Not a question but found this site and thought I would check in. I am 4 weeks post op. I had my mitral valve replaced through minimally invasive surgery.
I opted for a mechanical valve and so far all seems to be going well. I am struggling with sleep because of the clicking but I am hoping it will grow on me.
Here to answer any questions for those who might be going through something similar and also if anyone would like to know more about my case and recovery.
Hi Stample, I am waiting to have my Mitral Valve repaired they also say I need a bypass at same time. How long did you wait before op and which hospital carried out procedures.
Hi Benkbonk
I've known about my leaky valve for around 3 years but it was only decided September last year that I should go for the op. My routine tests (echo, MRI ect ) came back showing my heart was deteriorating even though I still wasn't showing symptoms. I did get lost in the system for a bit after September but once everything got sorted I had the op in May. Mine was done at Hammersmith hospital.
hiya stample , i was told in november i need a mitral valve replacement mechanical ..i am ppetrified i am not coping well with the idea of surgery and cant stop thinking im going to die ....any advice im 48 in march ..had cancer 10 yrs ago and a stroke 6 yrs ago .....any advice at all i be gratefull
Hi, buster2k10 oh my goodness you have been through such a lot, and sorry you have more to face. I had aortic valve replaced and bypass 3 years ago, and I am here to tell you it will be ok. Of course it’s major surgery but remember your surgical team do this as their day job.
I know how scary it is waiting but they will fix your heart and you will be able to move forward.
Just remember when you get home it’s baby steps, and if you can get to cardio rehab please try and take it up. As well as getting your stamina back you will find others there who have had the same or similar experiences and when you get the odd pain and ache and you speak with these people you will find they have the same things and you think ok that’s normal. This will help your mental health I know it really helped me.
They make sure you are not in any pain so don’t worry about that. Open heart surgery means they don’t want you to put your arms above your head for the first 6 weeks so pjs with front buttons is a good idea. Sleeping is a little difficult as you will have to be on your back a V shaped pillow can be useful. I had a rolled up baby blanket that I slept with my arms wrapped round, the first time I could get on my side was utter bliss.
I am sure some of the others will be along to give you more advice.
Take care let us know how you go.
If there is any other information you need just put it in a post someone will be along to help.
oh thank you 080311 i appreciate ur kind words i have locked and blocked out the surgery and now i think its time to try and come to terms with the fact i need major surgery , i think its mainly getting put to sleep that bothers me ,but then again i was stupid and watched the op ....which made everything worse...i cant help but focus on the negatives ...which is unlike me , i am a trained counsellor and am usually a positive person but i just cant get past the what if i die ...so many ppl depend on me ,and i am not ready to die i have plenty to live for...thank you i appreciate anyones thoughts/ opinions/tips ...the waiting is emotional agony now .
I know it’s a scary place to go thinking what ifs! But I found my thoughts were if I don’t do this I won’t be around any way! My youngest son who is your age! Also watched the video it made him so scared I found I was telling him I will be ok and in the end really believed it. My surgeon said the day before my op “right shall we do this?” and there was only one answer let’s go for it!
My very best wishes to you it really will be fine. Pauline
thanks again pauline...i know if i dnt have it i will die ...my husband keeps reminding me of that i actually asked the consultant what happens if i dnt have the op ... but i know i need it .i need to get my head around it, i need to start and tell myself i will be ok , how do others come to terms with the fact they need major surgery,i also no its normal to be afraid but its more than that ,petrified doesnt seem scary enough of a word either, i am glad i found this site 
I can't believe I am coming up to my 1 year anniversary. I completely understand how terrifying this is for you! Looking back now I can't be happier with the results. Before the op I thought I was okay but realise now how much I needed this. My advice post op would be to take it slow and listen to your body - there is no rush to get back to full swing. Each day will be a challenge but you will have small improvements and you need to focus on those small wins. Listen to the doctors and nurses they have been through this with many.
I also took up the offer on the cardiac rehab - definitely take them up on it if possible. It contributed greatly to my confidence levels. It was also great to meet others who had similar ops and see their improvements even though I was just starting mine.
The clicking of the mechanical valve can be quite odd, it took me a while to get used to it. Now I find it comforting and reassuring that all is good.
Please do message me or post up here if you have any specific questions.
thanks stample, ppls experiences are really helping me, u say u thought u were ok? with my past history and the struggle with fibromyalgia/chronic pain and fatigue i worry that thiis op will just finish me of .
since November when they told me i needed op sooner rather than later i have become more symptomatic i e... breathlessness tiredness palpation's and swelling .i am very inactive and put on a lot of weight.because of lack of exercise and pain , i used to be bed bound but over the last 5 yrs i have become more active but still only manage 2,5 k steps a day ,i worry that i am not fit and healthy enough , i smoked 20 a day and managed to get down to 5 over a yr ago ...i really need to stop and i know the dangers but i get stressed and reach for a smoke, im still waiting for angiogram still no appointment sent so god knows when the op will actually be? i am struggling with all this emotionally i saw my diabetic nurse yesterday and she has requested counselling to help me cop better no idea how long that gonna take.
Jayne
I thought I was ok - but the truth is I was sluggish, always fatigued, severe anxiety - once I had the op all those things diminished almost to the point where they're non-starters. I was a heavy smoker but switched to nicotine lozenges quite a few years ago and still havent been able to kick them - the lozenges were the only thing that stopped the cravings for a cigarette for me. I tried all sorts.
If I recall I got told I needed the op in September and finally got it done May 2nd - it was meant to be sooner but it all worked out in the end.
I don't think they recommend this surgery lightly and wouldnt put you for it unless you needed it. Keeping that it mind kept me going. I honestly didnt expect to feel better and was worried I would be worse off. I had the worry in the back of my mind for 3 years when they first found the severe regurgitation to op day. Multiple runs of the tests to monitor me until it was time.
Hi, I’m a couple of weeks post op and like you had minimal surgery for mitral valve. Also opted for mechanical- am mid 50's. I’m finding the physical limitations frustrating as I’m used to being very busy, working full time. I’m trying to stick to the exercise regime and hopefully will be back to full fitness. I had no obvious symptoms pre op, but the state of my valve meant it had to be done. Also had op in London, team were fantastic.
Hi how is the decision made as to whether replacements are minimally invasive or full open heart surgery?
Mitral Valve repair 
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery
Running capacity after mitral valve replacement
second valve replacement 
Aortic Valve replacement, mitral valve repair & possible by pass
