I’m trying to find out if anyone is in the same situation as me. I had a mitral valve repair 7 years ago and my last echo ( Feb 2024) showed no leaks. I have ...Read more
I’m trying to find out if anyone is in the same situation as me. I had a mitral valve repair 7 years ago and my last echo ( Feb 2024) showed no leaks. I have however been plagued by migraines since the operation but I can mostly control them with Clopidogrel. My issue now is that I have developed SVTs/ maybe Atrial Fib. Has this happened to anyone else? And was it able to be resolved?
Kate Watson Those arrhythmia are pretty common after these heart surgeries. The only thing you can do now is get ... Read more
Kate Watson Those arrhythmia are pretty common after these heart surgeries. The only thing you can do now is get your doctor to put you on a heart monitor to see what is going on, if you haven't already. I have afib, SVTs, and palpitations. Fun times! I also had a lot of migraines after both of my last surgeries, but they haven't come back yet. I expect they may, but I'm being hopeful.
Jennifer reynolds I had mitral valve replacement last year and have also been plagued by migraine auras only, no pain. ... Read more
Jennifer reynolds I had mitral valve replacement last year and have also been plagued by migraine auras only, no pain. Several a week since last April. I use to only get a few a year before surgery. Have seen a neurologist and had a couple of MRIs and no cause. Will see a neurologist specializing in migraines for a second opinion in a couple of weeks
I had a successful mitral valve repair in 2018. And my last check showed no leak. However, after the operation I had continually migraines with aura and ...Read more
I had a successful mitral valve repair in 2018. And my last check showed no leak. However, after the operation I had continually migraines with aura and fatigue (but no headache). For the first 6 months they were daily and then eased to one a week. This went on for 5 years. I tried every migraine drug without success. Then in late 2023, my cardiologist put me on Clopidogrel and they basically stopped. I still have periods of fatigue but no aura. I am wondering if anyone else has had the same experience? Before my operation I had a lot of migraines that were controlled by low dose aspirin. I was able to go off this medication and the migraines didn’t return. However, aspirin didn’t stop them after the operation. Anyone with the same issues?
Marie Myers Yes, i had dozens of auras daily after my AVR and aneurysm resection in 2017. They slowly decreased i ... Read more
Marie Myers Yes, i had dozens of auras daily after my AVR and aneurysm resection in 2017. They slowly decreased in number over time, and they are back to their rare frequency now. When I was a teenager, my migraines were bad, with headache and nausea. As I got older, they became just auras with little to no headache. I noticed many people on this site have had similar experiences with increased migraines/auras after the extreme stress of heart surgery. I have asked several doctors about this phenomenon, and no one really had any knowledge about it. You are not alone in your experience.
Jamie Griffith Yes, I too have had dramatically increased aura migraines since my surgery in December. Most don’t ... Read more
Jamie Griffith Yes, I too have had dramatically increased aura migraines since my surgery in December. Most don’t develop into a full headache though. Prior to surgery, I had a few a yr and took imitrex to control and generally went on my day. Since, given the frequency, I no longer take imitrex and just try to ignore about 20-30 minutes of the auras moving through my vision. My surgeon post surgery sounded very familiar with this reporting. I had several within the first few days of my OHS MVr.
Hi everyone. Has anyone been lifting weights post mitral valve repair? I had my valve repair in 2018 and all is fine ( except for the silent migraines). Would ...Read more
Hi everyone. Has anyone been lifting weights post mitral valve repair? I had my valve repair in 2018 and all is fine ( except for the silent migraines). Would appreciate feedback on how people are feeling post workout and what their cardiologist has advised. Thanks.😊
Richard Munson Mine said, weights yes, but heavy weights no.
rich monoson Carmel, weight training and resistance exercise has so many positive health benefits. Keeping a fit a ... Read more
rich monoson Carmel, weight training and resistance exercise has so many positive health benefits. Keeping a fit and conditioned musculoskeletal system has many cardiac benefits . A major one is a well toned musculoskeletal system assists with venous return of blood back to the heart. There have been recent studies where isometric exercise has very favorable effects on blood pressure. I love training and found it incredibly helpful. Depending on your current condition proceed slowly and under the supervision of an exercise specialist and approval from your doctor. I had aortic valve replacement and now I'm up for some type of mitral valve resolution for severe regurgitation. I am training through it and look forward to getting it fixed. Anyway I can help please feel free!
