MVR surgery - scars?

[Mark_tourguide]

Hello all,

am so grateful that this forum exists!

Am 59 and on waiting list for Mitral Valve surgery in West London. Apart from the standard fear/concern about the surgery itself I am thinking about recovery time and also the scarring? I realise every case is different but if anyone can share and offer thoughts I’d be very grateful.

Keep up the good work all - the site is very precious!

[Kazzyd1964]

Hi I am 58 years old and had a mitral valve replacement in Feb at Glenfield , I had the bovine valve due to having rheumatic fever at some point in my life and then had to have a pacemaker as I had a heart block. The surgery and recovery wasn't too bad the worst thing for me was the sickness from anaesthetic , pain relief was mainly paracetamol after 3-4 days . My scar has healed really well it looked aggressive at first but now is a thin line . I still haven't recovered my full strength yet but you cannot lift anything heavy for 6 month and have been very mindful of this . I can walk 4 miles easily and do 70 steps without getting out of breath . 🤞your surgery goes well .

[Mark_tourguide in reply to Kazzyd1964]

hi Kazzy

Am very grateful for the time you have taken to reply.

Very helpful!’

Thks and best wishes.