Post Op Minimally Invasive Mitral And Tricuspid valve repair

[sims789]

I had my op 2 weeks ago today at the outstanding Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. I’m pleased to say the op was a success and the surgeon was able to repair and not replace which was a relief due to having the more complex Barlow mitral valve. He also repaired my leaking tricuspid valve and did a PFO closure while he was in there.

I’ve been back home just over a week now and doing well so far. I’ve been walking small distances each day with an aim to increase this daily as I gain in strength.

I am aware that complications can occur following surgery, but so very happy to be on the recovery side now. Keeping everything crossed that this will continue until I get my post op check back in Liverpool.

Thank you to all the amazing and dedicated Hospital staff who helped me through this.

Jan

[thetidders]

Hi Jan, I totally agree with you about Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital. I had a triple bypass in April last year so not the same op as you but as you say the all the staff were wonderful & caring from the surgeon to the cleaners.

I hope you continue to improve daily & take one day at a time. If you get an appointment for cardiac rehab do try & go, I found it a great help. I live on the Wirral & it is a very good course. I think it’s the same for all the Merseyside area if you live in it.

Jean

[sims789]

Thanks Jean - yes it’s great to be on the recovery side. Unfortunately I don’t live in the Merseyside area but the staff at LHCH said they would fight my corner in trying to get it for me near home. I’ve heard some counties don’t provide cardiac rehab for valve patients which is crazy in my opinion. I shall also try to get this as I think it’s an important part of recovery.

[Benkbonk]

Hi Jan,

Glad to hear your op went well, I am waiting to have my mitral valve repaired but the Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham do not offer the minimally invasive surgery.

How long did you have to wait and did your symptoms get worse?

Mick

[sims789 in reply to Benkbonk]

Hi Mick, I waited 6 months from consultation to surgery date. I knew Liverpool would be a longer wait as I was not a clinical priority. However my valve repair was a complex one and surgeon said good to catch this early on before it damages the heart. I used the time to walk each day building up my strength, ready for the op. My symptoms did not get any worse during that time.

Waiting time at Queen Elizabeth May not be so long - did they give you any idea?

[Benkbonk in reply to sims789]

I was seen by surgical team mid February and told the operation would be in May, now being told it will be at least August. I am a quite fit 77 year old and played golf a lot, however I am now getting breathless very soon after even a short walk so doing less exercise now.

[sims789 in reply to Benkbonk]

Hi Mick, I think you should let them know by ringing the surgeon’s secretary. They can then look at getting you in sooner. My surgeon did say to contact them if my symptoms got any worse so my advice is to get on to them after the bank holiday weekend. Jan

[Benkbonk]

I have been in touch and seen my own GP who has sent letters to them but so far no luck. Try again after weekend.

[sims789]

Good that you’re on to it! Really hope your hear soon 🤞