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What do we expect with Aortic Valve Replacement
My father is 61 and going in for Aortic Valve Replacement surgery next month. After an angiogram the doctors have told him that his heart is fine, the arteries are clear but the valve does need to be replaced. After some careful investigation he has made the decision to go with the animal valve over the mechanical. The question is what should I and the rest of my family be expecting after the surgery? How long is the re-coup period? I understand he will be in the hospital for a week and then after that what happens? Do you go back to living a normal life? My father is a very active man (tennis, golf)- will he be able to enjoy these things again? I am very nervous for him and if there is any good word you can give I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Dear mandi,
In general most people go back to their level of activity before surgery and in fact usually are able to do much more. The recovery period for open heart surgery varies depending on age and level of health prior to surgery. In general there is a one week recovery period in the hospital and then about 2-3 weeks at home before returning to light work (eg. desk job). After about 6-8 weeks all previous activities can be resumed. It may be several months until recovery is 100% especially for older individuals. Hope this helps. His surgeon can give more specific recovery times for him.
In general most people go back to their level of activity before surgery and in fact usually are able to do much more. The recovery period for open heart surgery varies depending on age and level of health prior to surgery. In general there is a one week recovery period in the hospital and then about 2-3 weeks at home before returning to light work (eg. desk job). After about 6-8 weeks all previous activities can be resumed. It may be several months until recovery is 100% especially for older individuals. Hope this helps. His surgeon can give more specific recovery times for him.
Hi --
I'm not a doctor, just want to put my two cents in. My husband's aunt just recently had 3 valves replaced -- all with mechanical valves. She had had trouble for years and then finally things got bad enough that she ended up having the surgery -- was almost at an emergency state -- she went in for the heart cath prior to and they wouldn't let her leave the hospital -- they did the surgery the day after the heart cath.
Anyway -- she was in the hospital for 4 days and then went to rehab for 5-6 days where they worked with her to get her strength back.
She is basically doing very well after her surgery -- has some problems with no appetite and low energy level, but that is improving every day. Also, for a while, she had a problem with fluid retention, but I understand that is pretty normal.
As far as restrictions, she has been told that she has none (other than the normal post-operative ones of no lifting over 10 pounds, no driving for a short time, etc.). The doctors have actually told her to quit babying herself and get out there and do things.
She is a bit younger than your dad -- she is is her mid-late 50's, but I would imagine the prognosis would be similar, especially with only 1 valve being replaced as opposed to the three that my husband's aunt had. Of course, everyone is different and everyone reacts to surgery differently. These are just things that I have learned and faced.
I hope this information helps -- best wishes and luck to you and your family.
I'm not a doctor, just want to put my two cents in. My husband's aunt just recently had 3 valves replaced -- all with mechanical valves. She had had trouble for years and then finally things got bad enough that she ended up having the surgery -- was almost at an emergency state -- she went in for the heart cath prior to and they wouldn't let her leave the hospital -- they did the surgery the day after the heart cath.
Anyway -- she was in the hospital for 4 days and then went to rehab for 5-6 days where they worked with her to get her strength back.
She is basically doing very well after her surgery -- has some problems with no appetite and low energy level, but that is improving every day. Also, for a while, she had a problem with fluid retention, but I understand that is pretty normal.
As far as restrictions, she has been told that she has none (other than the normal post-operative ones of no lifting over 10 pounds, no driving for a short time, etc.). The doctors have actually told her to quit babying herself and get out there and do things.
She is a bit younger than your dad -- she is is her mid-late 50's, but I would imagine the prognosis would be similar, especially with only 1 valve being replaced as opposed to the three that my husband's aunt had. Of course, everyone is different and everyone reacts to surgery differently. These are just things that I have learned and faced.
I hope this information helps -- best wishes and luck to you and your family.
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