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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: April 22, 2015

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Donna Gavin posted an update

10 years ago (November 3, 2015)

I'm 5 months out. The surgeon fixed my sternum with a titanium plate and 8 screws, along with the two sets of wire.. I was high-risk, because I have ehler-danlos, and my tissue tends to stretch and tear. Now that the swelling is gone from my sternum, I can feel... Read more.

Tammy Pilcher

Hi Donna, I have sternal wires instead, but will keep you in my prayers for things to get better with time and healing. You have a great attitude and that will help you so much. God bless heart sister!

Daniel Spurgeon

Donna, I can feel my wires if I push on my chest with my fingers.

Paul Rose

Hi Donna, I have sternal wires and after three plus years, yes I can still feel them and over time they have become much less sensitive. I still can feel them and they are only occasionally uncomfortable. On the HR side I was retentive on taking my resting HR first... Read more.

Donna Gavin

@Paul, I used to run but had to stop when the regurgitation made it hard to breathe. I am worried about starting back up with my high pulse. I'd like to start slow, but I don't know where to begin. Let me know more about the couch to 5k program.

Paul Rose

Hi Donna, Starting slow is definitely the way to go. I didn't start until I was around 5-6 months post op. Here's a C25K program that can be downloaded to your phone http://c25kfree.com It starts with nice and easy walk/runs and slowly builds you up As for your pulse you... Read more.

Donna Gavin posted an update

10 years ago (July 16, 2015)

I'm 5 weeks out from my surgery today. I had a mitral valve repair, where the surgeon implanted two sets of chords, and also a ring. The surgery went well. I had a full sternotomy, with a metal plate, 8 screws, and some wire to hold me back in place. I have Ehler-Danlos, and it causes my skin and tissue to tear. The surgeon was worried that the wire alone would not be enough. I'm having quite a bit of neck and shoulder pain that comes and goes. At cardiac rehab yesterday, the nurse had me use 2 - 1# weights and do some curls and butterflies, really simple stuff. Man am I feeling it today, but just in the shoulders/neck. Weird. I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection since week 1 that is kicking my butt. I've had a low grade fever on and off since. It goes away for a couple of days, and then it returns, usually with the shoulder pain and a high pulse. The doctor took me off of the beta blocker a week ago because my blood pressure was really low - 87/53 and I was really tired. Now I have more energy, but my pulse is always in the 90 - 100's. But hey, I'm alive, and hopefully will be around for another 40 years or so, thanks to my surgeon. I am a little frustrated at how long it is taking me to heal. Everything is so heavy - doors, windows, even my laptop. I am on a 10 pound weight lifting limit for another 3 weeks. A gallon of milk weighs about 8.6 pounds. So it's been an adjustment asking people for help. I am also on coumadin for another 2 months. So I am very wary of cutting stuff up. So far, so good, I haven't bled to death :-) I am grateful that I was able to save a little money so I don't have to work this summer. I teach, and I usually teach summer classes. I live with my two grown children who are sometimes helpful, and sometimes not. I am grateful that I have friends and family that help out when I need it. My family is 200 miles away, and my sister drove up here 3 times in the last month to be with me after surgery, and take me to her house and took care of me. Donna

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Lora Lee Peterson

Donna, you sounds like you are doing pretty well, except for that frustration, which I am sensing is the word of the day in the healing process. I will pray that you will turn a corner, and all will be well!

Donna Gavin

Thank you Lora!

Tammy Pilcher

Prayers and best wishes for continued healing, Donna! God bless!

W. Carter

Take it slow and don't over-do anything. Just about the time that you quit obsessing (about 6 mo. post) over recovery it will all be gone but maybe an occasional pain here and there. It just takes longer than most people think to get back to normal after major surgery... Read more.

Paul Rose

Echo @Carter, take it easy. you have had major surgery and it does take a lot longer than they tell you to fully recover. The good news is that you are already 5weeks down the path and things will just keep getting better 😀. there will be lots of emotional... Read more.

Tim Goff

Hang in there Donna. The progress is not always as we would like, but keep walking, resting and healing!

Donna Gavin posted an update

11 years ago (June 16, 2015)

My mitral valve was repaired on June 10, with a ring and 2 new chords. He closed me up with some wire, and then a long bracket with 8 screws. I was intubated for 2 days, because of my oxygen levels. I took oxycodone with an anti nausea med on... Read more.

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