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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: January 5, 2018

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Debra Langford posted an update

8 years ago (March 29, 2018)

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've posted. For some reason I wasn't able to get on to post on my journal but I finally figured it out. The last three weeks have been quite an ordeal all. On March 11, I was admitted to the hospital with fluid around my heart. At 4:30 AM they did a Pericardial Window to drain the fluid. I spent five days in the hospital on high dosage steroids and came home feeling pretty good. Actually was feeling stronger than I had in weeks. I had two good days at home and started deteriorating again, ended up back in the hospital with fluid around my heart again. This time they tried the pericardial centesis but they were unable to reach the fluid. So for the last week I was on high-dose IV steroids. I came home Saturday the 24th and have been feeling pretty good since then. I am on 60 mg of oral prednisone for the next six weeks to get the inflammation and fluid reduced. I have been feeling more like myself the past four days than I have since my OHS. I went back for a check up yesterday and a follow-up echo and the fluid is decreasing but it's going to be a slow process. Problem is the steroids are bothering my second incision and my second drain tube wound has opened so I'm dealing with those issues. But I really feel like the treatment is working, lots of side effects with the steroids but I've got to take the good with the bad. I've been watching my carbs, sugar, and salt intake for that reason. Today I wore a heart monitor for 24 hours and returned that this afternoon. I will get a report on that next Friday. So all in all I feel like I may be conquering this. I go Monday for a follow up visit with the surgeon to look at my incision and the drain wound. I guess I just never really thought about complications after the surgery, my mind was centered on the surgery itself and it went well. I have read on here about so many complications that people have dealt with. It sure has been a rough 2018 for some of us. But with prayers and strength we will all come out on the other side, right? Now that I know why I couldn't get on my journal I can follow up on some of you that are fellow journalists. I'm hoping everyone is doing well, and for all of you with upcoming surgeries best of luck. I will update soon. Debbie

Susan Killian

God bless you, praying for better days ahead

Bonnie Stone-Hope

So sorry to hear about your post op complications, but relieved to hear that you are on the mend. Prayers coming your way for continued improved health.

Anna Jones

I've been following your story and am also very sorry that you are having a difficult time. Hopefully things will be looking brighter soon and you will now have smooth sailing in recovery going forward. Sending prayers and best wishes, crossed fingers and toes.

Charlotte Dowd

Debbie, I hope you continue to feel better with each day. Hang in there!

Carmel Power

Hi Debra. You have certainly been through the wars with your OHS journey and I can relate to your frustration. Like you, I had a mitral valve repair on the 15/2/18. I ended up in ICU for 4 days due to low blood pressure and then 6 days in the... Read more.

Debra Langford

Carmel, we had surgery the same day. I'm sorry to hear about everything that you went through but it's encouraging to know that you're already doing better than I am. How did they get rid of the fluid around your heart and lungs? Today marks our six week anniversary. I... Read more.

Debra Langford

Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement and continued prayers would be so appreciated.

Carmel Power

Hi Debra. I think the reason I got rid of the fluid was that I walked/ moved every day from when I left hospital. For the last two weeks I was walking a hour every second day (about 3 kms). (I bought a Fitbit 2 so I could track how... Read more.

Debra Langford

Carmel, seems like we have much in common. I too walked every day from the day of my surgery. But when the fluid set in I was sick. I couldn't breathe, I had a fever, and felt like I had the flu. I think the difference might've been that yours... Read more.

Carmel Power

Hi Debra. Yes, I had minimally invasive surgery and I have just seen my surgeon for the last time. He said I can do anything I want and to get on with my life. I'm still have episodes of ocular migraines but they are getting less frequent. I had 3... Read more.

Debra Langford

Carmel, that's wonderful news that your surgeon has released you. I too was on Eloquist till my first fluid buildup. The surgeon said he has seen a direct correlation between patients on eloquist after surgery and fluid around the heart. He hates it, I was immediately taken off of it.... Read more.

Rita Savelis

Thanks for posting. And sorry about all the aftereffects. I know how that feels. Take care Debra.

Gina Fiorentino

Hi Debra, Im sorry to hear of these complications. Your attitude seems to be carrying you through, but I imagine it hasnt been easy. Im keeping you in my thoughts... and visualizing the rest of the fluid around your heart disappearing and that your second would continuing to heal as... Read more.

Bill Gillam

Debra, hang in there and by the way, bless your heart!

Debra Langford posted an update

8 years ago (March 8, 2018)

Hi everyone, I hope everyone who has had their surgeries are doing well. I am doing pretty good overall, my surgeon released me on Monday. He says I can put my hands over my head and bend over now. He also said that I can graduate to 10 pounds. I... Read more.

👍 Susan Roberts reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney

I haven't had surgery but I am in the "waiting" room. Quite a few folks seem to have issues in the weeks following surgery, but they seem to resolve with time. It is still early days for you. Don't be discouraged. Folks you don't even know are praying for you... Read more.

Anna Jones

I'm very sorry, Debra. Sending prayers that your recovery will go more smoothly and that your pain will ease soon.

Carmel Power

Hi Debra. I'm three weeks out from my surgery and although i was very fit going onto it and had no symptoms ( I had a mitral valve repair), I had many complications. I still am coughing a lot as I had to get my right lung reinflated. I don't... Read more.

Anna Jones

Carmel Power, these are very wise words. Thank you.

Rose Madura

Hi Debra. I had s host of post operative problems but in time, came through them all. Complications can and do occur. The main thing is to not compare your recovery with others and to remembers that your doctors are well trained and will figure out what to do. Hang... Read more.

Rita Savelis

I hear you Deborah. It's hard. Surgery can go well, but there can be a host of after effects, many of which will go away eventually. But it can be weird when your surgery is considered a "succcess" but there are other problems to deal with. I certainly didn't feel... Read more.

Barbara Wood

I had a couple glitches after a successful surgery too- pleural effusions & going back to the hospital for 3 days a week after I came home to have a cardioversion. I absolutely agree with Rose & Rita- recovery isn't a race, we all go at our own speeds. Don't... Read more.