Livvy's Valve Disease Open-Heart Surgery Video Diary

[@elizabethmefford7200]

Thank you Livvy. I didn’t know I had a bicuspid valve until 4 months ago. Will be having surgery in about a month. It’s sort of nice to know what to expect. Glad you are doing well.

[@teresa2638]

It's been so difficult finding someone who is going through the same as me. I was diagnosed in March and like you, it was utterly unexpected and out of the blue. I have a biscuspid valve with the anuerysim which for me is the utterly terrifying but I'm trying each day to get things in perspective. I also try to live more in the now. First of all I was quite a wreck really I have to say, but gradually I have come to terms with the diagnosis and have even felt grateful because quite honestly, not knowing could be hugely more dangerous. I really, really get the feeling of wanting to run away - but we really have no option, this is our new reality and it's tough but unavoidable. What helps for me is living life as much as I can to the full, putting faith in my doctors, and hardest of all, learning how to let go of control. It's a work in progress. I wish you and all other people out there who are going through this well. Onwards and upwards.

[@PenneyPoker]

Way to go, Livvy! I had my surgery seven months ago. And, though I had a couple of set backs which landed me back in the hospital, I feel that having a positive attitude and being present in the moment made the journey so much easier. Congratulations - live long and prosper!

[@timothypowell3507]

Brave video. Thank you. Had my surgery 7 years ago, aged 50. Pain free & felt normal from Day 1. Been cracking on since then. For almost everyone it is not as bad as you imagine it may be; and indeed in my case it was a very positive journey.

[@anitadawn4198]

Livvy thank you for sharing your story. I couldn't imagine anyone else telling it better than you did and it's helped me face the reality of our situation and to plan. I'm still a bit in denial as my quality of life is good and often think that I'd prefer to manage and not undergo the ohs, but then there are no guarantees. I'm seeing a surgeon next Monday to discuss my options in more detail. Good luck to everyone who logs on here and who will be undergoing similar surgery. You're all welcome to connect. I'm in Manchester and am under the care of Wythenshawe Cardiac Hospital. (Livvy do you think everyone needs a recliner? Or anything else? I'm single and live on my own.) Love & light to all of us. x

[@Valerie-mz4et]

Thanks for sharing. I’m on day 5 of recovery for my exact surgery. But I am having a lot of back pain. It’s preventing me from sleeping which really messes up recovering. Wish me luck.

[@TheReado007]

Thank you for sharing Livvy. It really helped me as I wanted to know about the recovery and the timings. You really brought that to live for me so thank you. Well done for being so positive. Xx 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@Cyborgheart]

I agree. It was a great video. I urge you to check out my recent video! I speak about my story a little with bicuspid valve and will soon be allowing others to share their story on my platform.

[@tedsgirluk736]

Brilliant! Thank you. Very useful as I’m in for AVR tomorrow and very scared re ICU so it reassured me Started my Vlog a couple of weeks ago 👍 Best wished for a speedy continued recovery x

[@tamsinellis8469]

What a warrior! Loved watching this video. You are an inspiration to us all Livvy xxx

[@geoffsplc]

Thank you for making this Video Livvy, You are brave and you have helped me get my head around what my wife is about to go through. Everyone is different and i am sure we will have our own little journey. I have learned from this video.

[@thefairweathercyclist6521]

It’s taken quite a search to find anything as good as this that describes the process in such detail. I’m 6 weeks post surgery for a defect that also required OHS. The pain in the sturnum persists but it’s getting better. The healing is taking longer than I thought but seeing where you are at 10 weeks makes it better, I realise I need to slow down and be patient. Best of luck for the rest of your recovery

[@basingstoke63]

You are a brave lady . Thanks for posting your story . I have ,Asthma and , COPD . I tried to get an appointment with one of our local doctors . I was promptly told to speak to a nurse , and the phone was slammed down on Me .

[@lindataylor6489]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is re-assuring to get an insight into what happens and how you are recovering. I am seeing the surgeon on Monday next week and will be put onto a waiting list, so have lots of questions lined up for him about how I can prepare myself physically and emotionally for this operation. I love your positive approach and it has given me a kick up the bum to get myself sorted with meditation and yoga NOW so that these things are more natural to me post operation. Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you all the best with the rest of your recuperation. x

[@suemilledge791]

I luv this lady! Im just starting my journey and this honest account has helped me enormously thank you so much x

[@spar0035]

Wow you looked amazing in your first ICU video! Youre awesome, I'm a 43 year old man, amd im crying like a babay thinking about my upcoming surgery 🤣

[@thelightoftheuniverse39]

Hi Livvy how you doing?