Janine's Journal

Laurie Baglio  Thank you Janine! I am there now. 13 days away from surgery. Your absolutely right though... the waiting is the worst. Thank you for being there for those of us who are waiting for the big day. I am hoping in two years I will post similar comments to yours above that will help someone in my position now.

Carolyn Newell  Same. Surgery scheduled for April 24th and can't stop thinking about it. About to go for a long walk to take my mind off of it. Glad you are so doing well.

Nancy D  My doctor prefers bovine/cow to pig but tissue valves he said about 15 yrs, but some last longer, some shorter. I am praying that I am at the top end of the spectrum, and by then the technology will be even more advanced IF I elect to do this again, should I need. I haven't really researched thoroughly.

LaDonna Mangile  I have chosen to have a mechanical...I personally know someone whose bovine valve lasted 2 years! My surgeon gave me a choice .... he said both work well.

Nancy D  Hang in there, I hope your wait after the pre op becomes more relaxed and peace filled. You aren't alone, there is strength in knowledge and in numbers. You can almost always find someone hanging around here, and if not- there is plenty to read between all our journals and great outcomes to have you encouraged! Take good care!

Bill Hendrickson  Janine Idid experience post op afib for two days but then converted to sinus. The worst aspect of afib was extreme
Weakness. The surgeon said it was not life threatening and not to worry. Kind of hard to do when you feel weak beyond belief. They have a lot of methods to get rid of afib,so I would not worry about that complication.. Good luck to you as you progress toward healing.

Pat Bluemel  Hi Janine, sorry you are feeling so anxious. Do your research and confirm your course of action in case the valve cannot be repaired and confirm it with your doctor. I chose bio as my back up, but everyone has different reasons for choosing. Unfortunately they couldn't repair my valve so I am bio and I am cool with that course of action. Also, I went through a day of Afib, it's not that bad and not painful at all, it's just tiresome. Your heart beats fast and you are hyper aware of it, but they start trouble shooting and medicating it immediately. Some folks don't even know they are in Afib believe it or not. They learn because the nurses monitoring remotely see it first and then come in and tell the patient. Please don't worry about Afib, while uncomfortable, it wasn't that bad for me and should be way low on your list of anxiety triggers.

Ed Smith  Janine, I also had A-Fib two days after my aortic valve replacement in January. I was in the cardiac step-down unit, so the A-Fib was handled routinely with IV medication. I've had no recurrences since then and had my 6 week anniversary today. I'm feeling very good and start cardiac rehab Friday.

Cheryl Batzing  Janine, I had similar worries/concerns as you. I had my mitral valve repaired on Dec. 16, but wasn't 100% sure it would be a repair until as you said, I was out of surgery, in ICU, and not able to talk. HOWEVER, the good news is whether it is repaired or replaced, they are both great things! Regarding afib....I think I"m the poster child. I knew of the risk, and I'd already had an ablation 7 years before for tachycardia issues that were very tough, and knew I could handle it. I went into afib the day they took out my heart pacing wires in the hospital. I had no idea I was in afib, because I felt nothing...and actually felt really great. at that point. The nurses did show me what my heart was doing on my monitor and what they wanted it to do. And I felt fine. It was bizarre. They tried to get me out of afib with drugs, then without drugs, and it still wouldn't quit. SO, I was finally cardio-converted. I was so scared...BUT, they gave me great drugs, I was aware of NOTHING, and I woke up 2-5 minute after the procedure in right sinus rhythm and still didn't know until I asked. SO, this is way too long, but you'll be fine! Praying for you!

LaDonna Mangile  I will be having a mitral valve replacement and was given the choice of a bio valve or mechanical. I chose mechanical because I don't want to do this over in the next 10 years or so.
I hope they are able to repair yours but if not then having a expert clinician who can make that decision in real time is a blessing!
We both will have our surgeon hands, minds and their teams guided by angels on our day! God's Speed!

Wiliam Height  Like of like minded people here with heart! One step at a time--you mentioned a lot in a few sentences and imaginations are not good when going through this. I read your story which I always like to do, and you should be very happy you are now going to be fixed now considering the degradation of valve/ prolapse. First, I think your surgeon should be able to tell how in consult his procedure and technique so you know going in. If scheduled for TEE, these pictures really give the surgeon a view to determine beforehand whether repair or replace--most mitral valves can be repaired. Don't be afraid of a 2nd opinion. As everyone has said, post-op your heart will do a few things differently but all managed and controlled. From your story, your heart is overworking so hard right now to pump blood typical of MVR&P, post-op it will need to get used to the corrections and will certainly beat faster but you will be fine.

Barry Van Gemert  I will second what William just said: most valves can be repaired. If your doctor's repair vs. replace rate is less than 90%....he should share that information with you...talk to another doctor. I would not want to wake up to a surprise in the ICU either and I think getting the right doctor will prevent surprises.

Barry Van Gemert  You asked the right question. I think you can rest assured that you will wake up with repaired valve which is what you want. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Lewis Garlisi  Having read your "story", it sounds like you're addressing your MV issue at a good time. If you have not already done so, read up on valve repairs vs replacements, and the advantages of one type of valve vs another. Then ask your surgeon &cardiologist as many questions as you have. At home I would suggest a reclining bed, but most importantly a good and willing caretaker for the first several days. You will need assistance for a period of time. Adam Pick's book was also a really good source. Good luck.

Janet R  Janine, welcome to the site in which you will find a wealth of information and personal experiences. I had a mitral valve repair just 24 days ago and am doing well. Every day I get a little stronger, little victories. I am feeling pretty good now and can do for myself except for the weight and arm movement restrictions. I invested in an electronic lift recliner in which I am still sleeping in. Would highly recommend getting one. Keep your lungs clear by doing your breathing exercises and keep up your walking exercises. Take your pain killers which will also help you heal. Don't over do it, follow the restrictions, and soon you will be healed. Be well.

Clay Rowe  Hi Janine. Having a recliner of some kind is good. And a bunch of pillows of various thickness. Sanitize and wash everything in advance (shower head too). I was pretty low maintenance otherwise.

Nancy D  Hello Janine- we get it! I had a "minimally invasive" Mitral Valve replacement 6 months ago. But, although we all have lots in common, one big thing is no one's journey is exactly the same as another. We chose different things, and recover at different rates. Educate yourself, and this is just the site with so much information! (sometimes too much, I found at first I had to take it in small visits at first) But knowledge is power, and gives you the control you need in a situation that seems to take on a life of its own. Read in here, ask in here and most all of us have an answer or opinion which will help you make your way a bit easier. Ask me / us anything we will try to answer it and put you at ease. Take good care!

Cheryl Batzing  Janine--welcome! I had tons of fear...and this site helped tremendously, along with prayer. As Nancy D said, we all healing differently. I had minimally invasive mitral valve surgery and was shocked that I didn't need an electric recliner at home, but thought I would from reading this site. I was prepared to get one, but I was able to pull up and down the foot rest on the recliner in the hospital...so if I could do that there, I figured I didn't need an electric recliner at one...and I didn't. You'll be able to tell how you are doing. I also had to stay in the hospital 8 days due to afib, so I had a little time to get stronger there as I healed.

Janine Peterson  Is the electric recliner something that the hospital orders for you? Or, do I arrange for that ahead of time?