Susan's Guestbook

Dear Susan, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. My husband will likely also need re-surgery after a returning leak to his mitral valve following MV repair surgery. Mt. Sinai in New York has an expertise in mitral valve re-do surgeries. If you are able, you may consider having them give you an opinion / having them do the surgery. Will say a prayer for you. Maria

Hi Susan. 4 weeks after aortic valve replacement, my heart rate suddenly increased dramatically. After a visit to my cardiologist, I was diagnosed with atrial flutter, not AFib. He explained that this was much more common after AVR rather than AFib and that the feeling of tiredness and shortness of breath was very similar to AFib. After a couple of days in the hospital and several different medications administered via IV, I was still in atrial flutter. On the 5th day after it began, an ablation was done and my problem was resolved. I was released the next day with no further symptoms. I had been concerned about having an ablation due to "rumors" of the likely probability of having a pacemaker a little later. These rumors were quickly dispelled by the doctor. He explained that the ablation for atrial flutter affects a different nerve block and the probability of a pacemaker was very unlikely. I'm now 8 weeks since the ablation and doing great. I've had absolutely not heart rhythm issues since the procedure and feeling better than I've felt in several years. I hope your issue is resolved very soon and your quality of life will become what we all hope for. Blessings!

It happens! Mine was out-of-sync the day after surgery. First, had to take earrings off before they zapped me, then the nurse didn’t get the the knockout injection in correctly to relax me, which had to be redone. By the way, I didn’t feel a thing. In addn, this didn’t include fluid in my lungs which had to be remedied before flying home the next day. Again, ### happens! It WILL work itself out.

In response to your a-fib concern, I went into a-fib about 36 hours after mitral valve repair and again 10 weeks after surgery. The first time I was treated with IV meds to convert and the 2nd time I went to the ER and converted on my own before any treatment started. I was pretty freaked out so went to an electrophysiologist - an arrhythmia specialist. Although I had been told most people are over a-fib 2-3 months after surgery, he wanted to give it more time before taking any action. He told me what meds to take should I find myself in a-fib again. Currently I am having palpitations but hope they will taper off. Monday the 16th was 6 months since my surgery. So if you have worried, go see an electrophysiologist for guidance and reassurance!

Dear Susan -- I'm one of many, I'm sure, who reads the posts, but never writes in. But your situation touched me, because I went through a similar situation. Two years ago I developed A Fib about 2 weeks following open heart surgery, related to a massive aortic aneurism. I was shocked and dismayed to have A Fib, but was told by my surgeon that approximately 30% of patients develop it. As I'm sure you know, in many cases the heart returns to normal rhythm on its own. Mine did not, and after about 3 months I had a cardioversion procedure, which was successful. This is well worth trying if it's suggested. I'm still on an anti-coagulant, as per my cardiologist, just in case, but still doing fine. When I was in A Fib, I had a number of dizzy spells and felt unsafe to drive. That went away after I was out of A Fib. Recovery takes a long time, so be kind and patient with yourself.

Susan - I had the radial catheterization...I declined the sedative and it was very tolerable. I don't think they'll be able to keep the line in for the surgery - my procedure was done weeks before my mitral valve repair, so I don't know for sure. Generally, you'll have a wrist band placed that applies pressure to facilitate the clotting. The pressure is released slowly to ensure you're not bleeding. Don't worry about the lines needed for your surgery. All of mine were placed after I was under anesthesia. I don't remember anything traumatizing. You've got this!