1 Year Update - Post Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

[@WillKoen]

Thanks for sharing. Sometimes, I feel like no one understands what we are going through. It feels great to hear others' stories and experiences.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

That's why I make these videos. I'm glad you find them helpful. Lots of us out there.

[@polybrito9457]

I am 43 and had my valve replaced 6 weeks ago. No complications. My surgery was a success however, my blood too time to thin. I am on warfarin 7/8mg with INR between 2.5-3.3. I am very grateful I went through all right. My recovery has been great. I am feeling good. Going to start my rehab next week. All good 👍 🎉

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Awesome, I hope recovery continues to go well.

[@robertbixler8219]

I had biovalve. On warfrin as well. 5mg and get blood draws on Mon & Thur. Cardiac rehab on Mon, Wed, Fri. Nurse calls me on the afternoon of the blood draws and advised how to adjust the warfrin. Rob

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I had mitral valve repair two years ago and had some minor issues during recovery. Just like you, that created some anxiety. It took a while and some therapy to get a handle on it and from time to time it comes back, but I have vastly improved and feel like my old self 99% of the time.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I'm there now. Took about 16 months but it's close to normal again!

[@jbroo2010]

Thanks for sharing! Would be great to hear the care taker's perspective, great idea.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Thanks, we'll work on that video soon.

[@Panda11603]

Thanks a lot for uploading these videos. My younger brother (25) got a mechanical aortic valve yesterday. Your videos helps me understand how can I look after him not that he's operated.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I'm glad they are helpful. I hope your brother's recovery goes well!

[@missprunella]

Thanks so much for sharing. I still hear my heart pounding (10 mos out, AV repair) - I can take my heart rate just by listening & feeling my heart beat! I am glad you are in a good place with respect to your exercise progress. I appreciate your healthy perspective. I am not back to where I was before I was experiencing symptoms, but I will try to follow your example, and stay grateful for where I am. It’s still way better than where I was just before surgery! I agree the caretaker’s perspective would be a great addition.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

It's always good to have a grateful attitude and focus on the good things. I hope you continue to improve.

[@carllyth3815]

Jeff, double valve replacement 4/18/24. Absolutely no complications. Same upper back pain, thanks for mentioning that! Still tired a lot, but not out of breath, just heavy legs. I try for 4 miles every other day at 20 minutes per mile. Thanks for all the great details!

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

That's great. You are still early in the recovery, I bet your energy will bounce back soon.

[@jamiemarsh7439]

Hey I’m in for my aortic valve to be replaced next Thursday Dec 5th Starting to get a bit worried now Great to hear all about yours Thank you for much for all the information Jamie

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I hope it goes well for you. Don't rush recovery!

[@GrantMcLeod-u2r]

Thank you for your videos. I am 78 and will have an aortic valve replacement and a quadruple bypass next month. So I appreciate your information of what to expect. I have always been single so it will be interesting to see how I cope. The doctor said with the bovine valve, it should last 10 years or so. Maybe longer. But I realize at my age I am on the downhill side of life, but gee I think 10 more years would be good. ~ Thank you again. Grant in Phoenix

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I hope it all goes well for you!

[@robertbixler8219]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement Grant, they told me 10 years for the bovine, as well. If it needs replaced, they would use TAVIR, the way I understand it. Good luck. I will be in Phoenix at the end of October. Rob

[@robertbixler8219]

Checkup - ECHO, electrocardiogram and chest xray, yesterday, but surgeon doesn't want me to travel. Regulating warfrin yet. Labs on Mon and Thurs'days. Rehab on Mon, Wed, Fri.

[@JackThompson-xe7sl]

Thanks alot for uploading these videos they definitely helped me alot since my surgery back on January 10 2024. You have answered so many questions that i have had. Also the doctors like my warfarin range to be the same as yours 1.8-2.5 but its crazy how people are so different. Im a 265lbs and my warfarin is 2.5mg tues,thurs,sat and 5mg mon,wed,Fri and sun

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Warfarin is strange. I have actually had to reduce a dose recently. I think it may be my body getting more used to the drug after being on it over a year, who really knows. I hope you are feeling well.

[@reesnaza9110]

I’d love to hear your wife’s stance. My husband will be getting a new valve. Open heart. I’m watching all the various videos. He already has anxiety and can’t handle watching any of the videos out there.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

We'll get to that one day. In the meantime, she's always willing to answer questions. Let me know and I can connect you. It's not an easy experience, but it's common now so there is lots of good info and help out there. Hope all goes well.

