Long term outlook

[elliestout]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum so hello to everyone out there.

I'm 41 and had heart surgery 13 months ago to replace a leaky mitral valve. This was caused by endocarditis from an unknown source. I struggled with anxiety for a bit whilst waiting for the operation but I have been doing fine over the past year, back at work full-time and looking after my children (3yrs, 6yrs).

Recently I've felt the anxiety start to come back but I'm not sure why. I guess I'm quite scared about my long term outlook and all I really want is to know that I'll be able to see my kids grow up. I've been trying to renew my life insurance recently and perhaps the fact that I can a straightforward no from most insurance companies is tipping me over the edge again and making me think I don't stand much chance of longevity. Whilst I realise that nothing is guaranteed or under my control I guess I am just seeking some reassurance from somewhere.

Whilst I'm able to function with daily life and work, physically I can often feel very drained, a bit nauseous and get the occasional dizzy spells which only last for a couple of seconds. Has anyone else continued to feel like this a year after surgery? I'm functioning normally and exercising well so maybe this is just part and parcel of recovery.

I hope everyone out there is doing ok and wish you all well.

Ems

[Blackcatsooty]

Dear Ellie

Have faith in yourself. You have had a big invasive op and come through it. So gently move on with your recovery.

I home in on;

Regular sleep

Decent diet

Adequate exercise.

Use professional Advice if needs be.

When the doubts descend on me, I think of all the skill and effort the medics expended.

Best wishes

Sooty

[Classicfan49]

Hi Ems,The current national and global situation is affecting everyone and this won’t be helping the natural anxiety you’re feeling after your diagnosis and op. You’ve got two small children, the world seems to be going barmy and you’re recovering from major surgery. Of course you’re feeling concerned about the long term outlook.

Relax when you can, follow the medical advice you’ve been given and try not to stress about things you have no control over. Focus on the positive. It’s not easy, is it? but if we do that then at least we know we’re doing the best we can.

Put yourself first when you need to. Give yourself a daily treat, even if it’s just 10 minutes’ peace with a book or magazine.

[Larneybuds]

Hi....I am waiting for mitral and tricuspid valve surgery. The consultant told me that repairs rather than replacements if valves is better for the patient ....not only in recovery but also long term. I am down for replacement mitral valve and repaired tricuspid but he said if he can do the repair on my mitral valve he will do that rather than replace. I am totally putting my faith in him and his expertise. My thoughts with the recovery are that you have to realise this major surgery doesn't take five minutes to recover from ....it's an ongoing process for some time. With regard to longevity....even people who are well don't know how much time they've got....none of us do. I would think that this operation will give you the much cherished time you may not have got had you not had the op. I think the anxiety is very natural, especially when you have children but try and look forward to much better days, more energy and gradually more strength to enjoy that time with them. I hope you continue to improve enough to make that anxiety be a thing of the past. All the best....take care xx

[devonian186]

I posted this on another thread but as it seems very relevant to your concerns I have posted it again, here

"James lovelock has just died at the age of 103. He had a very active and full life. Few know he had a serious heart attack at 56 nor that he had a pacemaker fitted eventually.

So whilst circumstances obviously vary enormously between individuals, life can go on in an enhanced manner for many after a HA and it is often no barrier to living a long and healthy life.

Those who DON'T know they have heart problems are more likely to have serious consequences than those who are medicating or have had surgery

[Hidden]

.Hi Ellie, I get your anxiety, and from that perspective, it must be difficult.

A quick story about me if you want something on longevity.

Diagnosed after a seizure at 10months, family declined surgery as a child.

First AVR at 33, now had four valve replacements and a repair, PAF, leakage on three fronts, Heart Failure, but that said, I feel and I know I'm good at 61 years old. I'm still young.

I'm testament to longevity, and lived the benefits of surgery. Maybe I'm lucky coming into this early, who knows, and not had the hang-ups many who have came into it later in life.

The big thing to remember with an MVR is that you're been repaired, and given a second chance. You might not think it now, but, your age is a big plus, and there's no reason no worry about longevity.

The best advice i can ever give someone in your position is to grab that opportunity with both hands, enjoy life with your kids and watch them grow.

Look forwards, and don't look over your shoulder seeing imaginary problems. It's worked for me.

I hope the above helps.

[Anon2023]

Hi. Endocarditis is a horrible Illness and you’ve had to deal with that on top of a major operation. I had endocarditis for months before it was picked up and then needed a further mitral valve replacement. This was 7 months ago and the recovery has left me absolutely exhausted. No doubt you were on tons of antibiotics and other meds which would have wiped out the endocarditis and also your gut flora. I’m 51 and feel like I should be able to do more but the reality is that the illness and the surgery have taken their toll and my recovery will take as long as it takes. I get frustrated that I can’t do more but I’ve got to let my body recover. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you with young children and working full time. It sounds, however, that you’ve coped well over the last year , it’s amazing really considering what you’ve been through. I think we all underestimate the psychological impact of having heart problems before it happens. Like you, I have given a lot of thought to the “what if”s” and I have worried about not being there for my family. Im trying to come to terms with living with that anxiety without letting it overshadow my whole life. Im currently having counselling and maybe that is something you could consider. Mine is through the nhs, there was a 2 month wait but it’s worth it. I imagine that as a working mum you are used to just getting on with things but maybe you now need to take a bit more time for you, to come to terms with what you’ve been through. In terms of your mitral valve replacement I was told by the surgeon that after the op you go back to having a normal life expectancy. Obviously you need to take care of yourself but there’s no reason why you can’t live a long and full life. My thoughts are with you. X