Mitral valve repair. 12 months on.

[Scratchfire]

It's now 12 months since my surgery to repair my mitral valve.

This was done minimal access through my right nipple (incredible I know).

I really don't know where to start but I am so grateful to all at Blackpool hospital for everything they have done for me.

I can't thank Mr Zacharias and his team enough as they literally saved my life.

I'm a 47 year old firefighter and returned to full duties only 3 months after my surgery.

Anyone facing the same op feel free to ask as I'll answer any questions with honesty.

Does it hurt? Yes!!

Are there bad days? Yes

Is it all worth it in the end? YES YES YES!

Stay strong x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! It is great to hear that things went well and you made a full recovery. It is against forum guidelines to mention specific consultants but yours has already been in the news. He performed life saving Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris Cole in Coronation Street, after a massive heart attack. I will try and find a link for you.

[Scratchfire in reply to MichaelJH]

Sorry if I broke the rules. I was unaware

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Scratchfire]

No worries...

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to MichaelJH]

Here is a link:

express.co.uk/life-style/he...

[Bicyclist]

What a great post, thanks for posting.

[IanGordon]

Great turnaround, Scratchfire. 3 months, end to end, is a great result and a miraculous return to what must be a pretty physical role in the fire service.

I looked for minimally invasive surgery to replace my aortic valve and was offered a referral to Blackpool but opted for what is laughingly referred to as the 'gold standard' - the one where your sternum is sawn in half!

I wish you health and happiness with your refreshed life expectancy. Use it well

[Ianc2]

As someone who has had ' saw through your sternum and retract your ribs, etc' open heart surgery, I was very interested in your comments and hope this technique spreads and becomes more widely available. Reports of good practice are invaluable and very good for my morale. More power to your elbow, may you live long and prosper. Thanks for the post.

Ian

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I passed your story on to a friend who has mitral valve problems. At the moment they are monitoring the situation but a three month turnaround would be great for him!

[Scratchfire in reply to MichaelJH]

If he wants to discuss anything with me let me know and I will contact him

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Scratchfire]

That is very kind of you. I will PM presently.

[Pablo317]

Hi Scratchfire. So pleased to hear of your success - great news. I had the same procedure at the Harefield in May last year. Within 6 months I was back playing football, badminton and swimming (and I'm 69!). I would recommend it to anyone and suggest the recovery is largely "down to you". I religiously followed the rehab programme (led by a super team) and it paid dividends. Every best wish for the future. God bless_Bubble wrap 😎⚽️🍷

[Safc1983]

Hi are you still on this forum scratchfire?

[Scratchfire in reply to Safc1983]

Yeah. I'm still here 👍🏻

[Safc1983]

Can I ask you a couple of questions please?

[Scratchfire]

Of course. As long as they aren't football related 😂😂

[Safc1983 in reply to Scratchfire]

Hahaha not at all. What was your condition before the surgery? I’m a firefighter and have just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I’m just worried about whether I’ll lose my job because of it

[Scratchfire]

I was aware I had a heart murmur for a year or so but it was slight and was going to be monitored annually. I was fine to continue working as Firefighter and service were aware.

One night I became particularly breathless and attended GP next morning. (Probably should have called an ambulance).

After an ECG I was taken straight to resus as I was really unwell. HR of 170.

I was kept in hospital for a week.

Once HR was under control with meds I was sent home. I had surgery 3 months later.

[Safc1983]

That’s good news. All has been good since? Were work supportive?

[Scratchfire in reply to Safc1983]

I was off work just short of 6 months. 3 prior 3 post op.

The service kind of wrote me off. Left me alone as they thought I would not return to duty. Middle management were poor tbf.

The service doctor was good although I only saw him a couple of times.

[Safc1983 in reply to Scratchfire]

That’s what I’m worried about. I’m glad you’re doing well!

[Scratchfire in reply to Safc1983]

Let me know how you get on ✊

[Champion79]

I’m so scared of the key hole surgery just the thought keeps me up at night . Keep thinking the worst . The word surgery throws me. I’d like to know what you did to bring yourself to the surgery. Any advice would hell please . Great to hear your on the mend!

[Scratchfire]

4 years post op now and never felt better.The recovery is better I believe if you have minimally invasive surgery.

It is a scary thought, I'm not going to lie, but by the time I got to the date of the surgery I was so unwell that I was desperate. The first few weeks after surgery are painful but improved every day.

If you need any more information don't hesitate to ask.