Aortic valve replacement

I had my first aortic valve replacement in 2014. I have severe stenosis. The surgery went well although they told me they did have to use "pressers" (whatever those are) after the surgery and kept me in the ICU for one night. Once they moved me up to the cardiac ward, everything was fine. They keep you on oxycodone, and at the same time, give you a laxative (at least that's what they did for me). I was comfortable and my incision did not hurt. In a few days, I was able to walk in the hallway with an escort to make sure I didn't fall. At the end of my stay (two weeks, I think) I went home and resumed my life as normal. I had to wait a week before driving because I was still taking a pain pill to help me sleep, but other than that, all was well. In a week, I started driving again. No problems. It was all pretty anticlimatic. I had anticipated a lot of pain and restrictions, but that didn't happen. I did go to cardiac rehab a couple of times a week, and that really helped to increase my strength and endurance, so I strongly recommend doing that. My second valve replacement was under emergency conditions as I had endocarditis. Since I was in a coma the whole time, I do not remember anything until I woke up in a different hospital on a ventilator. That was because of the endocarditis, not the heart surgery. When I was taken off the ventilator and allowed to go home, I was only taking two pills: metoprolol and amoxicillin. I suggest that you take your pain meds before you need them (your nurses should take care of that before you go home) and eat good food (lots of protein). Good luck with your surgery!

My neighbor had aortic valve replacement Friday. He said he slept almost 24 hours after, but was walking around the block today with his dog.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698
Best wishes for your surgery and recovery

Thank you for the reply.
I should have been more specific.
Your neighbor had the valve replaced via a catheter. I unfortunately cannot have that procedure. I have to have
My chest opened, heart stopped, and the valve replaced by a surgeon.

i am 64 . I had an Aortic valve replacement as well as Aorta reconstruction , double bypass and maze procedure on Aug 11th . I had never been in the hospital or even had a broken bone , so I did not know what to expect . I was in surgery for over 12 hrs . Was up in a chair and walked the next day . All in all it was very manageable . Pain was controllable and never unbearable . Went home the following Sat. You will definitely need some help getting around for the first week or so . Slept in a recliner for the first 2 weeks or so . After that its a slow but steady progression gaining strength and stamina every day . I wanted to use a tissue valve but the surgeon went with mechanical after getting in there . Said mine was too large for a good fit on tissue . There are pros and cons to both . Mech will last "forever" but you must take blood thinner for the rest of your life . My biggest issue post surgery was getting my meds regulated . Had a problem with water retainage which lead to shortness of breath . Had to be the squeaky wheel to get meds changed multiple times . Dont be afraid to be the squeaky wheel . Admittedly it is a very scary operation . Just have faith in God and your medical team and it will be OK . Everything was not near as bad or painful as I thought it would be . Prayers and good luck .

Thank you for the reply.
Since you had the maze procedure, I assume you are/were in afib. Did the maze help with your afib?
I have afib also, and will be getting the procedure.
Do you have to take warfarin because of the mechanical valve, or can you take Eliquis?

Take Care

@keepthebeat - I had never had an issue with afib until my valve started to really get weak the beginning of this year . I cant really tell when I go into it . Discovered at an apt with my surgeon where my surgery was postponed due to afib and excessive fluid retention . I had cardioversion twice within 60 days after initial medication did not work . Cardioversion would put me back in rhythm , but would go back into afib within a few days . After loosing most of the fluid retention and medication adjustments , I just one day went back to regular rhythm about 2 weeks before surgery . Went into afib once on 2nd day out of surgery which was reversed in a few hours with meds . Had 1 other incident 2nd week post surgery . Meds were adjusted and went back into rhythm next day , been good since .
I take warfarin . I don't think Eliquis is FDA approved as treatment with a valve .

I learned today that I have to have my aortic valve replaced and am waiting for a call from the surgeon I've been referred to by my cardiologist. I'm 85, and have plans to live to be 100, as I told them. So, fingers crossed things go well. I did have rheumatic fever when I was 8 but it didn't damage my heart at the time. Then I had breast cancer and a lot of x-rays over the years to check for lung cancer due to nodes in both lungs (weren't cancer). I have no idea how this happened. I had an echocardiogram only 3 years ago and it was fine but now it is "severe" stenosis.