Mitral Valve repair/replacement

[SN2153]

Hello, Im 54 years old and suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021 as a result of left ventricular tachycardia. Ive now been informed I have to have mitral valve repair/ replacement by open heart surgery. I am very concerned about pain and recovery time afterwards and any feedback/ responses woukd be helpful.

[Caramilk]

Hi. I am going into hospital on Thursday for mitral valve replacement as I've been told my valve cannot be repaired. I'm not sure on what the recovery will be like and can only go on what info I have been provided with. I've been told it's approx 7 days in hospital, the first 2 being in ICU. There is a good rehabilitation team who will get me moving around ASAP and a lot of people return to work within 2 months for non strenuous jobs. They've told me a lot of people manage on paracetamol as it's usually just the pain from the breastbone as it heals. I have lots more info but I would probably direct you to the BHF who have a very informative booklet titled Heart Surgery Changed My Life. This is something I've read several times. I can update you in a couple of weeks, after my surgery, if that helps at all!

[SN2153 in reply to Caramilk]

Hi, I do hope all goes well on Thursday with your mitral valve replacement surgery. You sound as if you've been fully informed about the operation and very clear on postoperative situation.Thank you for your very kind response when nobody responded to my message I felt disappointed. I really appreciate you taking time out to respond especially so close to your own surgery date. Knowledge does help me to feel less scared and especially from others going through same surgery.

I will be thinking of you on Thursday and trust all will be well. If you need any further support please let me know as I know heart surgery van be a scary process.

Thanks again for your kindness 😊

Good luck.

[Caramilk in reply to SN2153]

Thank you very much. I only joined this site last week as I was only given 8 days notice for the op so went into panic mode! I will say the BHF helpline is really good. They directed me to this site. I saw your message so thought I'd respond. I was looking for info to help me but then saw I could probably share my knowledge and experience with others. I've had dilated cardiomyopathy for 21 years and been stable on medication all that time but things are now starting to deteriorate and I'm lucky that surgery is now being carried out in a really good timescale. Take care yourself 😁😁

[Yumz199725]

Hi, sorry just saw your post!Have they told when you will need mitral valve replacement surgery? I have bicuspid aortic valve severe aortic regurgitation and moderate stenosis so I will eventually need this operation but don't know how long in the future yet I will be asking at my appointment in November x wish you all the best and sorry for late response!

[Caramilk in reply to Yumz199725]

Thank you. I go into hospital tomorrow and the op is on Friday. I've been well informed so know what to expect, rehabilitation etc. Good luck for your appointment in November and take care

[Yumz199725 in reply to Caramilk]

oh wow that's so soon, best to get it over and done with so wish you all the best and keep us updated when your up to it x

[SN2153 in reply to Yumz199725]

Hi, thank you for your reply and your kind words. Yes, they have told me I will need either repair or replacement valves but surgeon won't know what exactly until the operation and he has actual physical sight of the valves. We working towards a date in January. I'm worried out postop recovery etc.

You sound like your going through a lot too with your health. Did they say you might need repair or replacement valves?

[Caramilk]

Hi. Apologies for the late reply. I had a TOE before the op which showed the valve couldn't be repaired so I knew the valve was being replaced. I'm now 6 weeks post op and feeling really well. The op went as planned, no problems and I'm not on any pain meds. It's amazing how quickly they get you up and moving round after the op and I've now got to grips with the warfarin and managing this. All good for me really. I hope things go well at your appt in January. I have always found it useful to make a note of any questions and worries to avoid getting home and remembering something I forgot to ask! Take care

[SN2153 in reply to Caramilk]

Hi Caramilk, good to hear from you. I'm so pleased your op went as planned and you knew that the surgeon was replacing the valve. I'm glad your not experiencing pain. Sounds like your healing very well your experience is definitely making me feel a lot better about my upcoming valve repair/replacement surgery ( hopefully in January).

The surgeon suggested I have a TOE carried out too beforehand sounds like a horrible procedure although very necessary.

Good point about always having pen/paper to hand as I usually always have questions etc that come to.mind later.

Please do keep in touch as/when you can as would love to know how your doing.

I hope you've got good people taking care of you.

Love and healing.