Had my cardiology follow-up and ECHO at the end of August which is 27 months sine the second repair. I always get stressed out for this appointment. Regurgitation ...Read more
Had my cardiology follow-up and ECHO at the end of August which is 27 months sine the second repair. I always get stressed out for this appointment. Regurgitation had been around 1+ last August, but is now 1-2+. The cardiologist says it may actually be moderate, but because of the direction of the jet, a TEE would show it better. He didn't order a TEE though, (thankful for that) since it would not change anything at this point. The myxomatous valve disease is just progressing and there is a possibility of the need for a replacement in the future. Not what I wanted to hear after already having had 2 valve repair surgeries! I go back in a year for another ECHO, which I'll be really stressed about.
Susan Lynn Valerie - It's good to hear from you. I'm sure that wasn't the news you wanted to hear, but remember ... Read more
Susan Lynn Valerie - It's good to hear from you. I'm sure that wasn't the news you wanted to hear, but remember, many people live their entire lives with moderate regurgitation without a need to ever address it - it's very possible yours will stabilize. Until you have to make a decision, do what you can to enjoy every day. If you do have to cross that bridge, you'll do it with the same strength and spirit you've used in the past. Rest assured, valves, procedures, and surgeons' expertise only improve with time. Stay positive about your health and live life to the fullest!
Lee Wright I am sorry you got bad news, I imagine that must be disheartening. Hopefully it does not progress a ... Read more
Lee Wright I am sorry you got bad news, I imagine that must be disheartening. Hopefully it does not progress anymore.
Marie Myers I am sorry you have ongoing cardiac concerns. You certainly have been through enough with 2 surgeries ... Read more
Marie Myers I am sorry you have ongoing cardiac concerns. You certainly have been through enough with 2 surgeries. Here is hoping that the valve disease does not progress!
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thank you all for the support. Hoping that it will stabilize and not keep progressing.
Wow, 2 years since my second surgery. Pretty uneventful ECHO and cardiologist appointment last August. ECHO showed trace to 1+ regurgitation, which I hope never ...Read more
Wow, 2 years since my second surgery. Pretty uneventful ECHO and cardiologist appointment last August. ECHO showed trace to 1+ regurgitation, which I hope never gets worse. I can live with that! I feel great and am able to do all my normal activities with the exception of some of the restrictions & closures from Covid. This crazy pandemic is really starting to drive me crazy. I work at a hospital in the lab, so I am going to work daily and occasionally can work from home. I terribly miss spending time with my kids and grand kids. Vacation plans are up in the air. BUT, compared to what others are going through, I feel very blessed. So many have lost loved ones, jobs, and their whole life has been turned upside down. I really feel for all those here who have had testing and even surgeries cancelled and put on hold or have had to have surgery with no one allowed to visit them. The waiting is the hardest part and so many have had this waiting time extended. Hoping that those waiting can soon have their surgery and get on the road to recovery!
Marie Myers Amen to that! You have been through a lot, and is good to hear that things are going well!
Agree Valerie. Have a great weekend with all its limitations
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Ana, you are about 6 months out. How are you feeling? Were you able to get cardiac rehab in before th ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Ana, you are about 6 months out. How are you feeling? Were you able to get cardiac rehab in before things were shutting down?
Hi Valerie, this May 26 will be six months out. I was not able to get my cardiac rehab before COVID s ... Read more
Hi Valerie, this May 26 will be six months out. I was not able to get my cardiac rehab before COVID shutting down. I had to postponed my new Cardiologist appointment in April for this coming June 3. I am planning to attend that appointment as it’s been 5 months since I saw my old cardiologist. I still want to do cardio rehab and will as for it then. I am feeling good with some occasional aching and sometimes tightness of my heart. Very grateful for my recovery and thank God for his blessings of healing
Be blessed and safe
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Glad to hear you are doing well. Hope your appointment with the new cardiologist is all good news. I ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Glad to hear you are doing well. Hope your appointment with the new cardiologist is all good news. I also feel grateful for God's blessings! Rehab should start back soon if it hasn't already,
I don't even know where the time has gone, but 1 year ago today I had surgery to re-repair my mitral valve. So far, so good! I had a routine physical at my ...Read more
I don't even know where the time has gone, but 1 year ago today I had surgery to re-repair my mitral valve. So far, so good! I had a routine physical at my family doctor in March and he couldn't hear a murmur, although my cardiologist in February (the one with bionic ears) said it was "soft". It does help me relax a bit that this repair will hold up, though. My next ECHO is in August (15 months post-op) which is at about the same time as I found out the first repair had failed. If that ECHO is good, it will be a relief! I am doing well and I am so thankful that my recovery went so well. I still check in here at this site regularly to see how everyone is doing and I am amazed how many others share their stories here . It sure helps to know we're not alone and to have the support of others that care and understand! I'm thankful for all of you and wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery.
