25 days until surgery

[Darryl's heart]

Hi Folks,
I'm new to this posting and I'm a little nervous about my upcoming mitral valve surgery. The Doc is going to try and repair it first and if once he gets in there he can't, well then he'll just replace it with a mechanical valve. I'm turning 40 on Monday and this is just really hard to take. I found out last fall that my mitral valve was leaking from a normal routine physical and one thing lead to another, after several test and here I am, pounding my head out on a web site trying to find answers. Anything that I really need to worry about before or after surgery? Looking for some words of encouragement. Thanks.

 

[starkone]

Hello

Hello

Welcome,
I may be the first to reply but I am far from an authority.
I am also waiting for surgery in 10 days so I do know how you feel.
If you are like me your head is spinning! I am a bit ahead of you in that I have had 3 years to come to grips with it all. The up side is that I have learned alot....the downside is I have worried for 3 years!
Anyway, I hope you search and search around the site. It contains a wealth of information! (probably almost anything you need).
Good luck to you. I will keep you in mind on the 25th.
Karen

 

[geebee]

Hi Darryl and Welcome.

First off let me say that anything you can conjure up in your mind will most likely be far worse than the actual surgery and recovery. Not to say that it is easy but worrying can make things seem far worse.

I am happy to hear that your surgeon told you he may need to replace in lieu of repair. That prepares you for replacement if needed and you won't suffer the disappointment if your valve can't be repaired.

Since you are still relatively young, you should be aware that a tissue valve is an option. Although a tissue valve WILL require re-surgery in 15-20 years, you would still be fairly young at re-surgery time. A tissue valve COULD (not guaranteed) prevent you from being on Coumadin. Some folks find that preferable. You could then get a mechanical the second time and that would last you your lifetime.

Chances are a mechanical now will last your lifetime but, again, there are no guarantees.

I, myself, have a mechanical valve and do not regret it. Coumadin has not been the "big bad wolf" you may hear about. Granted you have to be a little more cautious about being clumsy and other surgical procedures require some forethought but life on Coumadin is easy.

Preparation for surgery:
1. Spend time with your family
2. Spend time with your family
3. Spend time with your family

In other words, other than freeing up your time from work and making sure you have someone to care for you once you are home there is little preparation. Do make sure you have a recliner at home, preferably near the bathroom, because that will make you the most comfortable once you are home.

You can take personal items to the hospital if you want but you will most likely find that you are provided most everything you will want and you won't be in all that long anyway.

There is a device called a Heart Hugger that many people have used to prevent post-surgical pain from coughing, sneezing and the like. Here is the link to the website should you want to order it. You should do so now to make sure you have it in time.

http://hearthugger.com/flash.html

You will hear from many others about their thoughts and suggestions.

Best of luck to you. Please have someone post after your surgery to let us know how you are doing. Now you are a member of our family, we will worry about you.

 

[Marguerite53]

Hello!

Hello!

Darryl,

You've arrived at a great place. I'm still in waiting with no date in sight but you have plenty of time to ask as many questions as you can think up and have them answered by a caring, well experienced and amazingly well educated community.

Good luck! Hang in there. We'll all be sending good thoughts your way!

Marguerite

 

[KAJ]

Darryl,

I too will soon have surgery, now scheduled for March 15. I will have my aortic valve replaced and a couple of other parts of my heart repaired or replaced. This site as has been a gold mine of information for me. Most importantly, you have the support of those who have been there done that. The site has been one of a few other instruments that have helped me to cope with thought of surgery. We are hear for you.

Karl

 

[Bionic Man]

Beat ya there

Beat ya there

I'm 35 and beat you to it. It's not easy being a middle aged guy having to have serious surgery. The news is hard to take but in the end it works out for the best when you are on the other side of the sugery and feeling better.

I had an AVR and feel pretty good now. You might want to get tips on how to sleep. Most of us after getting the news were pretty restless at night. It does get better though.

Try not to worry about the surgery. It's not as bad as what you are expecting.

