The Bionic Man - 2nd time lucky!

[Smarticus]

Finally after two weeks I am back from my hospital stay and one new carbon mitral valve!

Due to this being my second MVR I was worried if it would hurt more and take longer - it was a resounding yes on both counts, being hit by a bus doesn't describe it! I had a few extra complications as I am now in slow AF, spent 5 days on an external pacing box and a question over if I would need a permanent pacemaker A couple of "moments" when my lungs collapsed were a bit frighting and this time I ended up with four chest drains and two neck lines

BUT, Im out the other end and doing ok, so the long road to recovery starts now!

As far as the hospital I was in the Covid measures were superb, all tests (eg xrays, ultrasound and ecgs) were all done at the bedside so you never left the ward. Just a shame that people couldn't have visitors or family, but infection control was excellent.

I will post more over the next few days as I get my strength up!

I would like to say publicly thank-you to the individuals from this site who have personally supported me through my darkest days and given me the hope and strength to continue - you know who you are

TTFN

[ellj]

Take care and time in your recovery.

Best wishes

Ellie

[080311]

Hi Smarticus, so pleased your out the other side, you have certainly had a hard time. You have been there before so remember slowly does it. Get your stamina back and let your brain catch up with what your body as been through. Rest when your body tells you to, l look forward to hearing how you are progressing.

Take good care Pauline

[Hidden]

Onwards and upwards, take it steady 😉

[Sunnie2day]

You've been through the wars - welcome home, and here's to a calm complete recovery!

[Fitandfearless]

Oooh!! Carbon mitral valve.....tell me more!! Do you have to be on anticoagulants??? Mine is a metal heart valve and it’s really noisy, I’m thinking about getting a re-fit. What were your options? Keep up the good recovery work 🥳

[Smarticus in reply to Fitandfearless]

Hi, yes, I have to be on warfarin for life, but I've never had any problems with it from last time. There is no ticking, more like a tap dripping (I wondered around the house for a few days looking for a leaky tap!!) more like a plopping! Thanks

[080311 in reply to Smarticus]

Now that’s made me smile this morning about the “dripping tap “ hope your doing ok.

Pauline

[Ianc2]

So what exactly is a carbon valve?

[Smarticus in reply to Ianc2]

I will post the link of the type of valve I have...

livanova.com/en-US/Home/Pro...

[Ianc2]

Thanks for the reply. It is useful to keep up to date.