Tricuspid Valve repair

[Littlebluegem]

Hi

My name is Wendy, I’m 37 years old and currently waiting for tricuspid valve repair surgery to fix severe tricuspid valve regurgitation. Does anyone have any helpful thoughts on the surgery or tips for post surgery recovery?

Many thanks

Wendy

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi Wendy and welcome! We're age buddies so I thought I'd say hi. 🙂 No surgery tips to share with you, I'm afraid, but I know others will reply with some soon. Good luck x

[Littlebluegem in reply to laura_dropstitch]

Thanks Laura xx

[SarahNeale]

Hi Wendy,

I'm sorry to hear that you need to have surgery but I really hope that it can make you feel well again.

I had my first valve repair done in 2010 and my biggest advice would be accept people's help! I am not one for sharing how I'm feeling or asking for help if I need it but I really wish I had done that last time. If someone offers to help please just let them. I think I was trying so hard to be brave and strong for everyone else that I forgot to tell people that I needed them to be brace and strong for me as well.

I also would say definitely be kind to yourself during recovery. Don't put pressure on yourself to get better quicker or push things too hard. Listen to your body and don't feel like you have to just get on with it. There will be good days and bad ones and that's okay.

If you go to cardiac rehab definitely take a friend for support!! It can be a little awkward with all the older members. I was 26 when I had my last surgery and when I turned up at cardiac rehab they thought I was the new trainer!!!

The other thing that springs to mind is not to get lovely during recovery. I found the recovery process incredibly lonely last time. I think it's so hard for people to understand how you are feeling or what you are going through so that automatically makes you feel more lonely. I think a visitor a day is a wonderful thing. It can help keep you positive and keep your spirits up during the process of recovering.

Sorry this is a really long message!! Those are the main things I can think of. I really hope they are of some help and I wish you sonmuch luck with your surgery ❤️

[Littlebluegem in reply to SarahNeale]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to my query and offer such great advice. You comments about accepting help really resonate with me as I’m quite independent so will definitely take that on board and accept help more.

I’ll also apply that to letting people visit so I don’t get too lonely.

I hope your health is much improved after your valve surgeries. It’s lovely you are able to share, your advice and contact is really valued.

Will let you know how I get on

Xx thanks

[KazSumm]

Hi Wendy, I’m 20 yrs older than you but was still classed as very young to have chronic Stenosis and I had open heart surgery AVR last August. Totally agree with Sarah don’t feel guilty about excepting help from family and friends, I did try to do things way to early after the op big mistake lol so I just excepted that I needed the help offered. Enjoy it while you can because now it’s like it never happened and life is back to normal 😆 don’t feel guilty, listen to your body. I was the youngest at cardio rehab and the 1st time I felt odd but we had such a great laugh, lovely bunch of people , and I enjoyed my 8weeks with them, so don’t be put off by being the youngest there.take care Kaz❤️💖💕

[Littlebluegem in reply to KazSumm]

Hi Kaz

Thanks for replying to my query. I hope your surgery went well and you are now well recovered, it’s great to hear from someone who has been through it too. Open heart surgery sounds scary but your positivity really gives me hope, thanks.

Will let you know how I get on.

Xx Wendy

[gal4God]

I’ve had a replacement 5 months ago and still getting out of breath and getting a little pain where the valve is opening up.

[Littlebluegem in reply to gal4God]

Thanks for your honesty and taking the time to comment.

Sorry to hear you are still feeling out of breath and experiencing pain. I hope this improves in time

Wishing you good health this year.

x Wendy

[JelBoyG]

Hi Wendy, did you have the operation? I had the same operation a few weeks ago so would be nice to swap notes

Hope you are well

Jeremy