Minimally invasive mitral valve repair

[Scratchfire]

Hi, I'm 3 months post op from the above.

If anyone has any questions on pre op or post op recovery and I can help by sharing my experience feel free to ask.

[sims789]

Hi, I would like to hear more of your experience with minimally invasive surgery. Was it, in your opinion, relatively pain free with a faster recovery time? Did you need to travel far for your surgery and, with hindsight, would you choose this again? Thanks in advance

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

It certainly wasn't pain free. First 2 days post op weren't good. Once the drains were removed pain was vastly improved. Recovery has been great. I'm now running 5k daily and feel better health wise than before I was diagnosed.

I would definitely choose minimally invasive again given the choice.

[sims789 in reply to Scratchfire]

Thanks for sharing. As I’m pre-op for this surgery it’s reassuring to hear from others who are now post op. I’ve heard the femoral artery cut can be painful for some, whilst others don’t mention this part of the procedure. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

The femoral incision was uncomfortable for a couple of weeks but I certainly wouldn't be put off this surgery because of pain.

Others on the ward who had had a sternectomy seemed in more pain.

[sims789]

Thank you - I needed to hear this! I made a decision for minimally invasive several months ago, feeling it was absolutely right for me. Were you part of the UK mini mitral trial or did you choose this surgery from research?

It’s great to hear you’re doing so well!

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

I was due to be part of the trail however my condition deteriorated quickly and I was done as an emergency. So in the end the decision was made for me.

I'm a 47 year old firefighter. I'm back at work after 12 weeks on light duties hoping to be back operational soon.

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

When are you due to have your op? I'd like to stay in touch if possible

[sims789 in reply to Scratchfire]

Yes that would be good! I’m due to have my op in Liverpool Heart and Chest in June. I’m not a clinical priority but do have a Barlows Valve which is a more complex operation. I have every faith in my surgeon, however, and feel I’ve made the best choice for me, even though it’s a long way from home!

I’d be very interested to hear how your recovery continues - especially with such a physically demanding job. I imagine this is why you were keen for minimally invasive, due to the shorter recovery time. My mother had the same op via sternotomy and I didn’t relish the thought of the long recovery she experienced.

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

That's interesting as my father underwent the sternectomy also. He had a repair and subsequently a replacement. I've been told there is no familial link????

Good luck, hope you feel well prior to surgery. Best wishes

[sims789 in reply to Scratchfire]

During my consultation, my surgeon asked if there was a history of this in my family and and wasn’t at all surprised when I confirmed this!

Strange that this has been the case for both of us (and I’ve heard of others).

I will post when my date is confirmed and let you know it it goes! In the meantime I’m keeping as fit as possible - eating healthily and lots of walking!!

[Scratchfire in reply to sims789]

Take care, stay positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I really have never felt better 👍🏻

[Hidden in reply to Scratchfire]

I have a slightmitral valve prolapse. My fathers brother had a valve repair, my half brother, my cousin had a slight murmur and my grandfathers brother died with valvular heart disease. I do wonder if it is inherited.

[Scratchfire in reply to Hidden]

My grandmother had exactly the same problem as me and my father. I really struggle with the surgeon saying that there is no link.

I worry for my kids although they have no symptoms 🤞🏻

[Hidden in reply to Scratchfire]

I have Svt, the electrophysiologist said heart murmurs aren,t inherited, I told him of my families history, he didn,t comment. It does seem a coincidence

[Zooy]

Hi

I got home yesterday after my mini mitral replacement. Unfortunately for me a repair wasn’t an option due to the state of the valve when they got in.

I would say, so far, recovery is quicker than those who have the traditional surgery but the first few days until the drains are removed really are very painful. Take what relief is offered as breathing well is important to your lungs re-expanding well and avoiding infection.

Once the drains are out you feel a lot better. Yes the incisions made to out you on bypass are uncomfortable. 10 days on I still feel tender and bruised but it’s manageable.

Best of luck 😊

[sims789 in reply to Zooy]

Thank you Zooy.

Sorry to hear you needed a replacement. I have been given 90% chance of repair, however, always a possibility that a replacement is necessary when they get in there.

Great to hear your recovery is going well. Thanks for sharing

[Hidden]

This is scaring me .

I’ve recently been diagnosed with regurgitating mitral valve . I get out of breath easily my legs swell up .

My GP says I’ll need an operation the though if that scares me as I have a phobia of operations .

I was hoping a tablet would fix the problem ......

[Denram in reply to Hidden]

I can understand how you feel as I also dislike any operation. Awaiting op due to sarcoidosis destroying mitral valve and poor lung capacity. Plan to have it at the Royal Brompton - London. Where will yours be done?

[Scratchfire]

I appreciate that it is a daunting prospect. I was terrified when I found out that I needed surgery.

I'm now 8 months post op and still feeling great. Feel free to ask me any questions. If I can answer I will, with complete honesty.

Take care x