David Cross

 

[Darryl's heart]

Thanks

Thanks

Thank you everyone for your encouraging words. I'm very glad that someone pointed me to this web site for support. I'm already in the count down mode until the 30th. The doctor didn't say really a whole lot about my mitral valve, other than it was leaking severely and he wanted it done within 6 months and I could do it whenever. I decided to do it as early as I thought I could and also fit his schedule. Sometimes I doubt my decision to go through with it, putting my trust in a doctor's hands. But, I guess it beats the alternative of possibly needing a transplant someday if I don't do this now. It's just so weird being asymptomatic. I just finished my exercise routine of jogging 2.5 miles, stretches, push-ups and crunches. I always feel good after doing exercise. I hope that after my surgery and throughout recovery, that I'll be able to get back to my exercise routine. And my biggest hope is that I feel better. I don't feel bad now. I don't know what "better" can be because I've been told that I've been born with this condition and it has just progressively gotten worse. I'm hoping I feel like a million bucks! Thanks again and don't be surprised if you see me asking some of you folks another question or two and for some more encouraging words.

 

[Debbrn]

Dear Darryl,

I was born with TOF. This includes pulmonary valve stenosis and a VSD among other things. 14 years ago I had to have a pulmonary valve placed. I also felt "normal" for me. I worked full time, etc. I say "normal" because I was born with the defect so I do not know what "normal" is. The doctor told me that I may not feel any better after surgery, but I needed to go ahead and do the surgery before the heart had permanent damage from being over worked. Being young and strong helped me have an easier recovery. I was back at work as a nurse within 8 weeks. The doctor was going to let me go back to work after 6 weeks, but my lifting restrictions were to much to go back after 6 weeks. I could have gone back to work after 6 weeks of I had a desk job.

I don't reqret for one minute going ahead and doing the surgery even though I was asymptomatic. I really feel that it has saved my heart in the long run.
14 years later I am still working, taking care of myself, and my house. Because of my defect I can't keep up with everyone else. But so what. I can do everything God wants me to do, so why should I care about the things I can't do.

Debbie

 

[dawnwit15]

Hi Darryl

Hi Darryl

Welcome to the site Darryl. I found this site 3 days prior to my surgery last year, it is a godsend. After just three days of reading the forums on this site I felt much better educated about what I was about to face. I too have problems with my mitral valve. My problem is mitral stenosis and aortic regurgitation due to rheumatic heart disease. I was told that I needed a valve replacement so I had surgery last January. I was 29 yrs old so I can totally empathize with the shock you must be going through. I also lead a healthy lifestyle, jogged 2 miles per day and watched my diet. So it's a real surprise when you find out you need heart surgery when you think your doing everything in life to prevent it right? Your not alone.
My surgery actually ended up being a repair rather than a replacement. This was decided by the surgeon once he opened me up. I pray for the very best for you. Hang in there, it will work out just fine. You will get through this. Feel free to PM me or send an email if you have any specific questions.
Dawn

 

[Darryl's heart]

Repair Most Likely

Repair Most Likely

The surgeon is telling me that there is an 80% chance of successful repair. I thought that was pretty good. He will be inserting a ring and a clip and do some nipping and tucking. Almost like plastic surgery on my heart I guess. I guess this is the latest procedure for repair. Still the whole process scares me. I do have one question for right now How was the drive home after the surgery? I will have a two to three hour drive from the hospital to my home, which I'm dreading.

 

[Phyllis]

Hi Daryl,
We had a two hour drive home- five days after surgery and it went fine. My daughter drove and Dick stretched out on the back seat. We stopped once or twice to stretch his legs. He was just happy to be going home!

 

[perkicar]

Lifting Restrictions

Lifting Restrictions

Dear Darryl,

I was born with TOF. This includes pulmonary valve stenosis and a VSD among other things. 14 years ago I had to have a pulmonary valve placed. I also felt "normal" for me. I worked full time, etc. I say "normal" because I was born with the defect so I do not know what "normal" is. The doctor told me that I may not feel any better after surgery, but I needed to go ahead and do the surgery before the heart had permanent damage from being over worked. Being young and strong helped me have an easier recovery. I was back at work as a nurse within 8 weeks. The doctor was going to let me go back to work after 6 weeks, but my lifting restrictions were to much to go back after 6 weeks. I could have gone back to work after 6 weeks of I had a desk job.

