I am sorry that sleeping supine or on sides is so difficult for so many after OHS even after a less invasive right minithoracotomy approach which is apparently ...Read more
I am sorry that sleeping supine or on sides is so difficult for so many after OHS even after a less invasive right minithoracotomy approach which is apparently becoming more common from various accounts on this website. For those facing surgery, be assured it is not necessarily that painful for everyone. And if you have the option of a minithoracotomy approach instead of sternotomy, your pain will undoubtedly be less if you locate a surgeon who can do the mini-T procedure endoscopcally rather than spreading your ribs apart to facilitate the less advanced 'direct vision' method. Having had a mini-t endoscopically, it was no problem laying flat in bed the day after surgery or getting in and out of bed the day after surgery or sleeping on either side a week or so after surgery. Just wanted to put this out there for those still researching your OHS options. Good health to you all!
Anita Edmonds I was told it was not as effective on Mitral Valve repair/replace and Maze procedure. Wondering if th ... Read more
Anita Edmonds I was told it was not as effective on Mitral Valve repair/replace and Maze procedure. Wondering if this is true?
Steve Farthing My surgeon repaired my mitral valve, implanted an annuloplasty band, closed the patent foramen ovale, ... Read more
Steve Farthing My surgeon repaired my mitral valve, implanted an annuloplasty band, closed the patent foramen ovale, and closed the left atrial appendage all endoscopically through one small incision between two ribs without rib spreading. However, effectiveness does depend on the surgeon's own skills and training and some surgeons are undoubtedly more effective using a large sternotomy incision than using an endoscope and a small incision since it is more difficult to perform. But if you have the choice from someone qualified, what would you prefer? Likewise, some surgeons and anesthesiologists often remove the breathing tube before you leave the OR, others never do. If you have a qualified surgical team, what would you prefer? Patients often have options they are not aware of and are not told of. I know one man who was told he could only be treated with a sternotomy and bypass grafts. He literally drove down the road and by chance came upon the clinic of Dr. Alan Wolf near Atlanta who successfully treated him with a small incision and stents. But the other docs simply said there were no other options available in modern medicine. This is the disinformation patients sometimes confront and accept. So if you have the time and do not need emergency surgery, it can be very worthwhile to find out the treatment options.
Anita Edmonds Thanks for the information I will definitely check into this. I'm due for surgery on the 27th at Mayo ... Read more
Anita Edmonds Thanks for the information I will definitely check into this. I'm due for surgery on the 27th at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, hopefully they offer the less invasive mini T-procedure .
Susan Lynn Steve - I completely agree. I was fortunate enough to meet a surgeon who simply told me that he nev ... Read more
Susan Lynn Steve - I completely agree. I was fortunate enough to meet a surgeon who simply told me that he never learned or became proficient in the mini-t and that's why he continued to do the mini-sternotomy. He even gave a glowing endorsement for the other surgeon I was considering. Sadly, you don't get that kind of honesty from everyone in the profession. Heart surgery is big business and there's pressure to keep the revenue up.
All I can say to prospective patients is do your homework. I'm very sad to read about all the people who are going through long, painful recoveries when many may have been able to avoid it.
Barbara Wood You guys make a good point- different surgeons are experienced in different techniques & procedures & ... Read more
Barbara Wood You guys make a good point- different surgeons are experienced in different techniques & procedures & we should be aware of this. For instance, I consulted a surgeon who could repair my mitral valve but was not experienced in the maze procedure- which having had afib, I wanted. I went on to find one qualified to do both procedures.
I wanted a less invasive procedure, but could only have a full sternotomy because of some previous radiation treatment to the area-for the record I had no pain - no problems getting out of bed or chairs, no pain sneezing - the sternotomy was a perfectly good way to go for me.
