Joyce's Guestbook

Hi Joyce I had two valves repaired at the Cleveland Clinic on June 8th, 2021.  I am sorry you are having the discomfort you are having.  My advice to you is to trust your doctors' advice. It does take at least 3 months or more to really heal. I had open heart surgery. My twi valves were repaired  completely, plus I no longer have AFIB.  I felt lousy and weak for at least two months.  What kept me going was the future. I was patient and just "went through the tough time".  I did not second guess anything.  I checked in with my cardiologist frequently and made sure all that I was experiencing was "normal" for what I had gone through.  Then I just relaxed, and thought how in the next few months I would feel good, and be done with the heart issues I had.  Worrying, and second guessing what is wrong, only will put stress on you, that you really do not need at this time. Try to be as positive as you can.  You WILL be better, but all things take time. If your doctors tell you that the healing will take time, do what you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible, baby yourself, and look forward to a healthy future.  I am better than I have been in years, but it took sometime to feel like it was all VERY worth it.  The same will be for you too..just try and be patient.  Good luck.  Do things to distract yourself..visit with friends, watch a good movie, read a good book, or listen to books on tape.  Treat yourself to something you would enjoy eating..(but healthy!)

Best wishes! Robotic repair is the way to go. Glad you qualified. I had robotic MV repair at the Cleveland Clinic. In May it will be a year. If you have any questions about recovery, or whatever, feel free to contacting me: elsereed18@gmail.com Praying for you!

Best of luck to you as you prepare for your surgery on the 8th! You will be fine. My surgery is one day ahead of yours! This is a great site to get support. Carol Jackson

Hi Joyce, I live in Shelburne Falls, MA and had OHS for Mitral Regurgitation (Mitral Valve Prolapse) — a mitral valve repair, ablation and they put in a clip on January 24 at Baystate West, Springfield, MA. The surgery went very well and I am now 13 days out from that surgery. The recovery has been much better than I ever expected; very little pain overall and I'm already able to go up and down stairs several times a day, cook meals and do many other simple things—like go outside and feed the birds. Recovery is very individual and most likely also related to the kind of shape you're in going in to the surgery — and, if you're able to go the minimally invasive route—that sounds like a plus as well. I wish you all the best and just know that there are many super helpful people in this community that have experienced all kinds of valve challenges and are willing to share information. I'm sending you "good vibes" for a successful outcome and a good recovery.