My Experience of Aortic Valve Replacement – 1 Week

I have successfully just had my Aortic Valve Replaced with a metal alternative. I’m just going to briefly go through my entire experience. I aim for this to be comforting to those who are looking at similiar surgery in the future.

The important thing to remember is a high success rate, its 95% overall an 99% in young people. Very reassuring for me at 20 years of age. Mind over Matter.

I was diagnosed with an issue after going to the Doctors with Chest Pains. In order to discover the problem a number of Scans were performed including ECG’s, X-Rays, Ultrasound, MRI and one other (I’ve forgotten the name) its where they put a camera down your throat. It was the least pleasant.

After having all these scans and several discussions amongst Doctors/Surgeons they agreed that the best route of action was the Operation which was extremely nerve racking for me. I was given the choice of either a tissue or metal valve.

The tissue valve came from a pig, would allow me to lead a more ‘normal’ lifestyle but was limited to a short life span before I would have to have the operation again. Usually in an older person 10 – 15 years. In someone of 20 years old it would wear extra quickly so only about 5 years. This to me was extremely off putting. The last thing I needed to be worrying about for the next 5 years is “when am I going to need this again?”. Lets face it we all hate operations.

The metal valve should last a lifetime (touch wood) but requires a reasonably careful diet, absolutely no cranberry or grapefruit and a limited amount of alcohol ( 1 – 4 unit per day ). This is because I now have to take warfarin for the rest of my life and keep it at a steady level. Not to thin and not to thick. Other effects will be more bleeding if I cut myself and easier bruising.

In my opinion these are all small prices to pay as an alternative to having the operation again in just five years. In the UK you may or may not be given the choice, I was, because of my age.

During the operation they cut through the centre of your chest and break your sternum bone which is situated between the left and right ribs. You will then be placed on a Heart by Pass machine whilst the old valve is removed, metal one put in. During this procedure I believe your lungs are collapsed.

When everything is in, you will be attached to an external pacemaker, ventilator, up to 3 drains (I only had one) and a catheter. I have to admit the bit that concerned me most about the whole procedure was the catheter. It turned out to be probably the most useful / comfortable thing they attach to you. Don’t worry about the drain(s) either, I didn’t even know mine were there until they came to take them out.

I came around about four hours after the operation, even though I was told at least twelve hours and able to sit in a chair the following day. Over the next four days all the wires, drains and catheter were all removed. I was made to do short walks, stair cases and breathing exercises. They won’t let you home until they feel your able to safely walk up and down stairs etc. But if your young it shouldn’t take very long.

I’m now one week after, I’m still suffering with pain, coughing , tiredness all the things that come after an operation however I am very excited about the new lease of life this is going to give me. Bring back the days when I can spend all night on the computer, stay up with friends, etc.

My advice is have plenty to do before the operation to keep your mind off it, saying don’t worry is silly we all worry. Just keep occupied.

I would like to thank my surgeon Mr M Dalrymple-Hay PhD FECTS FRC (CTh), his team and the ICU (Intensive Care) staff. These people are all remarkable. Thank you.

 

 

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."