Debbie's Journal

I had my mitral valve repair 4 weeks ago and am feeling so much better, but I'm having trouble getting to sleep at night. Any suggestions on what would help?

Well, I can't believe it's been 3 week since my mitral valve repair! This is my surgery experience. Before surgery I met the anesthesiologist, nurses and my surgeon, Dr. Accola, who gave me reassuring words and a hug. I got to see my family before taking me to surgery and then I was out. Surgery went well & Dr, Accola did a great job repairing my valve. My family was kept updated on my progress and got to see me afterwards. I do remember the breathing tube being taken out and some pain and nausea that night, but that was the worst of it. The next day I was sitting in a chair with my husband and son, feeling very weak and some pain but not bad. Pain meds make me nauseas so I didn't take anything strong. That night they took me to my beautiful room in progressive care. My private room on the 8th floor overlooking a lake was nice. (Florida Hospital is the best). I did not have much pain, I was taking just tylenol by the 3rd day. The cardiac care nurses were great and my first shower felt like heaven. I started walking short distances on the 2nd day. I could not taste my food very well, so I didn't have much of an appetite for a few days. My only problem was a-fib a few times that went away so I wasn't release until Easter (day 5). We opted to have me stay at my mom's so I could have someone with me at all times. This was my hardest week, but my mom and stepdad were the greatest. I slept in a recliner, made sure I did my breathing exercises and walked 4 times a day. Some days were better than others. I had learned so much from the posts on this site I knew what to expect and that helped me so much. I've been to my cardiologist 3 times checking my heart rate, which was high, but is starting to go down now and there is a small "block" (something to do with my electrical signal) which should go away in a month or two. They have me taking 1/2 12.5 mg metoprol twice a day to help slow my heart rate. And I don't have to go back for 2 months. Had my check up with Dr. Accola and he said everything looked great! Everyday I am feeling stronger and now can do small things like folding laundry, emptying dishwasher, light housework. I know at first it seems like you'll never feel better but be patient and listen to your body. I might go back to work next week (week 4) part-time if I feel up to it. I'm still not back to "normal" yet, but I know in time I'll get my energy back and my sternum will heal completely in a few weeks. My husband and two boys have been so supportive and a great help during all of this and my family, church family & friends, and fellow heart brothers and sisters who have been praying for me the whole time. I am also praying for all out there who have surgeries upcoming and those who are on the "other side" recovering. Healing will take time, but will come!