Brian's Posts

Brian - I'll be anxious to hear how your situation turns out, because I have the same problem. I was always 120/70 and my BP has also had some pretty big swings in the last three years. I'm from the "Class of 2017" mv and chord repair, too. Last year, I requested a stress test from my cardiologist because I also thought that I felt a bit strained during exercise - it turned out to be normal, however. I went to cardiac rehab and the extended class for over two years (just recently stopped when they closed for COVID restrictions) and there were high fluctuations in my BP (especially before exercise) that were often chalked up by the staff as stress or salt in my diet, etc. I do know that my bp was always lower after exercise since it results in vasodialation. That could be why you feel lightheaded when you're running. The drop can be significant! You may want to try taking your BP before, during, and after your activities. I'll be anxious to hear what advice we get from the other heart warriors. I worry about my BP being high since there are many risks associated with it. I was just placed on extended release metoprolol for a recently detected irregular heart beat - maybe I'll be killing two birds with one stone. Please keep us posted on your situation.

Brian - Yes! Please keep me posted. That's an interesting observation about the ring. I don't think anyone has asked that question on this site. I do know that there's a lot of emphasis placed on finding experienced mitral valve surgeons because there's judgment involved in repairing this valve. Since it's functional, it's different than other heart valves. All the best to you!

Good Morning! So glad I found your post... I am 8 wks post op and having quite a bit of pain still around sternum ....How did u find out abt the cellulitis? I am now worried that Im having some allergic reaction to the wire,,,😳😳😳 underwent PERICARDITIS drainage procedure last fri, not pleasant, but felt better afterwards.... thought I'd be better by now, altho I do feel more like "myself"..... The xyphoid thing sounds miserable too 😫😫😫 It would be so nice to be feeling "good" again!