Severe mitral regurgitation

[Unchainmyheart]

Hello, I’m new to this forum. I’m a 73 year old female and was diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation and heart failure a year ago, had a pacemaker inserted whilst in hospital. A few months ago I saw a consultant who decided I needed valve repair or replacement with open heart surgery. They then decided this would be too risky for me and that I should have keyhole surgery. I’ve been given a date beginning of March to undergo mitral transcatheter edge to edge repair, my condition has got worse over the last months and I feel quite weak and get various symptoms like nausea and gastro discomfort - probably due to side effects of diuretics, beta blockers, etc. Have to say I’m pretty terrified about going ahead with the procedure but don’t think there’s much choice in the matter. Has anyone gone through this procedure and, if so, what was the outcome and how do you feel now?

[Yumz199725]

Aw hi and welcome to the forum unchainmyheart. Sorry to hear about you being diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation and heart failure!. So glad you will be getting your surgery soon though, sounds like it's an emergency and I'm glad there treating it as such. I myself have bicuspid aortic valve and moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and stenosis so will be having this surgery eventually. Sorry I can't give you any information on the procedure as I haven't had it yet but I wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery.

Take care ❤️

[fhaisi]

Hello, you may have already had surgery by now. If so, I hope it has made a big difference for the better, as mine did! I too had severe mitral regurgitation and had a mechanical valve inserted two years ago. I had open heart surgery and the recovery was much less severe than I had anticipated. Of course it's painful at first, but totally managed with painkillers. Make sure you follow post-op instructions even though it's sometimes difficult and you'll find that in time you'll feel so much better. No more having to catch your breath and struggling to walk short distances. Good luck and I hope you're feeling better soon.

[Beatles1956]

Hello.I had the keyhole surgery to repair my Mitral valve, 2 years ago, in St. Bart's. You will be in good hands, they really know what they are doing, and your pain is managed well.

Make sure you follow their instructions when you get home, no lifting anything more than a kettle, breathing exercises, etc. Do you have someone at home to help you with things?

I bought a V pillow to support me in bed and the chair, and used button down shirts, brushed cotton, soft and nothing over my head.

A few practical things you could do before you go in; haircut, dentist, shopping for easy meals, stock up on any other drugs (they will give you what you need to go home with). I worked out some distances for my first walks, starting with up the road a little, and gradually increasing, with the target of being able to walk up to the doctor's surgery in 2 weeks for a check up.

Operation went well, but quite breathless lately, which they are trying to sort out, maybe due to the bisoprolol, now stopped.

Hope this helps a bit, happy to answer anything else I can help with.

Wishing you a the best.😷