Actually, a little over 9 months, but I just saw the cardiologist this week. So thankful that he didn't hear anything that concerned him and hoping it stays ...Read more
Actually, a little over 9 months, but I just saw the cardiologist this week. So thankful that he didn't hear anything that concerned him and hoping it stays that way! After the first surgery, I never expected having to have a second surgery, so that is always in my thoughts. I feel fine and have been back to all my normal activities for over 6 months now, but I was doing those right up until the day before both of my surgeries. I have another appointment in August and he will do an ECHO then. He plans on doing an ECHO annually. I meant to ask him about getting off the metoprolol in May and totally forgot, so I'll call later about that.
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your 9- month anniversary and quick recovery, Valerie! I'll keep my fingers cros ... Read more
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your 9- month anniversary and quick recovery, Valerie! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can stop the metoprolol - I felt better once I stopped taking it. ❤
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thanks, Susan. Thankfully, I haven't had as many side effects as some have reported and I know when t ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thanks, Susan. Thankfully, I haven't had as many side effects as some have reported and I know when to expect the dizziness.
It is so hard to believe that it's been 6 months since my second mitral valve repair and nearly 2 years from the first repair. I've been back to all my normal ...Read more
It is so hard to believe that it's been 6 months since my second mitral valve repair and nearly 2 years from the first repair. I've been back to all my normal activities since about 8 weeks. Aside from the occasional dizziness from still being on the metoprolol, I can't complain. (My cardiologist wants me to stay on it for 1 year.) I saw my cardiologist in August and he was satisfied with everything. I do not have to see him again until February and I'm hoping for no surprises then!
So much to be thankful for! I have learned so much from this site and I enjoy keeping tabs on everyone's progress.
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your six month anniversary, Valerie! See if your doctor will lower the metoprol ... Read more
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your six month anniversary, Valerie! See if your doctor will lower the metoprolol dosage. I was also dizzy when taking it! All the best! ❤
LINDA ROBERTS Wow, you have been through alot and the good news is you are doing great now. I have some dizziness ... Read more
LINDA ROBERTS Wow, you have been through alot and the good news is you are doing great now. I have some dizziness from the metoprolol but not too bad.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I am on 25mg twice a day. I try to remember to only take a half dose on my racquetball day and seem t ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I am on 25mg twice a day. I try to remember to only take a half dose on my racquetball day and seem to do better then. Pretty much the dizziness only occurs when bending over and standing, getting up quickly after sitting, etc.
Catherine Gilstrap Had surgery on November 15 taking 1/2 of metoprolol 25 mg 2xa day and have dizzy spells especially at ... Read more
Catherine Gilstrap Had surgery on November 15 taking 1/2 of metoprolol 25 mg 2xa day and have dizzy spells especially at night
I have been going to cardiac rehab 3 times a week now right after work for nearly 6 weeks. After 8 weeks post-op I was released from the rest of the arm restrictions ...Read more
I have been going to cardiac rehab 3 times a week now right after work for nearly 6 weeks. After 8 weeks post-op I was released from the rest of the arm restrictions and allowed to do the arm bike and the rower. I also played racquetball and went kayaking on my own. I did take it easier than normal and was a little sore afterwards from both. I am thinking about calling my cardiologist about discontinuing the rehab. He originally ordered 36 visits, but I really don't feel that I need that many. I was active before surgery and will continue to be active. Other than getting my HR up a little over the range they set, and my BP being on the low side, I have really had no issues during rehab. Rehab has been valuable in that they explained what I was allowed to do so that I didn't overdo it. Since I have already met my maximum out of pocket for the year, I don't even have to pay a co-pay. Have others also felt this way before completing all their rehab visits?
Kelly Stoll I finish rehab in 3 days. I've wanted to and thought about quitting so many times BUT I promised myse ... Read more
Kelly Stoll I finish rehab in 3 days. I've wanted to and thought about quitting so many times BUT I promised myself before my surgery that I would do everything I could to give myself the best future possible. (My mom had 7 heart attacks and multiple other complications during her 57 years)... so I am going to finish. Its already paid for, the doctor feels it's for the best, and honestly I think next Tuesday, I will be a little sorry it is over. It is exciting to cut the corr though too.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Great job, Kelly and congratulations on finishing that many visits. I talked with my cardiologist and ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Great job, Kelly and congratulations on finishing that many visits. I talked with my cardiologist and he said I am good to go at this time having completed 18 visits (my insurance pays per visit and not upfront). I wouldn't have stopped without consulting my doctor. The rehab team was fine with it too since I have already gone back my regular activities and will continue to be active. I just felt like I was at a standstill the last couple of weeks. If I increase workout intensity, then my heart rate will go above the range and they tell me to slow down. Pretty boring just going through the workout and there is hardly anybody else there at that time. The stress of trying to get out of work on time at 430p, driving to downtown Akron (during major road closings and detours in rush hour) and then not arriving home until 630-645p 3x a week only to be monitored doesn't seem worth it. I can continue at the Natatorium (I have a membership that has only been used 1x in the past 11weeks!) and on my home recumbent bike along with fun outdoor activities. I definitely benefited from rehab because I know I would have tried to do too much too soon. I also learned good warm up and cool down routines and some weight exercises that I can use.
