After 15 months of waiting for open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair/replacement I’ve just had the call and am going into hospital Sunday and having the operation on Monday!!
Not much time to panic so trying to stay upbeat calm and positive so if anybody has any words of wisdom or positivity I’d love to hear 😊
Have a great day x
Hello 
I had a triple Bypass but I think it is a good thing that you have just got a call and no time as such to panic as they are finally ready to do the op
So many of us have had open heart surgery and you will be fine you are in safe hands and they will really look after you
Others that have had this op will reply but wanted to wish you all the best and let us know how you get on x
Thank you for your kind words, I will certainly let you know how it goes when I get to the other side 😊 x
x
Ten years ago ( 61 at the time ) I had a mitral valve repair and triple bypass. The doctors a nurses were remarkable. Spent 11 nights in hospital returning to work some weeks later. I can honestly say that after 3 to 4 months I was back to normal and certainly after 6 months I felt great. Today I feel as though I never had the surgery and enjoy playing football with the grandchildren and walking 10 to 15 k steps a day.
You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Make the most of the rest!
I’ll be thinking of you.
Thank you so much that is amazing
I’ll keep those thoughts in my head
Thank you 😊
My husband had a mitral valve replaced 5 years ago due to an infection that destroyed it .the care he got was second to none from the wonderful surgeon to nursing staff ,I wish you all the very best and a speedy recovery, let us know how it goes xx
Thank you so much for your kind reply 😊
I just can’t imagine what next week and the coming months will be like at the moment.
I’ll certainly update once I’m able to xx
My husband was very very poorly when he had the op as an emergency ,he also has leukaemia, so a very scary time ,he was very weak after the op and had to stay in hospital for 3 weeks to have intravenous antibiotics for his infection, but once home he started to make a good recovery xxxxd
Oh wow quite a journey for you both , it’s incredible what they can do , very inspiring xx
N H.S were absolutely wonderful, you will be in good hands ,good luck xx
Thank you 🙏 xx
by far the worst bit is waiting to go. So you are at the max bad time now. When I walked through the hospital doors the fear melted away. The staff and medics are simply great. Nothing like the majority of NHs , they are wonderful.
It is a long op, but you won’t know a thing. Wake up a day or two later. Then a few months of recovery, getting better and better every day. Magic.
Very safe procedure.
So best wishes for Monday. A little bonus is you can watch England play Spain.
C.
Thank you so much for your reply , would be lovely for the fear to just melt away - very hard to imagine coming out the other side next week 😂
You will definitely come out the other side, could well be in a week. I was very wound up beforehand, but the nurse took a few moments and all was well. I now have fond memories of my time in hospital !
I was the same for my bypass less than a week to worryabout it really happening. Once I got to the hospital the nerves disappeared. There's been a few ups and downs in my recovery but improves every day . I recommend a eye mask for sleeping there are all sorts of lights in the wards blinking away I hope it goes well for you and a speedy recovery . You will be in good hands x
Thank you for your reassuring words much appreciated.
An eye mask recommendation is a good one thank you 😊 x
hi, I am 10 weeks now since my replacement valve and feel almost at 100% again. The teams performing these operations are incredible and although it seems like such a major event for us, it is routine for them. I can only echo what others have said: the waiting is the worst part and once you go into theatre the next thing you’ll know is coming round and all being well you’ll be walking the next day and out of hospital within a week. I am amazed at how the body heals and you’ll have a whole new perspective on life afterwards too. Wishing you all the very best and any questions just let me know!
Thank you for your reassuring message that certainly makes me feel so much better thank you 🙏
Good luck with your ongoing recovery and all the best going forward 😊x
Thank you also and look forward to hearing about your recovery in the coming weeks. Everything will be fine!
hello that’s great news you’ll be in amazing hands 😊 the surgeons are absolutely incredible. I’ve been through this surgery 4 times already getting the mitral valve replaced.
I hope everything goes really smoothly for you ❤️ you’ll be up and about in no time
Thank you so much for your kind reply 😊
I think you have done amazing !!
I have been recently diagnosed with a leaky mitral valve & am waiting to see the cardiologist. So don't yet know where this will take me in the future.
I wish you all the best for your op tomorrow & a speedy recovery xx
Thank you for your message
Its a huge shock to be diagnosed then told your having open heart surgery in 3 months , the reality has been a 15 month wait but as the surgeon said its a mechanical problem that will be fixed so you and I both will be fine I’m sure 😊xx
hello I have been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse at the moment i am just being monitored.All the best for your op
Thank you for your good wishes 😊
please let me know how things were for you,as like yourself it’s a bit worrying what to expect.It sounds from other replies all will be fine.
