Hi Susan,

I'm sure it is different for everyone, but I was getting phone calls from the rehab clinic to schedule a day/time for my first appointment the week after I was released from the hospital. I checked with the cardiologist and he said yes, I could start any time. When I called rehab to schedule, they couldn't fit me in to start until 4wks post-op. They did point out over the phone that I started rehab while in the hospital - walking! You should check with your doctor about your specific situation. Good luck!

Kellie

Hi Susan. Had I not had a problem with fluid on my lungs, I would have been released for cardiac rehab after 3 weeks. In fact, my surgeon sent my file in to the rehab facility to get me in, but my cardiologist vetoed my starting due to the fluid. I'll be at 6 weeks on Wednesday & still don't have my cardiologist's OK for rehab. Take care, Joy

Susan,
Thanks for the note. I like your positive attitude. When something like this happens you either quit or lace up your boots and keep marching forward. I enter the V.A. Med. Center in Cleveland tomorrow and will be without my computer until returning home. Best wishes to us all.
Gary

Hi Susan,

I'm glad to hear all is well and right with you so far. Keep it up!

Kellie

You are a very blessed woman- not those surgeries so much(but thankful they could fix it!) but you sound optimistic and I know you are recuperating with so many issues! Stay strong, you light up these pages with your tenacity!

Hi Susan. Interesting how they left your chest tubes in longer this time & how your lungs are clear as a result. Hopefully, my tissue valve will last many years, but when the time comes, I plan to make sure they know I had issues with this! Thanks & take care, Joy

Hi Susan,

Your story sure does bring hope to those of us who know we will need a re-operation at some point in the future. My mitral valve was replaced with a bovine valve on 7/20/10 and I am hoping to get at least 20 years out of it, God willing!! Thank you for sharing and its great to see you're doing so unbelieveably well after being through so much! Best of luck as you continue through recovery.

Kellie

Hi Susan,
Welcome to HVJ and thank you for sharing your story. I had mitral valve repair surgery 3/2/10 and have been through cardio rehab. I also have a daughter who had open heart surgery at 20 months for Tetralogy of Fallot...and the pulmonary valve is involved in this condition. She is almost 24 years old and finishing her Masters Degree in December. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope your recovery continues on a positive path.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Welcome, Susan. You are in the right place for sharing your story & hopefully we can provide some support for you as well. I had my aortic valve replaced with a stentless tissue valve on 7/21/10 as well as a dacron bypass to correct a congenital narrowing of the aorta. I'll be following your progress & hoping you have a smooth recovery. Take care, Joy Vera

Hi Susan,
You have a very inspirational story. Thank you for sharing and welcome to HVJ! You will find so much support and encouragement here.This site has been one of the biggest helps during the many complications I have had since my mitral repair this past June including a heart attack.I am also close to congestive heart failure due to the complications. Can you tell me if that got better for you or how you coped? Thanks so much.
Will keep you in my prayers and look forward to reading your journal as you continue to get better!
Kimberly S.

hello Susan
Let me be the first to welcome you to the Heart valve Journals. Most people come here before their surgeries for info and support. You've "been there, done that" 3 times. You, I suspect will be in the position to help others. I had a tissue mitral valve and a tricuspid repair in March at the Cleveland Clinic and was happy I traveled there from SW FL. I am on coumadin and have been for 15 years and I do know it does take time to get regulated, so am glad you are relaxed about it. Glad you are doing so well and after rehab I hope you can resume your active lifestyle.
Fran