Karen 's Journal

I am over 4 weeks post-op, surgery October 6, discharge October 10. The surgery was immediately successful.  Mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, Maze procedure, atrial clip. Thank you Dr Robert Riley for saving my life!  The first 2 weeks at home were challenging. I gained 20 lb of post-op fluid which is not unusual. I was on lasix at home for 1 week, but I wasn’t eating and had to keep replenishing fluids and electrolytes. The lasix was successful but the second week I wasn’t breathing well.  I had a cardiologist appt that week. Chest X-ray revealed fluid in the lungs, no pneumonia. One more week of lasix which i started feeling better in 3 days. Now I am walking a lot, eating well, doing daily activities and taking many breaks. This is a long process, do not get discouraged, enjoy the baby steps. I am so proud to be among all of you warriors!