Here. 1990. Mitral valve replacement. Tough afterwards as I was in the healing process. Several weeks in the hospital recovering. Miserable as I was taking a pill Quinidex they ordered me to take. hurt constantly and could not get sleep. After 6 weeks I was OK.
Since then new procedures have become standard and people recover real quick! Quinidex is no longer used.
I have an Omniscience valve and have been on warfarin since that day. Have had no problems and have my blood checked every few weeks.
I understand modern valves do not need warfarin.
I saw an X-ray of my heart before surgery. it was huge! double the size of a normal heart. A year later I again saw an X-ray of my heart. It had returned to a normal size.
Again, that was 1990 when I had the surgery done.
Note: If they put you on blood thinners USE THEM! One woman had the same surgery I had, a mechanical valve like mine. She was on Warfarin till one day she decided aspirin was all she needed. She died a few weeks later of a blood clot.
I should mention that with my mechanical valve from 1990, the constant “click” may annoy family members. Of the workers could hear me tapping clear across the room.
But it is worth it!
I haven’t, but I had a friend who had a quadruple bypass, and my mom had a valve job. Here’s what I can tell you.
First after the surgery you will go through a period of depression. It’s a common thing and is even called post-op depression. It occurs after any major surgery. My wife had her knee replaced and she had it.
Second, do what the doctors tell you in terms of rehab. They will give you an exercise routine. Do it. My friend did and he recovered nicely. My mom didn’t and never fully recovered. Once the heart is fixed it needs to be strengthened, that is what the rehab is for. Do what they tell you if you want to get better.
And last, it’s a long way back. It won’t be easy, but if the doctors say you need it, then the surgery is probably better than the alternative. Go in with the right attitude, follow your doctor’s orders, pray a little and you’ll hopefully come out better on the other side. Good luck and my God be with you.
Where is the procedure to be done? Which VA?
Are you not a candidate for a TAVR? Trans Aortic Valve Replacement. I had a TAVR last September, I’m 69. My aortic valve was replaced with an Edward’s Valve.
They found a murmur about 2 years ago, was being treated with meds until las year. I thought my being out of breath and no energy was just me getting old and out of shape. After extensive testing I was offered the procedure. During tests they determined I had no blockages which was a blessing. 2 nights in hospital and a week recovery. I feel great now.
Good luck to you!.
To all those that responded to this post, thank you for all of your valuable information.I went under the knife on the morning of may 29th for a valve replacement and bypass surgery. Coming out of post op was quite the experience but I got to come home june 5th, yesterday.I needed two units of blood for the operation and it lasted about 6 hours. Was unsure if I was going to need pacemaker but nope, everything ticking on its own. The chest huger they give you really works well in suppressing the pain of the coughs. Glad I got the powerlift chair for home use, comes in real handy. Now getting ready for my 4-6 months of recovery.