Feeling calm at the moment ( so busy here)
Pre med at 10am then on my way 😊
Will update once out of intensive care 😊
I use to be such an anxious person but Since my diagnosis I’ve trained my brain not to think too much , that really helps now 😂x
I hope your op went well and you recover quickly
I am not at the op stage yet with my mitral valve but totally understand your fear!! The good thing though is that your life is being put back on track. Wishing you all the best for your op and a swift recovery x
Thank you for your kind wishes 😊x
I had my mitral valve replaced with a mechanical one about 2 years ago due to an infection that destroyed it. That was the full fat open heart surgery too.
As others have said the worst bit is waiting but I’m so glad it’s over. Yes it’s painful at first but resilience carries you through.
Just pay attention to the recovery team, don’t overdo it and end up back in hospital with a split sternum or something.
Happy to answer any questions you may have, I had mine done at Nottingham City Hospital.
Thank you for your message , I agree that I need to take the recovery seriously and keep my eye on the long term future 😊
the anticipation is the worst part. Once they wheel you done you’re in the hands of truly brilliant and compassionate people who use their skill bravery and knowledge to make you well again. Just leave yourself in their hands and everything will be hunky dory. For these guys it’s a routine day. They’re totally prepared for every outcome and there’s nothing that can happen that they’ve not come across before. It’s scary for us as it’s our first time. Follow their instructions to the letter. I won’t say it’s an easy time but it’s not as bad as I expected. Do the coughing/breathing exercises every 60-90 minutes, this will clear the lungs. Do the walking, build up slowly but if you feel like skipping a session, DONT. A shower chair is a must, it’s exhausting showering the first month. After surgery sit in the back seat of the car. In case there’s a crash you don’t want an airbag in your chest. Use the pillow, it helps with coughing. See you on the other side champ. Mark 64, 3xCABG at +6 months. Feeling like a million dollars
Thank you for your uplifting message and all your helpful tips which will be really useful in the coming weeks I’m sure .
Great to hear that your feeling like a million dollars love that and something to aim for 😊
Open heart surgery has come on leaps and bounds over the past few decades and is now, although still a major operation, is a routine operation. Good luck, although you won't need it. Look forward to hearing about your recovery.
Hello 👋 It's 12 months tomorrow since i had my heart bypass operation due to a heart attack. I only had a 11 day wait in hospital, but to me, that was worse than the op. Did a 9.5 mile walk during the week & felt great. I wish you all the best for your op & look forward to seeing your recovery x
Thank you for your kind wishes, I’ll look forward to updating everybody once I’m home again 😊
Hi. I'm roughly 16 weeks now since mitral valve repair at wythenshawe.
Honestly do the rehab and everything they tell you and you'll be fine, i ended up in I.C.U for 5 days afterwards due to a punctured lung and i was back doing my gardening job after 12 weeks.
Try not to worry, be in safe hands.
Thank you for your words of encouragement
It’s great to hear your doing so well 😊
Definitely planning on the rehab and getting fitness levels back as soon as possible 😊
A very similar thing happened to me too last year. I was told a few months wait, then got the phone call to say they wanted me in on the Sunday, op on the Monday. 😳 it was a bit of a mad panic, organising care for my elderly Mum, and explaining to work “ remember I said it would be about 3-4 months….. it’s a bit sooner 😬”
All I can say is , yes I was terrified, didn’t sleep much the night before! But all the team at Southampton Hospital, everyone, at all levels, were 100% amazing.
The surgeon managed to repair, rather than replace, I was home by Saturday! I’m back at work full time, and feeling so grateful, this was 1 year ago. Accept any help and support you can get when you’re home 😊 although I returned to work after 3 months, it really does take 1 year to fully feel yourself.
Sending positive vibes ! I’m very proud of my , now nearly invisible scar, and feel lucky to have had such fantastic care ❤️🩹
Thank you so much for your message , words of encouragement and positive vibes
Such a similar story except I was told a few months and with one thing and another being 15 months.
I too was booked into Southampton but just been told I’m now going to the spire hospital just down the road with the same surgeon tomorrow.
I know every one says 3 months recovery but I think a year is more realistic.
It’s very hard to imagine getting to the other side of this next week - I’m doing a great impression of an ostrich with its head in the sand 😂
Thank you again for your message x
the surgeon did mention to me about the Spire, that it may be there, but in the end I was in the main hospital. Yes I was that ostrich too! 😂 but they support you so well. Also the care when I got home was fantastic. The cardiac nurse in Dorchester contacted me straightaway, and I started the re- hab after about 8 weeks ( I think 🤔) once a week, gentle ecercises( but they push you when they think you’re ready!😊) health checks and really interesting talks.