[@robertbixler8219]

I just found this channel. I am 71 and my aortic regurgitation went to severe, in the last year. Getting valve replacement (bio-valve) due to my age. I am like Jeff. I workout 6 days a week. Intermittent faster. Fasted workouts and no breakfast.....so, I guess we'll see how this goes. No symptoms, but my doc found the murmur a few years ago. Thank you for the your insight into everything. I believe my problem will be wanting to do, too much, too soon. Surgery tomorrow 9/17/24

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I hope everything with surgery goes well. It sounds like you are in great shape going in which should help recovery. Check back in once you get going.

[@robertbixler8219]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement Went for my checkup, yesterday. Have a heart pillow that I am trying to disconnect from. Due to my age, I received the bio valve (bovine), My incision site is itchy, but otherwise I guess, so far, so good. My daughter was here from Phoenix and left yesterday. Between her and my wife, they have been my primary care providers. On iron, Warfrin, low dose statin for 221 Cholesterol level. I had read that statins are not good, so the PA will see about maybe getting off of them, on my next apt (Oct 11), where I will have an EKG, ECHO and a chest XRay.I feel pretty good, but am having trouble sleeping on my back, in my lift chair. If I go to bed at 900, I am awake at 11-1130. Drink of water, chapstick, maybe and awake again around 2. Finally get up around 4 and make my coffee. I like it, too, and it does not make me jittery. They say I am malnutrioned. I weighed 137, so the wife has been making me eat breakfast, which I am not used to, since I have been an Intermittent faster, for many years. Yesterday was avacado toast with an egg and a Premeier Protein shake. Taking some getting used to. Anyhow, that is a week and 3 days after surgery. Still have some anxiety as well, over the whole thing. I know I need to limit, what I try to do, as the incision site pulls and bothers. Again, thanks so much for your videos. Very insightful. Will check in from time to time........Gonna get cold up here in Iowa pretty soon. Harder to walk, outside..................Take care and continued good luck! Rob

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

It sounds like you are doing great. I hope recovery continues to go well for you. It took a while for my appetite to come back, I dropped 17 lbs from surgery to my lowest point before getting my appetite back.

[@robertbixler8219]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement Thanks Jeff. I think slow and steady wins the race!

[@robertbixler8219]

Nov 3 2024. Doing pretty well. Cant lift heavy things and not supposed to reach my hands over my head. Checkup on Oct 11 was OK. Incision is "stretchy and itchy" but doing well, otherwise. I have been walking to Cardiac rehab, which I am in, right now. 70 minute round trip walk. Really want to get back to lifting weights and working out. I guess it will be the start of 2025, before I can get back to some semblance of "my normal". Rob

[@marcomagnetti5595]

Sono stato operato il 14 giugno per sostituzione valvola aortica . Sono nato con la valvola bicuspide. Il giorno precedente l’intervento durante la coronarografia hanno riscontrato la quasi totale chiusura di una coronaria e aneurisma di 51mm. Mi hanno sostituito la valvola con una protesi meccanica St Jude,sostituito una porzione di aorta ed eseguito un By-pass. Intervento senza complicazioni. Due giorni in terapia intensiva di cui non ho ricordo.Trasferimento in reparto per altri 2 giorni,in cui il dolore maggiore l’ho sentito alla rimozione dei drenaggi….. Successivamente 18 giorni di riabilitazione in cui sono migliorato velocemente . Ho 43 non fumo e sono di costituzione normale. Ho ripreso il lavoro a settembre (meccanico auto e moto). Ho ripreso tutte le mie attività senza nessun problema.Sono in cura con Coumadin (warfarin) e dopo un periodo di continue variazioni di INR adesso sono tra 2,5 e 3. Qualche dolore allo sterno,ma nulla di che . Non ho mancanza di fiato e sono molto più in forma di prima. Consiglio a chi deve sottoporsi a questo tipo di intervento,di stare tranquillo. La cardiochirurgia ha fatto passi da gigante .

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

That's amazing. I love hearing stories like this. And yes I agree with everything you said.

[@MrKevinH]

Thank you for the update. I'm three months out tomorrow. Finished cardiac rehab today. There's very little to remind me of this event (thankfully). I'm a few years older than you (47) so my goal isn't necessarily to start running, but I feel like I could.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

That's awesome. I hope things continue to go well. A little running may be fun.

[@jennytes5725]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Yes, it would be great if you can share your wife’s experience.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

We are planning to make a video sometime soon. Just need life to slow down a bit to make the time.

[@brianpite0893]

I had my surgery on June 15 2023. I had 2 ,almost 3 subsequent hospital stays due to fluid around my lungs. So I would have to be drained. I still have a little PTSD. Im doing well now. It was good to watch your video, this way I can make my comparisons. Thank you.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Glad to hear you are doing well. I agree the mental aspect can be the toughest part.

