Mitral Valve

[Gerald777]

Hi all, I have been diagnosed with severe Mitral Valve regurgitation and due to under go surgery soon. Quite scary thought as still not got major symptoms. Anyone else had similar issue or surgery?

[Paperlover]

Yes! My heart problem was picked up when I went to the GP about something else. At the time I was going to the gym 5 times a week and had no symptoms but a scan revealed a prolapsed valve and severe regurgitation. I was monitored for a while as I felt well, but after a stress test on the treadmill I was referred for surgery. My operation was done using a minimally invasive technique - 5 ports and a small incision - so recovery is quicker. Home in 3 days. Was told by the surgeon that no limits on what I can do. Back at the gym now and just have a scan every 3 to 5 years to make sure everything is working as it should.

[Gerald777 in reply to Paperlover]

Thankyou for reply, how did it come about you had the less invasive surgery rather than full open heart? I'd be interested to explore this if I have time but I know my most local hospital don't provide this.. Glad your fixed and all went well. 👍

[Paperlover in reply to Gerald777]

I’m lucky that I live close to Sheffield which is one of the specialist heart centres. When I spoke to the surgeon, there was never any suggestion that it would be the traditional open heart surgery! As far as I know, you can ask to be treated anywhere so you could ask for a referral to another hospital. Is there one near home which does do minimally invasive surgery? I spoke to the surgeon mid June and had my op at the beginning of October, but that was in 2020 when waiting lists were smaller and people were reluctant to go into hospital. I had no visitors but I was only in for 3 days so it wasn’t an issue, but it’s something you’d need to think about if you travelled for your op. You also need to bear in mind that you will still feel sore afterwards and travel by public transport would not be sensible. My surgeon was Mr Hunter at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. You could ask your hospital to refer you to him for an opinion to see if you are a suitable candidate.

[Gerald777 in reply to Paperlover]

Well on speaking again to my consultant she is urging me to stay where I am and have traditional open heart procedure. She says that's my best chance of having valve repaired which I would obviously prefer and for a better outcome. I could be referred to a hospital in London for less invasive however I'd then get put in another waiting list, where as I have a date now end of this month for the surgery at my local hospital. It's a alot to think about .

[Art-99]

Hi, following an ecg in March 2019 I was found to have severe arrhythmia, subsequent investigations also showed a leaky mitral valve, I had no symptoms even got through the stress test, no problem. My condition was monitored regularly and prescribed anti coagulants; I had a valve replacement in September 2020. I still have severe arrhythmia and must continue to take anti coagulants indefinitely.

[petrh63]

Hello, yes it is a concern - the unknown. Two years ago (28th Oct) went to doctors with indigestion-type ache near the diaphragm and fatigue upon exercise. Received bypass surgery and valve repair the following day. Ribcage opened for my procedure and that is painful afterwards. Treat the heart as any other muscle - it needs rest to recover and incremental exercise thereafter. You will be surprised how quickly things can improve. Take advantage of any rehabilitation procedures offered. I did a stress test on stationary bike only 10 days after the operation (only 110 watts, I could go 300-320 prior to my mitral valve failing) but it was good for confidence. Things go back towards a new normal! Good luck

[Traveldreams]

I had the same diagnosis. A general check up showed heart failure. The follow up cardiologist appointment showed severe mitral valve regurgitation requiring urgent surgery.

Not that urgent as it turns out as I have been waiting since March.

Feels like I’m marking time as life is on hold again as it was for all of us a couple of years ago.

I was scared of procedure initially, now I’m more scared of not having it!

Good luck!

[Gerald777 in reply to Traveldreams]

Wow yes I feel same, life has just stopped really for the moment. So still no date for you yet?

[Traveldreams in reply to Gerald777]

Unfortunately not. Assuming it won’t happen until next year now.

[Gerald777 in reply to Traveldreams]

Looks like mine could be end of November, not sure ready for it but then I was told today how lucky I was to get a date with all the waiting lists etc. Seems I was classed an an urgent case.

[Traveldreams in reply to Gerald777]

I’m pleased to hear that you have a date but sorry that it is necessary at all. Keep us updated. I’m sure you’ll have no issues!

[Harefieldfan]

hi. My husband had the same thing in 1999 or so. He had open heart surgery at Harefield to repair it (repair, not replace). Was in hospital for 5 days, then home. He has an annual checkup. There’s a slight leak, they say, but nothing alarming. He has other problems and has a pacemaker but the mitral valve leak is pretty much resolved. Good luck; I wish you success.

[Gerald777 in reply to Harefieldfan]

Thankyou. 😊

[Dozival]

I understand your concern. After initial diagnosis in September 2022, I had open heart surgery for a leaky mitral valve last June. I was 'out for the count' for a couple of days in ICU but then back on the ward, getting mobile, getting rid of the catheter and some stitches but having to wear compression socks.I was ready to go home after 9 days in hospital but they hung onto me for 2 more cos my white cell count was high and they were being cautious.

Since then I've made good progress. Initially I found getting into and out of bed rather painful but no longer. I'm trying to walk further and faster as well as do the exercises they give you. Follow up support has been excellent. Medication has been reduced.

Just reassure yourself that they wouldn't do any surgery if it weren't really necessary even if you don't feel too bad at the moment.

Be prepared for lots of tests (maybe you've already had them) angiogram, transoesophogeal echo, lung function etc etc.

Also you'll need to decide whether to go for a mechanical valve or a tissue one. Mine is bovine.

Wishing you all the very best, it's such a good feeling when the op's behind you!

And be thankful that there isn't a bill at the end of it: these ops are very expensive and not even available in many parts of the world.

Happy for you to DM me if you have any questions.

Val

[Chriscwmpen]

Hi Gerald. Like many others who've replied, I've been on exactly the same journey. Went for a routine GP appointment for a chest infection, which led to me discovering I had severe mitral regurgitation, aged 45. I was otherwise very fit and well so this came as a huge shock, as it has to you . I found waiting for the surgery the hardest part (mine was during Covid Lockdown, when ICU beds were in very short supply). The team that looked after me in hospital were brilliant and I felt like I was in very safe hands - I'm sure you'll be the same. 3 years on I'm back to full fitness and completed a 75 mile bike race earlier this year.

Good luck with everything and remember you're not alone. There's plenty of support on here.

[Gerald777]

Thankyou Val, I will DM you. 😊

[Taz70]

Hi, I've been told I have mild mitral valve regurgitation, lvh and bradycardia. I have bouts of being breathless, dizzy and fatigued. I was fitted with a loop recorder 12 months ago which monitors how I'm doing and have check ups too. The cardiologist think I might need a pacemaker but need more information before making any decisions. All this has been going on for 3 years now and I've had trips to A &E with a heart rate of 30 the last one being in march this year. Unfortunately my cardiology appointment next wk has been cancelled so I'm waiting yet again for any news. Good luck and keep us all posted on your progress.

[Gerald777 in reply to Taz70]

Wow yes it's odd, I have no real symptoms but told I need surgery urgently... Poss end of this month now, will keep in touch.