If I get it repaired can I be normal again?

[oopsyadaisy]

Is a repair mean I can be normal again in my lifestyle? I am currently messed up because my mvp went to fine to messed up in 3 months. My cardiologist says not to fret and let the moderate regurg sit till it gets worse. I am afraid to bike swim ANYTHING. I used to be active but no more. Is a repair something that lasts longer and maybe never have to do again? Could I live normally again and not drop dead 10 years down the road? How long do mvp survivors last?

 

[Harpoon]

I would think a successful repair would be about the same as a successful replacement (I've had the latter) and would allow you to return to your regular routines once you've recovered from surgery...


I have an artificial valve which means I'm on coumadin for an eternity (probably) and I'm taking a number of other medications but my lifestlye is about the same as it was a year before I got sick (not including the part about getting married back in September and having a 4 year old son of course!)


Generally, from what I've seen here at least, most of the people who are post-surgery have returned to their lives about as "normally" as they had been before their hearts developed problems.


There are a few people who are at least "more cautious" when it comes to physical activity because of the anticoagulation therapy (coumadin) but for the most part it just means a hightened awareness, no real change in lifestyle.

Any changes people make after surgery in their lifestyle are generally positive things, eating healthier, being more physically active, quiting smoking or laying off alcohol consumption....

 

[Christina L]

Oopsydaisy,

Oh my goodness, you sound a lot like me! Very scared and nervous! I had my mitral valve repaired in Cleveland last November. I was a basket case before and after my surgery - as many on this board will attest to.

I still am very anxious at times about things - the "what if's" and what the future holds for me. I try to keep busy and have stayed off the VR.com board for a while to help get my mind off of my heart. I started checking back in to the board 1-2 times a week (I was concerned about my new friends here) and saw that a great gal, Andrea, was going to need re-do surgery on her mechanical mitral valve (she was such a blessing to me before my surgery). Anyway, I have been on the board a lot again checking on her. I will wean myself off again here soon.

BUT, I saw your post and just had to respond. I would not overdo it with your moderate regurgitant mitral valve. Do not be afraid to exercise and to do fun activities because of your valve. However, I wouldn't be out there running marathons if I were you.

Mitral valve repairs can last forever or they can't. It is that simple. Only God knows the future and we just have to live life to the fullest for now and hope for the best.

I have been having a lot of PACs again lately (premature atrial contractions which are considered benign) and have been more anxious because of this - I will be seeing my cardiologist on Monday for a "don't worry, you're okay" check. Anyway, I hope that will be what I hear.

I understand fully what you are going through. I would try to keep busy if I were you, stay informed of your cardiovascular heath and what is going on with your valve, listen to your body - if you sense you are feeling worse, see the cardiologist ASAP. But DON'T dwell on your heart condition - it is counterproductive.

So do I understand right, you are going to wait a while longer and watch the valve - before going into surgery?? I hope you will be able to stave off the surgery for years. That can happen you know. Try not to worry.

God bless -
Christina L.

 

[Christina L]

P.S. AFTER your repair, you will be able to be active - again, I wouldn't overdo it. My cardiologist told me I could X-C ski four months after my surgery, but in the end I chose not to attempt that - I have taken things slow and easy since my repair - but that is my choice (I do walk almost daily on my treadmill). I know people are out doing marathons after a repair or replacement - it is how YOU choose to live your life.

 

[oopsyadaisy]

Its the depression

Its the depression

I keep thinking of things I did before this happened to me. I keep looking at people and wondering what its like to have a good heart. I currently dont have a cardiologist (hes on vacation) and all I was told was that Im not to do much. If that is the case then fix me now. I cry so much Im surprised theres no rainbow after my flood. Ive thought about checking myself in to the room with the white padded walls. I wish I had more information on what is going on. I just want to be the way I was. If its reparied one would think that youd be as good as new right?

 

[oopsyadaisy]

Also

Also

I spend a lot of time on these boards. Its become some sick obsession. Hopeing for an answer i guess that Im okay and not to worry.

 

[labguides]

Our daughter had mitral valve repair in Jan, 2004 at age 26. She has been running 2+ miles a day and lifting weights for several months. Prior to surgery, her cardio told her that once she is cleared after surgery, she will not need to see the cardio again. She last saw the cardio at 2 months post -op and will see cardio in about month -- we assume tht she will be discharged at that time.

Our daughter's surgeon would not guarantee the mitral valve repair would last forever -- because of her young age. For her lasting a life time, hopefully would mean lasting about 60 years which is longer than doctors have been repairing the valve -- does that make sense?