[@Ed-bj1fk]

Thank you for sharing.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Thanks for watching, I hope it's helpful.

[@josephnorman8657]

I just got mine done as well 3 weeks ago avr and aneurism repair I couldn't get the on x valve due to its size but got the st jude valve almost the same and have been feeling great but having 4 chest tube's made me so miserable but once they were out I was up and about now it's about healing

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Glad to hear you are on the recovery path. Be patient and you'll get there.

[@judyohlsson7882]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement

[@davidking3699]

The mysterious chest twinges are of interest to me... I am told they are just nothing, but being located directly over my heart, I am anxious about the twinges or the areas that feel bruised when I press on them... Would be interesting to hear form a caregiver perspective... I am 60, and live alone with no family, so potentially having valve replacement for me is a big deal... how will I be able to deal with the everyday stuff like showering and moving, esp. in the first few weeks... Thanks for posting these videos... I've watched a few in sequence... Cheers from Australia, and good luck on your ongoing recovery

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

The pains and twinges are a challenge. I still have them and sometimes it's hard to deal with mentally but I know I'm good internally just have to trust that. We'll make a video from my wife's perspective soon. I think there are some good tips for recovering on your own but I don't know them personally.

[@Viper1000100]

I just got the on-x valve 3 months ago. So far everything is good. I’m 43 too. I’ve had 4 open heart surgeries since I was an infant. And one laparoscopic surgery. Hopefully this is the last one.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

That's a ton to go through. I hope this is your last one too and everything keeps working well for you.

[@rodolfomedina2999]

Did you ever look into steam cell therapy? For the heart? Love your videos

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Thanks for watching. I haven't looked into that at all. I honestly never really thought much about it from my diagnosis until it was time to get surgery last year.

[@dipankarghatak3862]

I m 47. Dear, what type of restrictions you follow in your diet. One most important question for me, that how much alcohol can I drink. ( Per day) Can advise me.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I'd talk with your doctor, but I eat what I want. I mostly eat pretty healthy, but I enjoy fast food and I have plenty of greens. Alcohol is a conversation you should have with your doctor. I'm having a high abv beer as I type this.

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

Did you have arrythmias? I'm 3 weeks out. I had afib day 2 ,3. Last night had some arrythmias again...

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Not a fib, but I did have some issues with Vtach until I was put on a beta blocker. It's frustrating and a little scary but it seems to be completely normal as the heart heals.

[@whitegoodman3008]

My story age and condition is almost identical to you. May I ask how your warfarin treatment is working and how much you take daily?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Warfarin has been a non issue for me once we got the dosage dialed in after the first month or two. I've been on the same dosage for the last 9-10 months. 12.5 mg Sun, Tues, Thurs, Sat and 15 mg Mon, Wed, Fri.

[@billcastrodale4793]

Have u heard of the inspirus ressillia tissue valve?? Was that an option u thought about doing

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I have heard about it, but I only considered the mechanical valve because I didn't want to have to have another replacement if possible.

[@sauloalmeida5312]

Coloquei a inspires resilia,Vc conhece ? Aqi no Brasil ela N é muito acessível . A escolhi p conta da durabilidade, as informações tenho sobre tenho adquirido na internet. Souber informaçães, fala comigo. Please !

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

How big was was aneurysm when you had the surgery?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

4.7 cm measured during surgery.

[@marko9042]

Hi. My fiancee is not wakin up for 20 hours after heart operation,and i am so scared. I read that patients usually wake up after a few hours after valve repair operation.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

How are they doing now? Hopefully everything is ok.

[@marko9042]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement everything was a fraud.she wasnt even operated.I was told by her familly that she lost her memory and that she doesnt remember me after that operation.No pictures,no nothing.They blocked me everywhere,and she is in another country.

[@rodolfomedina2999]

How long does the valve last

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

It should last as long as my heart. Hopefully another 40 years but we'll see.

[@goforbirdies]

Hi Jeff, thanks for the updates. I'm taking metoprolol 23.75mg everyday. My docotor suggests me to take it at least for one year which is supposed to be good to my heart. What about your blood pressure medicine? Do you have to take them lifelong?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I've been on amlodipine for 20 plus years and it sounds like I'll be on it and metoprolol for the long run unless something changes. I hope you are able to get off the beta blocker at some point.

[@sauloalmeida5312]

Bom dia! Q válvula colocou? Obrigado p compartilhar as experiências. Abc!