I don't reqret for one minute going ahead and doing the surgery even though I was asymptomatic. I really feel that it has saved my heart in the long run.
14 years later I am still working, taking care of myself, and my house. Because of my defect I can't keep up with everyone else. But so what. I can do everything God wants me to do, so why should I care about the things I can't do.

Debbie

If I have the minimally invasive procedure, do you know how long the restrictions are there? I'm a nurse too, and am trying to figure out how long I'll be off/ or on light duty

 

[gadgetman]

The surgeon is telling me that there is an 80% chance of successful repair. I thought that was pretty good. He will be inserting a ring and a clip and do some nipping and tucking. Almost like plastic surgery on my heart I guess. I guess this is the latest procedure for repair. Still the whole process scares me. I do have one question for right now How was the drive home after the surgery? I will have a two to three hour drive from the hospital to my home, which I'm dreading.

Dr. McGiffin was able to repair my mitral valve. He was sure I was looking at replacement until he got in and found it could be repaired. I also had 3 by-passes done at the same time.

I hope you don't mean by "drive" you plan on driving home. The "RIDE" home for me was about 4 hours. We had to stop ever so often for me to get out and walk for a while. I was not allowed to drive again until about 2 weeks after surgery.

Good luck on your pending surgery. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and try to have someone post your outcome on the other side.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[rlbaird]

Hi Folks,
I'm new to this posting and I'm a little nervous about my upcoming mitral valve surgery. The Doc is going to try and repair it first and if once he gets in there he can't, well then he'll just replace it with a mechanical valve. I'm turning 40 on Monday and this is just really hard to take. I found out last fall that my mitral valve was leaking from a normal routine physical and one thing lead to another, after several test and here I am, pounding my head out on a web site trying to find answers. Anything that I really need to worry about before or after surgery? Looking for some words of encouragement. Thanks.

I was 39 and knew I had a heart mumur since a toddler. Not knowing or worrying about what I should have or shouldn't have been doing, I wish I would have searched for information.
I had my aortic valve replaced in May 2001 after going to the Doctor's for a follow up after a severe sore throat. He was a new physician and asked about the murmur and then followed up with a echogram. One thing led to another and after the catherization, the surgery was the next day. I felt healthy otherwise but the valve only had a .1 opening. I had no time to research and was grateful my sister, a nurse, spoke to the cardiologist and I had the replacement the next day. I have been ticking ever since and recovered quite quickly. After almost 4 years, I do almost everything I did before. The worst part is keeping your INR/PT where it needs to be and getting your blood checked often. A small price to pay for the new life I almost lost.

 

[Darryl's heart]

Folks...Another Question...this one about PAIN

Folks...Another Question...this one about PAIN

The Nurse Practitioner that I saw after I saw the doctor and went through my pre-admittance work, said that out of all the patients they have, young men are the worst for pain management. She told me that the Hospital will do the best they can do to manage my pain. Well now...on one hand I took it as a compliment because I am 40 , but I also felt a little insulted because I felt like she was saying that I was a big whimp. She asked my how I handle pain and I told her that I thought I handle pain fairly well. My wife agreed. Although, I've never had anything quite like this done, I've broke some bones in my life, but I've never been operated on. Can some of you folks share your experiences and what I can expect. Don't be afraid to tell me the truth. I don't want anything sugar coated. I'm a big boy and I can handle it. Thank you!

You know I had to edit this and add this part...I hope that some of you folks don't get sick of me by the 30th. I feel like I've been on this sight 100 times in the last 5 days (since I registered).

 

[geebee]

First off - we will not tire of you so don't worry about that.

Second - did she say WHY young men were the hardest to manage? Was it because they claim it hurts more or because they want to be "macho" and think they don't need their pain meds?

Since I am not, nor have never been, a young man, I cannot address this personally. However, my guess would be, if you take your pain meds when they are due and try to relax, you will be fine. Just the fact that you and your wife feel you are good with pain, probably puts you ahead of the game regardless of whether you are male or female.