Let us know how it all goes, you’ll be fine 😊💛
Thank you so much so reassuring , I’m enjoying a peaceful cup of tea in the garden before the packing starts and I’m on my way 😊
I will certainly let you know how it goes
Have a lovely day x
that’s exactly what I did 😊x
Good morning, I'm waiting for much the same and amount of time so understand a bit how it's been waiting . so hope it all goes well for you regards.
Thank you so much , waiting for so long turns life upside down in regards to life, jobs , driving amongst others , we adapt but of course life changes so much - cannot imagine getting to the other side next week and building up to some normality. I hope you get your surgery soon 😊
Ahh, tons of good luck and good wishes. I heard yesterday that I'm going through to the scheduling team next week for MV repair and ablation, and will hear the date soon. So I shall think of you, you're a little bit ahead of me. What wonderful and encouraging replies from everyone here. I do feel what you're feeling right now, because I'm feeling the same 😉. Soon we'll be through it. These Dr's and nurses are Earth Angels.
They're skilled pilots. Trust, the same way you do when getting on a plane. They know how to help us arrive safely at our destination. Wishing you every Blessing 🙌
Thank you so much for your message ,I’m amazed at how many wonderful and encouraging replies are on here which I’m truly thankful for 🙏
I cannot imagine getting to the other side of this but it will feel wonderful to come round from the anaesthetic I’m sure 😂
I very much hope you get a date for surgery soon
Thank you once again x
Ah thank you. We will all be looking forward to hearing your exciting news that it's all behind you very soon! Won't it be lovely to be in a whole new chapter, and no longer on a lengthy waiting list!! X
Oh to not be on that waiting list waiting and waiting, it felt like life was permanently on hold , can’t wait for the next chapter and look forward to updating you on the other side 😊x
It's not nice to think that others are also experiencing that difficult place to be but it's very much less isolating! It's awful isn't it?? And so hard on the rest of the family too. Hard on the amazing and committed staff, but it's a huge ask for patients to endure it. I find the long, often uncommunicative wait as hard, if not harder to manage, than the problem itself. I expect this is so for literally millions of people. I hope it gets addressed successfully.Which part of the country are you in? I'm in South Bucks. X
So many people waiting is very sad and difficult I agree .
Not so far in West Berkshire 😊 x
I had the same 6 weeks ago.
Open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair/replacement, when I came to they told me they’d managed to repair.
All the staff, surgeon, doctors, nurses etc were fantastic, I was blown away by how caring and professional they were.
Tip would be to listen to them when they suggest moving around, eating etc. as that does help, but also, be honest with them about any pains so that they can help, don’t worry about bothering them.
I’m sure you’ll be in great hands. Good luck and best wishes
Thank you so much for your kind message
I shall certainly do everything that is recommended, anything that helps recovery is good 😊
I hope your feeling well and continue to improve in your recovery going forward .
I had mitral valve surgery just over two years ago. My life has changed for the better. Recovery does nit take too long either. I am feeling very well now. I don’t get tired doing exercise and many activities .
You will be fine. Surgeons are exceptionally good at their jobs. Relax and imagine the good days ahead.
Thank you so much for your message and I’m so pleased to hear your doing so well 😊
I’m trying to keep a positive mindset before tomorrow and look forward to the good days ahead as you say 😊
Hiya, I’m a year post O.H.S for a mitral valve replacement. The run up to the op is such an anxious time for both you and your family. I really couldn’t see past the surgery. My goal was to wake up. I really hadn’t given a lot of thought to the recovery and how challenging that may be. It’s a bit like being pregnant and not being able to see past giving birth!
Unfortunately, I had to spend a few days in I.C.U, due to my B.P being so low and a few other complications, so was in hospital 2 wks in total. The first few days were tough, but once back on the ward - when family are then allowed to visit and can help support you - it was onwards and upwards.
I wld suggest you invest in a V pillow to take with you, as you will be sleeping upright for the foreseeable and they do help support you. I also purchased a baby’s cot pillow to go under my seatbelt in the car. It’s the perfect size to sit from your lap to the top of your scar. Noise cancelling headphones were also great, as the constant beeping (yours and everyone else’s - does get on your nerves after a while!) Also, take a pic of your family to have with you in I.C.U. to boost you, if feeling low. My hospital wouldn’t allow phones on the unit and I wish I’d thought to do this. My Husband was able to get through a couple of times on the landline, so I was able to speak to him that way.
