Mitral valve surgery waiting room

[Purple1935]

Hi anyone waiting for Mitral Valve surgery.... just wondering how you are & how long you have been waiting from diagnosis to surgery?

I have been waiting since February when ECHO confirmed, then phone appointment with surgeon in April when they were hoping to operate within 3-6 months (Covid delays!)

Had Coronary Angiogram/ TOE echo/CXR Had dental appointment & treatment & been signed off fit for surgery. Just waiting for CT Angio next Friday. Fingers crossed for a date.

[RoversFan]

Hi Purple1935. I'm on the same train as you. I had my echocardiogram at the end of January when mitral regurgitation was diagnosed. I also have atrial fibrillation. I saw the surgeon at Papworth yesterday hoping I'd get a date for the op but no, not yet. It may be in a couple of months. I'm still waiting for an angiogram which is the current delay.

Anyway it was good seeing the surgeon and talking to him. I have full confidence in him. He's going to do a repair of the mitral valve hopefully. If not he's going to do a tissue replacement. They use pig tissue. I'm not sure if they've found a pig match yet . After that he's planning on doing something called the maze procedure to stop the AF. I've been doing my research but hadn't heard of that.

I'll keep you informed of any progress.

[Purple1935 in reply to RoversFan]

Good to hear from you. I am pleased that you have been able to see your surgeon & know abit more about the surgery. I too hope to have a repair & look forward to meeting my surgeon in person as I’ve only spoken to him over the phone.

It’s a stressful time waiting not having a date to aim for. Feel like I’m having a baby with everyone asking ‘ when is the operation? have you got a date yet?

Hope you get your angio soon....another thing to tick off the list. Good idea to make a dental appointment & get signed off by them ( that’s what needs doing as well)

Stay well & strong!

[Smarticus in reply to RoversFan]

Hi, Have you discussed a metal valve with your surgeon? They will most likely stop the AF with an abalation during surgery. Easier than DC Cardioversion before, they will leave the pacing wires in if you need it after surgery. HTH

[RoversFan in reply to Smarticus]

Yes, we’ve discussed the options. A metal valve means blood thinners for ever which is not ideal. Being almost 70, a tissue valve would seem the best option if a replacement is needed. However fingers crossed that he can repair it.

[080311]

Hi if you’re had your dental check won’t be long as that check doesn’t have a long shelf life!

Best wishes when you get your date it’s not as bad as the thoughts going round in your head at the moment.

Take care Pauline

[Purple1935 in reply to 080311]

Thanks Pauline, good to hear it’s not so bad .... worrying & waiting is definitely the worse bit so far

[080311 in reply to Purple1935]

It certainly is, you will soon be on the mended heart road. Then it’s onwards and upwards, but just at the start baby steps listen to your body rest when it says I am tired. 😉

[Smarticus]

Hi, A very quick reply, diagnosed with failed MVR from previous surgey 2 years ago, saw my consultant in Dec 2019, booked in for March, then covid! My hospital still aren't doing elective surgery... I'm so fed up with this!! At this rate I'm going to end up in A&E or on a cold slab...

[woodlandwonders in reply to Smarticus]

Oh Smarticus, that made me gasp. I dont know what to say other than moaning and that wont help. Thinking of you xx