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re: Undergoing heart bypasses and replacing aortic valve.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:45 pm to sc2anni
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:45 pm to sc2anni
No bypass but my aortic and mitral valves were replaced 5 years ago then my prosthetic mitral valve had a PVR (Peripheral Valve Leak) and had to be replaced again along with a MAZE procedure about 10 months later. Two very much different surgeries, experiences, and recoveries. Common recovery issues is just overall loss of stamina, common tasks like walking through your house will leave you winded. Your heart might have some arrhythmia, inflammation and surgery in the vicinity of the nerves in the heart makes it very unhappy and it can take months to resolve if ever. Cardiac physical therapy is everything, do not put it off and go for the full time and more if you can. They will get you back on your feet as soon as they can after your surgery, walking around with your IV pump and vitals monitor sucks but it's part of the process. Eat well, low-sodium meals but don't try going on a diet because you feel like shite. Get yourself a good blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter, keep a daily journal at home to show your doctor at follow-ups. Any arrhythmia issues need to be brought up, even if transient too. Some people develop cold heart syndrome, arrhythmia from drinking cold fluids too quickly.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:46 pm to sc2anni
quote:
Anyone experienced this who can give me the good and bad of recovery?
Get the best cardio doc and team you can.
quote:
Very apprehensive.
If you are an older male, post here about 3 to 6 months after and tell us if your sex life has improver! (allegedly).
Until then good luck and god speed, you will be in my prayers.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:46 pm to sc2anni
Had mitral valve repair this February at age 40. I was in the hospital I think 6 days total. The first day I don’t remember much except them taking tubes out and waking me up what felt like every 30 minutes to do something to me. They tried to get me up the second day and I nearly passed out so they laid me back down. After that I was getting up and walking pretty regularly. I can’t say I was ever in a ton of pain because they would just hit with some pain meds when I needed it. I was more just “uncomfortable”. Tubes and wires everywhere, stuff stuck all to me, just hard to get situated right. Coughing sucks.
Once I got home I slept in the recliner the first couple nights. I didn’t sleep well. Eventually I moved to the bed and slept with pillows which was better. I’d say I didn’t feel completely “normal” until about 6 weeks. Even months later I might move a certain way and something in my chest would feel off. I’m back to normal now just with a pretty nasty scar.
Once I got home I slept in the recliner the first couple nights. I didn’t sleep well. Eventually I moved to the bed and slept with pillows which was better. I’d say I didn’t feel completely “normal” until about 6 weeks. Even months later I might move a certain way and something in my chest would feel off. I’m back to normal now just with a pretty nasty scar.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:47 pm to GooseCreekMafia
quote:
I had the David procedure done in March of this year. I was 40 when I had surgery. It’s where they replace the aortic root and spare the heart valve.
Sah-loot!
I had mine at age 50 in 2016, at NY Presbyterian in Manhattan. They guy who did mine worked under the guy who invented the David procedure in Toronto. He's now the chief of cardiac surgery at the largest heart center in Europe. I fully expected to get a mechanical aorta valve but he was able to save it.
At that time, they didn't do this surgery at Huntsville, UAB, Emory, or Vanderbilt - only at 8-10 places or so around the whole country. The chief guy at UAB had done a David procedure three times before, all on an emergency basis. My surgeon at NYP had already done over 200 of them in 2016 when I first saw him in late September (my surgery was the first week in December that year). No contest.
I also picked NYP because they started the policy of using two separate heart-lung bypass loops, with a cold one for the body and a warm one for the brain. This cuts the risk of cold blooded strokes to virtually zero, and since I have a stroke history in my family, thought that was important. I probably would have went to either Baylor or Cleveland Clinic otherwise. But instead spent nearly a month in New York City during the December of 2016. Spent 5 days in the hospital and then the rest of the time in a hotel nearby. I spent a lot of time walking around upper Manhattan in a bath robe and slippers!
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:51 pm to sc2anni
quote:
I'm also 78 and fairly good health otherwise.
My aunt is 81 and couldn't have the bypass done due to some other issues. She instead had a couple of stents put in and will have another procedure for a more stents in a couple of weeks. The first went well, and we're hopeful the next will as well.
It is good that you're in good enough health that they're willing to do the procedure. I hope that all goes well and you feel better after some recovery time.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 1:56 pm to Lou Loomis
You are an absolute idiot. Laughably so.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:00 pm to Clames
quote:
Get yourself a good blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter, keep a daily journal at home to show your doctor at follow-ups.
Some of the best advice you can get on here.
Get an arm cuff not a wrist cuff
I think they suggest you use you left arm
Best results are manually, so test at follow up visits with your machine
Pulse oximeter is a good addition
Your cuff and you oximeter both show pulse so good quick checksum for error in one, not caught by the error
You are now a team with your doctor and their team, so tracking your data daily is your best front line defense in getting proper feedback from them. It is a pain in the butt, but this simple thing can up your odds for success. Main thing is getting in the routine and becoming aware how you feel and how that correlates to what your number say.
