Post Mitral Valve Repair

[Gillph]

Well it's happened and I now seem to have a tiny bit of colour in my cheeks.

Keyhole surgery took place on 8th July, all very successful, all very scary, and 4 days in, was I depressed! No idea why but spoke to a nurse immediately who pointed out what serious surgery it had been and could I please give my body a little more time to recover. I got back home on 14th July, immensely relieved, only to have to return via A & E with suspected heart attack. Didn't do a lot for my scary, depressed (again) state, but it turned out to be a spat of atrial fibrillation which was causing considerable pain. Probably/possibly caused by heart settling down after surgery - not unknown. Back home again on 17th July, much happier and really quite steady. The depression took me completely by surprise as I view this operation as a second chance at life as it is meant to be lived. Final stitches removed yesterday and I have had 4 holes the size of my little finger nail and a 3" incision for all the stuff to go in. The annular ring was inserted through my groin. As you know I can panic at very little but I am so utterly delighted to have got this small ordeal behind me. The medical staff are fantastic, they know what they're doing and they look after you. A big thank you to each and every one of you who helped me considerably along this journey, yet to be completed I know but at least I'm facing the right direction!

[DodgyTickerMum]

So pleased to hear you’re at home, on the mend and making a steady recovery. My lowest point post O.H.S last year was day 5. The staff are obviously well trained to look out for this. They altered all my pain meds that day, I then stopped feeling so nauseous all the time, managed to eat a little, (had issues with a trapped nerve in my tongue following being on bypass - which made eating / swallowing very difficult), this then helped raise my very low B.P and I started to feel a little better.

The recovery journey post heart surgery is definitely a marathon and not a sprint, but you will return to your new normal in the weeks ahead. Take care. ❤️‍🩹

[Gardenview10]

Scary, but sounds a great outcome at the end. When we went through all Ralph's meds one was for depression, given because they asked him after 16 weeks in hospital and he said well fed up he couldn't go home! Spoke to GP couple of weeks ago and he said half dose for a week then stop, which he has done. Said apparently depression is common after these operations so don't worry too much. I'm sure as you settle down and relax more your mood will lift. Try to do one thing a day that makes you feel good. Read a book, favourite TV show, sit in the garden etc.You've got this, gentle hugs x

[Avagra in reply to Gardenview10]

Hope alls well with you and Ralph xx

[Traveldreams]

Hi, you’re the first person with a mitral valve repair done this way to have posted since I began my journey. I had the traditional repair and it is interesting to read that this has not been anymore straightforward done this way. I’m glad that you are home again now. It’s such a major op and I think our bodies go up and down for months afterwards that it’s not surprising to hear about people’s emotions being shaky. Take care x

[Gillph in reply to Traveldreams]

Thank you - I think I made the mistake of smaller surgery being smaller problem. That’s wrong, the access is smaller but what happens inside is probably the same as traditional. I will take care - the medics have done their best so the least I can do is my best at resting etc. Time will soon pass

[WoodlandLover]

This is indeed very good to know you are now recovering, including after the set backs you experienced, and thank you for sharing your feelings so honestly. It's very helpful and encouraging. I'm waiting for mitral valve repair via keyhole too, and ablation. After 10 months I'm finally on the scheduling list. I don't know how long that will be but I have to guard against apprehension and occasional depression not getting the better of me, even in this stage, although mostly I manage to stay positive. Wishing you very well in your ongoing recovery and may you very soon enjoy much better health in your new lease of life! X

[Gillph in reply to WoodlandLover]

I was advised to memorise a poem and to get myself some skin toner rather than cream. The latter is unbelievably refreshing (Garnier £3) and the first did help with my spirits quite a bit. Take all the time you need to rest, you will fly again once the storm has passed.

[WoodlandLover]

Ahh bless your heart ❤️ Thank you for that lovely encouragement! I hope you're giving yourself regular "well done treats" as you continue into your newly developing health and strength! X