Linda's Guestbook

Klara, before surgery I had very few symptoms of severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation other than the increasing arrhythmias. I was very active, biking over 20 miles/day, walking several miles,Pilates, weights, etc. I did sometimes feel that I was getting more winded when climbing hills however nothing that alerted me to the severe regurgitation other than the echocardiogram. I just attributed it to my age. After surgery I am now trying to rebuild endurance and strength. Its four months since surgery so I am not yet back to my prior exercise level. That will take more time. I have had to learn to slow down and let my heart heal. Good news though I do not feel winded at all on the inclines. Like you, I also had low BP preop sometimes feeling faint and that has now changed. My BP is now quite stable. I do still feel my heart beat at times when I am laying flat, especially when I have arrhythmias. However as the months have passed, the heartbeats are not nearly as "forceful " as previously. Staying well hydrated helps. I do have occasional short episodes of fast heart rate, which is a new experience. Preop my heart rate routinely was in the 50s-60s. The main problems I have had postop are related to the arrhythmias (which I am told by the Cardiologist and the Electrophysiologist are primarily due to the heart inflammation postop ) As the heart remodels itself hopefully the electrical system will also stabilize. The cardiac meds have had some side effects so its taken a while to dial in the correct medication and dosages to control the arrhythmias. One bout of a fib required cardioversion at 3 weeks postop. Thankfully things have settled down now. At this point in time, it is a relief to have the surgery behind me, knowing the valves have no regurgitation now. it feels good rebuilding strength and endurance now and I am looking forward to the future. I remember asking my cardiac surgeon the question preop, am I going to feel better after surgery…..since I already felt good it was difficult to think about having surgery. The surgeon said it was not a matter of feeling better or worse…it was really a matter of extending my life and giving me a chance at a normal Life expectancy. That advice certainly helped to prepare me. Klara You are young, full of life, and active as I read your story, and this surgery really can be a miracle. Your heart will be stronger allowing you to run and resume an active life. If I can help answer any mote questions please let me know.

Jeanne, so far recovery is going well 2 weeks PostOp. I have been walking more each day according to the guidelines and it feels good though I do get quite fatigued. Yesterday I walked over half mile before stopping and felt good. Though today I am tired! Having some discomfort in right chest area muscles from the Mini thoracotomy mainly when I overdo things with the PostOp exercises. How are you doing Jeanne…how is your recovery now?

Linda you sound like your doing great A step at a time I found there were many hills and valleys the first month I am now going into my sixth week of recovery I feel the past two weeks have really made a difference Returning to work next week and i feel emotionally and physically ready ❤️