Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Mechanical Valve replacement story and question

    Posted 03-08-2022 15:31
    Hello! My name is Amanda and on January 15th I had my fourth child at age 40.  I had a successful VBAC with my new baby girl. On January 21st I woke up and could hardly breath.  Felt like I was drowning.  My husband and rushed to the ER.  They found that my lungs was full of fluid and that I was in congestinal heart failure.  We found out that my mitral valve was so damaged that I had apparently had rheumatic heart disease since I was a child.  It was caused by not properly getting rid of strep throat,causing rheumatic fever, as a child.   So on February 21st I had my open heart surgery for my mechanical mitral valve replacement.  

    Now after 2 weeks of recovery I need to know if this damn ticking, clicking noise will ever go away?   It is driving me crazy!!!  Surgeon said I would barely hear it.  I told him after surgery that he must be use to doing surgery on the elderly and they can't hear it well because mine is loud.  He just laughed.  It is maddening sometimes when I'm trying to go to sleep.  I know I should just be happy that I get to with my family alot longer, and I'm lucky it was finally found.  Who knows how long I would have lived with 30% of my heart working.  But I am having bad postpartum depression, because I can't breastfeed or pickup my new born anymore.  I feel so helpless.  On top of all that I'm the main provider in our home so bills and everything just adding to my depression.  AND THIS DAMN CLICKING!!!!!  Sorry for the outburst.  I wear a smart watch and have had nurses think they hear it ticking until I tell them no its my heart.

    Sorry for the rant I just need to release.......


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    Amanda Aron
    Houlka MS
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  • 2.  RE: Mechanical Valve replacement story and question

    Posted 03-09-2022 11:36
    I too had a mechanical valve replacement. It was so loud my cardiologist could hear it across the room. It drove me crazy. I couldn't fall asleep and the noise never went away.  Well, I can tell you it does get better! While I still hear it, the sound has lessened considerably.  I have actually gotten used to it. One thing I did when it bothered me was think about the alternative.  I always realized that the valve saved my life. I still am able to enjoy my family and friends. Now I laugh when a technician asks me if that's my watch they hear and I get to tell them "no, that's my heart valve." Things will get better with time. Blessings to you and your family.


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    Lynell Hoffer
    Mount Angel OR
    (503) 845-9207
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  • 3.  RE: Mechanical Valve replacement story and question

    Posted 03-13-2022 17:24
    Dear Amanda
    Thank you for sharing your story and reaching out to us.
    I cannot imagine what you are going through. Do you have help from Family members and friends. ? Please let them help. ( you give them “a gift” by asking for help. ) Remember you are still recovering from major major surgery.
    Everyone has different recovery symptoms. it takes several months fir your body to recover and heal .




  • 4.  RE: Mechanical Valve replacement story and question

    Posted 05-17-2022 13:05
    I'm sorry for what you're going through, I'm sure it's uncomfortable at times but try and be patient and hopeful. The good news is all about your healthy heart!

    Regards,
    Terry

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    Terry Tannenbaum
    Boca Raton FL
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