I can hardly believe it has been 6 weeks already and I returned to work today! I do not have a physically demanding job and work on a computer most of the day. ...Read more
I can hardly believe it has been 6 weeks already and I returned to work today! I do not have a physically demanding job and work on a computer most of the day. I started cardiac rehab on 6/15 and had my 5th session today and started working the arms a little since some of the restrictions are lifted now. Definitely lost some arm strength that I need to work on. Nice to read all the success stories on this site! Wishing all the best to those of you facing surgery soon! The waiting is the hardest part and then the focus is on the recovery phase which is way less stressful.
Phyllis Petersen Glad to hear you're continuing to progress well. Hopefully, you're not exhausted every day after work ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Glad to hear you're continuing to progress well. Hopefully, you're not exhausted every day after work. Working on a computer can still be tough. I look forward to hearing more as you get on with your recovery.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thanks, Phyllis. Yesterday was a little tiring after working all day, rehab and then walking my dog w ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thanks, Phyllis. Yesterday was a little tiring after working all day, rehab and then walking my dog when I got home, but I slept better than I have since surgery. It also helps that I am not flat on my back all night and can go on my side a little more since I do not sleep well on my back. Not quite ready for stomach yet, though.
Phyllis Petersen I was soooo happy when I could go at least a little on my side, but that was after robotic, not stern ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I was soooo happy when I could go at least a little on my side, but that was after robotic, not sternotomy. I needed a little larger pillow to rest my arm on at first to avoid pulling. Now, I use my heart pillow as my "hug" pillow. It's a perfect size!
It is hard to believe that 4 weeks have passed since surgery. I saw my cardiologist last week and he released me to drive today. Cardiac Rehab orientation is ...Read more
It is hard to believe that 4 weeks have passed since surgery. I saw my cardiologist last week and he released me to drive today. Cardiac Rehab orientation is this Friday so I'll see what that is all about. I didn't do it after my first surgery because it fell the next year and everything was out of pocket until I met the deductible again. I'm doing a lot of walking, riding the recumbent bike for 30 minutes a day, walking my dog with the leash attached to my waist and still sleeping on my back (except when I accidentally end up on my side while asleep). The incision is healing nicely, but I can still feel it with certain motions or when I do a little too much. I'm definitely not back to where I was before the surgery, but I'm headed in the right direction! I should be back to work in 2 more weeks!
Susan Lynn Great progress, Valerie! Continued success with your recovery!
Kelly Stoll Congratulations Valerie. Hang in there with the aches, etc. Remember tissue and muscle take time to h ... Read more
Kelly Stoll Congratulations Valerie. Hang in there with the aches, etc. Remember tissue and muscle take time to heal too. Keep going and enjoy your freedom!
Julie Fehrenbach-Cain That is VERY encouraging, Valerie. Glad to hear that your recovery is going well!
It gives me a lot o ... Read more
Julie Fehrenbach-Cain That is VERY encouraging, Valerie. Glad to hear that your recovery is going well!
It gives me a lot of hope.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Thanks everyone! This site is a great place to learn, share and encourage one another.
Rose Madura Sounds like you are doing well. Congratulations !
Feeling thankful and blessed! Had surgery on May 14th and was discharged around noon today. Everything went very well and he was able to re-repair the mitral ...Read more
Feeling thankful and blessed! Had surgery on May 14th and was discharged around noon today. Everything went very well and he was able to re-repair the mitral valve by fixing the leak from where the annuoplasty ring had torn away and then repairing the leaflets and chordae some more. The care I received at Cleveland Clinic was amazing, but it sure feels great to be at home! Mostly just tired and a little sore. To all of you facing upcoming surgeries, it really is not as bad as you imagine.
My TEE confirmed that the annuloplasty ring around my mitral valve (repair surgery was in Nov. 2016) is "pulling apart" and I am scheduled for surgery again ...Read more
My TEE confirmed that the annuloplasty ring around my mitral valve (repair surgery was in Nov. 2016) is "pulling apart" and I am scheduled for surgery again in May. Has anyone else had this happen?
Nancy Surprenant Takahashi Gee Valerie sorry to hear that. I'm scheduled for an annuloplasty ring April 10th, what makes that happen, it just can happen or put in wrong?
Anna Jones What type of surgery did you have -- was it minimally invasive, or full sternotomy, or robotic?
