I'm 53, and had my valve replaced April 11th, 07. I had smoked, not overweight, no HBP, cholesterol a little high. I had a heart murmur that factors in. Plus my dad had his valve replaced maybe 30 years ago. He had pig, mine is artificial.

I've had a lot of problems since the surgery, not all due to the surgery, but some of them. I had been anemic before the surgery, but not constant. Since surgery it's been a lot. Some of the doc's are saying that it might be because of the valve. That it "shreds" the red blood cells. Has anyone else heard this?

Depression is bad at times too. I didn't know about it being a factor until afterwards. When I told my GI doc he said that there have been "papers" done on depression after heart surgery. I'm already on anti-depressants due to fibro.

I'm not able to do the cardio rehab like I should because of the anemia and fibro. My INR is unstable because of the anemia also.

Any feedback on this would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Mary

Hi Mary,

Just want to wish you all the very best. I'm sorry but can't help with your questions as my mum is still waiting for her surgery but wanted to send you my regards.

As someone who suffers from depression, I can imagine how it impacts your recovery. If it is possible for you to see a counsellor I think you would find it of great benefit. Just having someone to talk to can help.

Again, all the very best,

Lyndylou.

Thanks Lyndylou,

I'm seeing a counselor. My pain management doc wants all of his patients to see one.

Mary i will add you to my prayers. My husband got bacterial spinal meningitis 16 months ago and a micro organism attacked his aortic valve. He needs it replaced now endocardis but no one wants to do it because he cant walk all due from meningitis. So many complications, infections, ostomyelitis now in rehab and i believe 60 mgs of morphine is way too much since hospital had him on 30 and he was ok. I go daily past 2 weeks and he is so out of it i leave depressed. I hope one day to get him up on his feet then they will try to replace his valve which i know is a far fetch but i do believe in miracles since 4 times and 7 CPRS later he is still with me and our boys. John is 51 years old. hugs mary (which is my name too):)

hi my mom had her aortic valve replced in 1996. it is artifical to. she is on coumadin. she has low b12. she does have depression but it started about 2 yrs ago she had been diagnosed with breast cancer she is doing good now. she has diabetes. she is 65 yrs old. was 54 when she had valve replacement . it is a tough surgury. overall mom done great til she had breast cancer.