@renee11 I want to welcome you to Connect. I am not a heart patient, but my dad was (and he lived a long life). I have had spine surgery that scared me. I figured out how to cope and get through it. My dad had open heart surgery in his 50's for a quadruple bypass. That was many years ago and I remember his recovery. It is tiring to go through a big surgery and you will sleep a lot in the months that you are recovering. I'm sure things may have changed since my dad's surgery. Did you have a chance to get all your questions answered by your surgical team? That can help a lot with the fear.
What is it that worries you the most? Have you made preparations at home for your recovery and for someone to help care for you? Do you have comfortable loose clothing to wear? You may not want to raise of move your arms much, so a top that buttons or zips may be preferable.
I just read your post about your fear of surgery for the aortic valve replacement. As I have had aortic insufficiency for many years I can understand some of your concerns.
If you don't mind sharing more I'm interested in knowing what symptoms you were having that led your doctor to decide on the valve replacement?
I had my aortic valve replaced May 2019. I was very scared. Everything went well for me. The hardest part was the anesthestia. The hospital staff was excellent. Good luck.
I just read your post about your fear of surgery for the aortic valve replacement. As I have had aortic insufficiency for many years I can understand some of your concerns.
If you don't mind sharing more I'm interested in knowing what symptoms you were having that led your doctor to decide on the valve replacement?
my biggest symptom was dizziness and lightheaded....i never passed out but i almost did. Also, i was tired, slept alot and my blood pressure was always low
@renee11 I want to welcome you to Connect. I am not a heart patient, but my dad was (and he lived a long life). I have had spine surgery that scared me. I figured out how to cope and get through it. My dad had open heart surgery in his 50's for a quadruple bypass. That was many years ago and I remember his recovery. It is tiring to go through a big surgery and you will sleep a lot in the months that you are recovering. I'm sure things may have changed since my dad's surgery. Did you have a chance to get all your questions answered by your surgical team? That can help a lot with the fear.
What is it that worries you the most? Have you made preparations at home for your recovery and for someone to help care for you? Do you have comfortable loose clothing to wear? You may not want to raise of move your arms much, so a top that buttons or zips may be preferable.
Heart disease runs in my family my dad had open heart aorta replaced with bypass, my sister who was older than i had bypass and my brother also had to have his aorta value replaced but within a few days died. i know of course that it is common to be scared but im at the point of having a nervous breakdown over it.....my surgery is schedule for this monday jan 23 2022. i pray that i come out of it ok and live to tell others my experience with it...the thought of a machine breathing for me is terrifying...i know ill be asleep but its still nerve racking to think of
I had my aortic valve replaced May 2019. I was very scared. Everything went well for me. The hardest part was the anesthestia. The hospital staff was excellent. Good luck.
Oh, I do understand your fears. The heart/lung machine breathing for you is rather intimidating, I'll admit. Your fears really are very normal. Since your surgery is coming up soon, it will be good to have it all over with, won't it? Most people feel so much better after this surgery and that will be great!
I know you have probably heard this before, but valve replacement has become an almost routine experience. Cardiologists who specialize in this type of surgery have a great deal of confidence. I don't know how long ago, your father and brother had their surgeries but every year makes a difference in perfecting cardiac surgical strategy.
I've had heart valve problems since I was age 11, and I know that I too, will someday come to the point where you are now.
You don't mention your age, however, valve surgery is usually done when your symptoms indicate the need. You certainly do have a family history of this problem.
Do you know if your doctor going to use a mechanical valve or an animal valve? Do you have other health concerns that you are being treated for?
Heart disease runs in my family my dad had open heart aorta replaced with bypass, my sister who was older than i had bypass and my brother also had to have his aorta value replaced but within a few days died. i know of course that it is common to be scared but im at the point of having a nervous breakdown over it.....my surgery is schedule for this monday jan 23 2022. i pray that i come out of it ok and live to tell others my experience with it...the thought of a machine breathing for me is terrifying...i know ill be asleep but its still nerve racking to think of
had valve replacement in 12/20 using TAVR. Next day had some issues and was re-admitted. MD's decided I needed a pacemaker which I had next day and all went well and still is. Md's and staff were wonderful. Very patient, explained everything clearly and I had great care. Before pacemaker implant I had a brief heart stoppage and in less than a minute there were six people in room. 2 MD.s, couple of RN.s and a MD who was there to comfort my wife. Sounds bad was not and they had everything under control. You are in very good hands.