One of the things the hospital insist you do, is to drink electrolytes (magnesium and potassium) both before and after the surgery, to help support the heart. The Nursing staff (who clearly have never had the misfortune to be prescribed them) - make them up in 1/2 pint cups. As anyone here can attest, they are truly grim - so ask for them to have as little water added as possible and have a nice drink ready to chase them down with after!
We’ll all be thinking of you on Monday. Just remember that this is the Surgeons’ day job. It’s what they do. They are specialists in their field and at the top of their game. Whilst monumental to you, this op is routine for them. Wishing you the speediest of recoveries and we look forward to hearing from you, once you’re feeling up to it. ❤️🩹
Thank you so much for your lovely message, I’m a positive person too but I can’t see past the surgery and my goal is to just wake up 😂
Thank you for all the really helpful tips and for being pre warned about the drink 😊
Thank you for all your reassurance and look forward to updating you x
Hi,
I was in the same position last September. Had a few days notice, once I arrived in the hospital with all the last minute tests and meeting the surgeon etc it was bedtime,
I was lucky and taken to surgery at 9am so no waiting around. But I’m odd l, I face stuff with humour and laughter, my surgeon told me his team found my laughter and humour while getting me ready refreshing and once back on the ward and awake it carried on, I named my chest drain bottle Bob, felt he need one as he was coming everywhere with me, don’t be afraid to ask for anything including pain killers. You have to remember they do this everyday. Take things at your own pace. I had surgery on a Thursday and was home on the Monday, just remember once home your going to need help with everything for the first week or two, couldn’t even pick up the kettle, take things slow, do the daily walking and your be feeling better quicker than you know.
But remember full recovery is going to take time but you will feel better, oh and depending on the valve if it’s mechanical you may find you get a new experience of every so often of hearing it ticking, takes a while to get used to it but 8 months out I quite like it when it happens as I know it means it’s working.
Good luck, hope it all goes well ❤️❤️
Thank you so much for your message
I agree humour goes a long way and it takes more effort to be miserable than happy so trying to stay upbeat 😊
Have a great day x
Grest news- I’m sure it’ll go well - all the best and do let us know how it goes on this thread 👍🏻
Thank you and I will certainly update everyone 😊
Hello. I had LAD bypass and mitral valve re-placement 22 years ago. After the worry of the unknown, I was strangely calm when wheeled to the operating theatre. I woke up in intensive care pain free but aware of numerous "lines" going in and out of my body. I was very thirsty, which is normal, and was given water. I left the ICU 36 hours later with a fully functioning mechanical mitral valve. Leaving hospital nine days after surgery, with a much reduced appetite (it soon comes back), I started rebuilding my health, body and life! Tips include, a "cough" cushion, a good upright sleeping pillow, don't use stair hand rails but get help up and down stairs. Do not rush the recovery as you will only suffer setbacks and try and relax and accept the situation. When you get the all clear you can start living, and you will feel better but give it a few months. If you have a mechanical valve and can afford it, buy a CoaguChek machine as it will help greatly to monitor your INR (you will soon learn about all this). Warfarin use is NOT a great problem once you understand how it all works and has minimal impact on your life! You will have periods of sadness and emotional fragility for no apparent reason. This is normal, even after many months.
Your attitude plays a big part in your recovery but please, grasp the positivity and embrace your new found optimism and outlook. If you have any specific questions just ask or PM me and I will answer as straight as I can. Which only leaves me to wish you all the very best!!!!
Thank you so much for your message , kindness , such useful information and tips so appreciated.
Almost time to start packing but I look forward to updating everyone afterwards 😊
Hello Bluedolphin123,
I waited 18 months for open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve and had it on 29th April - the surgeon also repaired a slight leak in my tricuspid valve. I spent a day and a half in ICU and 4 days in a recovery ward before going home.
My recovery so far has been good and I am now on a cardiac rehabilitation programme - I actually feel a lot better than I thought I would. I’m 64 and have always been fit and active, so I’m sure this helped. I’ve had very little pain from the sternotomy, which has healed well. However, I did suffer from some pain and weakness in my left shoulder and arm and my left hand grip is still a bit weak.
So, trust the experts and do as you are told as you recover. Best wishes with your surgery and subsequent recovery.
Thank you so much for your message and it’s great to hear your doing so well 😊
I’m an active outdoor person so looking forward to the cardiac rehabilitation programme and regaining fitness levels .
