at five weeks

[Mercia]

Had my mitral valve replaced with the less invasive procedure on 06/24/2008 and was feeling terrible around 4 to 5 weeks post-op (worse than pre-op)- they told me that I had Atrial Flutter and too fast a heart rate (at rest above 115+).

Cardioligist increased my Metoprolol as well as started me on small dose of Digoxin to slow down my heart rate and feeling much better now.

My surgeon did explain that although the surgery is less invasive, it will still take time for the heart and surrounding nerves to heal

I have a scheduled cardioversion procedure to fix the A-Fib/flutter on August 14.

 

[ryen0]

thanks so much everyone. i think that i had it in my mind that i would be completely better now since i did a less invasive approach. and while that's true for my outward body, like you guys have said, my heart still has to get used to the stabs and new system. it helps my mind to know that hopefully there is something to look forward to, like my heart completely healing and not having the atrial tachs or svts anymore. for some reason beta blockers haven't helped keep them away totally. and i don't really want to have antiarrythmic drugs. as long as they aren't too dangerous i may just put up with them and wait for my heart to get back to normal. thanks again for all the advice.

 

[ryen0]

I always wondered why depression after the surgery was a problem. I don't remember being depressed after mine. I remember being frustrated because nobody would let me do anything. I would think people would be excited that it was all over and not depressed. Just curious as to why though.

correct me if i'm wrong, but i would say that the main cause of depression starting, is that once you have a huge surgery like this, you can't help but start thinking about your own mortality. my uncle said he went through the same thing after his ohs