Cardiac Surgery

[BeeBee79]

Hi all,

I’ve finally been given a date for cardiac surgery to hopefully cure my AF once and for all. I’ve had one failed cardioversion and 4 failed ablations, one cardiac arrest and ICD implantation with pacing leads. I’m 45 and need to regain my former quality of life.

I’m absolutely petrified of open heart surgery. I’m a person who needs to know what to expect so if you can let me know your stories and recovery times etc that would be great. For example, how long before I’m back on my feet to walk the dog, light chores, spin class (joke).

Thanks, B

[CDreamer]

It would help if we knew which surgery and where it was being performed? Are you talking about Hybrid Mini-Maze? If so the person who is best informed is MummyLuv Now I have tagged her she should reply as she had this surgery at Sheffield a few years ago now.

I’ll see if I can find her posts about it and a link to them because she posted regular updates.

[BeeBee79 in reply to CDreamer]

It’s the mini maze but they’re going in through the front. I’d just imagine that any kind of open heart would be similar in terms of recovery ❤️‍🩹

[CDreamer in reply to BeeBee79]

Not at all - look at the link I posted below.

[CDreamer]

There are a string of posts but this was Day1 - healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

At 2 years things were great and she went sky diving - photo on her post.

If you want to look at all the posts and pm her go to Members - search for her profile - go to posts and search down. Her surgery was 3 years ago and she did regular posts with her progress for 2 years. If you pm her I’m sure she will point you toward a dedicated FB page.

It’s quite a rare surgery in the UK but very promising and encouraging for those younger and fitter people in persistent AF who haven’t responded to any other treatments.

Hope that helps.

[BeeBee79 in reply to CDreamer]

It does - thank you so much! I’ll see if I can find this Facebook page too ♥️

[MummyLuv]

hi bee bee, are you having mini maze done from under the breast bone? Convergent procedure? Out of interest which hospital.?

Mine was done thoroscopically through the rib cage, I had a quick recovery but I didn’t have any other issues.

Some people have had a more tricky recovery as there are risks of this surgery just like catheter ablations.

we have a small Facebook group or people who have had the surgery, you are welcome to join us if you PM me I will send you the link

[Ppiman]

Many years ago, our brother in law had open heart surgery for a new valve. The following day after his surgery, we went to visit. He wasn't in his bed, Our hearts sank and we rather filled with fear. But he then shouted over to us - he was walking around, looking and feeling well.

I shall never forget that day. He's been well ever since. Best of luck to you, it's a brave move, of course, but your doctors are experts and all will be well!

Steve

[Ducky2003 in reply to Ppiman]

That's comforting to know as I'm on the list for a valve repair.......... and scared witless.

[Ppiman in reply to Ducky2003]

I would be, too. As a born worrier over health, the only consolation I have come to is that time flies and these awful things are over before we know it and never as bad as they seem.

I’d forgotten also, much more recently, that a close friend went through the same and was equally quickly back on his feet. He puts me to shame with his active lifestyle, too.

Steve

[Ducky2003 in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks for the positive stories. Last week, one of my patients told me about their sister who'd had one. "So, how's she doing" I innocently asked.

"She died last week" came the reply.

After seeing the colour drain from my face, he did elaborate that she had the valve op some years ago and died of something completely unrelated.

Why do people do that to you? 😁

[Ppiman in reply to Ducky2003]

Oh my! Lord's above. 😱

Steve

[Ducky2003 in reply to Ppiman]

You just want to slap some folk but, unfortunately, it's frowned upon. 😁

[BeeBee79 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you - this has really comforted me! ❤️‍🩹👌👌 I love this!

[Ducky2003]

I'm in a similar position, awaiting a valve repair and they are going to do a Cox IV Maze at the same time.I'm surprised, if they are doing open heart surgery on you, that you would just have a mini Maze as that's usually done as less invasive.

I've been told no lifting anything for 8 weeks and minimum 3 months before going back to work bit that he (surgeon) expects me to have been walking 2-3 miles by the time I have my 6 week check.

[BeeBee79 in reply to Ducky2003]

I have a leaky valve too so not sure if they’re going to fix that too. They spoke about the less invasive way but seem to think I’ll have the best chance of solving it by going in through the front as I’m a complex case.

Have you had a date yet?

[Mumursa in reply to BeeBee79]

Hi. I had a transthoracic mini maze 3 years ago, no complications. I had a physio see me every day in hospital, they seem to be very keen on encouraging exercise!

I was doing short gentle walks after a week, but I struggled with car gears and handbrake for a couple of months. I wouldn’t have been able to lift or hold a dog on a leash.

I hope it all goes well for you, but take it gently and at your own pace. 😊

[BeeBee79 in reply to Mumursa]

Thank you for replying and very encouraging response 😄

[Ducky2003 in reply to BeeBee79]

No date. I've, technically, been on the list for 3 years in February!!! I wouldn't be surprised if they've forgotten about me, even though I have been chasing the secretary, who doesn't bother replying to my voicemails. This is UHCW.My EP is supposed to be chasing up the surgeon.

If they're going in through the front, they may do a Cox IV Maze on you rather than mini maze as that's the ultimate one and only, usually done if they are opening you up for something else.

I would think that they would do any other necessary repairs whilst they are in there so you'll probably get the valve done at the same time.

Hope everything goes well for you. How much notice did they give you?

[BeeBee79 in reply to Ducky2003]

They called on Friday to say I'm having it on 25th November so just over 2 weeks. Less time to stress I suppose but not enough time to plan 😐

[Ducky2003 in reply to BeeBee79]

They told me it would be about 2 weeks notice. I book my patients (foot care) in up to 8 weeks in advance, so not great for me either. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[BeeBee79 in reply to Ducky2003]

Yes I work for myself so got a lot to get in order 😢 I hope you hear soon about your op 🥰

[Goosebumps]

Hello Beebee.

Good luck with your operation. You say that it’s a Mini Maze, so that’s not open heart, but they are going in from the front. This suggests no actual maze involved , like they do in Sheffield which requires side entry, and more of the style that they do in Barts. Can you tell us where you are having it done? Thanks

[BeeBee79 in reply to Goosebumps]

Just looked at my letter and it says Cox Maze 3 or 4 - they can do a side entry but given the fact I’ve had 4 ablations they believe a sternotomy route is best and possibly fix a leaky valve at the same time

[Goosebumps in reply to BeeBee79]

Ok. Understood. It is a maze procedure performed during open heart surgery, that makes sense.