Carmel Robertson So far so good for me after a robotic mitral valve repair. Very few scars and no leak. Would agree wi ... Read more
Carmel Robertson So far so good for me after a robotic mitral valve repair. Very few scars and no leak. Would agree with Steve that it is worth researching the surgeon. I spent 6 months trying to find who to do my repair. Four and half months post surgery I am on holidays in Seville and bike riding and walking every day without issue. Feel better than my old self and I was asymptomatic going into the procedure. Good luck to all on their heart journey.
Dan Vechiola I keep hearing that TAVR which is less invasive is only for the elderly patients or high risk. Is th ... Read more
Dan Vechiola I keep hearing that TAVR which is less invasive is only for the elderly patients or high risk. Is that true? I did really well with the cardiac catheterization and would love the opportunity for TAVR. I run my own business so a quicker recovery would be great.
The search bar at the top of the page is now very easy to see so we can search for more of the great info that has been posted in the past! Thanks, Adam
Surgery Results: On June 26, 2017 my mitral valve was repaired. At the time my heart was enlarging and the left atrium was 'severely' enlarged due to severe ...Read more
Surgery Results: On June 26, 2017 my mitral valve was repaired. At the time my heart was enlarging and the left atrium was 'severely' enlarged due to severe mitral regurgitation.
A recent follow-up echo done on Aug 28, 2017 showed all 4 heart chambers now are normal size and the severe regurgitation has been reduced to 'mild' regurgitation. There is also no longer any prolapse of the valve leaflets. Ejection fraction is 65-70%.
The surgery worked and the recovery was fairly easy! So take heart if your mitral valve needs to be repaired and carefully research heart surgeons. Best to everyone.
Congratulations Steve, that is great news. That's what it's all about. Gives us inspiration
Laura Jacobs That is wonderful news!! What a turnaround. Congratulations Steve!!
sharon cochran Thank you for your comforting comment. Your situation sounds very similar to mine. Did they do anyt ... Read more
sharon cochran Thank you for your comforting comment. Your situation sounds very similar to mine. Did they do anything to decrease the enlargement or did it happen on its own? May i ask your age and where you had your surgery? How long were you in the hospital.
Gina Fiorentino Nice to read your story and hear you are doing very well!
Saw cardiologist yesterday. He wants me to wear a 24 hour monitor for a month to rule out afib since I had an episode in the hospital after mitral repair although ...Read more
Saw cardiologist yesterday. He wants me to wear a 24 hour monitor for a month to rule out afib since I had an episode in the hospital after mitral repair although none ever before or since. Is that standard procedure? I assume it is but just curious what anyone else has to say. Thanks.
Jennifer Barnett Seems a long time to wear a heart monitor. I had two episodes of afib after sugery for mitral valve r ... Read more
Jennifer Barnett Seems a long time to wear a heart monitor. I had two episodes of afib after sugery for mitral valve replacement and wore a holter heart monitor for 48 hours while in hospital because they thought I needed a pacemacker. After I got home at about 5 weeks post op I had to wear a holter heart monitor again for 24 hours and looks like no pacemaker needed as heart was in sinus rhythm and all normal.
It takes awhile for the heart to settle down after surgery and It's quite common to have afib episodes after heart surgery and 3 out of 4 of us had them in my ward.
I would perhaps question as to why it has to be for a month especially with only one episode of afib and none since or previously.
Barbara Wood I had a mitral valve repair about a month before you. I had afib a week after I came home- none in th ... Read more
Barbara Wood I had a mitral valve repair about a month before you. I had afib a week after I came home- none in the hospital. I had a cardioversion & have been in nsr since- I never wore a monitor. I had afib a few times before surgery & feel it strongly right away, some people don't feel it at all. Maybe that's the reason for the monitor- they're not sure if you would feel it?
Kathy Blank I wore a monitor for 3 weeks. It is worth it to make sure there are no signs of AFib. No heart rhyth ... Read more
Kathy Blank I wore a monitor for 3 weeks. It is worth it to make sure there are no signs of AFib. No heart rhythm issues were noted on the monitor so hope it is the same for you!
