I had my mitral valve surgery 8 weeks ago. I really under-estimated this operation. I am now physically ok, still struggling to slow my heart rate down but ...Read more
I had my mitral valve surgery 8 weeks ago. I really under-estimated this operation. I am now physically ok, still struggling to slow my heart rate down but psychologically I am struggling. I just do not seem to be coping & my old life seems so remote. I am often tearful & over-whelmed. Does anyone have any guidance for me???? Thank you
Gary Stripling My mitral valve repair surgery was 9 weeks ago today. I completely empathize with you. I had no idea ... Read more
Gary Stripling My mitral valve repair surgery was 9 weeks ago today. I completely empathize with you. I had no idea the recovery would be this challenging (especially for someone as out of shape as I was). Be sure to keep in contact with your cardiologist about that heart rate. I'm on a pacemaker (previously set to 60 because of the valve issues) that is now steady at 75 and I can't even feel it. It may take some time before they get the right dosage of beta blocker for you. As far as the emotions, that's normal. Trust me. Yesterday was the worst day for me emotionally. Okay, I'll confess - I cried like a baby several times. But my wife, being the terrific caregiver she is, was so understanding and compassionate. Don't rush the recovery. Everyone is different. But at least now you have your life back and you can look to the future with optimism! You can do this!
Sophia Ridley Hi Chris, I'm a Brit too, going through the Brompton. My MV repair is mid Nov. I can't talk from dire ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Hi Chris, I'm a Brit too, going through the Brompton. My MV repair is mid Nov. I can't talk from direct experience but can share advice given from NHS.
At the pre-op seminar they urged us to get back in touch regarding any aspect of recovery including psychological. Please follow up with the cardiology team about how you're feeling. Have you started Cardiac rehab? I was talking to an Occupational Therapist yesterday and she said the social aspect is as valuable as the physical.
W. Carter It's going to get better, just take it one day at a time. It took me 9 mo. to feel really good. Now I ... Read more
W. Carter It's going to get better, just take it one day at a time. It took me 9 mo. to feel really good. Now I feel better than I have in years at 10 mo. People under estimate the recovery from valve surgery. It takes a long time.
I am from: Datchet, United Kingdom
At the pre-op seminar they urged us to get back in touch regarding any aspect of recovery including psychological. Please follow up with the cardiology team about how you're feeling. Have you started Cardiac rehab? I was talking to an Occupational Therapist yesterday and she said the social aspect is as valuable as the physical.