Oh, I do understand your fears. The heart/lung machine breathing for you is rather intimidating, I'll admit. Your fears really are very normal. Since your surgery is coming up soon, it will be good to have it all over with, won't it? Most people feel so much better after this surgery and that will be great!
I know you have probably heard this before, but valve replacement has become an almost routine experience. Cardiologists who specialize in this type of surgery have a great deal of confidence. I don't know how long ago, your father and brother had their surgeries but every year makes a difference in perfecting cardiac surgical strategy.
I've had heart valve problems since I was age 11, and I know that I too, will someday come to the point where you are now.
You don't mention your age, however, valve surgery is usually done when your symptoms indicate the need. You certainly do have a family history of this problem.
Do you know if your doctor going to use a mechanical valve or an animal valve? Do you have other health concerns that you are being treated for?
On my heart caths, echos, and other test my dr revealed that my aorta only had 2 cusps and not three...i also have a heart murmur that was not revealed until a year ago .........i am wondering do you still have a murmur after aorta replacement
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
@renee11 I want to welcome you to Connect. I am not a heart patient, but my dad was (and he lived a long life). I have had spine surgery that scared me. I figured out how to cope and get through it. My dad had open heart surgery in his 50's for a quadruple bypass. That was many years ago and I remember his recovery. It is tiring to go through a big surgery and you will sleep a lot in the months that you are recovering. I'm sure things may have changed since my dad's surgery. Did you have a chance to get all your questions answered by your surgical team? That can help a lot with the fear.
What is it that worries you the most? Have you made preparations at home for your recovery and for someone to help care for you? Do you have comfortable loose clothing to wear? You may not want to raise of move your arms much, so a top that buttons or zips may be preferable.
How soon is your surgery scheduled?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @renee11
I just read your post about your fear of surgery for the aortic valve replacement. As I have had aortic insufficiency for many years I can understand some of your concerns.
If you don't mind sharing more I'm interested in knowing what symptoms you were having that led your doctor to decide on the valve replacement?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had my aortic valve replaced May 2019. I was very scared. Everything went well for me. The hardest part was the anesthestia. The hospital staff was excellent. Good luck.
my biggest symptom was dizziness and lightheaded....i never passed out but i almost did. Also, i was tired, slept alot and my blood pressure was always low
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHeart disease runs in my family my dad had open heart aorta replaced with bypass, my sister who was older than i had bypass and my brother also had to have his aorta value replaced but within a few days died. i know of course that it is common to be scared but im at the point of having a nervous breakdown over it.....my surgery is schedule for this monday jan 23 2022. i pray that i come out of it ok and live to tell others my experience with it...the thought of a machine breathing for me is terrifying...i know ill be asleep but its still nerve racking to think of
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@renee11
Oh, I do understand your fears. The heart/lung machine breathing for you is rather intimidating, I'll admit. Your fears really are very normal. Since your surgery is coming up soon, it will be good to have it all over with, won't it? Most people feel so much better after this surgery and that will be great!
I know you have probably heard this before, but valve replacement has become an almost routine experience. Cardiologists who specialize in this type of surgery have a great deal of confidence. I don't know how long ago, your father and brother had their surgeries but every year makes a difference in perfecting cardiac surgical strategy.
I've had heart valve problems since I was age 11, and I know that I too, will someday come to the point where you are now.
You don't mention your age, however, valve surgery is usually done when your symptoms indicate the need. You certainly do have a family history of this problem.
Do you know if your doctor going to use a mechanical valve or an animal valve? Do you have other health concerns that you are being treated for?
had valve replacement in 12/20 using TAVR. Next day had some issues and was re-admitted. MD's decided I needed a pacemaker which I had next day and all went well and still is. Md's and staff were wonderful. Very patient, explained everything clearly and I had great care. Before pacemaker implant I had a brief heart stoppage and in less than a minute there were six people in room. 2 MD.s, couple of RN.s and a MD who was there to comfort my wife. Sounds bad was not and they had everything under control. You are in very good hands.
i am 59 i have opt to try the Mechanical Value. I will be on blood thinners the rest of my life but my Dr thinks its a good choice
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionOn my heart caths, echos, and other test my dr revealed that my aorta only had 2 cusps and not three...i also have a heart murmur that was not revealed until a year ago .........i am wondering do you still have a murmur after aorta replacement