11 days after surgery update. I did go back into Afib each day after the first episode until yesterday and none today. They put me on Amiodarone in the... Read more
11 days after surgery update. I did go back into Afib each day after the first episode until yesterday and none today. They put me on Amiodarone in the hospital, the dose is reduced now and hopefully soon, no more., I must say since my last update, I've had good days and bad days. I bruised quite a bit. I'm diligent about the spirometer but don't like it but my lungs are getting better. Still low blood pressure. The pain at the chest tube site got better after they took the annoying stitch out. I walk about ¾-1 mile a day. in about 3-4 shifts. It's hard. I feel like it should be more 🤷🏻♀️ And I feel a good cry waiting to come out.Hope everyone who is recovering is doing well and those waiting for surgery, sending prayers
Rita Savelis It's okay to cry. You are in the norm and it's very hard. Afib is so common. I felt awful for weeks a ... Read more
Rita Savelis It's okay to cry. You are in the norm and it's very hard. Afib is so common. I felt awful for weeks after surgery, then a tiny tiny bit better everyday but lots of down days. I'm sorry that you have to go through this.
Michael Ponzio What we went through is very difficult and emotional. Do not be afraid to let it out. I certainly did ... Read more
Michael Ponzio What we went through is very difficult and emotional. Do not be afraid to let it out. I certainly did. Best wishes on your recovery. God bless.
John Cook There will be more good days than bad days as you recover.
John Cook There will be more good days than bad days as you recover.
You’re walking about as much at 11 days as I was. I was still feeling too weak to leave the house at that point. I made it around a block in my neighborhood for the first time yesterday (Day 19).
I also cried a lot and randomly for the first 2 weeks. It’s not been quite as bad for the last couple days but it still happens.
Kimberly Eisenhut Daisy, I am so glad the afib is easing up and you are able to get a little walking in. There are day... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut Daisy, I am so glad the afib is easing up and you are able to get a little walking in. There are day for me, no surgery yet, when I cannot even walk a mile, so looking forward to getting my tricuspid fixed so I can walk more. You are doing GREAT! Keep it up and crying can really be good for you and let it out. I just find I get headaches after I cry, so have been trying to limit it lately
divya gangadharan Hi Daisy, You will get stronger with each passing day. There are bound to be bad days in this early ... Read more
divya gangadharan Hi Daisy, You will get stronger with each passing day. There are bound to be bad days in this early phase, but the good ones will outnumber them as time goes on. I am glad to hear that you had no Afib today and pray that it continues. Don't stress about walking too much. You will do what you need when you are ready. We have been through a lot and will emerge stronger from this. Take care
Daisy Tanner Thank you so much everyone for the encouragement, your experiences and good advice. It helps so much... Read more
Daisy Tanner Thank you so much everyone for the encouragement, your experiences and good advice. It helps so much! I did cry finally and I did get a little headache. It comes now and then. I'm being patient with myself knowing from all of you that this is normal. Thank you all for being here. It means so much to me to be part of this group. Hugs
I'm back and made it through! 🙌🏼 They repaired my mitral valve and closed my left atrial appendage on 6/11/25. I was in the hospital for 5 days. It's ...Read more
I'm back and made it through! 🙌🏼 They repaired my mitral valve and closed my left atrial appendage on 6/11/25. I was in the hospital for 5 days. It's been rough. I had some issues. I needed a blood transfusion then I went into Afib for 10 hours. Felt like forever. I had very low blood pressure so they couldn't give me Lasix to reduce the fluid in my lungs. It's going away little by little. I have pain from the chest tube area, it was big, but once they remove the one stitch it should feel better. Still slow and fatigued. Before surgery I was really only worried about the intubation tube and that was nothing. Everyone has a different experience. Everyday I'm doing a little better. Thank you for all your prayers 🙏🏼❤️🩹🌸🪽 If anyone has any questions for their upcoming procedure I will be happy to help anyway I can.
Rose Madura Great news. Welcome to recovery! ❤️🩹👍
J Alexander Lassally Yep that low BP is tough and complicates early recovery! .... so true that each experience is differ ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Yep that low BP is tough and complicates early recovery! .... so true that each experience is different, but your seems to track for mitral valve. How long was the procedure time?
divya gangadharan So glad to hear that you are out of the hospital, Daisy! Sorry , I should have mentioned to you befo... Read more
divya gangadharan So glad to hear that you are out of the hospital, Daisy! Sorry , I should have mentioned to you beforehand that I needed a blood transfusion too to prepare you for that. Chest tube incision is going to be the painful incision. You will get some relief from the tightness after they remove the lone stitch. Work on the spirometer religiously for that lung fluid. Welcome to recovery . Let your family help you as you recover and ask any questions that we can help you as you work through this healing
Michael Ponzio I am glad to hear you are doing well. I hope and pray that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible ... Read more
Michael Ponzio I am glad to hear you are doing well. I hope and pray that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Hang in there.