Anna Jones What type of surgery did you have -- was it minimally invasive, or full sternotomy, or robotic?
In my journal I mention that I've spoken with 2 different surgeons. Originally I wanted robotic or a minimally invasive side approach. My cardiologist warned me against that. He said that this is a big surgery, and that I want to give my surgeon the best view and easiest access to my mitral valve and I should pick the full sternotomy. He said that would give me the best chance of not needing to repeat the surgery in the future.
The first surgeon I saw does not do robotic surgery, although his partner does and he offered to bring his partner into our consultation. He told me that a higher percentage of repairs fail with robotic surgery. He told me that there was also a higher risk of stroke with robotic and side entry techniques.
The second surgeon (a top surgeon at a top hospital) I saw does do robotic surgery but prefers a mid line incision. He basically repeated what my cardiologist and the first surgeon said, although I did not tell him that I had had this discussion previously.
I asked how long my repair should last and he answered: "there is a 95% chance it will last 10 years. There is a similar statistic that it will last 20 years". That means that 5% of the population need a re-repair within 10 years.
I am very sorry that you are having to deal with this. I know that you went to a top surgeon at a top hospital. I hope they will have some good answers for you.
Phyllis Petersen I had the same surgery with the same surgeon a month before you. My echo at 6 months post-surgery loo ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I had the same surgery with the same surgeon a month before you. My echo at 6 months post-surgery looked good. I have to schedule another one. You've made me a bit nervous! I hope things go well and that this one holds firm.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I had robotic assisted repair through the right side. My cardiologist said that endocarditis could ca ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I had robotic assisted repair through the right side. My cardiologist said that endocarditis could cause the ring to do that, but I haven't been ill and blood cultures came back negative. My echo 1 month after surgery (Dec 2016) showed 1+ regurgitation and, if I remember correctly, my cardiologist said the regurgitant jet was aimed toward the ring. At that time he seemed concerned if it would cause hemolysis of my blood, but lab tests were all normal and my hemoglobin was back to where it was before surgery. When I saw him in August 2017, it must not have sounded any worse because he didn't order an echo and set up another appt. in 6 months.
Bonnie Stone-Hope So sorry to hear this. What make of ring do you have?
Anna Jones I am very sorry, Valerie. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling right now. Please keep us poste ... Read more
Anna Jones I am very sorry, Valerie. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling right now. Please keep us posted and know that I am sending prayers.
Steve Farthing Some surgeons use unfounded statements to scare patients away from minimally invasive mitral valve re ... Read more
Steve Farthing Some surgeons use unfounded statements to scare patients away from minimally invasive mitral valve repair. This is to counter that: "A minimally invasive approach provides many benefits, including one supported by our research: intraoperative repair that is more immediate and effective, and highly durable. A small, right-sided incision also provides a more useful and direct view of the mitral valve." https://stanfordhealthcare.org/content/dam/SHC/treatments/m/docs/mini-mitral-br-v11.pdf
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I have a Medtronic Duran AnCore Annuloplasty Band. The approach this time will be sternal; I really h ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I have a Medtronic Duran AnCore Annuloplasty Band. The approach this time will be sternal; I really have no way of knowing if the robotic approach had anything to do with the issues with the band or not. Just hoping it can still be repaired since I am really unsure of tissue replacement vs mechanical. I just turned 59, so a tissue would likely mean another OHS down the road and I have concerns about being on Coumadin the rest of my life. Thank you all for the comments, prayers and concerns.
Jim Harvey Hi Valerie, so sorry to hear of your situation. I am scheduled for MVR on April 9 and it will be OHS ... Read more
Jim Harvey Hi Valerie, so sorry to hear of your situation. I am scheduled for MVR on April 9 and it will be OHS. My Dr. said that their experience with robotic did have issues like you describe. My cardiologist also told me that with OHS the surgeon can use 'tactile feedback' to determine if the ring is correctly seated. He also shared with me that surgeons are already doing second valve replacements (after the first artificial one wears out) through the femoral artery. Not FDA approved yet, still experimental. But in 12 years or so odds are good it'd be more of a standard procedure. I encourage you to ask your doctor direct questions and if you don't get direct answers, keep asking elsewhere!
Debbie Chatzky I had my mitral
Valve repaired with Duran ring. It lasted 21 years but with progressive mitral stenos ... Read more
Debbie Chatzky I had my mitral
Valve repaired with Duran ring. It lasted 21 years but with progressive mitral stenosis. The approach was minimally invasive under right breast. I was told now that sternal is the best Access. I will now be having a mitral replacement with sternotomy.
Susan Killian That is what my surgeon said, sternotomy gives him best view and best repair, I had mitral valve repa ... Read more
Susan Killian That is what my surgeon said, sternotomy gives him best view and best repair, I had mitral valve repair with a annuloplasty ring and 8 new chords.