Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

I just received an excellent question from Julie about trace heart valve leakage after surgery.

Julie writes to me, “Hi Adam - My husband, who had mitral valve prolapse surgery on October 31, 2008, went for the annual check-up with his cardiologist. In review of the echocardiogram results, we were told that there was slight leakage in the mitral valve. The cardiologist told us that it was okay. But, when I asked him if the valve could require surgery again, he said that was possible. Do many patients experience heart valve leakage after surgery. Thanks, Julie and Jon!”

I can directly relate to the concern and worry that Julie carries regarding the trace regurgitation in Jon’s mitral valve.

So you know, Dr. Rosin, my cardiologist, told me that I had trace leakage in my aortic valve one year after my Ross Procedure. That news was very, very, very tough to digest.

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I just received an email from Kevin about the use of recliners after heart valve surgery.

Kevin writes, “Hi Adam - At 58 years of age, it’s finally time to get the valve fixed. My aortic stenosis is now severe so I’m preparing for the surgery - both mentally and physically. One quick question for you… Does it make sense to use a recliner instead of regular bed during the early part of the recovery? I hear it can be pretty painful getting out of a regular bed. Thanks, Kevin”

This is a fantastic question for patients and their caregivers to consider. Plus, I give Kevin alot of credit for proactively thinking about what happens when patients return home from the hospital.

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Karen just sent me an excellent question about breast support after open heart surgery.

She writes, “Adam - Okay, so I’m going in for heart valve surgery due to severe mitral regurgitation next week. Ummm. I know you didn’t have any issues with this. But, can your female readers help me better understand bra use after surgery? I have fairly big boobs (not to be too graphic) and I imagine the incision might be impacted by that. What should I expect? Yes, I’m very embarrassed right now. Thanks, Karen.”

First off, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If I can share my stories about urinary catheters and Full Monty body shaves, hearing about Karen’s big boobs is no shocker.

Second, Karen raises a GRREEEEAAAAATTT point. And, she’s right. I can’t really help her answer this question. But, I have asked several female readers about their experiences with bra use and breast support after open heart surgery. Here is what some of them had to say.

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I just received a very interesting question from Rick about dizziness after heart valve surgery.

Rick writes, “Adam - On August 7, 2009, I had mitral valve repair surgery. Two weeks after surgery I am home and walking four times per day around our neighborhood. Everything feels good except when I first stand up from a sitting position.  I get dizzy even when I stand up slowly. Do other patients experience this? Thanks, Rick”

To answer Rick’s question, I can share that I too had bouts of dizziness after heart valve replacement surgery. The dizzy spells were very similar to how Rick described it… When standing up, I would become slightly off-balance for one or two seconds.

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