Markos's Guestbook

Hi, read your last note.  I also went to Sinai NYC for MV repair.  First off, the research clearly shows the MV repair is preferable over a replacement.  Dr Adams, i bet,  also told you such. The repair is harder to do. So perhaps surgeons in your country have lower successful outcomes because of such?!
Regarding some of your other concerns, which i totally get, the vent tube is only in for hours after your surgery, at-least for most. Most of us do not have a clear memory of it, but some do.  The pain is quite well managed by medications and astonishingly  will likely be the least of your concerns, especially after the first two days.  The tubes, yes, are annoying, but you get used to navigating. The extreme fatigue is a big, big deal, as well as having to sleep on your back for weeks.  So be creative with those pillows to ease this discomfort. Some of us found the use of the reclining chair in the hospital and at home helpful in this regard.  Eat a lot of  protein (heme, from meat) before the surgery to get your hemoglobin up.  A major reason for your extreme exhaustion will be low hemoglobin.
Hope this info is helpful. Godspeed.

So glad you found this website before your surgery. Your mitral valve issue sounds like mine was. Anterior (most are posterior) with A3 flail and ruptured chords. I was shocked when I found out I had to have surgery quickly.  It was good though, because I didnt have a lot of time to think about it and worry before hand. I had to get all my business stuff in order (accountant and it was tax season! ) I found this site a few weeks after my surgery. Everyone is so helpful and it is such a great wealth of information. If you have any questions, just ask.  Best of luck!! 

Thinking of you Markos - everyone’s heart surgery is an individual journey but this community offers much loving support.  The Gold Standard is to repair the mitral valve if they can.  I had open heart surgery October 2024 & my surgeon was prepared either way- he said once they get in there sometimes they have to approach it differently.  I was lucky to have a full repair to my mitral valve.  


Have a surgeon who is well experienced in doing mitral valve surgery!  Have a surgeon you feel confident with!  Then you put it in his or her hands.  Wishing you blessings on your journey.