Having aorta valve replacement: I’m scared

my surgery is too close for anything now...I just gave it all to God and as NIKe says....JUST DO IT! ireally dont have any choice...

Hello @renee11

I'm so glad to hear that you have been cleared for surgery. That must feel good to know that all has checked out well. You asked an interesting question about whether you will still have a murmur after the valve replacement. Let's check with someone who has had a new aortic valve, like @chud2.

Did your doctor indicate how long you will be hospitalized after your surgery?

@renee11 I was scared of my first surgery some years ago, and I saw a psychologist who did clinical hypnosis. That worked really well for me to calm me down and I was OK going through it. I could feel a few butterflies in my stomach, but I didn't feel fear. Would that be something you would be interested in looking into?

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 open heart 2 years ago- ironically it was not to replace my valve(it’s still functioning ok as a bicuspid) but I had a large aortic arch aneurysm due to another congenital defect. I was 42 when I had my open heart. The tough part was my dad had passed away in his open heart surgery 2 years prior. I am not going to lie- I have never felt so lonely and scared in my life as I did laying on the operating table waiting to be put out. I couldn’t have any sedatives before because I had to have hypothermia I had to get a normal baseline eeg for 5 minutes before I went to sleep. The staff in that Mayo OR was so awesome- everyone in the room at them time went around introduced them selves, they told me step by step what was going on, the anesthesia Dr held my hand wiped my tears, the eeg lady spoke to me. I couldn’t have asked for better people to be in a room to make sure I woke up. I felt very taken care of and went to sleep knowing I would be seeing my family again. This is one of the hardest, scariest things you are going to ever face. I am so sorry that you have to go through it. Find an institution and team that you feel comfortable and safe with. For me that was Mayo. Dr.Pochettino and Dr.Bower were literally my saviors. I will be sending many positive vibes and wishes for health and healing your way Monday! Remember even though you may feel alone there you really have so many people behind you and pulling for you!
Best wishes for peace and recovery!

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

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

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

@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?