Michele 's Journal

Hello all!!! I am almost 7 months post op mitral valve repair and feeling great!!! Back to my daily activity and even getting to surf with my daughter again, something I couldn’t do before surgery because I was so out of breath!

I did have affib twice right after surgery which thankfully I haven’t experienced again.

My question is, I was told two different things regarding caffeine and alcohol. My cardiologist said no alcohol or caffeine ever again. My surgeon said a glass of wine is fine. I’m ok with decaf, I’ve adjusted to it. But I’m going to France in fall and would love to enjoy a glass of wine  and a cup of coffee occasionally. 

anyone have experience post surgery and affib with coffee or wine? If I can’t, it’s fine, my health is more important but I do miss a glass of wine once in awhile and a cup of coffee 😂

I def do not want to trigger affib again, but it was my understanding that was just temporary from the surgery?

Hello! I have a very strange question. Hoping someone has any experience with what I’m feeling. I’m 3 months post op for mitral valve repair. Feeling really good. But the last week I was taken off amiodarone and xarelto. Since being off the medication I’ve noticed a few new symptoms. I’ve been feeling like I have gas trapped in my upper chest and throat area. Almost like I drank a carbonated drink and that feeling of needing to burb. It last for a bit and I’ve been burbing like 6-8 times a day (sorry for the TMI). What’s making me worried is If I’m sitting and stand up with that feeling, I feel like I get a rush of blood to the head.

I know amiadarone affects the lungs. So I did go to the ER last week because I was nervous about what I was feeling. I got confirmation that my heart, lungs and blood work looked great. I saw my cardiologist today and he said to give it a bit. That it takes time for the lungs to Heal after surgery and for the amiodarone to be out of my system.

After heart surgery I’ve become very in tune with my body and maybe a bit paranoid of any symptom. anyone else have a similar experience? Thank you!

Almost 4 weeks post op and my emotions have been all over the place from relief the surgery is over to how long will it take for me to feel normal. Since I had afib upon discharge the medications do not seem to be helping. I’m dizzy at times and just so tired. I walk twice a day around my neighborhood, but feel so tired afterwards. I start rehab next week, hoping that helps with my energy level. I’m prob being extremely impatient with recovery, but I am a mom of two beautiful girls that need me and not being able to be 100% has been challenging. Any advice on those further post op with the silver lining and such?! Also anyone that had post surgery afib, how long were you on medication? Specifically statins, Amiodarone and xarelto. Thank you !

Hello, I’m a week into recovery from mitral valve repair. Surgery went well, but as I was set to go home I went into AFIB . So I ended staying a few more days with loads of medication. I got released and at home few nights later went into AFIB again. I had a cardio which seemed to resolve and am on a blood thinner. Im a bit nervous that it’s going to keep coming back and stay. Anyone have experience with this? I am a 46 yr old female , the medications are making me feel terrible! Thank you!!!!