Catherine Dibner - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

768 days ago

Hi everyone. I had surgery a mitral valve replacement and a tricuspid repair May 22. It was a tough surgery as the minimal invasive procedure I ended up with ...Read more

Hi everyone. I had surgery a mitral valve replacement and a tricuspid repair May 22. It was a tough surgery as the minimal invasive procedure I ended up with ribs broken, losing a lot of blood that required me to have 9 blood transfusions, my right lung collapsed. This was my second surgery and there was a ton of scar tissue which made it more difficult. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks and have been home for 2 weeks. I am feeling really tired and my side still really hurts. Question for the folks that have had the minimal invasive procedure done. How long till you where fully healed where you where able to go back to your regular life ?

Susan Lynn Catherine - Your experience was truly unique. My minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery was very ... Read more

Susan Lynn Catherine - Your experience was truly unique. My minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery was very uneventful. Aside from the pins and needles of nerve regeneration, I felt pretty good, but tired, in about two weeks. The fatigue lasted for months, but it didn't prevent me from working part time or daily life.
Everyone is different - set your own small goals of what you want to accomplish and be patient. You will return to your regular schedule when your body allows it. Hang in there - better days are ahead.

Tatjana Seizova-Cajic Hi Catherine,Sorry to hear about the complications you had. I have had a minimally invasive mitral va ... Read more

Tatjana Seizova-Cajic Hi Catherine,Sorry to hear about the complications you had. I have had a minimally invasive mitral valve repair exactly two weeks ago, have been at home for 5 days and the right side of my chest is rather sore. It wakes me up and makes prolonged sitting and lying uncomfortable. Standing up around the house feels better but the energy is low. I also feel a significant lump in the lower right breast, presumably around the incision point. I won’t even try to work for 8 weeks post-surgery.

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817 days ago

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Catherine Dibnerposted an update

817 days ago

Good morning! I guess you can say I am new here. My last surgery was 7 years ago, and I had a mitral valve replacement with a bovine valve. Unfortunately, I ...Read more

Good morning! I guess you can say I am new here. My last surgery was 7 years ago, and I had a mitral valve replacement with a bovine valve. Unfortunately, I have to go again May 22, 2023, with a new surgeon who comes highly recommended in my area.

I am looking for advice from you guys who have had a mitral valve replacement. This go around, do I go with the Mechanical or Bovine again? I am honestly scared of being on blood thinners due to my age in which I am 45, I am also very active and have a farm in which I am hands on everything.

Part of me is leaning towards another bovine and hoping it will last 10 to 15 years and then when I am older get the mechanical but that would mean yet another surgery.

Do any of you have a mechanical valve? can you share your experience with me? Do you hear yourself tick? Do you live a normal active lifestyle?

If you were in my shoes, what would you choose? I am so on the fence about this, and I appreciate any feedback.

Klara Čičić Oh dear Catherine, I am so sorry you have to go through this. I will be in your shoes in 10-15 years, ... Read more

Klara Čičić Oh dear Catherine, I am so sorry you have to go through this. I will be in your shoes in 10-15 years, hopefully not sooner, and will be in the same dilemma. I am kind of already preparing myself for mechanical. I want it to be my last surgery... I am not bothered my warfarin, just the clicking haha. Some lay hopes in the future procedures and yes, medicine is advancing, TMVR, valve in valve ...but those are all still inferior to open heart for most cases. good luck and keep us updated