ann gianni - Heart Valve Journal

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ann gianniposted an update

2424 days ago

Kim Sable, Kelly Stoll, Susan Lynn reacted to this

Hi everyone, well I had my surgery April 23rd and I was very scared going into surgery. I'm glad to say the surgeon Dr. Newell Robinson was able to repair my ...Read more

Hi everyone, well I had my surgery April 23rd and I was very scared going into surgery. I'm glad to say the surgeon Dr. Newell Robinson was able to repair my mitral valve rather than replace it. I was very lucky I guess because other than a few side effects I am pain free since day one. I did have an elevated white blood count and a-fib which kept me in the hospital for eight days but I'm able to walk around and sit just about anywhere I please so I feel blessed considering how some people are not as lucky. I'm on amiodorone and warfarin to try and control my a-fib. I am told that these side effects are not uncommon.

ann gianniposted an update

2448 days ago

2 people reacted to this

I'm 76 and wondering how hard post op will be after open heart surgery to replace or repair mitral valve

Helen Daw I’m 50 and had my mitral valve repaired 8 weeks ago. Pain is very manageable from day one. Still ... Read more

Helen Daw I’m 50 and had my mitral valve repaired 8 weeks ago. Pain is very manageable from day one. Still sore in the chest but nothing to complain about. Good luck!

Willie Radl Im 32 and 6 days out of surgery, by the time you leave the hospital your pain should mostly be under ... Read more

Willie Radl Im 32 and 6 days out of surgery, by the time you leave the hospital your pain should mostly be under control. I can definitely still feel the pain but am only on tylenol now but have Oxycodone to take if pain gets bad. I think a recliner is a must and if by yourself you may want an electric lift chair just to make getting up easier. I think you can rent them. You may also want to think about having very loose clothing to be able to put on easy. You may also want to make sure you have something to help with showering/bathing because reaching across your chest, ect. Is a bit difficult.

Steve Farthing If you can find a surgeon who knows how to repair the mitral valve using an endoscope camera and a sm ... Read more

Steve Farthing If you can find a surgeon who knows how to repair the mitral valve using an endoscope camera and a small incision between 2 ribs, recovery is somewhat easier. Not may docs know how to do that so you may have to ask around. Age is only one factor in recovery and being 76 years of age should be very doable and the valve repair may allow you to live to 100+!

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Ann,
I will turn 70 years old this summer and just had my mitral valve repaired in December. T ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Ann,
I will turn 70 years old this summer and just had my mitral valve repaired in December. The surgery was easy but the recovery takes a bit of time. Post op pain was minimal. Feel great now.

A friend of mine just had his aortic valve replaced yesterday and he sailed through the surgery.
He is 70 years old, and runs/bikes every day so I think he will do very well now, due to his previous active lifestyle.

I would suggest practising your breathing exercises prior to surgery.

Peggy Whitecotton I was 74 when I had my aortic valve replaced. I remember asking if I was too old to have this surgery ... Read more

Peggy Whitecotton I was 74 when I had my aortic valve replaced. I remember asking if I was too old to have this surgery. He said “not at all, in fact most of my patients are much older.” But remember you cannot compare you recovery with anyone else. Also my sister was 81 when she had hers.