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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation, Coronary Artery Disease

Member Since: October 19, 2014

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Joan Lovell posted an update

11 years ago (January 22, 2015)

I am doing much better now. After surgery I was on o2 just to breathe 3weeks after surgery. . Then found out dr wasn't sure he bypassed correct vessel. It was in surgery report. At post surgery meeting PA refused to answer if correct vessel was bypassed. I was in rehab facility. The GP stepped in ordered chest xray for me in my bed there. Had to have thorencitisis x. 2. First time 800 cc of blood from pleural effusion of left lung. Then 10 days later another 400cc taken out of left young. Finally. 2 months later got to go home. But went from NSR before surgery to junction rhythm alternating with atrial fib. Home for 12 days then nosebleed that wouldn't stop - cauterizing plus packing didn't work due to coumadin so in Hosp 3 days with 10 hours of packed cells to stop it packing out on Christmas Eve. Everything I read that dr gave said I should be walking 20 min after 4 weeks. I was so Down . Then when I got stronger I read posts here and realized that many people had set backs. I did research but chose the wrong Dr for me. Although he is at a valve institute and has 30 years experience. I went to him because he told me 80% chance he could repair mitral valve but he replaced. This was my second mitral valve operation first was repair 12 years ago with different Surgion so I knew second repair would be hard .i went out of town to get the Surgion. I now am back in my town and have a good cardiologist who has me on 21 day halter. Also he tells me not to be upset about valve replacement. In 10 years they will have completely different technique. When I read Adams book again I saw where he says unexpected things usually come up. And to expect. My sadness and depression I knew mentally but emotionally I was not doing well. I thought I should be stronger. This is long but I will be able to read in 3 months and see how far I will have come. The people here are life savers. I thank Adam in my mind at least once a week for his book and this site. Also the wonderful people that take time to read post and help others.

👍 Jim Kelly-Evans reacted to this

Jim Kelly-Evans

Sorry to read about your speed bumps, Joan. I wish you a smooth recovery going forward.

Edith Dim

I am so sorry that you're having such an ordeal. I hope that you will be recovery well from now on.

Tammi Gunwall

Sending you prayers that your recovery turns a corner and you begin to feel back to normal soon. Also that your spirits stay lifted. It is hard thing to do, I know. Keep up the fight. You are such a trooper through all your difficulties. Hugs to you Joan.

Elaine Foster

You have had rough go of it, hope things improve quickly for you. God bless you.

Cheryl Batzing

Joan, wow, thanks for sharing what you have gone through. Yes, I think we all have bumps in our recovery. I read about them, but didn't understand until I was there going through them. I'm how at 5 weeks post op. Will lift you up in prayer for continued healing... Read more.

Bob M

I pray your appropriate doctors will correct your challenges.

Joan Lovell posted an update

11 years ago (December 11, 2014)

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts and journal entries. Am catching up now. See that others have had pleural effusion .

Lenore Mitchell

Joan - glad you're home after your challenging issues. Best wishes for a steady recovery.

Nancy D

wishing you a full, complete and rapid recovery. Celebrate the wee progress steps as each one adds up to big steps- that helped me stay positive in the some what bumpy road that is recovery! Hang in there, breathe deeply and rest when you feel like it. You will get... Read more.

Joan Napier

Joan, just glad to hear that you are doing better and hanging in there. I have not felt like posting at times either. Recovery and caring for yourself is priority # 1. (I had pleural effusions too, but are nearly resolved on their own). Prayers for a smooth recovery.