Bob Fessler I had a short afib attack in the hospital but did not have to wear a heart monitor. Like you, I nev ... Read more
Bob Fessler I had a short afib attack in the hospital but did not have to wear a heart monitor. Like you, I never had one before or since. I monitered my pulse regularly (almost obsessively) after I was released. Low pulse was my problem until they stopped the metoprolol.
Steve Farthing I really did not notice it in the hospital which I told him. So maybe that made him more likely to l ... Read more
Steve Farthing I really did not notice it in the hospital which I told him. So maybe that made him more likely to look for afib over a longer time period as you mentioned, Barbara. I hope the device is small. I found a Medtronic marketing study of 446 patients monitored for up to 30 months! By 30 months, 40% of them had afib episodes over 6 minutes. How would you like your docs to ask you to wear a monitor for 2-3 years? whew! How do they even get people involved in such a study? Oh well. Thanks for your comments.
Do I need cardiac rehab? I'm almost 6 weeks post op mitral repair. My surgeon already cleared me with no restrictions on activities or exercise. Here's why ...Read more
Do I need cardiac rehab? I'm almost 6 weeks post op mitral repair. My surgeon already cleared me with no restrictions on activities or exercise. Here's why I wonder about rehab. 2 days ago I went on a 19 mile bicycle ride. Mind you, my bike has electric assist, so a key goal for this ride was to determine if I can have the fun of electric assist but still engage in an aerobic workout by also pedaling. To measure my workout, I wore a heart rate monitor with a sensor chest strap and wrist display device. My average heart rate for the 75 minute ride was 113 with much of the ride over 120 and a short section over 130. I never felt like I was 'out of gas'. This was a better workout than I would have had before mitral valve repair. I was told for cardiac rehab, they try to maintain a maximum heart rate of resting heart rate plus 30 which be around 100 or so. Basically, I just had to pedal faster to go 18-20 mph so the electric assist cuts out which provides a good workout and is fun. Personally, I would rather ride my bike outdoors on bike paths like the Highline Canal, etc. I could always go to rehab after the weather turns colder in Nov or Dec. I really don't have time to do bike rides and rehab at the same time. What do you think? Is rehab all that necessary at my stage of recovery? Thanks for any input you may have!
Marie Myers I know my cardiologist would say you don't need formal rehab. You are self-motivated and previously a ... Read more
Marie Myers I know my cardiologist would say you don't need formal rehab. You are self-motivated and previously active. My cardiologist said basically tha same to me. however, I did do rehab because it is summer in South Florida and the heat index is often over 100. It is like exercising in a sauna, so I did take advantage of the air conditioning...
Steve Farthing Right. I would do the same if it is too cold or too hot. We should have 3 months of milder weather ... Read more
Steve Farthing Right. I would do the same if it is too cold or too hot. We should have 3 months of milder weather here now - then too cold after Nov.
Heath Knight You sound like you're doing pretty good to me, but I'm not a doc.
Phyllis Petersen I found I could push myself more in rehab, because I knew I was being monitored, not just for heart r ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I found I could push myself more in rehab, because I knew I was being monitored, not just for heart rate, but my blood pressure before, mostly through cardio workout, and after completing entire workout. The exercise physiologist set up and regularly adjusted both my cardio and my resistance training, so I was able to move ahead quickly without any fear of overdoing it. Also, having the crash cart there was another level of security. Some centers only allow you to go up to a certain level on cardio, but my center allowed me to push pretty hard and quickly had me doing serious interval training, so long as my blood pressure was reasonable, which after going off the metoprolol wasn't always the case, so adjustments were made. They pretty quickly added more weight to my workouts until I was at a good level of resistance. I had side entry, robotically-assisted mitral valve repair, and they were able to take that into account. I can still call anytime I need advice. Each person, each center, each instance is different and you need to go with what feels best for you.