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I have an On-X valve. Thanks for watching

[@maxpower2511]

Getting mine done in September. Any advice prior to getting this done? I got a power recliner already

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Make sure you are active and eating well leading into the surgery. That's about the best overall advice to help with the recover process. I did lots of research to try to understand what post surgery would be like. I hope all goes well for you.

[@maxpower2511]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement Thanks!

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

Have they tried to repair your valve? Have you considered the Ross procedure?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

My valve wasn't able to be repaired. I did lots of research and felt like the mechanical valve was best for me..

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

Do you eat whatever you want or follow a scheduled diet?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I eat pretty much whatever I want. The advice I received along the way was eat normally and adjust the medication as needed instead of the other way around.

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

Even green leafy salads or tea?​@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement

[@scentOfish22]

If you don't mind me asking but what exactly was you dissappointed with?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I'm still not physically back to where I was the day before surgery. I heard so many stories about how much better people felt after surgery compared to before. Since I was pretty much asymptomatic, I've had to come to the reality that it's going to take longer to get back to that point. This is all my personal experience though, so I'm sure there are plenty of others that are back or better faster than me.

[@scentOfish22]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement Reading the reddit and multiple facebook groups this remains the case in most replacements before age 50 and over

[@billcastrodale4793]

Did u do open heart surgery or minimally invasive surgery

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

Open heart, I didn't have an option with my replacement and aneurysm repair.

[@joerenner8334]

I had a similar procedure. Aeortic root replacement and biscuspid valve replaced. 8 weeks along . I went with pig valve thinking it would be better in the long run when exercising. Although I am not sure that is necessarily the case. Amazing what modern medicine can do these days. I'm 60 and feeling 100% most of the time now. The problem I have is holding myself back when cycling. Have to take it slow

[@lauraparendo]

Currently on 20mg/day. Barely in range. Different for everyone.

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

It's crazy how unpredictable the dosage is. Imagine if anesthesia was that way, lol.

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

Sir bicuped valve change age my age 33

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

I hope everything goes well for you.

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

@@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement sir mild ar h kb hoga eska puchna tha

[@Awesome3425-q8n]

​@@PankajKumar-ub2boWait until it gets to severe...may be it will take 5 yrs or even 15 yrs..not fixed

[@Panda11603]

Doctor se ek bar dikhla lijiye. Kabhi kabhi mild se sever hone me time nai lgta hai. Jetna jaldi replace ho jayega utna km damage hoga heart. ​@@PankajKumar-ub2bo

[@PankajKumar-ub2bo]

@@Panda11603 apkae kise jankar ke tha kya bicpuid

[@ΙωάννηςΚώσταλος]

First week of October is my surgery. 39 years old, bicuspid aortic valve with moderate to severe regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm 4.9cm. I met many surgeons and i decided who it will be. He will send back to the company that makes the corcym haart annuloplasty rings my data from my CT coronary angiography and my transesophageal ultrasound so that they say the success rate of going for aortic valve repair. If surgeon gets the green light that's plan a. But that means full sternotomy. If not minimally invasive benthal with the corcym bicarbon mechanical valve, which needs low anticoagulation from day 1 and uou can even stop sintrom for 4-5 days safely and have another procedure (dental for instance). I just returned from the capital to the island where i stay by plane. Next week i travel there with wife cause months ago,before knowing or expecting any of this, we got into a program for in vitro fertilization. And after i give sperm in a couple of days i go into surgery. Which means my wife isn't and won't be there with me. My parents will. They are not ok. They are afraid and crying and miserable even though they don't want me to see. But i see it. I am in a shock still. I feel like all this is happening to another person and not me. Or that i will wake up and it was just s bad dream. I feel like i am out of my body, disassociated up to a level. I'm afraid of the aneurysm till the day of the surgery cones and for the afterwards. I feel like it will never be ok again. I'm afraid but primarily I'm shocked. A few days ago i was planning my year, job , master's degree, family and now....is this really happening to me?

[@bicuspidaorticvalvereplacement]

You'll do great. It's a huge thing in life, but you'll be in recovery before you know it.

[@soldout2jc]

I wanted to thank you for sharing this recap. I just had my aortic valve replaced with an ON-X October 8. Almost everything you mentioned in your video. I have also experienced. I had a bicuspid valve They didn’t find it until I was 60, so I’m lucky that I had no problems before now. It’s good to know that I’m not alone with the pounding heart that I can feel and hear, the reaction to the metoprolol, Hearing my valve clicking, etc. I wish I had found your video before I went and did my surgery. it would’ve helped me know what to expect. Great job on the video. Thanks again for the detail details.