http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/09/16/thoracotomy-vs-sternotomy-for-mitral-valve-surgery/#comment-7729 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:35:33 +0000 http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/09/16/thoracotomy-vs-sternotomy-for-mitral-valve-surgery/#comment-7729 I had a mitral valve replacement via sternotomy in August 2007. I thought I was going to die immediately following that as no one prepares you enough for the initial aftermath. Now I'm 1 1/2 years post surgery and generally feel good. I still have pain when my 3 year old presses on the incision and find that I am probably over cautious with my activities. I was told that cardiac rehab was not needed for my valve replacement which I don't think I now agree with. I'm told that there's not always a choice on type of surgery which depends on what the surgeon believes will work best with replacement vs. repair. I had a mitral valve replacement via sternotomy in August 2007. I thought I was going to die immediately following that as no one prepares you enough for the initial aftermath. Now I’m 1 1/2 years post surgery and generally feel good. I still have pain when my 3 year old presses on the incision and find that I am probably over cautious with my activities. I was told that cardiac rehab was not needed for my valve replacement which I don’t think I now agree with. I’m told that there’s not always a choice on type of surgery which depends on what the surgeon believes will work best with replacement vs. repair.

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