Mitral Valve Repair

[Redman]

Being admitted for my Mitral Valve repair/ replacement this Friday 5th Nov. Am a little apprehensive, but pleased I’ve got the chance of surgery. Anyone got any tips regarding length of recovery etc.

[Blackcatsooty]

Good attitude, being apprehensive and pleased.To pass the time, you could write all puns relating to November5th.

I. Guess you are having OHS and you are retired from employment.

One great aspect of heart surgery is that recovery is positive. A bit better every day.

Typical recovery about 12 weeks.

The first 6 weeks you will be restricted and you need to have someone looking after you.. you can’t cope on your own.

No lifting any weight. Keeping arms below head level.

Sleep isn’t good for a while, uncomfortable.

You really must do the rehab. Simple daily exercises at home and a gentle walk and then formal rehab. I didn’t get the formal rehab as covid raged. That has been a negative issue.

After the 12 weeks you need to gradually build strength.

It can take up to one year to get everything A1.

Hope this gives you a clue, but do listen to and then comply with your doctors advice. They will give you leaflets etc.

Worst bit is waiting for the 5th.

Colin

[Redman in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Thanks for your advice, yes I am having OHS and am retired.

[080311]

Hello Redman

Recovery time 8-10 weeks for your sternum to heal up to that point no lifting anything heavier than half a kettle of water no arms above your head no pulling or pushing movements.

Getting our stamina back can take much longer, depending on how fit you were before your surgery. Listen to your body when it says I am tired you rest.

Remember to carry on doing your breathing exercises when you get home they really help, when we are on bypass our lungs collapse so they need a bit of help filling all those little pockets up again.

Try and get on the cardio rehab sessions, I had my surgery pre pandemic so was able to get all my rehab. It helps in lots of ways mentally being around others who have been through what you have is so helpful. When you say I have this pain or ache and someone says “me too” you feel ok it’s normal.

I am 5 years on from Aortic valve replaced and bypass and grateful every day to the medical team that gave me my life back.

I wish you all the best for the coming week and wish you a great recovery.

Best wishes Pauline

[Redman in reply to 080311]

Thanks for the good wishes and advice, much appreciated.

[Wooodsie]

Hi Redman, like the others say, it's a good 8-10 weeks before the bruises, aches and pains start to subside (I don't think they ever go away completely). Try not to push too hard, but at the same time push a bit. You can get as fit or even fitter than before the op if you want to. Beware the cough and sneeze a few days after the op. give yourself a good tight hug, is really does hurt 😕🙄😂

[Redman in reply to Wooodsie]

Somebody else has told me not to sneeze😱Thanks for the advice though just want it over with now!

[Ducky2003]

Hi Redman.I've been advised that I need a mitral valve repair as AF caused my atrium to enlarge.

They are going to combine this with a Cox Maze.

I came across your post after a search and was wondering how the op went and how you are getting on now.

😊

[Redman in reply to Ducky2003]

Hi Ducky, yes had the op last November, to repair my Mitral & Tricupsid valves. They decided not to implement the Cox Maze procedure. However 7 months post op I’m back to normal & enjoying life!

[Ducky2003 in reply to Redman]

Thank you so much for your reply and super to know that you are fit and well again. May I ask, if you had AF, why they didn't do the maze procedure? Not looking forward to 3 months off work and not being able to do much for weeks on end.

[Redman in reply to Ducky2003]

They decided the heart was too enlarged, so rather than do the Cox Maze the surgeon inserted a clip which apparently reduces the risk of clots forming which can result in strokes.Make the most of your recovery time by gradually increasing your activities and you’ll be surprised how quickly the time will go. Best of luck and I hope all goes well.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Redman]

Thanks for that. He is going to clip my LAA as well. My left atrium is enlarged hence the valve repair but perhaps not too badly if they're going to do the maze. I did ask whether the atrium would reduce in size following the op. He said that it can do but he might reduce the size himself by overlapping something when he closes up.He reckons I'll be walking 4-5 miles per day at my 6 week check........ I told him I wasn't doing that when I was fit 😁.

Many thanks again.