Mitral valve repair on my son

[Dckw81]

Anyone elses kids went through a mitral valve repair or replacement? My son's surgery is this Wednesday and would just like some feedback as to how it went and recovery time. My son is 8 and has learning disabilities.

[Midgeymoo17]

Hi,

I went through a Valve Replacemt last year age 20. 2nd Op for a congenital heart defect.

For me, I was out of ITU in 2/3 days discharged at 6 days. Pain by discharge was managable on paracetamol but it was still uncomfortable particularly when trying to sleep when I got home. If pain bothers you son you may wish to ask to use more than one type of painkiller.

You say your son has learning disabilities, if he is capable of understanding something explained slowly and in easy language it may be worth explaining to him how the ITU environment is often quite bright at night doe to the screens and that there can be a lot of low level background noise due to staff working very hard to look after them.

I would also recommend having learning disabilities nursing lead involved if the hospital has one/ to know who they are. They can be quite helpful in ensuring adequate adjustments for your son where possible. For me it was the Stoma care nurse- but same effect she got me a private room with an besuited bathroom to irrigate in.

Back to full health was 3 months. Back to all normal activities (just not able to as Mamet in a day) 8 weeks.

[gal4God]

He needs u to be there for him and fully answer any questions.