Eric Linnenburger I'm a fairly healthy and active person. I also feel I have a good understanding of my body and the ri ... Read more
Eric Linnenburger I'm a fairly healthy and active person. I also feel I have a good understanding of my body and the risks and benefits. I didn't think I would need or want cardiac rehab. With that being said, I think cardiac rehab is the best thing for me right now! I'm the youngest in the group by far and it's a kind of easy for me at this point, but the structure and constant feedback is awesome. Your program is created for you and your individual situation and where you are in your personal recovery. We are all different in what works for us, but for me rehab is what I need both physically and mentally. I think the interaction with the like experienced people is just as important as the physical component. I only go 3 days a week so it leaves me plenty of opportunity to do what I want to do in addition to formal rehab. Maybe just go in and meet with the rehab group and see how you feel? Best of luck to you.
Steve Farthing Phyllis and Eric - Sounds like the programs you two joined were more flexible than what was described ... Read more
Steve Farthing Phyllis and Eric - Sounds like the programs you two joined were more flexible than what was described to me at my rehab consult appt. I'm seeing the cardiologist next week and will talk to him about that. Thanks for all your comments above - and below if anymore post. All very useful to understanding this better.
Barbara Wood I agree with Eric. I'm also active, out hiking nearly every day, & wasn't convinced that I wanted or ... Read more
Barbara Wood I agree with Eric. I'm also active, out hiking nearly every day, & wasn't convinced that I wanted or needed cardiac rehab. And my cardiologist was fine with my decision either way. I decided to give it a try & did 3 weeks monitored ( hooked to an ekg), then went to a supervised program- no longer hooked up but trainers are there for guidance & we track our progress. I go 3 days/ week- early morning & really like it - the social aspect as well as the routine are enjoyable to me.
Rose Madura Wow. I would say I'd you are confident, no need to take it. If you want them to monitor, then take it ... Read more
Rose Madura Wow. I would say I'd you are confident, no need to take it. If you want them to monitor, then take it. Sounds like you have it down though.
Kathy Blank I was very motivated for my exercise and recovery but in order to safely get back to running I took a ... Read more
Kathy Blank I was very motivated for my exercise and recovery but in order to safely get back to running I took advantage of 4 months of cardiac rehab. I had an episode of AFib/AFlutter and a fainting/vertigo episode from dehydration during rehab. Both those issues were carefully monitored by the therapists and cardiologist and I am SO glad I took advantage of every session of rehab. For me- rehab allowed me to push my exertion level under watchful eyes monitoring my vitals. Also- as a working mom- rehab schedule helped me get in the sessions instead of trying to fit them in before or after a full time work schedule.
Civita Fahey I found cardiac rehab a big help.. I think my issue was mostly mental.. meaning that I was afraid to ... Read more
Civita Fahey I found cardiac rehab a big help.. I think my issue was mostly mental.. meaning that I was afraid to exercise right before my surgery and thought everything was going to go wrong.. So, being monitored as they pushed me harder and harder made my psyche feel more comfortable.. If you don't have this problem and feel comfortable with your own monitoring I think you could do without..
Vanessa Corwin I too am an active person, quite active pre surgery (mitral valve repair). My cardiologist told me I ... Read more
Vanessa Corwin I too am an active person, quite active pre surgery (mitral valve repair). My cardiologist told me I probably didn't need it but I asked for it. I started it fairly late, as it took a long time for the insurance clearance. Still doing it, I find it a big help in conjunction with what you do on your own. It's tailored to your needs, there is no one size fits all in rehab (at least in a good program)
Steven A Husted i really enjoy cardio rehab i will be taking it the rest of my life for the exercise and the fellowsh ... Read more
Steven A Husted i really enjoy cardio rehab i will be taking it the rest of my life for the exercise and the fellowship with other heart patients and i enjoy being under the watchful eye of a nurse and therapest the friendships i have made in cardio rehab are great i am in phase 3 and i am 3 years out (popeye) steven a husted
Gerald Poulton Hey Steve did you end up having the valve replaced or repaired ? Also did you end up with a sternotom ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hey Steve did you end up having the valve replaced or repaired ? Also did you end up with a sternotomy, I am sure it makes a difference. I am also contemplating rehab after 6 weeks but they dont have anything specific to OHS where I live.
