leslie's Guestbook

Leslie, welcome to the heart valve surgery support family. I call us a family because we all have heart valve issues in common and support one another through the journey of cardiology appointments, tests, surgery and recovery. We are here for you. Ask any questions. Last Summer I was 54 years old and had full sternum surgery for mitral valve repair. The main thing I learned is that while the process of open heart surgery takes the same course for everyone, we are all unique physically and may expoand respond differently to pain, surgery itself, and the rate in which we heal. My pain was off the chart the first 8 hours, but the ICU RN was quick to get additional medication prescribed by my surgeon. The pain persisted at a lessor intensity throughout my 11 day hospital stay. I was in ICU 2 days, but most are there overnight. I was in the hospital 11 days, while most ate discharged on day 3-4. I call myself an outlier. Just be honest with your medical caregivers and do what they tell you. They will help you. When you get home take it one day at a time. I felt pretty good at 6 weeks. Started cardiac rehab at week 9. Cardiac rehab is so important. Don’t overlook it. I made great strides in one month. I’ll be praying for you, your surgery and your husband whom you care for.

Hi Leslie, welcome to the site! I had aortic valve replacement surgery about 5 years ago, feel free to read through my journal if you'd like. I had a bicuspid valve, and now I have a mechanical valve and take warfarin every day. My life has only gotten better since surgery. What questions do you have? Meredith Holiday, FL age 42 at surgery