need some support!!

[nebtargh]

I was just told that I need mitral valve surgery. I'm not quite sure yet if it can be repaired. I just know this has to get done very soon. It looks as though this will be done at the Univ. of PA. Can anyone give me some feedback about this procedure to calm my nerves. I will be grateful for any support I can get.

 

[RandyL]

Wecome! You have come to the right place. Ask as many questions that you want and you will get the answers you seek.

 

[Adrienne]

I had mitral valve repair 11 months ago (to the day). After less than 3 weeks after the operation I felt great!

If you have any specific questions, please ask.

 

[geebee]

Welcome.

Unless you have specific questions, the only thing I can say to calm your fears is that these surgeries are very routine these days. Although they do carry risks, the chance of problems are minimal.

Recovery will take 3-6 months before you are truly back to normal (sometimes a little longer). The first couple of weeks are the toughest.

Pain is very controllable but watch out for sneezes and coughing.

Any other questions - just ask.

 

[Janea]

Hi nebtargh,
Aside from divine assurances from above, the thing that calmed my nerves the most was finding a surgeon I felt was competent and caring. The more research I did the more I felt empowered to make good decisions about my care. Ask questions. Keep a notebook. Write all your concerns down. This web site will be a great resource. YOu should breathe a sigh of relief in just having found it prior to surgery. Lastly, you live in a wonderful day and age where the quality of mechanicle and tissue valves are lasting longer and longer. The kind of tissue valve they are offering today are far superior to the valves of just teo or three years ago (so says my surgeon) I can only speak for tissue since that is the kind of valve I got. Technologies used in heart surgery keeps improving and mortality rates are low. You are not alone. Don't fret fellar!

 

[Karlynn]

Could you fill us in about yourself? Age? How long you've known about your mitral valve issues? What tests you've had done? What type of valve you are considering or if you have questions or concerns about the valve choice?

If you've been told that a repair might be possible, please make sure that the surgeon who does it has done 100's of them.

I had my mitral valve replaced almost 15 years ago and life is good.

There's lots of information to be found here and 100's of years of combined experiences. So I'm glad you found us.

Best wishes!

 

[pipersmith]

Read Read Read...

Read Read Read...

.....ask ask ask. Information has been foremost in calming my fears and anxiety! And my friend, you have found the right place. People here can talk you through most any procedure - life before, during, and after surgery - and answer any great big - or tiny silly - question that you can think up.

Welcome to this supportive group - and get ready to read....

 

[Meghan]

One of my cousins went through surgery for the mitral valve in Philadelphia about a year ago. I am fairly certain it was through U. of Pa. His surgeon was Micheal Ackerman.

My cousin ended up having to go through 2 surgeries. Initially a non-invasive valve repair through the side was attempted. About a month after surgery my cousins were told that the repair had not worked at all and he needed full OHS for MVR with a mechanical valve, pretty much immediatly. They did a few weeks later and he has recovered wonderfully and more quickly than expected. Being on coumadin has not proved to be a problem and he's doing quite well now. I'm not sure exactly how old my cousin is but I think early -mid 30s.

so all in all - the repair experience was not good but the replacement is working. From all I know they were happy with the surgery experience in Philadelphia and the tough part was the commute, as they live in central Pa.

 

[KMS]

We're here with support

We're here with support

While I can't offer much in the way of experience with mitral valve repair, I can tell you that you'll be at a great institution. Penn is one of the top places in the country to have a heart-related procedure.

As others have mentioned: keep asking questions here on the site, as well as with your medical professionals. Having good information will give you confidence and comfort.

Warm regards,

Kristine