Almost 3 weeks post-op for mitral valve repair and I had not sneezed until today. It totally took me by surprise and I forgot to brace the incision. The result ...Read more
Almost 3 weeks post-op for mitral valve repair and I had not sneezed until today. It totally took me by surprise and I forgot to brace the incision. The result - only minimal discomfort! So a lot of healing has taken place. I am very thankful for how well everything gone. Can even sleep on my sides. All good.
One of the most common questions I receive is, "What is the best piece of advice for heart valve surgery patients preparing for their recovery from heart valve
Soggy Rodent Your so lucky to not have sneezed until you were a little healed. I was sneezing in the hospital and ... Read more
Soggy Rodent Your so lucky to not have sneezed until you were a little healed. I was sneezing in the hospital and it was awful. I could finally sneeze without it being traumatic at around week 4. Glad you are doing so well :)!
I am glad it was minimal pain!! Sounds like you are progressing well. ☺
Martha Dean Almost 5 weeks out and I had my first sneeze today too. I held back as much as I could and fortunate ... Read more
Martha Dean Almost 5 weeks out and I had my first sneeze today too. I held back as much as I could and fortunately it wasn't bad. Now if I could just sleep on my sides.
Laura Jacobs Three weeks out and I can sneeze, but I still cannot sleep lying flat or on my side. Waiting for that ... Read more
Laura Jacobs Three weeks out and I can sneeze, but I still cannot sleep lying flat or on my side. Waiting for that day!!
Home yesterday from Penrose Hospital after 4 days for endoscopic (not robotic) MV repair. Still surprisingly little pain so will keep on just Aleve and Tylenol ...Read more
Home yesterday from Penrose Hospital after 4 days for endoscopic (not robotic) MV repair. Still surprisingly little pain so will keep on just Aleve and Tylenol today. Degree of fatigue very high. But at least I can lay down flat and sleep OK. Just cannot sleep on either side yet. Will not be able to do much until energy level goes up some. Also have to lose the extra fluid which is about 10 lbs now. Have potassium and Lasix for that. But for a good shot at living many years longer than without surgery, this is not much to go thru.
Possible discharge tomorrow. Surgery was Monday. Doc repaired mitral valve also closed left atrial appendage and I had a PFO he repaired. But not sleeping ...Read more
Possible discharge tomorrow. Surgery was Monday. Doc repaired mitral valve also closed left atrial appendage and I had a PFO he repaired. But not sleeping much.
Catie B Sleep sure is hard in the hospital--and can be for a while, in general. Glad you're through the surge ... Read more
Catie B Sleep sure is hard in the hospital--and can be for a while, in general. Glad you're through the surgery. I know getting home will feel great!
Yes. There is no place like home. So good to hear that your surgery went well and you want to go home ... Read more
Yes. There is no place like home. So good to hear that your surgery went well and you want to go home! I will be having a mitral valve replacement, a closure of the left atrial appendage and ablation (I've had two severe episodes of AFib that required cardioversion.)
Best wishes!
Steve Farthing Thanks. Seems to have gone well and may be comfortable enough on Aleve for pain for awhile.
Laura Jacobs I just made it home on Sunday Steve. I was really looking forward to getting some sleep but it does n ... Read more
Laura Jacobs I just made it home on Sunday Steve. I was really looking forward to getting some sleep but it does not come easy. You transition to a nice quiet, dark room, but a bed that is not adjustable. My college age daughter donated her big foam wedge that helped to prop me up along with regular pillows and that made a huge difference. Hope you get comfortable soon. Best wished to you!!
Continuing to improve. Only had 1 drain tube which was pulled this morning. There was no discomfort, it slid right out! Mitral valve was repaired yesterday. ...Read more
Continuing to improve. Only had 1 drain tube which was pulled this morning. There was no discomfort, it slid right out! Mitral valve was repaired yesterday.
