Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

Aorta valve replacement surgery - anyone any experience?

14 replies

cuddlymunchkin · 16/10/2018 00:10

Hi, my dp has out of the blue been diagnosed with a leaky aortic valve and has been told he will need an operation to replace it. He is 51. Has anyone had any experience of this surgery and recovery? Thanks.

OP posts:

Original poster

cuddlymunchkin · 16/10/2018 16:00

Quick bump

OP posts:

HoleyCoMoley · 16/10/2018 16:45

I have known people who had this done, is he having open heart surgery and which hospital will he go to. There is a lot online, from the NHS website and also,the British Heart Foundation. I wish him all the best with his surgery. He should see the cardiologist and cardiac nurse who can go through all the questions you have.

Original poster

cuddlymunchkin · 16/10/2018 17:30

Thanks for replying. It will be open heart surgery and a mechanical valve I think - seeing the cardiologist again on Friday to get a bit of a timeline. They want to wait a bit as his blood pressure is very low and they want it higher before the op and they're also wanting to check something on his lungs too. I didn't think of the British Heart Foundation! Of course! Thank you, I will look them up.

OP posts:

Myrnafoy · 16/10/2018 17:32

I agree with holey The bhf website is really informative and there is also a public forum on the site where people can ask questions about relevant conditions and procedures. I’ve found it particularly helpful regarding some cardiac meds that I’ve been started on.

HoleyCoMoley · 16/10/2018 17:48

Write down the questions you have. Which hospital, how long he needs off work, what meds he will need afterwards and if any are for life. He will have a scar down his chest where they do his surgery, some people find it helps to have a cuddler pillow to support their chest when they move or cough afterwards.

Original poster

cuddlymunchkin · 16/10/2018 18:38

That's great advice, thank you

OP posts:

mimibunz · 16/10/2018 18:40

I wish him an excellent surgery and outcome!

twiglet · 16/10/2018 18:49

My dad has had it, he didn't want the mechanical valve as he didn't want to take warfarin but he was 62 when he had it done.

They will get him moving in hospital as quickly as possible as soon as he passes the stairs test they will discharge. Take a pillow with you for the drive home and put it between the seat belt and him. He will be sore and will be surprised at how tired he gets doing simple tasks for a few weeks.

Don't let him bend down whilst recovering!!!!

Agree with other PP British heart foundation support it seems scary but they are very skilled surgeons.

My dad has loads more energy now all the best for your DP

Redtractorwontsleep · 16/10/2018 20:38

DH waiting to have the op in a couple of weeks, he is early 30s. We have an appointment next week with the surgeon so hoping to find out more then. Have looked at the BHF website. The specialist nurses have been more than happy to answer any questions that we've had over the phone. Wishing you both well

Original poster

cuddlymunchkin · 16/10/2018 21:12

Good luck Redtractorwontsleep I hope it all goes well. Your dh is super young to be having the op - I thought my dp was young for it!

I'm hoping dp will get a date for the operation soon once they're happy about the blood pressure and lungs, in a way it will be good have the focus

You've all bee great giving info - it was such a shock last week as dp had only been going to the doctor and having tests etc to please me - he said he felt like a fraud going so it's a real shock to find there's actually something quite serious that needs sorting.

I'll post back when he has it and the recovery to help anyone else who is diagnosed with this.

OP posts:

Redtractorwontsleep · 16/10/2018 22:51

Thank you. DH has a congenital heart defect, he has always known that this operation was on the cards at some point so it didn't come as a great shock. Yes please let me know how his recovery goes. DH is a workaholic so I'm worried that he will rush back to work too soon, hoping the consultant will be strict with him next week!

Lila99 · 16/10/2018 22:54

My dad has just had this at the age of 69 at St Thomas’ in Westminster. He is home today after 10 days - All went well but as he is a little bit older they kept him in longer. Not sure on rest of details. Good luck!

jazzandh · 17/10/2018 09:21

My brother has had this twice! He was 40 the first time, also found as part of routine tests - he thought his asthma was playing up.

The first op was done robotically and they repaired the valve. Unfortunately that failed and he had to have a replacement valve 18 months later.

He recovered fine.

The biggest question is which type of valve. He opted for a bio valve. I don't think he takes warfarin - there are alternatives now I believe. His consultant said that although they do not last forever at the rate that the mechanical valves are evolving by the time a replacement would be needed better alternatives may well be available and less harsh procedures. So it seems to be very much a case of weighing up the options.

Original poster

cuddlymunchkin · 20/10/2018 11:20

I know what you mean Red tractor, my dp is not good at resting and I have never known him take time off work ever.
A quick update - another x ray in 2 weeks and if the lungs are still showing a shadow they will do a pleural tap to get rid of the fluid which is causing pain. After that, then the heart op. They want it all done before Christmas which would be good in a way.

OP posts:

Flip