Men's bones made be thicker or stronger (med folks - chime in here because I am guessing) so perhaps that increases pain. However I would think it's all fairly bad at times for everyone.

This will not be a picnic but it will make your life better. Just follow instructions and NEVER miss a pain pill even if you are not hurting all that bad. If you let the pain get ahead of the medication you WILL have problems.

Good luck.

 

[Georgia]

Hi, Darryl

Hi, Darryl

In general, I don't think the post-surgical pain is too bad; in the hospital they keep you really doped up (hurray) because they need you to walk and breathe extensively. By the time you get home the pain is really manageable with darvocet. But you MUST take your pain pills as scheduled for the first week at least - you don't want to let the pain get out of control.

If you behave yourself and don't do anything you're not supposed to (lift, strain, get your chest bumped, etc.) you won't have much problem - you really need a heart pillow for coughs and sneezes (those are the things that are real problems and hurt a lot).

I'm not saying this is a walk in the park; but barring major complications it's all manageable without a lot of physical discomfort. Hint: DON'T LET A TODDLER BUMP HIS HEAD INTO YOUR CHEST. (This comes from painful personal experience)

One thing about guys - maybe worse with younger men: y'all tend to bend over instead of standing up straight after OHS. You need to stand up straight.

I'm a wimp in the face of pain; this was all OK.

 

[Darryl's heart]

In general, I don't think the post-surgical pain is too bad; in the hospital they keep you really doped up (hurray) because they need you to walk and breathe extensively. By the time you get home the pain is really manageable with darvocet. But you MUST take your pain pills as scheduled for the first week at least - you don't want to let the pain get out of control.

If you behave yourself and don't do anything you're not supposed to (lift, strain, get your chest bumped, etc.) you won't have much problem - you really need a heart pillow for coughs and sneezes (those are the things that are real problems and hurt a lot).

I'm not saying this is a walk in the park; but barring major complications it's all manageable without a lot of physical discomfort. Hint: DON'T LET A TODDLER BUMP HIS HEAD INTO YOUR CHEST. (This comes from painful personal experience)

One thing about guys - maybe worse with younger men: y'all tend to bend over instead of standing up straight after OHS. You need to stand up straight.

I'm a wimp in the face of pain; this was all OK.

Amen to the toddler bumping their head into my chest. I have an almost 3 year old daughter, who just loves to jump on her daddy and give him big hugs and kisses. I'm sure going to miss that and I don't know how I'm going to tell her that she can't do that to daddy for right now. I guess I'll show her daddy's ****oo and tell her that she needs to be gentle with daddy and help take care of me. She has a little doctor's kit that she'll be able to check me out every so often. I believe when she's around me, I'll make sure I have a thick pillow nearby at all times to make sure I have protection if she gets a little rambunctious.

 

[Darryl's heart]

First off - we will not tire of you so don't worry about that.

Second - did she say WHY young men were the hardest to manage? Was it because they claim it hurts more or because they want to be "macho" and think they don't need their pain meds?

Since I am not, nor have never been, a young man, I cannot address this personally. However, my guess would be, if you take your pain meds when they are due and try to relax, you will be fine. Just the fact that you and your wife feel you are good with pain, probably puts you ahead of the game regardless of whether you are male or female.

Men's bones made be thicker or stronger (med folks - chime in here because I am guessing) so perhaps that increases pain. However I would think it's all fairly bad at times for everyone.

This will not be a picnic but it will make your life better. Just follow instructions and NEVER miss a pain pill even if you are not hurting all that bad. If you let the pain get ahead of the medication you WILL have problems.

Good luck.

Well, I'm a very good listener and I will take my medications as they prescribe. She really didn't say why, other than historically the Hospital has experienced this with only young men. It is very stange though.

Again, I must say special thanks to everyone for there support, kind thoughts and words of wisdom. You all are very nice and it's nice to know that I have some place to come and get answeres from folks who have been there done it. I wish you all were my neighbors. I'd have you all over all the time for picnics and barbecues.

 

[Ross]

I wish you all were my neighbors. I'd have you all over all the time for picnics and barbecues.

Umm, I'm not that far away and I love barbecues!