Mitral valve surgery

[Artbru2]

I am waiting for an open heart operation next week to repair my mitral valve and would like to hear from others how their recovery has been from this operation and any useful tips for recovery. Thank you.

[Daffodilia]

My husband had aortic valve replacement in August. He is much better now. Tablets being increased to reduce blood pressure. Take your time as recovery takes longer than they say (he is 71) Accept all offers of help from cardio nurse and rehab etc. Good Luck

[bikebabe]

I had open heart for valve surgery plus a few other repairs almost a year ago. I found a wedge pillow with several pillows around it helped me sleep better and bought a handrail for my bedside to help get up more easily. I used docusate laxatives much longer than expected but very helpful. I was walking a mile quite quickly afterwards and had lots of distractions to help refocus my attention to allow body to heal itself. Gentle walking is good The cardiac rehab was confidence boosting - great physios - to help get in a routine. There’s always a few glitches - different for everyone- but most are temporary. Just shout out if you need more help.

[Artbru2 in reply to bikebabe]

Hi bikebabe

Good tip you have suggested about trying the wedge pillow as it is difficult to find a comfortable position sleeping on your back especially using just pillows.

Friends bought me jigsaw puzzles and audio books for Christmas and they are in my after Op activity bag. I enjoy walking and will be keen to get back to that afterwards.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[Roubaix1001]

Hi, i had mitral valve surgery Nov 23 although it was keyhole and also had to repair cordae. Im fit and healthy back to badminton and cycling after about 6 months and now im riding 40 mile events.

Dont be worried about after the op the post op care is really good, go to every rehab course, make friends that have been through the same as you.

I felt very tired straight after the op but once out of hospital (about 4 days )get walking as soon as you can but dont over do it.

If you want to chat i can give you my number.

All the best of luck

James

[Artbru2 in reply to Roubaix1001]

Hello James

Thank you for your advice it is really good to hear about the good care you received and that you are back to exercising as before now. All very encouraging and positive.

I definitely intend to do the cardiac rehab classes as you recommend.

Thank you for your reply.

all best wishes

Pam

[Roubaix1001 in reply to Artbru2]

Hi Pam, Great to see you have lots of replies, inside tip for food in the hospital. You can ask for toast for breakfast i didnt realise until later as was in a room on my own. Also the dinner is not great lol definately get family to bring in dinners.

Oh and take a book or magazines and perhaps some headphones for times when you want to drown out the strange beeps that all hospitals have.

I wish you all the best and you will be one of the club.

I am still in touch with a couple of guys, one from the ward and one from the rehab class. So the feel of togetherness will be there.

Good luck.

[Artbru2 in reply to Roubaix1001]

Hi James

Thank you for all your info.

Good to know and helpful.

Thats true I’ll be joining a new club.

All best wishes

P

[Lopas]

I had a mitral Valve repair (not Keyhole!) on 14 January. He also closed off the left Atrial Occlusion. All has been pretty textbook - left hospital on Day 5. Wound now almost completely scab-less (but itchy). Sleep slightly intermittent and day time nap almost mandatory - but all is going well.

Checked in with GP 3 days ago, medication continuing at minimum dosage so far and BP "normal" (122/78). Short daily walk at 10-12 minutes and all just as predicted basically.😀

[Artbru2 in reply to Lopas]

Hi Lopas

Good to hear you are doing well.

Any advice about the itchy completely scab-less wound?

Good a day time nap will work for me.

Can I ask do you see the GP in person or is check in by phone?

All best wishes

[Lopas in reply to Artbru2]

After showering and the advised “dabbing” to dry, I’ve been gently rubbing E-45 cream on the wound/scar….. my hospital discharge letter include a note to the GP to maintain overview on the medication …..so I rang the surgery on 3 rd day at home and saw GP 4 days later Slightly surprisingly an almost seamless process!

In the last couple of hours have received appointment from hospital to go in for echocardiogram at the 6 week point.

[Artbru2 in reply to Lopas]

Thank you for E45 cream advice and how encouraging to hear your GP process was smooth and further hospital appointments.

All best wishes for your recovery and thank you.

[Paul7777]

Hello, I had mitral valve repair ( minimal invasive ) two weeks last Wednesday. I had a complicated repair so surgery took longer than a normal repair. First thing I'd say is your in safe hands and not to worry.

Overall I had a good experience in hospital staff where nice and attentive and any pain was managed very well. I feel like the first few days of after the op where a bit blurred but I felt happy enough and pretty relaxed. My brother has had the same op and he had a similar experience. I think the worst day is day three or four after the op and the hard drugs leave your system then your body start to feel the impact of the surgery abit more. Dont worry though it doesn't last and you get over it. Just be kind to yourself and speak to the nursing team if you need abit more help with any pain. Make sure you bring an easy read book or activitys to do as time can pass slowly and you will want a distraction ( remember nothing too complicated as you won't be at your intellectual best!) Get friends and family to bring in some fruit banana / orange and easy eat snacks. One tip that really helped me was cough sweets. My throat was dry after surgery and if you have a bit of cough it can irritate your already sore chest. Sucking on a cough sweet when your out of ICU before bed or every now and then can really help. Wet wipes are a nice freshener too while you are less mobile. I also found it nice to talk to some fellow patients in my ward to pass the time.

You will be absolutely fine and very greatful you got it done. In a week or so you will be home on the road to recovery like me. God bless Paul

[Artbru2 in reply to Paul7777]

Hi Paul7777

Lots of good advice there. I am definitely asking family to bring food and the cough sweets are a great idea as are the wet wipes.

