pericardial effusion post Mitral Valve replacement

[Cheryl]

Is this somewhat common in these types of surgerys?

 

[ejc61]

Supposed, it's about 20% with any type of heart surgery. I think I remember this number during conversations with surgeons. I had it 7 weeks post op which isn't the common case. It lasted about a month and then went away. Took alot of Nsaids and steroid treatment.

 

[Kathy McCain]

I don't know the statistics, but I believe it's a bit more common that maybe patients might think. I also, had pericardial effusion and a pericardial window done one week after my AVR.

 

[Cheryl]

Cheryl had the window as well. They went in thru the lower part of her incision and then into her window. Her bp at the time of the procedure to insert the drain tube was 55/40. Pretty scary.

 

[Michelle D]

I have it, and I've read that it is quite common, I believe 20%

 

[Jkm7]

I was so blessed to get through two OHS including Mitral Valve Replacement and did not suffer that set back. I wonder if being active and walking a lot right from the start has an influence? The nurses and staff on step down at MGH kept commenting about how much I walked. Maybe I reaped that benefit from it?

 

[Lynlw]

I was so blessed to get through two OHS including Mitral Valve Replacement and did not suffer that set back. I wonder if being active and walking a lot right from the start has an influence? The nurses and staff on step down at MGH kept commenting about how much I walked. Maybe I reaped that benefit from it?

Maybe, but Justin had it after 4 of his 5 OHS and he was VERY active, both in and out of the hospital

 

[Jkm7]

Thanks, Lyn. Guess I was just lucky.

 

[ejc61]

I was so blessed to get through two OHS including Mitral Valve Replacement and did not suffer that set back. I wonder if being active and walking a lot right from the start has an influence? The nurses and staff on step down at MGH kept commenting about how much I walked. Maybe I reaped that benefit from it?

On day 3 in the hospital, I was walking by myself. I was walking about 3/4-1 mile after about a week at home. I rode my bicycle 10 miles after 4 weeks. Oddly, I kayaked for about an hour after week 7. A few days later, I was stricken. I'm thinking I may have pushed too hard. But I will do it the same way the next time. I think it's just one of those by-products of surgery. While in the surgeon's office, there were two other patients with similar issues. I just think it's something that can just happen.