Grace's Journal

Hi everyone! I am 5 weeks out of the surgery. My mitral valve was replaced with a mechanical valve. I had the surgery at Cleveland Clinic. It went well. When I got discharged, the doctor at CC said they usually recommend aspirin indefinitely in those with a mitral valve replacement or repair, however they also said it’s not a strong recommendation. They asked me to discuss with my regular cardiologist. My regular cardiologist just told me I can stop taking baby aspirin. For those who had open heart surgeries, especially mitral valve surgeries, are you taking the daily baby aspirin? Please share your experience. Thanks!

I had the open heart surgery two weeks ago to replace my mitra valve with a mechanical valve. The surgery went well. I stayed in hospital for 6 days and got discharged. It’s great to be home! However the recovery seems a long load ahead of me. A few days ago I had an Afib and had to go to ER. Doctors put me on some medications which helped my heart rhythm go back to normal. The x ray showed there was fluid building up on the lung, which explained my cough. So I am on torsemide to help get fluid out of body. Hopefully things will get better soon! Does anybody have similar experience with the Afib or the fluid in lung? Another questions - is there a limit to how much water we can take after the open heart surgery? I am just worried if I drink too much water I will have more fluid in my body.

I have an upcoming open heart surgery soon. My surgeon said I may need stay in hospital for a week. My husband is suggesting me to wear mask all the time when I am in hospital. I just don’t think I will be able to do that. That’s 7 days ! Just want to ask people who recently had surgeries - did you wear masks all the time after you were admitted to the hospital? Thanks!

My mitra valve regurgitation is from rheumatic fever I got when I was a kid. I had a mitra valve repair 17 years ago. Just a couple of years after the surgery the mitra valve leakage came back. I was told it could be coming from the progression of rheumatic disease. I am just worried it will come back again even after the re-repair if rheumatic disease is progressive. Does anyone have experience in rheumatic valve disease? Thanks.

Hi, I am seeking a second opinion from Cleveland Clinic for a mitra valve re-operation. Can anyone help refer a surgeon or a cardiologist in Cleveland Clinic to me? Thanks!