Catherine's Journal

Phyllis Petersen  Your body has been through a lot! I had mitral repair and had my good days and bad for many months. I took a lot of naps after expending energy (like for cardiac rehab). Be patient. It will continue to improve. You may have to push yourself to keep moving at least a little some days. Your body is still adjusting.

Susan Lynn  Like Phyllis, I also felt tired and took my share of naps. I found that walking improved my stamina over time.
You'll probably feel more consistently energized in the coming months. Hang in there - better days are ahead, Catherine. ❤

Louanna Miller  Catherine, I had OHS for mitral valve repair August 20. I had low to no energy before surgery. I was in the hospital for 10 days. I took many naps, but tried to walk a little every day. I did not attempt to be a super hero. My cardiac rehab started at week 9 1/2. I felt better 3 weeks later.

At the 4 month mark I was still not back to myself, was tired etc; but month 5 and 6 have been remarkably better. I assigned myself different task/chores each day to complete and feel good about accomplishing something.

Like others have said, you have been through a lot. OHS is traumatic for the heart, body and emotionally/mentally. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.

Susan Lynn  Catherine - So glad you feel ready to return to work. Don't worry so much about your memory from your surgery day -- drugs, anesthesia, and our minds' coping mechanisms have a way of affecting our recollection of traumatizing experiences. You'll be fine!

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella  Did you have endocarditis where bacteria attacked the valve? I have heard of the chordae tearing and causing regurgitation.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Catherine,
I had a torn mitral valve and they did a repair, but plan was to use cow valve if replacement was necessary.
Surgery was fine. Recovery takes a while, but all good.

Don L  All I have studied indicated the Chordi tear, which stabilize each of the two leaflets, allowing prolapse and regurgitation back into Atrium. What you seem to describe would seem to bring severe symptoms and immediate surgery, so perhaps it is more likely the Chordi. Best of luck in prognosis.

Phyllis Petersen  I had mitral prolapse with regurg for many years. They were able to cut the extra out, sew in a ring, and repair the ruptured and stretched chordae with gortex. They do make you choose a valve in case they can't repair, and I chose a porcine valve. I was symptomatic and had some enlargement, and although they didn't want to wait too long, it was 10 months from echo to surgery.

Dorothy Roer  Like Phyllis I had mitral prolapse for years. During a routine echo two months ago, cardiologist told me that regurgitatation is severe. TEE showed a torn chordae. Met with surgeon and plan is to also do a repair and sew in a ring. Already had my cardiac cath with surgery scheduled end of April. From appointment with cardiologist to surgery is 3 months for me. It’s been a whirlwind.

Susan Killian  I will have a mitral repair and ring on April 11! Back up I chose mechanical, chosen because least likely to need relaxed, I am a RN so not afraid of Coumadin, they will send home with a self test kit if needed.

Steve Farthing  Since mitral valves can almost always be repaired, it doesn't hurt to ask your surgeon his/her % of repairs vs replacements. If he does not do at least 75% repairs for mitral valves, he may be a less proficient surgeon and worth getting another opinion from another surgeon.

Catherine Gilstrap  Thanks for all the info. I was diagnosed with mvp over 20 years ago. I just never had any symptom except shortness of breath and some heart palpitations. My regular Dr. heard my murmur and suggested I go to heart Dr. I had heart Cath and tee in 2016. Was told I had a bad tear and replacement was needed. At the time my husband was very sick with cancer so Dr said I could delay the surgery. I have been having regular check-ups and the last echo showed heart had enlarged a small amount and Dr ss aid it was time. I still feel great and the only symptoms I get tired more easily and get short of breath sometimes. Needing all support I can get

Susan Killian  I too do not have any symptoms, I don't even get fatigued easily, short of breath only if I really try to walk fast. Walk 10,000 steps a day, but regurgitation is severe and Left atrium has started to enlarge so it is time. They told me that best option is before heart is to affected. This is a good place for support. I was shocked, even somewhat angry at first, now I am grateful my PCP found it in time. My surgery is April 11 and now just anxious to get through it and on to recovery!

Catherine Gilstrap  My surgery was November 15 and I had mitral valve replacement and tricuspid value repair and hole in my heart repaired. Came home on 3rd day and have been doing good except for burning near my incision on the left side. I. Went for recheck with heart surgeon and he said everything was healing good. Has anyone else had this experience I am 9 weeks out! Thanks

Catherine Gilstrap  I am needing to have dental work done maybe tooth pulled. I called cardiologist and he said it’s fine and I didn’t need antibiotics before. Does anyone know different. I have just read so many things about dental work. It’s been 3 1/2 months since replacement and repair