Date is set!

[scottr]

My robotic mitral valve repair surgery is set for Nov. 15th at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA. I'm nervous, yet ready to get this done and start the recovery!

Anyone have experience with this type of surgery? How long was the recovery? Time off work? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

http://sroyswim.blogspot.com

 

[Vinnie]

Scott.... You will be ok, trust me. It's been a week ago Thurs. that I had my surgery and the wait is the hardest part. Stay busy and pray. I feel great right now and I have to keep myself from over doing it. My doctor was able to make the repair and stop the severe leak. Please if you have any questions about anything don't hesitate.

I will pray for you, blessings, Vinnie

 

[Greg a]

Scott it is now indicated on the calendar so we will ALL be with you in spirit

 

[Mentu]

Scott, speak with Sharlea who is celebrating her first year after this type of surgery. Take Care.

Larry

 

[guyinva]

Scott: I'm two weeks post op and getting stronger everyday. I agree the waiting and worrying was the hardest part. Best of luck to you.

 

[Duffey]

Congrats on the date, Scott.

 

[ejc61]

Hello scottr and Vinnie,

I'm glad you're doing well Vinnie.

I was 47, fairly good shape. I had MV prolapse. Severe regurg
4+. TEE showed torn up valve. I was asymptomatic. Heart cath showed clear arteries and CT scan showed clear also. My 1st surgery ever. The repair went as planned. Surgery was Thursday afternoon. I left the hospital Sunday afternoon. First week back from the hospital, I was walking every day maybe 15-20 minutes and waking up at close to my regular time as to keep my routine. I did have to take naps during the day but that's ok. I started driving about 2 weeks later. I have a desk job and was back at work 17 days later from date of surgery. Things were a bit cloudy for a month. I did get pleural effusion after 7 weeks but it cleared up in about 3-4 weeks. That was worst than surgery. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck.

 

[scottr]

Thanks for the feedback!

Thanks for the feedback!

Thanks, it's great to know other people can relate how I'm feeling and can give perspective on what to expect.

I'm going in for a mitral valve repair, however my valve may need to be replaced too. The surgeon explained that my situation is complicated and once they repair the valve the plan is to test it to make sure they were in fact able to make the repair. If not, they will have to replace during the surgery. I'm really hoping the repair works, however I need to prepare myself for both options as I won't know until after surgery.

I appreciate all this great information and feedback available through this forum!

 

[ejc61]

I think with all heart sugeries there's going to have to be a plan B. I was getting the mechanical if it couldn't be repaired. I'm guessing that the body goes through about the same trauma as long as it's the same technique, robotic in this case. The first thing I asked my wife was was it repaired. I would have been ok with the mechanical because my cardiologist said that I could keep up my active lifestyle, for a close to 50 year old that is. It would been ok to ride my bicycle, ski, both with helmets, and drink in moderation. Check out the lifestyles portion of this board. It will be ok. I rode 10 miles on my bike on the one month anniversary. Good luck.

 

[nngbwh]

Wishing you a smooth surgery. Keep us updated.