Maxine's Guestbook

Maxine Hicks  Thank you so much for your thoughts and wishes, Grace. I am  pleased with the choices I made for this surgery. Recovery is the easy part.

Marian Janes  I am in the same position.  Such a big decision to make here at the end of the year. Do you have an option?

Raj K  I was angling for the minimally invasive given my perception of a potential quicker recovery…the big caveat from the surgical team was that while they understood that as my preference, they reserved the right to course-correct if needed to ensure success of the valve repair (which was the goal of the operation in the first place!).  In the end, I had the minimally invasive procedure.  I was up and walking <24 hours post-surgery and dismissed in 2 days.  While all of the post-surgical restrictions are different for different folks, I found mine not terribly limiting.  I was warned however, that the minimally invasive approach (from the right side of the chest) could lead to more post-op nerve pain…I have no frame of reference on whether this is more or less than anything else, but for the first <18 hours post-op I was glad I was on pain medication, but within a week+ of being discharged, I had moved to Tylenol alone to manage aches and pains.  Modern medicine is amazing.  The progress over the last 3 weeks has been steady and encouraging, and I’ve been able to return to most of my physical activities (within reason, and within comfort) as well as driving etc. within 2 weeks.  Good luck with whatever unfolds!  You got this!

Susan Lynn  Christine - I hear you! I was in the same boat six years ago. It turned out to be much easier than I ever expected. Stay positive - you'll get through it just like we all did. Do your research and believe in your surgeon and team. They'll do all the work - all you have to do is sleep. You'll be fine!

Maxine Hicks  I was given 3 choices for my mitral valve repair: mitral clip, mini sternotomy, or minimally invasive. My surgeon said the sternotomy is less painful than going through the right side of chest. The incision would only be about 3" long, but recovery is longer. I chose the same procedure as Raj K. My surgeon was correct. The procedure was painful, maybe because the incisions went through  the muscles under my breast and maybe women have more muscle mass in that area then men, I'm just happy recovery is shorter. Christine and Marian, just be comfortable with the choice you make.  We are all rooting for you!

Maxine Hicks  Christine, thank you for your kind words. When is your surgery and where? What procedure are you having?

Maxine Hicks  Hi Christine,
Did you decide to go with a sternotomy or minimal invasive? Is the sternotomy a mini or a a regular sized incision? You know that you can always change your mind. You are not having the surgery until early next year. This will give you opportunity to research more about the procedures, I just had my stitches removed from my minimal invasive.