All good to be aware of thank you for your reply

All best wishes

P

[77andcounting]

Agree with the other replies. My open heart op was 12 years ago: recovery was interrupted by an infection in the wound but I eventually got out and about. Fresh air and gentle exercise is great 'medication'.

[Artbru2 in reply to 77andcounting]

Great to hear your Op was 12 years ago though sorry to hear you had an infection to overcome after it.

[Summertim]

Just to say I had mitral vale repair20 years ago, I am so pleased I had

it done, first few weeks were challenging , then felt much better.

Cardiac rehab helped a great deal, hope it is still available?

I went back to work, parttime after 3 months, Still going strong

Good Luck Chris

[Artbru2 in reply to Summertim]

Hi Chris

This is great news to hear and yes cardiac rehab is still available.

Thank you.

All best wishes

P

[LAF22]

Hi, had OHS on 2 Nov 24. Things to take with you: ear plugs and eye mask, ICU is noisy and lights on all the time. Water bottle (water from plastic jugs taste of plastic) food (hospital food is soooooo bad) I ended up staying in ICU for longer than planned, if that happens ask them to move you to a bed without an air mattress (air mattress ok when you aren't moving so much) ICU is very cold at night, take warm PJs. face cream/lip balm (everything seems to dry out) Good luck with your surgery

[Az37]

Hi I had mitral valve replacement open heart surgery in 2021 you just got to take it easy and listen to your body , and except support from others everybody recovers differently

[NotanAstronaut]

Hi, I'm 57 I had aortic valve surgery last year and within a year I was fine. Don't hesitate to take painkillers in the first 2-3 weeks, especially overnight - you'll feel a lot better for a good night's sleep.

I was up and about 5 days after surgery and discharged at 6 days I think. I can now do DIY, gardening, cycle, ski and run a few km. The wound is a bit sore still after a lot of physical work but it lessens. A friend who had his done 3y ago gets no grief from his wound at all. I'm on warfarin and though it took a while to establish the right dose for me it's pretty stable now with checks every couple of months.

I got myself a second hand recliner chair and that was great post operatively for watching tv and snoozing in. I sold it again after a few months. For the first couple of weeks a V shaped 'feeding' pillow was good too as lying down and turning over is uncomfortable to start with. It gradually eases though. Separate beds is probably better if possible/needed.

I would encourage just pacing it at home afterwards and taking part in any exercise programmes you're offered for the comradery and the exercise. I did a bit too much at home at times and that set me back, chest wound wise. I would strongly say now don't do any heavy lifting in the first 8 weeks - you really want that sternum to knit back together and not stress the loops of titanium that are holding it together!

It's a good opportunity to watch lots of telly, and read. Good luck

[Laguna23]

👋🏼Hi Artbru2 I had a mitral valve repair just over 2 years ago also in my 60’s. I am leading a normal, healthy life. Exercising, dog walking more or less every day. I have been on planes on holiday etc. My biggest issue was not my physical recovery but my emotional and mental wellbeing as I was struggling to sleep once diagnosed and had to wait approximately 6 months to be operated on. I then was left with insomnia and anxiety which I have only recently started to recover from. From an operation perspective I have no doubt you will make a full and healthy recovery from it. The fact they can repair your valve is obviously a huge bonus. Stay strong mentally and you can expect to get your normal life back fairly quickly. Take care ❤️

[Artbru2 in reply to Laguna23]

Hi Laguna 23

I do agree waiting for the operation is difficult. I find keeping to my weekly activities helps.

I have wondered how the recovery from this operation will affect me emotionally and mentally especially as normal life will be different for a while. I understand some days may be tougher than others and to accept that and to remember the situation will be temporary and that it will improve as I get better.

A weekly schedule works well for me and I will make a different one while recovering so hopefully it works.

Thank you for your info and glad to hear you are dog walking and doing well now.

All best wishes

P

[Caramilk]

I had OHS 18 months ago to replace my mitral valve with a mechanical one. I came out of hospital on day 12 and my recovery was good. Make sure you wear your support socks after surgery, even though they're horrible! Easy way to get them on is to put a plastic bag on your leg first, pull the sock on top of the bag then remove the bag slowly from underneath. You've had lots of people giving some really good advice and I strongly agree with getting family to bring in bottles of water. I was back at work full time after 3 months. Listen to your body, and take your time. I wish you all the best for your op and recovery afterwards.

[Artbru2 in reply to Caramilk]

Hi Caramilk

Thank you for your support sock tip and bottled water.

Amazed to hear you were back at work fulltime after 3 months.

All best wishes

P

[Caramilk]

Thank you. I forgot to say it's best to check visiting hours before you go into hospital. The hospital I was in only allowed 2 visitors for a maximum of one hour and your hour slot had to be booked the day before. It was a long 23 hours per day with no visitors ! Not all hospitals have these restrictions but find out before to allow family and friends to compile a timetable!

[Crackerchops]

My open heart op was three years ago. When you are recovering in hospital you will be asked to cough regularly to prevent the lungs becoming stinky. Use a pillow or cushion to hold on your chest, not because the staples will pop open they won't. It's to ease the pain. Coughing is important to help improve your breathing too. You will be told to walk few steps with support too. If they offer Rehab exercise through the NHS take it. This is a great help building your confidence and strength. They also educate you on your meds and any problems you or family may have. Your recovery is quite quick considering the thought of open heart surgery it is scary just be open and honest with your health and emotional feelings. We have all been there. Good luck .Quick recovery.

[Artbru2 in reply to Crackerchops]

Thank you for your sound advice and it is good they talk with family too as they will be the ones helping during recovery. Keep well.