About Me (In My Own Words)
Hi everyone I'm so pleased to have found the group. A little about myself. I'm 60, married, still working as a firefighter, although since the operation I'm now desk bound.
I was diagnosed with a very minor mitral valve leak about 7 years ago but was told it wasn't a concern at that point. Then in 2017 I was diagnosed with Haemochromatosis, as result of that I had to undergo liver and heart scans as they are the organs most easily damaged by the condition. During the heart scan it was found that my mitral valave had now developed a serious leak and would need repairing. I was showing very little in the way of symptoms and I was actually going out doing 10k runs. In September last year the repair was done using the minimal invasive technique. The operation was a success and I began the recovery period. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect. The operation site healed relatively quickly but I guess I was shocked in how my fitness was now virtually gone. Cardio rehab classes at least explained that the return to fitness may take a while.
Moving on 6 months now the incision site whilst healed is still tender to touch but this is most likely due to nerve damage and I've since been told that the minimal procedure can actually. My biggest disappointment is that my fittness has not improved a great deal, whilst some days I can literally walk miles others I struggle to walk up any sort of hill without getting severely breathless. As for running thats a definite non starter. I have raised this with the cardiologists but haven't really got an answer. Possibly my medication may have some impact but I'm not convinced. I'm wondering if it was anything to do with my lungs as I can't seem to get sufficient intake of breath at times. My lung was accidentally punctured during surgery but never seemed of any concern.
My hope is that someone in the group may have a similar tale. either way it's nice to join you all.
Derek
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Crowborough, United Kingdom
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
St Thomas's, London