Steven Stern I lift dumbbells 3 times a week. Started with cans as part of my rehabilitation last year and never ... Read more
Steven Stern I lift dumbbells 3 times a week. Started with cans as part of my rehabilitation last year and never stopped. It's nice to have variety in my exercise.
Carmel Robertson Many thanks for the feedback. Agree entirely about keeping fit! All the best with your heart journeys ... Read more
Carmel Robertson Many thanks for the feedback. Agree entirely about keeping fit! All the best with your heart journeys. 😊
Civita Fahey I do weights also, due to my arm injury I cant over 15lbs but, I have no issue. I just do more reps. ... Read more
Civita Fahey I do weights also, due to my arm injury I cant over 15lbs but, I have no issue. I just do more reps.
Howard Powders I attempted to lift 2 dumbbells, but biden and garland strenuously objected!☹️
Richard Munson Howard, good one. The fbi is on the way to raid your house as we speak.
Howard Powders Fine! We can have a good heart to heart talk!
Richard Munson Hart to hart, robert wagner and stephanie powers. That was before he killed natalie.
I had a mitral valve repair in 2018 and apart from ongoing migraines, I am going well. I have a question thought.
Is anyone having to take antibiotics before ...Read more
I had a mitral valve repair in 2018 and apart from ongoing migraines, I am going well. I have a question thought.
Is anyone having to take antibiotics before having their teeth cleaned? I am finding this is messing with my gut system and takes 6 months to return to normal when I am up for another clean. Has anyone found a solution to this problem? I am just about to see a dietitian to see if they have any answers.
Susan Lynn Carmel - I'm allergic to penicillin and erythromycin does a number on my stomach. I take clindimycin ... Read more
Susan Lynn Carmel - I'm allergic to penicillin and erythromycin does a number on my stomach. I take clindimycin and I don't have a problem. You may just want to try a different pre-medication, but you definitely don't want to risk a heart infection by foregoing it. Best of luck! ❤
Rose Madura I take amoxicillin (2000 mg) 1 hour prior to any dental work. It does not upset my stomach but eryth ... Read more
Rose Madura I take amoxicillin (2000 mg) 1 hour prior to any dental work. It does not upset my stomach but erythromycin did. I'd discuss with your doctor or dentist to see if there is an alternative for you.
Marie Myers I have the same story as Rose. I do try to increase my intake of fermented foods like kefir and yogu ... Read more
Marie Myers I have the same story as Rose. I do try to increase my intake of fermented foods like kefir and yogurt when I have to take antibiotics, and eat as many prebiotic foods like plantains and jicama to provide nutrients for the gut bacteria also. A diet high in fiber in general will help also.
I know I am always interested on how people are travelling 12 mths and longer after their heart surgery. Hopefully my experience gives others reassurance ...Read more
I know I am always interested on how people are travelling 12 mths and longer after their heart surgery. Hopefully my experience gives others reassurance and hope. I found the surgery really tough and I have suffered optical migraines all year although the episodes are getting less frequent. I also had a micro bleed in my brain after the operation and was foggy for at least 6 months. I went back to work at 7 months and I found that challenging. I am a secondary art teacher. 12 months out and I feel back to my old self. In fact a better version. I have amazing energy and my brain function is as good if not better than before my operation. I have no regurgitation and my cardiologist doesn’t want to see me for 12 months. I wish everyone going through this process all the best and make sure you do your research so you get the best surgeon! I spent a lot of time finding mine.
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Thanks for the inspiration, too! ❤🥂🍾
Continu ... Read more
Susan Lynn Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Thanks for the inspiration, too! ❤🥂🍾
Continued success!
Helen Daw I just had my one year anniversary on Feb 13th. Feeling great! Glad you are doing better!
Civita Fahey i will have my 2 year anniversary in April and fee great.. I still feels foggy at times tho I think i ... Read more
Civita Fahey i will have my 2 year anniversary in April and fee great.. I still feels foggy at times tho I think its the metoprolol even at only 25mgs. Im able to walk and go do things very easily now.. hope this lasts a long time.
