Karrie's Guestbook

HI Karrie, My daughter was 17 when she had surgery18 months ago, at an "adult" hospital.Talk about scary, she was the youngest one on her floor by decades. Her HR stayed in the 130-150 for about 6 months after surgery. She actually was on about 150 mg. of metoprolol a day. Then all of a sudden, it went back to normal. She has been in the 100 range for about a year now. I did go out and get a Kardia monitor. It was the best $90 I spent. Sounds like he will do great.

Hey there I had a Ross in 2001 and a redo in 2017. The redo was a complicted surgery but went fine. Valves are good but I have developed an issue with pvc’s .... my rate is pretty good but tge extra beats are rather frequent. I am a year plus out and fenerally feeling fine. Just sone dizziness. I suspect he will be good in a few more months!!!

Just check with the Doctors about Atrial Fibullation which is common in 1 out of 3 heart surgeries. I had it after my surgery and I found it difficult to sleep with my heart racing. I went back in for 2 days for a Cardioversion which is a minor procedure to reboot the heart and it has been on beat every since. Hang in there.

Karrie, Hang in there! I know its hard. I had the same problem. They fixed it with a higher dose of my blood pressure meds. It worked. Remember it takes time for your body to heal. I will be praying for this to past. God Bless! Merry Christmas.

It’s been over 3 years since my husband’s surgery: Mitral valve repair, Maze procedure for A-fib, double bypass. He was back in the hospital (Cleveland Clinic) about a week after release due to high heart rate. It was lower after several days there via meds but unstable so he was scheduled for electrocardioversion which he had but this caused his rate to drop too low. So after several days of being terrified of the low rate he was back to the hospital and had a pacemaker implanted. This was about 3 months after surgery. Thankfully he was back in good form quickly, he enjoyed the rehab. Recently he had episodes of high heart rates again which is so upsetting but the Metoprolol is controlling it. About 6 months post surgery he exhibited a lot of anger and that was yet another side effect I had to deal with. I wish doctors would automatically set up psychological counseling sessions post surgery. Mood disorders are very common. It has surely been a trying road we’ve been on but he plays racquetball and has tons of energy. It gets better!

Hi Karrie, My heart rate post-op veered around (including A-Fib.), but my surgeon said it was my heart trying to find its "new normal" after what it had been through. It did stabilize and the A-Fib was no longer an issue for me. (Note: this isn't true of everyone; it's a case-by-case situation and your surgeon/cardiologist will determine what's right for your son.) As for your taking your son's BP frequently, my own feeling is that that can drive you nuts because BP's can vary considerably in the course of a day. I think you should ask your doctor to recommend a few specific times during each day to take the BP, and then you can compare those readings from day to day. My very best wishes to you and your son. Please be assured that the expertise of your providers is phenomenal these days regarding heart issues. I'm confident things will only get better and better for your son as time goes by.

Hi Karrie Thinking and praying for your lovely boy and you during this anxious wait. I will be on the same path on Wednesday , leaving for the hospital tomorrow, wont be able to post anything while I'm there as my phone is out of the stone-age, and wont have my laptop. Sending love and hugs x

Hi Karrie I totally get it , my son Martin has very similar surgery set for December 5th and I feel the same. They would not go ahead with the surgery if our sons' developed a cough or cold , so I think you are doing the right thing, as a delay would mean more anxiety. Am thinking of you and your lovely son over here in England, and praying they both do great. I know just how you re feeling. God Bless.

Dear Karrie Please read the note I've sent to Paula, as the same applies to you. Whatever age our sons' are, it,s not something any mother wants them see them go through. I would rather it be me and I think every mother would. i wish your son very well.