Joan's Journal

Susan Lynn  I had Barlow's disease (without afib) and had my mitral valve repaired via a minimally invasive mini-thoracotomy by Dr. Scott Goldman at Lankenau's Heart Pavilion ... Read more

Susan Lynn  I had Barlow's disease (without afib) and had my mitral valve repaired via a minimally invasive mini-thoracotomy by Dr. Scott Goldman at Lankenau's Heart Pavilion just outside of Philadelphia. I can tell you, as most heart warriors on this site would, waiting for your surgery is the hardest part. Our imaginations can easily run away with us! I found the whole process to be way easier than I anticipated!
You may even want to check out MitraClip. This is a major advancement in mitral valve repair.
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/12/mitraclip-manufacturing-plant-indiana/
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. ❤

Barbara Wood  Hi Joan, I had mitral prolapse with regurgitation & afib too. I had a mitral repair along with a maze procedure to get rid of the afib. I had mine done locally, ... Read more

Barbara Wood  Hi Joan, I had mitral prolapse with regurgitation & afib too. I had a mitral repair along with a maze procedure to get rid of the afib. I had mine done locally, Portland ME, 3 years ago. If it's decided to go for surgery look for an experienced surgeon who is qualified in both repair & maze. Best wishes:)!

Joan Diamond  Barbara, what procedure did you have done for your repair?
It is true that waiting especially with the Covid spreading, makes me crazy. I will research this ... Read more

Joan Diamond  Barbara, what procedure did you have done for your repair?
It is true that waiting especially with the Covid spreading, makes me crazy. I will research this information. Like you said, surgery needs to be done by a someone with many of these mitral valve repairs in their history! Personal accounts of the mitral valve repair help me calm down. How long did each of you wait before you had surgery after finding out the condition?

Susan Lynn  Joan - Recovery was pretty easy for me. My procedure was virtually painless - took a Tylenol here and there, as needed. I left the hospital on a bunch of ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Joan - Recovery was pretty easy for me. My procedure was virtually painless - took a Tylenol here and there, as needed. I left the hospital on a bunch of medication - including blood thinners for three months. I was taken off everything over the weeks and months that followed. I haven't taken any medication since then. I was very fatigued for quite awhile - the afternoon nap was my friend! But, I can say, I thought the majority of recovery happened in the first two weeks - the last five to 10 percent took awhile. I walked every day from the second day in the hospital, continued at home, and went to cardiac rehab. We always say - walk, rest, and repeat are the keys to getting back to feeling great. You'll do just fine!

Barbara Wood  Hi Joan, my surgeon was actually a pediatric surgeon who was recommended to me by several cardiologists. We met with 3 surgeon's & my husband & I felt supremely ... Read more

Barbara Wood  Hi Joan, my surgeon was actually a pediatric surgeon who was recommended to me by several cardiologists. We met with 3 surgeon's & my husband & I felt supremely confident in this guy. He was experienced in repair & experienced in the Cox maze procedure as well. I had 3 afib episodes pre- surgery, so the maze procedure was warranted. I've had no afib since ( aside from 1 episode just after surgery which is common), it's been 3 years. My recovery had it's challenges- if you click on my name you can read my journal, I had lots of questions and lots of good answers from the group - but recovery was very doable & not nearly as tough as I expected. 3 years after, I am doing great - I'm very active as a hiker & skier. I take 12.5 mg/ day metoprolol & 1 low dose aspirin. Hope this helps a little bit & feel free to ask anything...take care:).

Joan Diamond  Thank you to both of you. I live in Anchorage , Alaska and will have to travel A long way from home at a time when I would rather not. It all happened so ... Read more

Joan Diamond  Thank you to both of you. I live in Anchorage , Alaska and will have to travel A long way from home at a time when I would rather not. It all happened so suddenly. Barbara, what procedure did you have? My cardiologist does recommend the Maze procedure for the a fib. As I learn how to use This blog, I will find your names and learn more. I wish I had a surgeon prepared here in Anchorage. Thank you again.