Traditional mitral valve repair using sternotomy

[Dionysio]

I'm new here. My GP discovered a murmur coming out of my heart during a routine check-up last January. She sent me for an echocardiogram which revealed assymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation, needing mitral valve repair. I've read several comments in this blog by members relating the advantages of minimally invasive techniques, but has anyone had the procedure done in the traditional way, using sternotomy? If so, I'd be interested to know about the post-operative pain, recovery time how big a scar it left and for how long!

[andy110519]

I had a valve replacement and a patch done last May with my breast bone being cut in 2 for access. It was all very sudden so I didn't have time to look into it, the night before I was not very happy!

I was surprised straight after the surgery how little pain I was in, I thought I would feel like I'd been hit by a bus.

Movement is restricted for weeks afterwards but all manageable, it's a case of taking it easy and listening to your body.

A year on and I still get tired more easily than before but I can run a 5k almost as quickly and although I haven't got full strength back I can do most things. I have seen a number of comments saying it takes 1 to 2 years to fully recover.

I am only 50 and everyone is different. Scar is about 7 inches long but fairly neat and only noticeable when I go swimming.

Hope whatever you have is successful and try not to worry too much about it.

Andy

[Dionysio in reply to andy110519]

Thank you very much for your comments, Andy-quite reassuring.

Best regards,

Dionysio

[Warm-heart in reply to andy110519]

Hi, thank you so much for your reassuring experience. I have AF and mitral valve prolapse and am due to be called for an operation via sternum to repair the valve plus an 'ablation' re my AF, plus taking off a little pouch in the atrium to reduce risk of clot, plus a kind of lasering/ scarring of the muscle of the atrium to reduce its size.

I am worried about these additional procedures added to the valve repair and how this might affect my recovery. I am 60 and due to have the procedure at Brompton/ Harefield Hospitals.

Did anyone have these additional procedures too? Thank you.

[080311]

Hello and welcome

I had aortic valve replaced and bypass with open heart surgery nearly 4 years ago.

In hospital 7 days all the drains pacing wires taken out over those days, they make sure you are pain free. You can’t lift anything heavier than half a kettle of water or arms above your head for 8-10 weeks this is to allow the sternum to heal after all it’s just like any broken bone, even though we have been wired together.

Gentle exercise walking a little every day, I used to count the lamp posts and add another every day.

You ask about the scar about 6 inches though now it’s faded a lot.

I felt my old self after 8 months or so.

Take care Pauline

[Dionysio in reply to 080311]

Many thanks for your comments, Pauline.

Were you offered a minimally invasive procedure or was sternotomy the only option offered?

Best regards,

Dionysio

[080311 in reply to Dionysio]

Hi

steronomy was only thing I was offered, though with having bypass and the artery was harvested from my mammary artery, took that while my chest was open!

Pauline

[Doonedog]

Hi

Last July I had a mitral valve repair using steronomy. I have never had a serious op before so was a bit nervous as what the procedure involved.

Everything went really well. The surgeon and his team were amazing. I never experienced any pain just discomfort. When I left hospital after8 days I never took pain killers again. The scar is about 7inches if that and has healed well. I'm in my 70's and have always played squash/tennis. I've started to play doubles since allowed on lockdown.

The secret to it healing well is following the advice of not lifting or doing anything strenuous that is outlined in the instructions when you leave hospital. My family made me follow it meticulously as I'm a bit of a hands on person.

I feel no discomfort or pain and it's a new lease of life.

Wish you all the best and it's nowhere as bad as what it seems.

Regards Ray

[Dionysio in reply to Doonedog]

Thank you so much for your comments, Ray-quite reassuring! Im 69 and, like yourself, I'm quite fit but have never had a serious operation before, so I'm very nervous!

How long did you have to stay at home for, and how long to full recovery?

Were you given a choice of a minimally invasive procedure or was only sternotomy offered?

Best regards,

Dionysio

[Doonedog in reply to Dionysio]

Hi Dionysio I was encouraged to rest up a bit although they encourage you to go for a walk every day which I did( not too far to begin with) for about 3 months. Did some blackberry picking!

They encouraged me to go to rehabilitation exercise classes (10 weeks course ) which were excellent after 3 months to get your stamina back. So by 6 months I was back working and having a gentle knock up on court when the weather permitted.

I asked right from the beginning if I could have keyhole surgery. The surgeon said it was not possible if it was to be 100% successful. He's the expert so I trusted him. I did push for something other than cutting through the sternum but he insisted.

I am so pleased I wènt through this as it was not as daunting as I thought it would be.

I fully understand your apprehension and worry. I was the same ( I prayed alot too) I do realise that we're all different but we want the best for our life and family.

Take care will be thinking of you to make the wise decision.

Kind regards Ray

[seven-oh]

Hi I had the same operation as you intend to have after a surprise diagnosis of severe mitral regurgitation.. Worst bit was waiting for the op, I had mine about a year ago, full sternectomy. No real pain from the operation, the drugs work fine and control the pain. Recovery from the physical side of the operation takes 13 weeks after which the surgeon will discharge you. First few weeks are uncomfortable as it feels like you've broken a few ribs, uncomfortable rather than painful. Take cardiac rehab if it is offered as its a great way to exercise safely and meet people who have been through the same thing. Coming to terms with the operation can take longer but we are all different, some can go back to work after 13 weeks, some like me take a little longer. Walked up a hill today and found that I wasn't breathless like I was this time last year. Heart operations are routine to the team who do them, you'll be in good hands. Scar is about 7 inches long and is mostly healed now. Good luck