Katherine Sheets - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

225 days ago

Since my AVR in 2023, I struggle with my vision. I have a white flashing floater, a massive increase in ocular migraines and double vision. I get dizzy along ...Read more

Since my AVR in 2023, I struggle with my vision. I have a white flashing floater, a massive increase in ocular migraines and double vision. I get dizzy along with lightheadedness. Can anyone tell me how this might be linked to my valve replacement surgery? I’ve been to an optometrist, ophthalmologist neurologist. I’ve had brain scans, brain MRI, EEG. I’ve also been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation which I’m on medication for along with a blood thinner. I’m still being seen by my cardiologist for the A Fib. I’m just trying to find a common link to all these issues I’m having post surgery.

Daneen Douglas Oh no! That is no fun! I have floaters which were caused by vitreous detachment, a normal thing as ... Read more

Daneen Douglas Oh no! That is no fun! I have floaters which were caused by vitreous detachment, a normal thing as you age, when pieces of the vitreous break off, and float around in the liquid inside the eye. When they break off you may see bright flashing lights. This is a symptom for retina detachment as well so should definitely be checked out to determine the cause. I’ve always had migraines, especially with exertion or after being in the heat.

Rose Madura It's so strange Katherine. I have always had auras and migraines but they seem to have increased sin ... Read more

Rose Madura It's so strange Katherine. I have always had auras and migraines but they seem to have increased since my surgery. However, I wonder if I'm just super aware of things now. My cardiologist said to see an eye doctor and I did. He says they are common when the gel loosens somewhere in the eye (I can't remember where). It seems like everything for me is now prefaced with "as you get older ..." Bummer . Others have mentioned auras so it just makes you wonder. I suffered with vertigo about 2-3 years after my surgery so again, was told it was age related. I did have a successful Epley maneuver that took care of it. I hope you get some results. These symptoms, to me, are very debilitating. God bless you. And please keep us posted.

Marie Myers I had a huge increase in numbers of auras after my surgery. They did gradually decrease with time, an ... Read more

Marie Myers I had a huge increase in numbers of auras after my surgery. They did gradually decrease with time, and now 7 years after surgery, i rarely get them anymore. It took a couple months post surgery to see a decline in them. I think it is due to the huge stress of the whole surgical experience.

Valerie Allen It seems that many of us share the aura migraines, often with limited headaches following. As Marie s ... Read more

Valerie Allen It seems that many of us share the aura migraines, often with limited headaches following. As Marie said, several have mentioned a temporary increase following surgery. I have my surgery next month.

Grace Mason I have had aura followed by migraine since age 20. I expected to have an increase post surgery, as I ... Read more

Grace Mason I have had aura followed by migraine since age 20. I expected to have an increase post surgery, as I read that it is common, but I was glad I did not experience any immediately post surgery and fortunately have not seen an increase either.

Valerie Allen That is good news, Grace!

Daneen Douglas Awesome, Grace!

Michele Renee Hello! I am in the same boat. Month 3 almost and I get floaters and ocular migraines constantly along ... Read more

Michele Renee Hello! I am in the same boat. Month 3 almost and I get floaters and ocular migraines constantly along with dizziness. I am on xarelto and amiodarone for afib. My Opthamologist said the medication may be the culprit as to ocular migraines. I see my cardiologist in a few weeks and primary to chat about it as well. But from what I’ve read l, it seems like a lot of people experience this after mitral valve.

Katherine Sheets Thanks so much for the feedback. I can’t tell you how appreciated it is. Not only is it validating, ... Read more

Katherine Sheets Thanks so much for the feedback. I can’t tell you how appreciated it is. Not only is it validating, I no longer feel I’m alone. I just don’t understand why this isn’t acknowledged as a post surgery issue by the heart association. Grateful for my new valve nonetheless ❤️