Joan's Guestbook

Joan you will be fine I’m certain. I had Mitral valve replacement surgery 25 years ago this Sept. Yes, you will feel sore and have to heal but will get back so much energy you will realize how bad you were feeling. I know you are having mitral repair which I’m so sorry to hear. Just go in with a positive mind and know God is in control. I wish you the very best and praying for you as well. Take care and God Bless.

Thank you for sharing your story Joan. I had similar feelings when first diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse. I am also having surgery to repair my mitral valve next week. It does seem crazy that during our initial recovery we will feel worse than we do now. But in the long run, I am told it will increase our energy and life span. God bless you and best of luck with your surgery and recovery.

Hi Joan… I had a mitral valve prolapse and had open heart surgery on Aug 12 2015. My mitral valve was repaired and I had a maze procedure and my tricuspid valve fixed as well. I’ve had some problems with aflutter since then but am doing well. Best of luck with your surgery… praying it is successful and you heal quickly. I know you are scared and it feels surreal… it still does for me. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. 🙏🏻💕

Hi Joan. This is my first post to this website. I've been reading it for a few years though. Your story caught my eye. I live in Darwin Australia. I'm 66yoa. I recently had open heart surgery (25 Nov). I was diagnosed in 2006 with aortic stenosis which became severe and was complicated by a later diagnosis of subglottic stenosis (for which I've had three throat operations since 2017). I managed to stave off (avoid?) the cardiac surgery until last year. With the advancement of technology I was hoping I would be able to have transcatheter/minimally invasive surgery and not have my sternum opened. I kept pursuing this option with my cardiologist/surgeon in this regard over the years. However, it didn't seem that was going to happen any time soon, so I scheduled my operation. I've got to say that the worst part is the lead up to the op in terms of overthinking the possibilities. In the end, with great support from my family, it all worked out fine and, despite discomforts of recovery with the sternum, I realized its much better to wake up post-op and know the procedure is in the past. I wish you all the very best for your operation and look forward to your posts in the future.

Hi Joan, I am 78 and had Mytral valve regurgitation for years . Last December it got worse and I needed la valve repair. I too had AFIB. In June, I had open heart surgery. The good news is I no longer have ABiB and no longer have any valve issues. I had valve repair, not replacement. I feel totally fine now. I have a scar about 10 inches long, but it does not show in my clothes. I did not have a huge amount of pain, but was extremely tired and weak after surgery All of those feelings went away within about 6 weeks.I would go through it again without a doubt. I was at Cleveland Clinic. You are welcome to contact me to discuss more details, but I am not sure how you can email me. You will make it through the procedure just fine. Make sure you have a very experienced surgeon.

Hi Joan: I was lucky and my hospital was able to schedule my surgery on January 6, 2022. I was just released today after the same surgery you will have plus a blocked artery. Follow my story for my recovery notes.

You hang in there it'll be over before you know it I had valve surgery when I was 67 and within four months following all the doctor's orders and having a fairly good health screen like you do things will be fine

Joan, I had aortic heart valve replacement (tissue) seven years and eight months today. I also had other health issues. I still have many health issues but continue to be blessed by having had these years. Things I wish I knew before surgery, walk as much as possible, stand and sit down without using your arms. if possible, get lift chair and adjustable bed before surgery. Pray, pray, pray, trust Jesus, listen to encouraging music (sing) walk, walk, walk!!! I pray for you the Joy of the Lord as your strength, peace that passes all understanding, kind and considerate medical and family to help you.

You hang in there it'll be over before you know it I had valve surgery when I was 67 and within four months following all the doctor's orders and having a fairly good health screen like you do things will be fine

Joan, I have had two open heart surgeries at the Cleveland Clinic, and am the same age as you. Based upon what I know, the sternum surgery is still the gold standard (from my cardiologist). I wish you the very best.