GrizzlyBeardAttack

I have the exact same condition! I've never met anyone else with Aortic valve stenosis before.

First question, when did you discover that you had this condition?

Is this your first valve replacement?

I've had 2 so far (one at age 4 and one at age 14) and on track to having another one in the next two or three years (I'm 23 now and I've been told they're good for 10-15 years before they succumb to wear and tear and require a replacement). My second replacement was with a bovine grafted valve as well. I like to tell people "mess with the bull, you get the horns" while pointing to my heart.

Are you nervous about the procedure at all?

The worst part of it for me was the god awful soreness that you'll experience for a few months. Pro tip: don't watch comedy movies during your first few weeks of recovery, laughing HURTS (14 year old me found this out the hard way after watching step brother for the first time 1 week after returning from the hospital). Beyond the soreness it isn't all that bad and it'll be beyond worth it once you've healed. You'll have so much more energy and begin to feel stronger almost immediately. Best of luck to you!

I'm doing great thanks for asking, and you've got nothing to fear! The soreness is bad but managable no sharp pain or anything unless someone forgets and gives you a bear hug as a greeting (happened to me with one of my best friends the day after I left the hospital).

If you can, try to eat and drink as much as possible of everything they bring you when you wake up. Hospital food isn't great but it's got the nutrients your body will need if it's going to heal quickly. Also, once your doctor and nurses approve it, try to get up and walk as often as they'll allow. This will help you aclimate to the soreness and will help your body maintain some muscle strength. Try to continue walking a little more and stretching just a little bit further every day once you're out of the hospital. If you practice good habits you should be fully healed and feeling great in just a few months especially since you're only 25.

The stuffed animal is a good idea, having something to squeeze really helps. Your aunt knows what's up.

My biggest advice of all though is to find something that you can do in a seated position for hours. Have someone bring you a bunch of books or drawing supplies or music. You're going to be spending the majority of your time over the next few weeks in a bed or in a chair so keep find things to keep yourself entertained with or the boredom can get really depressing.

All in all do what the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists tell you to do and you're gonna be just fine!