Mitral valve surgery - worried and needing advice/support please

[Zooy]

Hi everyone.

I was diagnosed with a prolapsed mitral valve with severe regurgitation at the end of December. I am in my 40s and up until Christmas Eve has not been aware of any heart problem. So it has been a massive shock. I am due to have surgery in the next few weeks and am absolutely overwhelmed and terrified. I haven’t been given much information about what to expect or recovery. I’m hoping there are people in this group who have been through this and can give me some advice and reassure me that life is good after what sounds like a traumatic scary operation. 🤞🏻

[Ianc2]

I had my valves done when I was 69, about 5 years ago. It is a well practiced operation that has good outcomes and you will be much better after it has taken place. Since I had mine done I have become much more active than I was before - got the fitbit, been off walking in the alps, cruised halfway found the world, and I am about to go off for a 6 mile walk.

I eat a healthy diet and make sure keep my weight within my BMI. You will be able to start a new and much more active life and the risks are minimal. Allow about 3 months to be completely up and running, with about a fortnight of taking it very easy, and get a program of gentle exercise slowly building up.

After about 6/8 weeks you will probably be offered rehabilitation exercises which will help you to improve your fitness and it is a good way of ensuring you get the full benefit of all the work that has been done. Don't be afraid, it will offer you a new lease of life and you will wonder how you ever managed before.

[Pablo317 in reply to Ianc2]

Similar to Lanc2. I am 69 and had my mitral valve repair 4 months ago and fit again. Starting to play football again in 2 weeks time. Only pain is the Ramipril cough - so have changed the ACE.