Morning. I've been a member for quite a few years and those who know me will know that I have had a bit of a roller coaster, First AVR 2014 (my own valve was bicuspid), second AVR 2019 after over a year wait for surgery and by the time I got there was feeling pretty awful. Failure of tissue valve was due to Patient Prosthesis Mismatch - it was just too small for my needs, apparently. Second prosthetic valve was an Edwards Inspiris but op went badly wrong and there was a problem getting me off bypass leading to an emergency triple bypass to give my left ventricle some additional support. New diagnosis of heart failure. Recovery was slow but I did eventually get there (with another angiogram on the way as I developed chest pains). I have been monitored regularly and there was a bit of concern about the pressures across my aortic valve so been having 4 monthly echocardiograms. I was aware that something was not quite right again as I am breathless on exertion on both inclines and flat surfaces, fatigued like nothing on this earth, struggling with my weight again (possibly fluid buildup) and coughing. I was really really fed up to learn that my mitral valve is now regurgitating (moderate) and my left atrium is dilated. That explains the palpitations. So back to the cardiologist at the beginning of December - wondering what now?????
To say I am fed up is an understatement. The good news is that my aortic valve appears to be working ok and the EF appears to have improved again. All I want is to hear the cardiologist say 'see you in a year for review' and to go away and live a relatively normal life again. So its back to watching TV on catch up as I fall asleep early evening! Thankfully my wonderful family have rallied round once more, so I'm thankful that I am loved and cared for - but oh am I fed up with this!
So now the focus turns from my aortic to my mitral valve - anyone any experience of mitral valve repairs, including minimally invasive procedures?