A suggested routine, every day, for the rest of your life
Wake up
Weigh (nothing on)
Get BP cuff on left arm while getting PO monitor on a right finger
This means your data will be known as soon as you start your day AND it will be consistent, day after day, so you can have a fairly known baseline over time. Also, if you run 12 and 12 Smith your meds, but your doctor may address dosage based on numbers, so you know what pills to take that day and which to skip.
FYI, pay attention to the meds and ask if they are for now, or if you will be taking them for the rest of your life.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:12 pm to Cheese Grits
quote:
FYI, pay attention to the meds and ask if they are for now, or if you will be taking them for the rest of your life.
I made a spreadsheet for my medications when I got home, medication name, dosage, start date, end date, and any changes in dosage made by the doctor(s). Also if they put you on blood thinner (I take Warfarin) go for the home testing kit (but not MDINR, they suck). Make yourself a document listing your current medications, emergency contact info, number and addresses to a nearby emergency unit, your doctors, etc. I keep updated copies on the fridge, my office, in my vehicles, and send them to my immediate family members.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:22 pm to sc2anni
Dad had two. Recovery sucks but you should feel 10x better even if you didn’t think you were feeling bad. They don’t crack the chest open anymore so that’s good news for you.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:24 pm to Lou Loomis
quote:
Lou Loomis
Imagine being such miserable sub human filth that you type out 3 paragraphs of holier than thou bullshite about a 78 year old asking questions about surgery.
Go frick yourself douche.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:28 pm to Lou Loomis
quote:
I tried to tell you.
I pray to God you do not try to tell people too many things. As unhappy as you are, there are ways to heal emotionally.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:36 pm to Clames
Good to have your medical PoA in place in general but more so before what is coming.
If you go all out, something like this on an interior wall based on highest usage, As example if you use your garage door the most as it attaches to the kitchen, a place in-between is great for something like this
Color coded
Easy to find
Easy to see
Etc
Ideas for file folders
EMT data for 911 call or similar. With heart that first 2 to 4 min make make all the difference in keeping oxygen to the brain. Also helps if multiple care close but you are already established at one
Drug data
Doctor data - all, not just heart
Daily data sheet
Medical PoA
Checklist for whoever is watching your home. Fast ER run can start at 6+ hours and with you and whoever is with you will not be feeding the pets, etc.
Once a Scout, always a Scout = Be Prepared
If you go all out, something like this on an interior wall based on highest usage, As example if you use your garage door the most as it attaches to the kitchen, a place in-between is great for something like this
Color coded
Easy to find
Easy to see
Etc
Ideas for file folders
EMT data for 911 call or similar. With heart that first 2 to 4 min make make all the difference in keeping oxygen to the brain. Also helps if multiple care close but you are already established at one
Drug data
Doctor data - all, not just heart
Daily data sheet
Medical PoA
Checklist for whoever is watching your home. Fast ER run can start at 6+ hours and with you and whoever is with you will not be feeding the pets, etc.
Once a Scout, always a Scout = Be Prepared
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:37 pm to aTmTexas Dillo
Open heart, I think he is using a cow valve.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:43 pm to sc2anni
If you have the time before surgery go out and buy an adjustable split king bed frame and mattresses. It doesn't have to be fancy, just two mattresses on a frame with two motors that let each side adjust position separately. It will duplicate some hospital bed functions. Getting in, out and being comfortable will be easier.
Recovery has a lot to due with how heavy and mobile you are before surgery. Until your sternum fully recovers you will need to limit upper-body movement.
I know several people who've had valves replaced and bypasses done. Some bought decades of quality life, most are still living, but none of the people died because of the proceedures.
Recovery has a lot to due with how heavy and mobile you are before surgery. Until your sternum fully recovers you will need to limit upper-body movement.
I know several people who've had valves replaced and bypasses done. Some bought decades of quality life, most are still living, but none of the people died because of the proceedures.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:44 pm to Lou Loomis
quote:
Doctors don’t cure anything. They’re trial and error body mechanics that only treat symptoms.
While this is correct, I would rather be dead than alive
quote:
They love a yes patient that never question them.
What doctors have you had? Having deal with some of the best in the USA on m multiple family members you are not correct. My observation is the best are also the most humble.
quote:
Doctors aren’t infallible
This is correct, which is why you need an advocate who will take notes and tell you later the things the doctor said that you chose not to hear. In the old day you had a family member in each generation who did this most unenviable tasks. Today you might need to hire and pay someone to do this as one provided by insurance or health care DO NOT work for you.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:48 pm to iglass
The past few months have been terrible. Losing strength and have to rest after walking 30 some feet. I am maybe 35 lbs overweight so that has something to contribute but no stamina at all.
I have a house, big dogs and just had a covered patio built; not quite done yet so hope to be able to enjoy that. Just met a family that is taking very good care of me.
I have a house, big dogs and just had a covered patio built; not quite done yet so hope to be able to enjoy that. Just met a family that is taking very good care of me.
Posted on 10/31/26 at 2:51 pm to Lou Loomis
What a miserable human being.
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