Thank you for your good wishes 😊
No words of wisdom, just wanted to send lots of positive wishes for a speedy recovery, take care and be kind to yourself while you heal x
Thank you so much for your positive wishes, very much appreciated 🙏x
I had a similar 15 month wait, now three days post surgery, even though I feel I have been ‘hit by a truck’ I already feel more confident about all of this condition. I reckon your job is to do as you are advised, follow hygiene routine and get there on time. Pain management and post care is amazing - good luck, hear from you on the other side of the Op x 😊
So lovely to hear from you especially 3 days post op, that is very impressive and I wish you a speedy recovery and hopefully back home very soon 😊
Look forward to messaging from the other side 😊x
Go for it! Won’t be long, first day is rather odd, don’t expect too much, take it steady, chat soon.
Thank you x
The Surgeons and Staff are brilliant and doing this sort of thing all the time. Don't worry as you will soon be home.
Thank you for your kind message 😊
Hi,
I had a Mitral Valve replaced in May 2018 and like the other folk who've replied, it feels as if I've never had the op and I lead a normal life, including going to a gym to do core exercises etc. I was in Glenfield Hospital in Leicester for I think 7 days in Intensive Care (as is normal for such an op) and the staff couldn't have been better.
Good luck to you for your op, I hope all goes well for you and that you'll soon be living a normal life again.
Thank you for your uplifting message that was great to read thank you 😊
so pleased for you consultant has told me I will probably need repair soon . Let us know how you get on . All the very best
Good luck Leila
Thank you I will do 😊
Wishing you all the best for tomorrow x 🥰. I'm still waiting for my aortic valve to be replaced will be a while before I need the surgery which is good. Keep us updated on your recovery and how your surgery went 😉x
Thank you for your message 😊
I’m at the hospital now so just got to stay calm and not get cabin fever 😂
Will update once I’m on the other side x
Aww ok hope everything goes well x try and get some sleep I know it won't be easy in hospital those beds soooo uncomfortable.
Thank you 🙏
Hope to sleep well then to crack on with it tomorrow 😂
First of all Best of luck with your surgery! I had my pulmonary valve replaced in 2014. I would advise one of those L shaped maternity pillows (and plenty of normal pillows) to help prop up comfortably when home. X
Thank you for your message and good wishes 😊x
Hi, really hope all goes smoothly and quickly. I was in your situation 8 weeks ago. They managed to repair my valve (which was unexpected) and now I'm feeling absolutely great. I'm swimming, running, walking daily and my bp is 120/80 without any medication. Think positively, sometimes things turn out really well, worrying is a waste of previous energy😉
Oh wow that’s amazing thank you , I like to walk, swim and be active so that’s really encouraging 😊xx
Best wishes for tomorrow. My husband had his mitral and tricuspid valves repaired 3 years ago and has been a changed man since surgery. Directly after the op was hard as he didn’t sleep well, I got him a pillow wedge, which helped in bed and when sitting down. He took things as he was instructed and increased his walking bit by bit, which was tiring initially but it was all worth it. He really had got to the stage prior to the operation of barely being able to walk without getting out of breath and exhausted, last week we had a holiday with a lot of walking up and down steep hills too and he was slow (but he is 73! 😂) but no problem at all.
I’d just say follow what you’ve been told to do and not do, be patient time wise and don’t be afraid to ask for help or questions if you need support.
Thank you so much for your positive message 😊x
Well it wasn't mitral valve but both of my parents had to have aortic valve replacements by open heart surgery and came through it fine including mom who also had mild emphysema at the time. Dad lived over 20 years beyond his and likely still would be around but he became bullheaded and refused to take the diuretic he was prescribed anymore so died of pulmonary edema. The heart valve was still working.
Mom is still around some 30 years after hers but has severe emphysema around and on oxygen 24/7 now. I just had the aortic valve replacement by TAVR in January and doing great. I am sure you will come through just fine. Mom took some time to heal after hers but dad was up and out of the hospital 4 days later and feeling a lot better though still in some discomfort from the zipper he had down the center of his chest. Not real bad but was uncomfortable for a couple of weeks after.
Yeah they have to give you a list of possible complications but they aren't common with all the advances in medicine so don't worry. You will be fine.
I had a mitral valve repair operation in September. No problem op was fine.But had a racing heart a week after, apparently it happens in some people but very scary at the time. Recovering well now, but I don't like the meds I'm on as they have side effects.
Aortic & Mitral valve surgery
Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery
So I'm having Mitral Valve surgery...
Mitral valve replacement 
Warfarin after mitral valve repair surgery
