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Mine was sort of similar. Went smoothly. I'm interested in the decision to go natural valve vs. mechanical if Plan B is used?

I concur with epstns. I had one at 47 basically to rule out surprises.

I only had mitral valve repair and my surgeon, previous cardio,current cardio and even dentist said to premedicate with 2000 mg amoxicillin. It costs like $5.00. I wouldn't take the risk of not premedicating.

Hello Shirley, I had a case of plueral effusion myself and it really hurts. I had less than 200cc if I recall and was just put on tapered doses of a steroid for a week. It does go away although I didn't believe it at the time. The total episode was about a month. I recall my surgeon telling...

I don't think you'd notice too much of a difference just walking around. It will be noticeable with more strenuous activity which will seem more effortless. Have you been told the valve could not be repaired?

Hello Laura, I had an echo show moderate as well. A TEE was ordered an it showed only mild to moderate regurg but more importantly that the ring was secure. I would recommend strongly to ask about doing a TEE. Yes I would use the same surgeon.

Probably some form of it. A recumbent bike is one of those low to the ground. My cardio wants to change things up. He knows I cycle. I'm intrigued. I'm calling the manager of cardio imaging at my hospital tomorrow for some tips.

Has anyone ever done one of these as opposed to the usual treadmill stress test?

One of the things to keep in mind is how much rehab is required with each approach. In my case, I technically had no rehab. I only went back to the hospital when I had a case of plueral effusion which can happen with any technique.

As I thought about which technique to go with, I originally was going to go with a heart port mini right thoracotomy, i.e, thru the right ribs. Then I gave consideration to robotic. Both looked good. My surgeon does alot of robotic repairs and my wife nurse liked the fact that it was a little...

I had a great experience at St. Joseph's which is now partnered with Emory. There are alot of good surgeons at both.

Just to let you know, I was on a BP medication before and after surgery always controlled. The surgery may not mean that you will be med free.

While I am your age, I'm sure I'm not quite the athlete. I do like to ride as well. I think your condition is similar to mine based on what you wrote. My cardiologist said that after surgery, you'll just notice how much better you'll feel doing the same things. Using an actual cycling...

I think B & W is pretty innovative according to what I've heard. Once they do a TEE and heart cath you will all have a better idea of the best technique. It will actually settle him down. At least it did for me since there was little mystery left.

Good news. That first night is a bit much. You are constantly alternating between sleep and awake. They had me stand and spin around at about 18 hours. At about 24 hrs, I was able to walk maybe 10 feet with the walker thing. Must have took 20 minutes.

I think a mini is a 4" or so down the chest. I think this is different from a mini thoracotomy which is an incision through the right ribs.

After my MV repair, I continued to cycle, ski, kayak, hike, walk our dogs, etc. It is done so routinely by amazing surgeons, it's magical. My only pre-surgery concern was if they had to go with Plan B and replace with a mechanical valve in my case. I asked my cardiologist a few months prior...

Hello Carolyn, The Cleveland Clinic has a great website that explains heart conditions and procedures etc. I found it to be invaluable.

I think my level of regurg hit the severe category, called 4+ on the scale, about 6 month's prior to surgery. However, I was not sympthomatic. So it would be good to ask the cardiologist what his regurg is. Also, the size of the atrium will be a trigger point. If it enlarges to 6 (cm or mm)...

Good luck Ovie!