Have my bags packed! Off to Italy and Spain on Saturday for a month; 25hour plane trip, Melb to Milan. Four months on from my mitral valve repair and all going ...Read more
Have my bags packed! Off to Italy and Spain on Saturday for a month; 25hour plane trip, Melb to Milan. Four months on from my mitral valve repair and all going well except for the weekly ocular migraines. On no medications and my cardiologist doesn’t want to see me until Feb. Feel very fortunate considering I had a pretty rough time with and after the surgery. All the best for those with upcoming surgery!
Debbie Chatzky It’s two days after my full
Sternotomy 6 hour mitral
Valve replacement and maze surgery. It’s tru ... Read more
Debbie Chatzky It’s two days after my full
Sternotomy 6 hour mitral
Valve replacement and maze surgery. It’s true the second day is hard.I am in awe and am filled with gratitude. I also feel
That I will
Have to be more patient than inexpected. Tubes are out. Am ver very sore and breathless from inflammation. Hope everyone that had surgery this week is doing doing well.
Susan Lynn Carmel - Wow! Lucky you!!! Sounds like a great way to celebrate your newly repaired heart! Enjoy ... Read more
Susan Lynn Carmel - Wow! Lucky you!!! Sounds like a great way to celebrate your newly repaired heart! Enjoy!
Judy Shaw Great news! Enjoy your well deserved vacation.
Suzanne Finn Enjoy the trip, great way to celebrate wellness!
Can anyone tell me if their post-op heart rate has returned to their pre-op heart rate? If so, how long did it take?
Phyllis Petersen I'm not sure how long, but it was at least several months to be consistent. At first, I was on metopr ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I'm not sure how long, but it was at least several months to be consistent. At first, I was on metoprolol, which kept everything pretty steady. When I went off it after two months, my heart rate and blood pressure bounced around a lot for several months.
Richard Mak I am 2 weeks post op, BP all over the place, kept low by 25mg Metoprolol 2x a day. Not as bad a be ... Read more
Richard Mak I am 2 weeks post op, BP all over the place, kept low by 25mg Metoprolol 2x a day. Not as bad a before the surgery where I was taking 50mg 2x a day. Still I cannot live without the beta blockers otherwise my BP bounces all over.
Steve Farthing Mine returned to pre-op heart rate in a week or so with no heart-related meds once the diuretic was f ... Read more
Steve Farthing Mine returned to pre-op heart rate in a week or so with no heart-related meds once the diuretic was finished. As I write this, it is 70 bpm. Mitral valve was repaired last June. May not be any 'typical' outcome for that.
Willie Radl Mine is about the same 3 weeks post op. about 70 bpm, was mid 80's the first few weeks.
Jim Harvey Carmel, my mitral valve and maze were 2 weeks ago Monday (seems like ages!). Anyway, I've noticed a ... Read more
Jim Harvey Carmel, my mitral valve and maze were 2 weeks ago Monday (seems like ages!). Anyway, I've noticed a steadily increasing average heart rate (Fitbit) from around 70 to around 83 in the last few days of this week. I've been pushing myself a bit walking, but nonetheless I've sent a message to my cardiologist seeking input.
Carmel Robertson Thanks everyone. My resting heart was 62 before surgery and is now 84-90. I’m not on medication for ... Read more
Carmel Robertson Thanks everyone. My resting heart was 62 before surgery and is now 84-90. I’m not on medication for Afib any more so it has gone up. Hoping it will go back to my pre op rates.
Rita Savelis My heart rate has stayed much faster than my pre op rates. This is a common side effect/after effect ... Read more
Rita Savelis My heart rate has stayed much faster than my pre op rates. This is a common side effect/after effect of OHS, which can last for awhile, or longer.
Take care Carmel.
Steven Perrotta Hi Carmel, two weeks out from surgery and my surgeon has me on 150mg of metoprolol to keep everything ... Read more
Steven Perrotta Hi Carmel, two weeks out from surgery and my surgeon has me on 150mg of metoprolol to keep everything steady right now until I see my cardiologist next month. I notice that at times my heart rate fluctuates between what it was before surgery to something higher. I was told this is a natural after OHS and it should eventually come back to normal.
Dr. Joanna Chikwe is a world-renowned cardiac surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
I am from: Melbourne , Australia
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