10 days post op After Mitral Valve Repair.

[BigT2013]

Hi all I'm now 10 days post op After having my mitral valve repaired and a PFO closure.

Out of hospital after 7 days.

I was up in a chair day after my op, and walking along be it very slow in the ward which surprised me.

I Did have some major pain issues in the wound area at one stage I was on 3 different pain killers some very strong.

That strong I was hallucinating 😂 😂

Seeing some very strange things.

Eventually my surgeon the pain subsided. My surgeon then sent me home.

Still getting oddtwingesand pulling sensation when doing my daily stretching routine but not too bad all considered.

Still on discharge meds.

Using an exercise bike for my exercise 5 minutes equates to about a mile and a half not over doing it just taking it T nice steady pace.

Only other issue I'm having I don't know if any of u have advice is I'm still having post op issues with my water works and constipation!!!! 😮

It's like everything has gone to sleep and hasn't woken yet.

To any people due to have an operation soon I would recommend getting a V pillow.

It's been a god send to me as for a while it's hard to get comfortable and until u are bit more healed almost impossible to lie flat. The Valley pillow really is helping in my case..

I will post again as I recover more.

BigT

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi BigT2013,

I am really glad you are doing so well following your op! I just have a couple of things I think might be worth mentioning..

I was just wondering about the stretching exercises that you're doing? If you have an incision to your breastbone( sternotomy), or to the side of your chest( thoracotomy) I wouldn't recommend any stretching exercises as it takes at least 6 weeks for the bone to heal and does need some looking after! It would explain the sensations you're getting and remember you are only 10 days post surgery- everything needs a chance to sort itself out- no to mention the heart itself,so do take it easy for a little while.

I would just stick to short walks to start with and gradually build up your pace over the next few weeks so you are able to walk for about 30 minutes without stopping. I know it's cold outside,but much better to wrap up and to get some fresh air if you can.

As for the waterworks/constipation side of things, have a chat with your GP (they will need to review your medication,as some may be reviewed/discontinued/the causes!). A lot of people have this problem post op,so try and eat a healthy balanced diet and increase your fluid intake if you are able to. I have met so many people who completely lose their appetite and often feel nauseated after heart surgery,so these tend to go hand in hand!

Thank you for the advice to others about the V pillow though- I'm sure a lot of people will be grateful!

I hope you are able to access your local cardiac rehab programme soon. It is good to meet other like minded people face to face and is also a good way to safely increase your fitness level in the long term.

If you want to have a chat with one of the cardiac nurses on the heart helpline to discuss things further, there is someone there Monday- Friday from 9-5. The number is 0300-330-3311

Keep up all the good work and take care!

Philippa

[BigT2013 in reply to Philippa_BHF]

Hi Phillippa the stretching exercises I am doing are only the ones given me by the hospital. Just some gentle stretching like circling shoulders, deep breathing exercises an gently twisting and leaning side to just to keep ribcage flexible nothing too strenuous. Thanks for the advice.

BigT

[sue2002]

Good to hear you're doing well. I'm waiting for a MVR and have already bought a v-shaped pillow and have just ordered a wedge pillow and a wheat bag for my neck.

Have you tried All Bran or prunes? 😝

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I know it sounds v French! But Glyserol l suppositories are just magic. Clear you v kindly and quickly. I’ve had them in a hospital, and out, after being ghastly bunged up from heart and pain meds. My friend has just been through v difficult phase of treatments too. and says it was the constipation that was certainly the v worst thing. It makes you feel like the pits. Poor you!