Scott Killian Glad to hear you are doing well Steve.
Jim Stutler Good news Steve, bet they kick you out soon!
Kathy Blank That is incredible news Steve! You will feel like a new man once that last tube is out!
All over but the final 8 days of waiting. All pre-op tests done. So I thought I would thank everyone for your support. Even though I've had very little support ...Read more
All over but the final 8 days of waiting. All pre-op tests done. So I thought I would thank everyone for your support. Even though I've had very little support directed specifically to me - after all - I have not had surgery yet and am not on the board yet but will be in few days. But I've taken great relief at the indirect support in the form of others experiences and comments posted here over the last 9 months or so that I have been visiting.
People here often say the waiting is the worst. They often say that shortly after their surgery while still in the hospital. So I really don't need to worry or be anxious while waiting. Yes, easier said than done, but knowing that the worry and anxiety is at least partially irrational is a calming and worthwhile thought to ponder.
Seeing many, many people post selfies and journals shortly after surgery, sometimes on the same day is also extremely reassuring. People are very often up and around and climbing stairs, etc a day or two after surgery and writing about it here. All of that is appreciated.
Plus having this site available to visit and receive that positive reinforcement on almost every visit is very valuable in trying to reduce the pre-op stress and also for research and planning in the earlier phases of confirming the diagnosis and finding quality treatment.
While there are some other sites for valve patients, Adam Pick has done a very nice job of creating a different format that combines community with a large repository of organized information and research tools that makes this site the place for me and many heart valve patients.
So thanks to Adam and everyone. I just hope I can keep it together for another 8 days!
Kathy Blank You've done your homework and picked the best surgeon for your MV Repair so try and focus on enjoying ... Read more
Kathy Blank You've done your homework and picked the best surgeon for your MV Repair so try and focus on enjoying time w family and friends as you approach the big day. So many brace folks helped give me the courage to recover and heal! Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Steve!
Rita Savelis I don't think worry and anxiety is even partially irrational. I think it is a normal response to this ... Read more
Rita Savelis I don't think worry and anxiety is even partially irrational. I think it is a normal response to this difficult situation and as such should be validated as the normal way a human being reacts!
I wish you the best as you move forward. I think it's important to remember that every patient has a singular experience, which can't really be compared with anyone else's. There are no norms, or normals, just you moving forward and taking the next steps.
Take care.
Steve Farthing Thanks for all your comments, prayers and encouragement. That is greatly appreciated. I'll update a ... Read more
Steve Farthing Thanks for all your comments, prayers and encouragement. That is greatly appreciated. I'll update again later.
Jim Stutler Steve, best of luck to you on Monday. I owe the group another update which I will try to get done tod ... Read more
Jim Stutler Steve, best of luck to you on Monday. I owe the group another update which I will try to get done today. I got home Thursday. With your minimal approach I know you will be up dancing a jig within no time. You will be in our prayers on your big day!
Pre-admission testing completed last Wednesday. Scheduled for small incision mitral repair on June 26. Now just trying to get organized for it and stay somewhat ...Read more
Pre-admission testing completed last Wednesday. Scheduled for small incision mitral repair on June 26. Now just trying to get organized for it and stay somewhat calm. Not easy. Although I feel great otherwise.
Catie B The "calm" part is hard--anxiety ahead of time is the worst! It's great you can have the smaller inc ... Read more
Catie B The "calm" part is hard--anxiety ahead of time is the worst! It's great you can have the smaller incision with a repair, in lieu of replacing!
Steve Farthing Definitely. For some reason, mitral valves are much more repairable than aortic valves. Maybe becau ... Read more
Steve Farthing Definitely. For some reason, mitral valves are much more repairable than aortic valves. Maybe because mitral valves are bicuspid.
I'll be having mitral valve repair in Colorado Springs in 2 weeks. It will be small incision but not robotic surgery.
