Hi Samantha,
I have never had a valve replacement, but I have had open heart surgery in the form of coronary artery bypass graft surgery and can tell you something about post surgery recovery. I'll leave the valve folks to respond to tour valve questions.
The short answer is that you likely will require some family/friend assistance for longer than a week. If you are indeed having your valve replaced through open heart surgery, the recovery is gradual and will take some time. While you may be past the pain for the most part in a week's time, you will still be pretty weak, needing to gradually regain your fitness level through walking and cardio rehab and also needing to take frequent naps as your body heals from the trauma it has experienced.
You will also need to observe so-called sternal protocols for a month or two until cleared by your surgeon, e.g. no lifting more than 5-10 pounds, not stretching your arms overhead (as in reaching for items in a kitchen cabinet), not getting behind the wheel of a car to, for example, but groceries.
I think you get the picture. If you can arrange for someone to stay with you an extra week or two, that would be ideal, but if you can enlist a friend or two to check in and help with groceries or other needs, that could be helpful. The good news, though, is that you will steadily heal, and within a couple of months you likely will feel close to your old self, although full recovery from open heart surgery can take up to a year.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Best regards,
Ira
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Ira Reid
Hoboken NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-09-2022 08:11
From: samantha harriman
Subject: New and nervous
I am 55 and was diagnosed in October with aortic valve stenosis. Surgery date is Jan 12th, for valve replacement with a mechanical valve.
I am mostly over my denial of the diagnosis.
Most of my concerns are about how things will go once i am home. Sleeping, dressing, getting around etc. i will have some extra family help the first week… will i need that help longer than that?
i know it is different for everyone. Just trying to get some idea of what to expect.
oh and can you really hear the valve working?!?!
i appreciate any feedback.
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samantha harriman
claims reviewer
moddleboro MA
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