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Debra's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: May 22, 2021

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Debra Keife posted an update

2 years ago (August 22, 2023)

It's been over 2 years since my open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic aneurysm. My question to you all is, has anyone experienced pinching, pain and sharpness in the chest area where the ribs were wired together? I had a minimally invasive procedure so... Read more.

Stephen Morris

I can't remember having pinching pain 2 years after...it took a long time bef9re I could sleep on my stomach. I do however, remember wanting to have a good stretch in my chest area. I think it took 2 years for my chest to feel "normal" again.

Pamela Gregory

I am 10 months post AVR surgery and definitely get some strange pains in the front of my chest periodically?

Debra Keife posted an update

3 years ago (August 14, 2022)

Hello fellow heart valve friends! I am in need of some experiences and professional advice. I recently had a stress test and echocardiogram for my 1 year post surgery evaluation. I am 1 year (June 21, 2021) out from my aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm semi repair. My cardiologist... Read more.

Klara ÄœiäIä‡

Dear Debra, I am sorry to hear things got worse. Most of us heart warriors have some grade of dyastolic or/and systolic dysfunction due to years of heart muscle strain caused by our faulty valves. This strain makes changes that can hardly be reversed and erased by surgery...although it is... Read more.

Marie Myers

Good advice from Klara above. I think this might be a wait, treat and reevaluate situation. Getting some daily cardio is a great idea to improve your heartâ€™s efficiency. If you can get your questions and concerns answered by your cardiologist, that might make you feel more optimistic. If you... Read more.

Debra Keife

Thank you Klara and Marie. I am definantly getting a second opinion. I really like my cardiologist but feel there was a lack of communication. I am going for a CT scan today so that the pictures are clearer for the aneurysm and a different view from the echo. That... Read more.

Debra Keife

Update: I went for a second opinion about my diagnosis of CHF stage 2 and stiffness of the heart. I love my new cardiologist who really eased my fears. He said I do have stage 2 CHF and a stiff heart. He said we can get it down to stage... Read more.

Marie Myers

So glad you got that consult! The fact that you love the new cardiologist is a bonus also! Sounds like you have a great plan and are going to see even more improvements soon. You go girl!

Debra Keife posted an update

3 years ago (June 16, 2022)

So this smiling face is almost 1 year after aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair. The scar is almost not noticeable (I can see it clearly, though) I am still having some nerve pain around the incision site that radiates out as well as a lot of clicking and... Read more.