tricuspid valve repair

[10gingercats]

Has anyone had this surgery done ?Experiences welcomed and especially if you are elderly and even more so if you had your surgery at The John radcliffe tin Oxord

[Ianc2]

Yes, had it done in 2014. at age 69. Bit of a shock to the system but a lifesaver. Did the rehab , changed my diet and lifestyle, became a lot more active and was transformed.

[10gingercats in reply to Ianc2]

thanks for your reply...much appreciated. if I have it done it will be keyhole. I am 82. Age apparently less of an issue if the can do it rather than comorbities of which i do not have anything serios other than heart issures. Anything else more you can tell me? I am seeing a cardiologist for a face to face next week.Only spoken on phone so far. Where did yours take place?What was 'the shock to the system all about'Can you elaborate.I have severe regurgitation.

[Ianc2 in reply to 10gingercats]

Open heart surgery!

[10gingercats in reply to Ianc2]

Wow! No open heart surgery for me,thank you.How was your recovery at home ? Where did you have it done and was the surgeon a specialist in tricuspid valve surgery?This infor. is very thin on the ground ....even via Royal College of Surgeons!So all/any inform . is greatly appreciated.

[Ianc2 in reply to 10gingercats]

The operation tool place in the Royal Brompton in London by Dr Anthony de Souza's team on May 22 , 2014. Spring is a very good time to do this as you will have all summer to recover in. The Royal Brompton is a hospital that specialises in heart surgery. However this may have changed. Recovery from Open Heart surgery is just hard work, you have to take your pain killers, pick up your life and slowly but steadily make progress. My heart showed immediate improvement and it was very good to hear the blood whooshing around. When I got home, I started walking around the local area, gradually extending my range.

I met an old miner one day and had a chat about exercise. " Had your valves done"? He said, "You'll be good for another 30 years". I hope he is right.

[10gingercats in reply to Ianc2]

More thanks. I need to know where to have this done should I be a candidate and Anthony de Souza so not too invasive. He also does the TAVI procedure via the groin. There was even mention of sedation! . I do not know if the John radcliffe is the ideal place and I know of The R Bromptons reputation.I just read up on your surgeon and he sounds impressive.

Did you have it done privately?

[Ianc2 in reply to 10gingercats]

The operation was funded by the NHS wales via a sum of money awarded to them by the Welsh Assembly. The number of people dying while on the waiting list had become politically unacceptable so money was found for operations to be carried out within a set time and a choice of hospitals was made available. I was lucky in that the R. Brompton was on the list and they could operate within the time limits. The actual operation was done by a Greek ? lady, whose name completely escapes me. I met her just the once on the post op check up.