Joan's Journal

Susan Lynn  It is common. I developed frequent PACs two and a half years after mv repair. I'm on Metoprolol in hopes of preventing development of afib. I definitely underestimated the transition my heart was going through long after it was repaired. I suspect that it became accustomed to my regurgitation over many decades and the efficiency of the improved pumping took it by surprise. Hang in there. Hopefully, you won't have to deal with it in the future.

Marie Myers  Unfortunately, there are possible complications like a fib recurring. Have the docs discussed trying to control the a fib with medication or ablation? I hope you find the solution soon! Maybe some others who have experienced post op a fib can tell about their experience.

Joan Diamond  Since that last post I had an atrial flutter again and had an ablation in July, 2022.  I feel good and hope that my heart adjusts to being in rhythm and stays.

Barbara Wood  Hi Joan, I had that same surgery 3 years ago. The sternotomy was not really much of an issue for me - it healed quickly & it was uncomfortable having to sleep on my back the first weeks, but it was never really painful. I did develop afib after surgery, that's common, and had a cardioversion to get back to nsr. After that I took amiodorone for 5 months while the maze healed. I haven't had afib since, so it was successful. Best advice- walk as much as you can -in the hospital & when you get home, take short naps as needed & realise that recovery can be very up and down - good days, not so good days. My surgeon said you'll feel decent at 6 weeks, pretty good at 12 - that timeline held for me. Best wishes to you, sending all good thoughts & vibes:).

Ben Schraegle  Hello Joan. I am responding to your post. Let me tell you about this and you are going to be just fine. I had my mitral and aortic valve both surgically repaired (not replaced) back in December 2014 here in Texas where I live at The Plano Heart Hospital. I as asymptomatic and at the time was 55 years old. Non smoker, not overweight, physically active and "healthy as a horse" as they say. My erratic heart beat was discovered that July during a routine physical. Let me just say, that discovery turned my world upside down-could not believe I had heart issues at such a young age and for being "healthy." I had the sternotomy, stayed in the hospital for 5 days and went home just in time to celebrate Christmas. My surgeon Dr. Brinkman, my wife Shelley and the rest of our family and friends and God's blessings and lots of prayers made the surgery a success. Today, (almost 6 years later) I am 20 pounds lighter @ 235 pounds and I work out 5-6 days a week doing a high-cardio one hour workout. Do not worry too much-I know it is normal to do so and I did as well however Adam's website is designed so "vets" like me can tell "rookies" like you that you're going to be OK. Rest up before surgery, eat a good diet, pray and focus on how much better you are going to be once this is done. The Cleveland Clinic is a world class facility and I know you are in good hands. I look back on this experience and it all seems like a distant dream. I actually look forward to seeing my Cardiologist every 6 months and as he puts it, I am one of his "ROCK STAR" patients! Have a positive attitude and pray and you will come out of this just fine. You are in my prayers and thoughts! God Bless you! Ben Schraegle

Marie Myers  If it is possible, ask to not be disturbed thru the night. I was so exhausted from lack of sleep due to someone coming in every couple hours...

Barbara Wood  Joan, if you click on my name & go to my journal, I posted a few photos of my scar at various stages... after 3 years it is just barely visible...best wishes :)

Gary Henry  Joan,
I had some similar things done as you are planning. Dr Gillinov did a Mitral valve replacement, inserted a tricuspid ring, the biatrial maze procedure, atrial septal defect repair and some cleanup for me. I had permanent afib for over 10 years and probably off and on for 10 years before that. I had given up but the Cleveland Clinic experts did a great job. Been in sinus rhythm since July 22 2020 (surgery date). Of course they will tell you one may slip back into afib during the first 6 months, but so far so good. You are in good hands and I will be praying for you. If you want to ask me any questions since so recent there for me, just let me know.
Gary

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, 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 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?

Joan Diamond  What were your recoveries like? What was your level of activity after your surgeries? Did either of you continue with any medication afterwards?

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 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 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.