Leaking Mitral Valve

[bowls12]

New to the community, pushing 78 years of age, Diagnosed with a leaking Mitral Valve, appointment to see the surgeon October 1st to discuss repair.

My lifestyle is affected as I get out of breath after what I consider gentle exercise. Playing bowls is a struggle.

How serious is the operation? will I be 100% after the op?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

If you have OHS it is a serious but routine operation. Saying that a friend's wife had triple valve surgery a year ago on her 70th birthday. Recovery takes 3 - 6 months but she is now 100% back to her old self. Before the op she was getting breathlessness doing supper!

[guidedog98]

Hi bowls12. I am 66. I had a mitral valve done last December, and it was done successfully. I was lucky to have minimal invasive surgery, rather than conventional sternotomy, so my post-op wounds healed up very quickly, with very little scarring. I have been back playing golf since late March, but still need to take things easy.

It is a big operation, but thousands are done every year. Importantly, there is normally a very good rehabilitation programme, designed to get you back up and about in a safe and well-managed way.

It is major surgery, so it doesn't come with any guarantees. You should speak to your cardiologist and your surgeon about how long it will take you to recover (everyone's different). You should also ask them what they think will happen to you if you delay or don't have the surgery.

Good luck.

[bowls12 in reply to guidedog98]

Thank you. I have been referred to a surgeon who specialises in minimal invasive surgery. 3 months or so and back playing golf, I was hoping to be back indoor and short mat bowls within 4 weeks - always the optimist.