Dr. Mehall will make a small 3 inch ...Read more
I'll be having mitral valve repair in Colorado Springs in 2 weeks. It will be small incision but not robotic surgery.
Dr. Mehall will make a small 3 inch incision almost under my right armpit between 2 ribs and work from there. He also makes another tiny 4mm incision to insert a camera so he can perform the repair mostly viewing the video screen without spreading the ribs.
When done, he glues the incision closed and numbs the incision area with local anesthetic to make it more comfortable when waking up afterwards. He also places only 1 drainage tube for this type of procedure.
He has seen the heart cath, the CT scan and echos and says repairing the valve is extremely likely which may include replacing a chord or two and of course the ring they put around the valve perimeter.
I've had 4 opinions - from 3 surgeons and 1 cardiologist and they all concur that it needs to be done and now is much better than later to do this.
Had a stress echo this week and just met with the cardiologist to review it. No pulmonary hypertension at rest or on exertion. No atrial fib. No left ventricle ...Read more
Had a stress echo this week and just met with the cardiologist to review it. No pulmonary hypertension at rest or on exertion. No atrial fib. No left ventricle dilation. No sign of artery blockages. They consider 6 minutes on the treadmill to be normal exercise tolerance and I was 10 seconds under (at 69 years old). But no measurement of regurgitant volume or reguritant orifice. Yet the result is extreme mitral regurgitation and surgery recommended. Seems like they should be able to quantify the diagnosis with some numbers when talking about heart surgery. I've had regular echos since 2010 and always get a hard copy of the report with all the numbers. What that has revealed is that there is no standard set of data that is calculated from an echo. Therefore, it is fairly difficult to compare echos and see whether the regurg is the same or getting worse over time. They always report 'extreme regurgitation'. Have any of you elected to have a mitral repair without symptoms but just based on the echo results? If so, what persuaded you to go ahead with the surgery?
Phyllis Petersen I did start having symptoms in the last several months before having my mitral valve repaired. They c ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I did start having symptoms in the last several months before having my mitral valve repaired. They came on fairly quickly. I did have bouts of fatigue before that, but no one ever told me that it may be because of the valve. My EF stayed the same at 64 before and after. That's apparently pretty common. My blood pressure went up a bit in the few months before and I really started having issues hiking, especially at higher altitudes. I didn't make the decision based on symptoms, but because my TEE confirmed that I had severe mitral regurgitation, which basically meant that more than 50% of the blood was washing backwards. Other than the prolapse, I was in good shape, which allowed me to have robotic repair at Cleveland Clinic. Have they recommended a TEE yet. That gives them even more information. After that, I had both a CT and MRI with contrast. Because I didn't have other issues, especially no calcium issues, I didn't need to have a cardiac cath. CC did a host of additional tests to make sure I was okay for robotic.
Steve Farthing No TEE yet but one will probably be done eventually once I decide who and where to have the repair. ... Read more
Steve Farthing No TEE yet but one will probably be done eventually once I decide who and where to have the repair. Does not seem to be any doubt that the regurgitation is severe.
I think echo's are virtually worthless, three different cardiologist and the diagnose was anywhere fr ... Read more
I think echo's are virtually worthless, three different cardiologist and the diagnose was anywhere from minor to severe. My understanding is a cardiac MRI is more accurate in determining regurgitation and EF.
Ben Hyman Steve, I'm in the exact same boat as you. I'm 59 and have "very severe" MR based on my last echo at ... Read more
Ben Hyman Steve, I'm in the exact same boat as you. I'm 59 and have "very severe" MR based on my last echo at Mayo Clinic Rochester. I also have no symptoms. I do Kettlebell 3 times per week and get my HR up to about 160 and goes down to about 80 after about 5 minutes. My Ejection Fraction is about 78% and both my atrium and right ventricle are enlarged but my left ventricle is normal. I had a previous consult at Minneapolis Heart Institute and they said I could wait, The docs at Mayo are urging me to get it done within 3-6 months. Mayo may be able to do it robotically with a faster recovery which is why I'm considering them. They also have a better reputation than Abbott in Minneapolis and Abbott just got through with a contenscious nursing strike. The docs at Minneapolis said they do 1 redo surgery per month from Mayo's robotic program so I have to go in with eyes open. It sucks to have to contemplate major surgery when you have no symptoms and feel fine doesn't it?