I

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello OOPS,

It sounds like you are not getting much information / support from your Cardiologist. Be aware that many cardiologists prefer to postpone surgery as long as possible. The down side to this approach is that permanent damage may result by allowing the valve disease to progress too long.

I recommend that you consult with a SURGEON, especially if a REPAIR is an option. That is the BEST solution, but you need to act BEFORE the damage is so great that a repair is no longer possible. If your cardiologist won't refer you to a surgeon, make your won appointment. Be sure to get copies of your Echo Tapes or at least the echo reports to show to the surgeon.

'AL'

 

[danielgilboa]

Hi Ooops,

A repair is a good solution because you are not left with the disadvantages of neither the pig valve or the mechanical. It's also more "natural". BUT-

1. You need to be careful in deciding to go for a repair. If the condition is not super suitable for a repair, you might find yourself on the table again a few years later. It seems to be dinamic. In some cases the repair is as good as new and lasts for life, but if they try to repair a condition which is more complex, it might not hold up forever.
2. The earleir the intervention the better chances there are for successful repair.

You need advice from a good surgeon on the timing and the prefered procedure. If the condition is not clear cut go for second opinion.

I wanted a repair by hook and by crook, and my surgeon convinced me that although he can refer me to 3-4 repair experts in the world, he is not sure I will not be seeing him again in a few years. I was convinced, got a mechanical and am not sorry for one minute.

After surgery, repair or replacement, you should be at least as strong as before. It takes time. I am 3 months post, and on my bike ride yesterday I felt I am now as strong as before surgery. I expect to get better over time.

 

[McCln]

On Repairs

On Repairs

Most of the repairs, mine was that aortic valve, lasts long unless there are problems. I had my repair at age eight, replacement at age 36. So there is a good chance for a number of years for a repair to last, or longer. You talk to your surgeon and ask for his/her opinion on the subject. They go by dependable statics. Your chances for repeat surgery, in the future, has changed over the years by vast improvements, in cardio-vascular area. Take care and goodluck on the repair. I did lead an active life after repair and before replacement.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve

 

[MelissaM]

Well, I may never be "normal" after my repair. . .then again, I was never really normal BEFORE my repair! I fully expect my repair to last a lifetime. And I consider myself back to normal - freed from anything heart-related. No coumadin, no cardiologist, just a 2.5" scar in the middle of my chest would ever let someone know I had heart surgery.

Prior to having the repair, I did a TON of research on repairs. It is my belief that only a handful of surgeons are truly qualified to perform a repair. Prior to surgery, I had three consults from "the best" local surgeons. None of them were experienced in repairs, nor minimally invasive techniques. So I wrestled with my insurance company and got them to send me to Guru of Mitral Valve Repairs - Dr. Delos Cosgrove at the Cleveland Clinic. I went from 4+ regurge to "no audible murmur," i.e., less than trace regurgitation.

In short, this isn't your refridgerator - its your heart. So pick your repair guy carefully. And if it is a repair you are after, don't stop at one opinion. The rest of your life will be affected by this one decision.

Melissa

 

[bobbie416]

My 33 year old daughter had her MV repair six weeks ago today. Two cardiologists told her to wait. Told her she'd probably need a replacement in about 20 years. We weren't happy with that. I came here and researched and read for two weeks.

Long story short. She went to get some surgeon's opinions. One's odds weren't good for repair so we went elsewhere where the odds were better.
She was back taking care of her two children (3 and 2) right away within reason of course. She has never felt better and she feels as if she has a whole new life.

We were all terified. She was too but after hearing the surgeon say you could wait and come back to me in ten years and then you'll have the heart of an old woman...and will then hae to have a replacement... she just wanted a better quality of life for herself and her babies.and was just plain tired of feeling lousy. I know how scared she was but she said a peace just came over her and she knew she could do it.

Her stay in the hospital was 5 days and we stopped on the parkway at Burger King she was so hungry! And she walked into her house with all the welcome home signs and balloons and most of all her darling children 's hugs(gently) and tears of joy.She had some discomfort but just some Motrin and she was good. Within a few days she was visiting her sisters' houses and taking short walks up and down the street and even the mall! God has been good.

Her post op visit was great and this doc. didn't say anything about this not lasting a lifetime whatever a lifetime is. Her heart is healthy and she went before things got worse which was only inevitable. He was so upset that so many cardiologists wait so long and think surgery as such a last resort when in reality it should always be an option.

Go, no RUN to a surgeon.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Blessings from a grateful mom and grammie,
bobbie

(Repair done NYU Dr. Giovanni Ciuffo)