Post operation complications

[guidedog98]

Hello everyone. I had a successful operation to repair my mitral valve just before Christmas and all seems to have gone well; the surgeon used a minimum invasion technique. However I experienced a stroke and several seizures a day after the operation, closely followed by a bout of pneumonia. I am now gradually recovering, and I would appreciate hearing if anyone has had a similar experience.

[Philippa_BHF]

Hi guidedog98,

You have certainly been through the mill after your operation. I am sorry you had all those complications,but very glad you are recovering now!

Unfortunately, all operations carry a risk regardless of the nature of the incision,but now you can look positively ahead to the future.

Have you been able to access your local cardiac rehab programme? That should help you rebuild your confidence and increase your fitness level in a safe environment. If you weren't given their details to contact them directly,ask your GP to refer you. You may even find people there who have experienced along the same line as yourself.

If you need any more advice about recovery ( having an operation just before Christmas still counts as early days to me!) feel free to ring the heart helpline to speak to one of the nurses- the number is 0300-330-3311. There is someone to talk to from Monday- Friday 9-5.

All the best with your recovery- onwards and upwards!

Take care,

Philippa

[guidedog98 in reply to Philippa_BHF]

Thanks for your prompt reply, Philippa. In reality, it was my immediate family who went through the mill - I was kept in a deep sleep for many days while the doctors worked out what to do with me, leaving my wife and children to worry.

I have joined the local cardiac rehab group, and have been to a couple of exercise classes - well organised and most enjoyable. Some really good camaraderie there.

My main concern at the moment is breathlessness and losing my voice, which is just a quiet croak. I'm not sure if there has been any damage to my vocal chords, or if the pneumonia has left me with chestiness and a cough, or possibly both. This may slow down my recovery?

I have appointments scheduled in the next few weeks with my cardiologist, a neurologist and my surgeon, so I should get a clearer picture. I would be keen to find out if others have had a similar experience and how they progressed.

Guidedog98

[Chris733 in reply to guidedog98]

I had post-operative pneumonia after a mitral valve repair and it took me quite a few months to recover. The pneumonia was far worse than the actual operation. After several wretched months of continuous coughing, I found out that I was allergic to Ramipril. A few days after the GP prescribed Candesartan the cough dissapeared completely

[guidedog98 in reply to Chris733]

Thanks Chris733. I will discuss my BP medication when I see my cardiologist next week. Looks as if it may take several months to throw off the after effects of the pneumonia.