mitral valve repair - 1 week on

[Lopas]

hello all I posted an introduction about three months ago, including the fact that I need a mitral valve repair. It’s been done. Operation date was 14 January

I got home yesterday evening and all so far is good. As well as the valve repair the surgeon also clipped closed the left atrial appendage occlusion as this reduces future stroke risk. To be able to do the latter he needed to divide the sternum so the operation has taken a little more physical toll than I was expecting. By day 2 I was feeling that I had been run over by a truck, but things are getting better, just feels like being run over by a small family car!!

Feeling (reasonably) good, certainly good in mind … Happy to get specific if people have particular questions that I might assist with.

[Traveldreams]

congratulations and welcome back xx

[Paul7777]

Wow I've had a mitral valve repair on the same date at NHS Sussex. Minimal invasive. It was a complex repair so took longer but seems to have gone well. What an experience hey... feel humble and greatful for this treatment only 44 next month with young family. Getting home yesterday was a nice moment. Hope your recovery goes well. I think the first two week we really have to take it easy.

[MPort]

Hi Lopas great to hear. Particularly since I am due mitrial valve repair on 29th. The idea of the op scares me. Any tips?

[Lopas in reply to MPort]

tips - the staff have seen 00s of us, everything has a purpose so follow the guides and booklets. Remember that no matter how upbeat you feel you will be far from your best, so set low goals and don’t be obsessed with beating time lines and so on. Warn family that your capacity “to do stuff” is close to zero at the start!

What mine did, and I hadn’t thought about, was surround me with what we now call social distancing for about 10 days before the operation; after all this preparation you don’t be catching flu at the last minute….

[MPort in reply to Lopas]

Very helpful reply. I am trying social distancing before 29 but I go to London today and Thursday for tests but keeping family especially gra.dchildren I take your point too about energy afterwards. Thanks

[DodgyTickerMum]

Bless You! Glad to hear you’re through the other side and are now starting (the sometimes long!) road to recovery - both physically and emotionally. I too, can recall waking in I.C.U - still intubed feeling like I had a pallet of bricks sitting on my chest. I hadn’t really thought past having the op and waking up - that was my goal. I’d foolishly kind of flossed over the recovery bit! Anyway, 18 months down the line here I am, very grateful that I had the surgery when I did and quietly getting on with life.

My Cardiac Rehab Nurse always used to say “Be kind to yourself…” So take it steady and if you’re offered Rehab classes first in the hospital and then out in the community, I would definitely attend if you can.

Take care and wishing you all the best for your ongoing recovery. ❤️‍🩹

[Roubaix1001]

It gets easier Lopas.

[Lopas in reply to Roubaix1001]

Thanks------ to fuel the conversation the cardio-rehab team rang a couple of days ago and my first assessment session will be at just after the 7 week point in hospital followed followed by eight weekly sessions in the community.

As i approach 4 weeks post-op still finding nighttime "tedious" as i am naturally a side sleeper and i'm still propping/forcing myself on my back...... At best 4 to 5 hours per night.

[Roubaix1001 in reply to Lopas]

Yes i didnt like nighttime either, had to have a light on to start, i had night sweats too. How are you finding walking around ? I really enjoyed rehab, in fact when i go back for appointments i pop in to say hi.

[Lopas]

My daily "constitutional" is now for about 20 to 22 minutes a day

[Amy2025]

Hi I'm 61 I had the operation 3 weeks ago Friday still feeling unwell and had a trip to A&E...

[Lopas in reply to Amy2025]

Sorry to hear that - this may not apply in your case but my hopsital invited me to ring the cardiac ward with any follow-up/concerns/problems. Presumably they could then help you navigate the system to get some appropriate help?

[Amy2025]

Hi they did give me a card but knowing what the night shift was didn't think to do this. So spend 6 hours in A&E..