Cynthia's Journal

Fighting to get the surgery I felt was needed was definitely the right thing to do; getting opinions from 3 cardiologists other than my own made me feel validated. Surgery was 8/1/17, and taking a deep breath is no longer a problem, and I can stay awake ALL DAY! For quite a while, however, I seemed to be having problems related to heart lung machine; I read the response from cardiologist that Adam posted, and started right in with more research. My plan was to do research related to symptoms recognized post-op, so first thing to do was look at list of medications started after surgery. Didn't take long, as the only drug that was new was Metoprolol; although my dosage had been reduced from 100mg to 50mg, I still suspected it was the bad guy. I consulted several different reputable sites that listed possible side effects, and the puzzle was solved! (apparently I only read the common side effects when starting the med) The worst of my symptoms were: very low BP, confusion, fatigue, memory problems. I called my cardiologist to find out how he'd feel about discontinuing the drug, and he said it was fine as long as I decreased dosage over a 3 week period. No more confusion, fatigue, or low bp! The memory is still a bit of a problem, but 3 out of 4 isn't bad!!! And it is good to know that I didn't just feel those things as part of the post op healing process. FYI: my normal bp was low-normal, and my heart had no narrowed blood vessels or accumulations of yucky stuff, so med was not really necessary. Anyway, mystery is solved, and I feel 20 years younger!!!

My mitral valve replacement (what I refer to as a 'valve job') was on August 1st '17 at Brigham & Womens where I received a St Jude valve. I feel at least 20 years younger! Want folks to know something I learned recently, in event you shared a problem I experienced. After the interview/post recently regarding pumphead, I became a bit alarmed, as I had considerable symptoms that were not letting up. I reviewed all my meds, researching drug interactions and side effects. Became suspicious re: metoprolol, so called pharmacist to get her opinion on it causing my current symptoms and she said yes; after checking in with my cardiologist for his approval, I started to gradually decrease my dose. I have been off metoprolol for a couple of weeks now and feel more energy, and especially more clarity of mind. Even others are noticing this change. Just wanted you all to be aware of this; also, my heart rate and BP have been just fine in during this change. BTW, my valve problem was re: rheumatic fever. There - now you know!

Received an 'all ok' from my surgeon a week ago, so started cardiac rehab yesterday. Great information. Amazing how much I was falling apart the last 2 years, and how difficult so many things became, as symtoms grew worse (mitral stenosis with a dose of pulmonary hypertension). Hope I can get back into walking at a healthy pace, and camping, and mowing! Embarrassing that I broke into such a sweat after such light activity. They say it improves pretty quickly. Am VERY tired most of the time, and still have a serious case of foggy brain .. they say I will be back to my old self, but with new valve, in just a short while. Hope they are right.

I am a 62 year old female who had mitral stenosis due to rheumatic fever. It had progressed slowly, but started having a serious impact on my life about 2 years ago. My regular cardiologist didn't feel surgery would get rid of my symptoms, so didn't recommend valve replacement. I decided to get a second opinion, and in no time at all was scheduled for surgery. August 1 2017 was the big day. Hard to believe it has already been more than 6 weeks! I went back to work week two with surgical okay (just phone answering/appointment making) .. as I could see surgical co-pays looming in my future. Saw surgeon last week and received a clean bill of health! Lungs are healing nicely (from pulmonary hypertension via stenosis) and mechanical valve looks great! Amazing how much better I feel now that blood flows freely through that valve! Life is so very much improved! For all of you anticipating surgery in your near future, it will make a huge difference in your quality of life; it isn't an easy process, but in the over all scheme of things, a few weeks of discomfort (okay, pain) are worth the payoff. Get all your ducks in a row, try to concentrate on practical concerns pre-op, don't spend time looking at videos of the procedure, and keep in mind the surgery is a process with a with a beginning and end. It is like climbing out of a deep hole, with the end result being reaching the summit .. complete with amazing view and manageable landscape to traverse. Ever so worth it!