Steve, I agree with you about the inconsistency with echo reports. I've had several over the past 5 y ... Read more
Steve, I agree with you about the inconsistency with echo reports. I've had several over the past 5 years because of my symptoms. And no two measure all of the same parameters, and even the reporting is different depending on where I had them done - ordered at three different hospitals. Because I am so symptomatic right now, I finally had a stress echo done, which clearly indicated "severe" function as opposed to the "mild" on regular echo. It certainly fits with my currents symptoms. I'm waiting for a repeat balloon valvuloplasty but have been told it's temporary and I'll need the full replacement within a year or so. (I have mitral stenosis/enlarged left atrium/atrial fib and heart failure because of rheumatic heart disease... so WHEN is the time for full replacement?) Needless to say, I have lots of questions for the surgeon when I see him next month. I think the key point though, is we are our best advocates - learn as much as we can about our condition and then ask as many questions as need be.
Ben Hyman I wish I could get some actual patient experiences from someone who had a robotic mitral repair done ... Read more
Ben Hyman I wish I could get some actual patient experiences from someone who had a robotic mitral repair done at Mayo. I've read several unflattering reports from patients having a robotic repair at Cleveland Clinic, but I think they do it differently than at Mayo.
Phyllis Petersen I'm very happy with my results from robotic mitral repair at Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon's nurse cal ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I'm very happy with my results from robotic mitral repair at Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon's nurse called me last week to see how I was doing. They also sent me messages by My Chart, one of which I didn't see until today, because I thought it was just another appointment reminder from my local hospital.
Lise Bowles Steve, my diagnosis was severe mitral valve regurgitation and it was based on my echo, as well as a f ... Read more
Lise Bowles Steve, my diagnosis was severe mitral valve regurgitation and it was based on my echo, as well as a few other tests they did. I had no symptoms whatsoever that I was aware of. I am 62 and made the decision based on the findings. I wanted to do what was recommended. I had MV Repair. I am not sure they would have been able to repair the valve rather than replace it had I waited.
Best of luck, Lise
I don't have Mitral issues but I can tell you that my Aortic Regurge creates symptoms so bad I am sim ... Read more
I don't have Mitral issues but I can tell you that my Aortic Regurge creates symptoms so bad I am simply Not Functional. I am 48 yrs old . Lungs are good and no swelling in the left Ventricle. Yet I can barely brush my teeth without having to sit down. My EF is 60 to 65% and once my symptoms started the gloves were off and my heart got Angry in a hurry...haha Definetly got my attention. Pretty much constant pressure and short breath with seemingly alternating stable to unstable angina if that makes any sense to you. Good Luck Steve and God Bless!
Oh yeah I forgot I had a TEE test as well as stress Echo, Cardiac Cath and a whole slew of other test ... Read more
Oh yeah I forgot I had a TEE test as well as stress Echo, Cardiac Cath and a whole slew of other tests I can't even remember
Valerie Archual Ben, who have you spoken with that was not happy with robotic at Cleveland Clinic? I am just curious ... Read more
Valerie Archual Ben, who have you spoken with that was not happy with robotic at Cleveland Clinic? I am just curious as to the pros and cons of robotic vs sternotomy.
All I can say to prospective patients is do your homework. I'm very sad to read about all the people who are going through long, painful recoveries when many may have been able to avoid it.
I wanted a less invasive procedure, but could only have a full sternotomy because of some previous radiation treatment to the area-for the record I had no pain - no problems getting out of bed or chairs, no pain sneezing - the sternotomy was a perfectly good way to go for me.