery floor on Wednesday. Doing a little better each day. Kaiser Cardia Surgery in Los Angeles has been fantastic and taking great care of me. I actually am going home today, Saturday. I have a lot of healing to do. The pain was not bad at all. The tubes that were taken out of my my throat was the only thing that was painful to me. I want to thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. I appreciate it dearly. I want to thank the website as well that educated me on my valve issue. Now just to go home and do the healing process.
Lots of love to all. Will jump back online soon.

My sleep has been horrible and I am so scared everyone. Don't know why. Surgery in general scares me. I chose to go with the biological value. I hope I am making the best choice. Doctors also said they would do the same. Note I am 60 years old. Trying to get organized before surgery.
I do not qualify for the TAVR procedure for this surgery but I will be able to have this procedure when the valve needs to be replaced.
Gosh it is a lot to take in. I am trying to stay positive too. That is all I can do.

I am reaching out today to get more info and connect with the community. I was diagnosed with severe stenosis of the aortic valve and need this replaced. I was wondering if anyone can enlighten me. I just consult with a surgeon and am pretty terrified and have no one to talk to about this.