Maryanne's Posts

Hi MaryAnne- similarly to you, I had a valve replacement back in 2016, but it was double valve and it my second one. And then I had to have #3 OHS unfortunately last July. I've been on blood thinners for 10 years now. While they are a pain in certain ways and interact with a lot of drugs, supplements, etc, I have learned how to manage it and don't think much about it. I do home testing which is covered by my insurance and it's very convenient and easy with just a finger stick. It sounds like you will be going to a great hospital, so you'll be in good hands there! Just remember how you can't use your arms for much while on sternal precautions, so practice now in using your butt and legs to stand without using your arms. You've been through this before, so at least you know what to expect for the most part. I have learned that many people find repeat surgeries easier because of that. I'm sending lots of strength to you. I know it's scary but chances are good that you will do well.

I'm glad I could help. I'm not on here much but I pop on at times, and I especially feel for people who need multiple OHS. I never expected to need 3 and I was terrified beforehand so I know what it feels like. I'm grateful to be in this world still!

OHS is never easy but a second OHS is easier because you know what to expect. I can't add much as you already had the experience. One thing to (re)consider is the mechanical valve. I don't know your age but wouldn't another tissue valve make sense if you are a candidate for it? And what about tissue-in-tissue now or in the future should a new tissue valve fail again? These are things I would discuss with the possible surgeons. And talk to at least a couple of surgeons. As for blood thinner, I don't take warfarin which is probably what you will have to take if get a mechanical valve. That means you have to check your diet. But otherwise, I don't think blood thinner is a big deal. Yes, bleeding takes longer to stop, you bruise up more, more nose bleeds, etc. I am pretty active handling tools, etc and being on blood thinner hasn't been a big issue for me.

Thanks Robert. I chose a mechanical valve mainly because I did not qualify for a TAVR and don’t want to go through OHS again if possible. I am definitely way over 39 in age lol so don’t want to go thru again this in my 80’s. Thank you for your thoughts and hope you are doing well!

Hi MaryAnne, glad everything went well. I'm 2 weeks post op and last week I had my checkup with my cardiologist. He said you have PE but it will be taken care of with anti-inflammatory medicine Naproxen since it's very minimal. He also said he has seen lots of cases with PE after surgery. So if your PE is minimal don't be alarmed the medicine will work. If the liquid doesn't go away the procedure will be a needle in the stomach he even told me it's a very simple procedure (don't think this will be the case) Hope this helps. Keep on resting and wish you a fast recovery. You can read my journal as well.

I know Claire I am too but I allow myself one panic attack a day and then the rest of the time read about all the successful stories on this site and know I will be joining them. You will be too! Hang in there...we will make it! Faith and trust in the great doctors who will be taking care of us And in our God.

Thinking of all of you, and finding all the recovery stories an inspiration. Have pre-admission tests and my lung CT and function test on Monday (tip to anyone having angiogram... Don't breath shallowly when relax you - low SAO2 means arterial blood test! Ouch!) so I feel I'm not far behind you now (16 Nov).