Life after OHS for Mitral valve

[Bluedolphin123]

Hello everybody

This seem an almost trivial post in the grand scheme of things, I had my OHS in July 24 and to be fair have recovered reasonably well as long as I don’t get over tired , stay hydrated and pace things.

What I’ve noticed is I have been poorly every month since the operation, cystitis, E. coli , nausea upset stomachs coughs and colds , today my glands are up in my neck and my throat is sore .

I seem to be constantly having to cancel plans , has anybody else experienced this in their recovery journey?

Thank you for reading.

[Happyrosie]

I could be completely wrong, but the cyclical nature of your medical problems make me think of giardiasis. This is an infection you can pick up anywhere, like from public toilet door handles or less than perfect drinking water.

Speak to a medical professional for advice.

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you, I would never have thought of something like that .

[Ageingfast]

using the benefit of hindsight, I reckon none of my symptoms are resulting from the heart op.

Initially,It was far too easy to reckon all my illnesses were heart related, but now I grasp that is not the case.

The heart op was a total success. I have so much gratitude for the surgeons and medics that gave me my life back.

Hope your run of bad health will soon be over

Sooty

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for replying Sooty 😊

That is a valid point as without all these inconvenient coughs and colds etc the actual heart operation had a much better recovery than I ever imagined possible .

Good luck on your journey 😊

[PadThaiNoodles]

Could just be a run of bad luck. I don't think my immune system is any less effective, though I don't have much time on the clock yet (my OHS was only 6 months ago).

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

Thank you for your reply, perhaps things will improve with the spring weather 😊

[andy110519]

I think I barely had a cold for the first year after my op, I had a pretty good recovery from what I've read of others.I'm now nearly 6 years on generally no more than a couple of colds in a year.

Hope things improve for you and take care.

Andy

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to andy110519]

Thank you , sounds like I need to re start the vitamins 😊

[Redfloyd]

Hi Bluedolphin, I thought it was only me. I've had bug after virus after bug as well as a torn tendon in my knee for 3 months ( not because of my op but it still affected my recovery) I left hospital Oct 8th, probably going into a dull cold wet winter wasn't helpful either but it really did feel like 1 step forward 2 steps backwards. I started taking an immune boosting daily drink and my Dr has put me on iron tablets for 3 months. The recent dry sunny weather has certainly helped me feel better. I find getting going in the morning a struggle, I've always been a morning person, postman for 36 years, but I'm not worth much before 10. If I do have to go early for an appointment or something I'm no good in the afternoon. They all told me after 6 months I would feel better than I had done for a long time, I'm not feeling it yet. It is very unlikely that I will be returning to work as a postman, I couldn't physically do it at the moment and I've started the process to be "let go". Hoping to find a couple of parts time jobs locally.

Wishing you well with your continuing recovery

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Redfloyd]

Thank you, that’s exactly it!

I don’t attempt to start my day before 10am and then I have to pace it .

I’ve not gone back to work either as I can’t imagine doing the fast paced work of retail again , couldn’t even guarantee I’d be reliable for a 4 hour shift but if any body see’s me they can’t believe I’ve had the surgery and say I look so well so I’m just faking it until I make it 😂

Hope you managed to get onto a cardiac rehabilitation course , that really does increase ability and confidence and there are cardiac nurses there asking how you are every week.

I have kept up my non negotiable walk every day and rejoined the gym for swimming again so guess now it’s some immune boosting drinks for me 😊

Good luck going forward

[Redfloyd in reply to Bluedolphin123]

I did do a cardio rehab course. Mine was 40 miles and just under an hour's drive each way for basically an hour's exercise class. Once I had damaged my knee I couldn't do the exercises as the all involved leg work. I think I completed 5 out of the 8. Don't know if I'm allowed to say on here but I take Berocca Immuno tablets, I think they help.

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Redfloyd]

My course was a good 40 minutes away so I do understand that but at least you managed some of them which has probably helped .

Thank you I’ll give them a go 😊

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Redfloyd]

Hope you are feeling better

Just an add on note that I finally went to my GP after feeling awful for two weeks and was basically told that after my surgery that I will have a very low threshold for catching germs/virus etc and that could last a year or more whilst the body is still healing so recovery isn’t as quick or as straight forward as I thought .

[Redfloyd in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Hi Bluedolphin123, how nice of you to keep me updated and sorry you're not feeling so well. I'm ok, sort of. I went to A&E last Sunday, I was getting pains in my shoulder and lower chest and as you probably know the more you think about it the worst they are. Anyway, Drs said heart was fine and is was possibly shingles and wait for a rash. Well, no rash and pains are pretty much gone so a mystery. Also since we last spoke I've had a phone call from occupational health, was told I meet the criteria for "leaving the business due to ill health" so tomorrow will be last day employed by Royal Mail. It's all happened very quickly and I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all but I'm really pleased, I get a lump, I won't feel under any pressure to get back to work and if something part time pops up then happy days but in the meantime I get to enjoy this fabulous weather, at least here in the West Country anyway.So you said you felt awful, is that another bug or heart related. I do seem to have been bug free for a while although I do need a quiet day after 2 or 3 busy days. I'm not very good at pacing myself. Hopefully when I get used to being sort of retired it might be better. Hope you feel better soon

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Redfloyd]

hello

A&E is just the worst but of course sometimes there is no other option but glad to hear all is well now 😊

I’ve just got a flu bug but when I do get something I feel it has a knock on effect on my heart and the doctor said I just need to come to the surgery sooner as normal things can escalate so need to be sensible I guess.

I suppose I thought by now I’d be back to how I was walking, swimming being as busy as ever getting back to normal but will have to be a bit more patient.

That’s quite exciting about your job and with your hobbies and living in the West Country this really could be a new start and of course if you see a little part time job that you fancy later the option is there.

My husband has a look of panic every time I mention him retiring , not all men can adjust but sounds like you will be fine so make the most of every day.

I left my job at M&S which did take the pressure off but didn’t go through occupational health as it would have closed the door on my position going forward so I now can go back anytime but realistically it’s unlikely and unfortunately no nice pay off.

Congratulations on tomorrow, see it as a fabulous opportunity going forward , the surgeons last word to me was go out and live your life so that’s what we’ve got to do

Good luck!

[Gardenfox]

I had OHS and a new Mitral valve 10 years ago. No problems at all. See a doctor.

Gardenfox.