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TAVR recovery process

Posted by cljjbb @cljjbb, Oct 26 8:34am

Good morning. Has anyone undergone a TAVR procedure? My sister is going to have this procedure done to replace her aortic valve and I'm going to help her with the recovery process. It makes me a bit nervous because I remember my mother's recovery process from two open heart surgeries for aortic and mitral valve replacement and they were extremely difficult recoveries for her. I realize the TAVR is considered considerably less invasive but, it still causes me concern. I would like suggestions if anyone would recommend short term rehabilitation or home health care to assist in my sister's recovery process. Or in general what to expect. I've read articles on the recovery process, but I feel personal experience may offer greater insight and better prepare us both in planning for her recovery. I realize everyone's experience may be a bit different, but any guidance that's offered will be greatly appreciated.

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gloaming | @gloaming | Oct 26 10:28am

My father had his replaced two summers ago. He is 94 this year. I don't recall specific instructions other than to take it easy as a general post-op recovery from the stress of travel, busted routine, being poked and jabbed, and of course from the anesthesia....which some need a week or more to recover fully from. Some of that is just catching up on sleep if the days leading up to the procedure are anxious ones and sleep is fleeting.

The repair is actually an insertion, like an inner sleeve, that helps the existing aortic valve to function better. It's literally snapped, or sprung, into place, at which it instantly becomes a helper and the heart's ejection fraction through that valve should improve by at least 30%...normally.

There is usually a follow-up imaging to ensure the insertion is in place and oriented properly....IOW, a confirmation visit.

I don't recall any proscription about heavy lifting, going up stairs, etc....straining on the toilet. However, I was not the patient, and not present when the final instructions to my dad were either handed to him in pamphlet form or verbally imparted.

From one site I found with a quick search of the question:

"...You’ll Return to Activities Gradually
In most cases, doctors encourage walking for short periods after TAVR. Gradually, you’ll add activities and intensity over a month or so. Follow all instructions for climbing stairs, lifting things, and resting. Doing too much too fast can cause problems. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to daily activities, driving, work, sex, and leisure activities. It may take several weeks to months before you get back to all of your regular activities, depending on your overall health and heart health..."

Note that the above prescription gives the indication that all TAVR patients are not the same. Some have serious cardiac issues or condition that might require cardiac rehabilitation. My dad, although old at the time, was still out and about, still driving, and walked everywhere else. His heart just had a wonky aortic valve.

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1 reply
cljjbb | @cljjbb | Oct 26 11:05am
In reply to @gloaming "My father had his replaced two summers ago. He is 94 this year. I don't recall..." + (show)
@gloaming

My father had his replaced two summers ago. He is 94 this year. I don't recall specific instructions other than to take it easy as a general post-op recovery from the stress of travel, busted routine, being poked and jabbed, and of course from the anesthesia....which some need a week or more to recover fully from. Some of that is just catching up on sleep if the days leading up to the procedure are anxious ones and sleep is fleeting.

The repair is actually an insertion, like an inner sleeve, that helps the existing aortic valve to function better. It's literally snapped, or sprung, into place, at which it instantly becomes a helper and the heart's ejection fraction through that valve should improve by at least 30%...normally.

There is usually a follow-up imaging to ensure the insertion is in place and oriented properly....IOW, a confirmation visit.

I don't recall any proscription about heavy lifting, going up stairs, etc....straining on the toilet. However, I was not the patient, and not present when the final instructions to my dad were either handed to him in pamphlet form or verbally imparted.

From one site I found with a quick search of the question:

"...You’ll Return to Activities Gradually
In most cases, doctors encourage walking for short periods after TAVR. Gradually, you’ll add activities and intensity over a month or so. Follow all instructions for climbing stairs, lifting things, and resting. Doing too much too fast can cause problems. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to daily activities, driving, work, sex, and leisure activities. It may take several weeks to months before you get back to all of your regular activities, depending on your overall health and heart health..."

Note that the above prescription gives the indication that all TAVR patients are not the same. Some have serious cardiac issues or condition that might require cardiac rehabilitation. My dad, although old at the time, was still out and about, still driving, and walked everywhere else. His heart just had a wonky aortic valve.

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Thanks so much for your response as it provided some additional insight. I'm so glad to hear your father's procedure was very successful at an amazing 94 yrs of age!! I know exercise is very important and your father being in such great physical condition I'm sure was a beneficial factor.

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