Dorothy's Journal

It's been 7 weeks since my open heart surgery for Mitral Valve repair, January 22 was the date. Quite a journey but very thankful to have it completed so successfully. Dr. James Brevig of the Providence Regional Medical Center Everett WA. did a complex mitral valve repair. It was done in 3 steps: 1. Triangular resection of flail P2 2. Closure of clefts between P1 and P2, and between P2 and P3 3. Inserted a 34 mm Cosgrove Edwards partial annuloplasty band model 4600, For 8 days after the surgery, I was in the hospital. The care provided by the nurses was the very best. The heart went into A fib twice but corrected with medications. At the age of 75, this was not an easy surgery but now we are rejoicing at the success. The other valves in the heart were checked but their conditions were of no consequence. The clefts found in the valve probably were there since birth, a genetic problem. Last week I had an echocardiogram and the results showed the heart pumping function and the mitral valve repair are doing great. The first few weeks after being released from the hospital, my husband and I stayed home except for Dr. visits. We kept things low key to allow the heart ample time to do the necessary healing. The walks outside are getting longer now, about a mile today and I am doing most of the household chores. Vacuuming will have to wait a little longer. I took the camera along on my walk today and noted that spring is everywhere. Next week I hope to get some "dirt under the fingernails" again. We are very Thankful to God for His Healing.