Denise Agnew Hey Daisy. Glad you dropped us an update. I know what it is like to have Afib for along time. Scary a ... Read more
Denise Agnew Hey Daisy. Glad you dropped us an update. I know what it is like to have Afib for along time. Scary and exhausting. Glad things are improving now. Sounds like even with some rough patches you did really well. Hang in there!
Corey Potter Great to hear! Best of luck in your recovery!
Nancy Bukowski Welcome to recovery, Daisy!! Each day will be better.
Daisy Tanner Thank you everyone for popping in with good wishes! J, I don't know the time. I'll have to ask.
I have a question for the ladies. What type of bra did you wear after surgery if any? I'm gathering what I need for after my surgery on 6/11 for mitral... Read more
I have a question for the ladies. What type of bra did you wear after surgery if any? I'm gathering what I need for after my surgery on 6/11 for mitral valve repair, closure of left atrial appendage and possible tricuspid repair. I'd appreciate any advice and suggestions. Thank you!
Grace Mason The bras I found most comfortable post surgery were the brand Anita, style Lynn which I found at the ... Read more
Grace Mason The bras I found most comfortable post surgery were the brand Anita, style Lynn which I found at the Bare Necessities website. It has zip front, with one hook to secure before zipping and zip has a cover on it. The other one the hospital provided several and they worked well. It is brand Masthead, style Elizabeth pink and it is all Velcro closure and adjustments. If you purchase something before surgery buy a band size larger than you need for comfort and to accommodate swelling. Also, you might check and see if your hospital is providing one. Front close is recommended after SAVR because you aren't supposed to reach behind you until your sternal precautions are lifted, but I see you are having robotic so you may not have the same restrictions.
Deena Z I would ask your surgeon’s office what they will send you home in. Otherwise, Grace’s recommendat ... Read more
Deena Z I would ask your surgeon’s office what they will send you home in. Otherwise, Grace’s recommendations are spot-on. Plus, as Marie said, some of us didn't want to wear one at all. I liked the support, but my sternum was cut.
Daisy Tanner Thank you Marie, Grace & Deena! I definitely would prefer to not wear a bra but I'm sure I'll want... Read more
Daisy Tanner Thank you Marie, Grace & Deena! I definitely would prefer to not wear a bra but I'm sure I'll want some support sometimes. Thank you Grace for some bra brands to purchase if needed and the sizing advice. Researching online is so time consuming. I'll call my point person at the surgeon's office to ask if she knows if one will be provided. If she doesn't know, I'll call the hospital. Can't wait for this to me behind me. Hugs
Rita Savelis I didn't wear a bra, but my breasts are small. The hospital can advise you, Large breasts can pull on ... Read more
Rita Savelis I didn't wear a bra, but my breasts are small. The hospital can advise you, Large breasts can pull on the incision, but bras can be uncomfortable. Take care. Sorry that you have to go through this.
Pamela Gregory None for me too! When I did just find soft material with NO wires and possibly a little bigger than n ... Read more
Pamela Gregory None for me too! When I did just find soft material with NO wires and possibly a little bigger than normal going around your body
Daisy Tanner Thank you Rita & Pamela! I appreciate your insights. I probably won't wear one unless I have company... Read more
Daisy Tanner Thank you Rita & Pamela! I appreciate your insights. I probably won't wear one unless I have company or go somewhere so I'll have to get at least one. I still have to call to find out if one is provided. Starting my list of necessities. Hugs
divya gangadharan Hi Daisy, yep...none for me too. I did buy a few pre-surgery, but every time, I wore one after surger ... Read more
divya gangadharan Hi Daisy, yep...none for me too. I did buy a few pre-surgery, but every time, I wore one after surgery, it was very uncomfortable at the chest tube incision. They would also take out some of the healing scabs in the breast incisions every time I wore them. So, I got some nipple covers from Amazon that have been working great when I have company or for outings
Daisy Tanner Thank you Divya! Good to know! Hope your recovery is going well. Hugs
You’re walking about as much at 1 ... Read more
You’re walking about as much at 11 days as I was. I was still feeling too weak to leave the house at that point. I made it around a block in my neighborhood for the first time yesterday (Day 19).
I also cried a lot and randomly for the first 2 weeks. It’s not been quite as bad for the last couple days but it still happens.