Linda's Guestbook

Linda Johnson  Klara, before surgery I had very few symptoms of severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation other than the increasing arrhythmias.  I was very active, biking over 20 miles/day, walking several miles,Pilates, weights, etc.  
 I did sometimes feel that I was getting more winded when climbing hills however nothing that alerted me to the severe regurgitation other than the echocardiogram.  I just attributed it to my age.


After surgery I am now trying to rebuild endurance and strength. Its four months since surgery so I am not yet back to  my prior exercise level. That will take more time. I have had to learn to slow down and let my heart heal. Good news though I do not feel winded at all on the inclines.  


Like you, I also had low BP preop sometimes feeling faint and that has now changed. My BP is now quite stable.
I do still feel my heart beat at times when I am laying flat, especially when I have arrhythmias.
However as the months have passed, the heartbeats are not nearly as “forceful “ as previously.  Staying well hydrated helps.  I do have occasional short episodes of fast heart rate, which is a new experience. Preop my heart rate routinely was in the 50s-60s.


The main problems I have had  postop are  
related to the arrhythmias (which I am told by the Cardiologist and the Electrophysiologist are primarily due to the heart inflammation postop )
 As the heart remodels itself hopefully the electrical system will also stabilize.  
The cardiac meds have had some side effects so its taken a while to dial in the correct medication and dosages to control the arrhythmias.  One bout of a fib required cardioversion at 3 weeks postop. Thankfully things have settled down now. 


At this point in time,
it is a relief to have the surgery behind me, knowing the valves have no regurgitation now.  it feels good rebuilding strength and endurance now and I am looking forward to the future. 

I remember asking my cardiac surgeon the question preop, am I going to feel better after surgery…..since I already  felt good it was difficult to think about having surgery. The surgeon said it was not a matter of feeling better or worse…it was really a matter of extending my life and giving me a chance at a normal Life expectancy.   That advice certainly helped to prepare me.


Klara You are young, full of life, and active as I read your story, and this surgery really can be a miracle. Your heart will be stronger allowing you to run and resume an active life.  If I can help answer any mote questions please let me know.  

Linda Johnson  Jeanne, so far recovery is going well 2 weeks PostOp. I have been walking more each day according to the guidelines and it feels good though I do get quite fatigued. Yesterday I walked over half mile before stopping and felt good. Though today I am tired! Having some discomfort in right chest area muscles from the Mini thoracotomy mainly when I overdo things with the PostOp exercises.
How are you doing Jeanne…how is your recovery now?

Jeanne Porterfield  Linda you sound like your doing great A step at a time I found there were many hills and valleys the first month I am now going into my sixth week of recovery I feel the past two weeks have really made a difference Returning to work next week and i feel emotionally and physically ready