John Mohr - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

April 19, 2021

Anybody have experience with an ablation? My rhythm issues continue after my mitral valve repair in December and the meds aren’t resolving it. Saw an electrophysiologist last week who recommended an ablation. Not what I wanted to hear. Another hospital stay (just overnight) but 3-5 hour procedure. No guarantee it will resolve it but I can’t carry on like I am now. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

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Richard Munson Sounds like ablation is the way to go. They did the maze procedure during my mitral repair. Jury still out on whether it worked.

John Mohr They did it in mine as well. Not having a bunch of Afib but a mixture of things. Have you had rhythm issues since surgery?

Rose Madura I had an ablation in 2007 because of recurring SVT (not related to OHS). My OHS was 10 years later. Nut the ablation did work. It was an outpatient procedure ... Read more

Rose Madura I had an ablation in 2007 because of recurring SVT (not related to OHS). My OHS was 10 years later. Nut the ablation did work. It was an outpatient procedure and I did fine. After my OHS in 2017, I did experience afib and Aflutter for about 6 weeks and they I was ok.

Update posted on...

April 15, 2021

So, it has been almost 4 months since my mitral valve repair and I still have good and bad days due to continuing rhythm issues. Though not Afib or anything serious (they say it is Pac’s) I feel lousy when they are happening. So frustrating becauseon good days I feel much better. So, headed to see an electrophysiologist tomorrow to see what he can do. Hopefully a med adjustment or something.

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Atrial flutter/Afib

Journal posted on January 10, 2021

Almost 3 weeks post surgery. Home but not feeling great as I’m still dealing with atrial flutter and Afib. Probably headed back in this week for a TEE and cardio version. My surgery was supposed to address the AFib with time but the Aflutter was a surprise. Pretty frustrating - hoping to schedule this fillow up procedure vs going in for it via the ER. With Covid the last place I want to go is the ER. Anyone else run into these issues after mitral valve repair surgery?

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Steven Methot Somehow this site likes to duplicate my posts and I sometimes can't delete.

Steven Methot Sorry to hear that you're getting hit with this. Hang in there John, ER? Isn't there a clinic that could handle this for you?

Rose Madura Yes, I had both Afib and Aflutter for about 6 weeks after surgery. It was tough for me because I was very symptomatic. I think it's fairly common after ... Read more

Rose Madura Yes, I had both Afib and Aflutter for about 6 weeks after surgery. It was tough for me because I was very symptomatic. I think it's fairly common after OHS. Do they have you on Amiodadrone and Metoprolol for it?

Ana Brusso Hi John, I feel bad that you are going through all these issues. I hope you will get the right treatment to help you feel better. As you see, Rose got better ... Read more

Ana Brusso Hi John, I feel bad that you are going through all these issues. I hope you will get the right treatment to help you feel better. As you see, Rose got better and you will too. Hang in there, I will pray for you to feel better. God bless you

Rita Savelis So sorry about your aftereffects John, which are common. It's hard when post surgery brings new things to deal with that one wasn't necessarily aware of beforehand. ... Read more

Rita Savelis So sorry about your aftereffects John, which are common. It's hard when post surgery brings new things to deal with that one wasn't necessarily aware of beforehand. I hear your frustration. Take care.

Pat Bluemel I had both Afib and flutter with my most recent AVR. i was cardioverted, it's really uneventful. They'll do the TEE right before they fix your rhythm. The hardest ... Read more

Pat Bluemel I had both Afib and flutter with my most recent AVR. i was cardioverted, it's really uneventful. They'll do the TEE right before they fix your rhythm. The hardest part of the process is the spray or mouthwash they use to numb your throat. Then it's off to your propofol nap. I hope you can find some resolution, it's an awful feeling.

John Mohr Thanks all. I had been on Sotalol and Metoprolol for years before my surgery which did a pretty good job controlling the Afib. I may have had some minor Aflutter ... Read more

John Mohr Thanks all. I had been on Sotalol and Metoprolol for years before my surgery which did a pretty good job controlling the Afib. I may have had some minor Aflutter back then too but it didn’t last. I was cardioverted back in August before my surgery when the meds couldn’t get me out of Afib and it worked then. Hoping it will work this time. Scheduled for Tuesday morning. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks all for the support!

Update posted on...

December 29, 2020

Wanted to update everyone that I’m headed home from the hospital today after my mitral valve repair. Surgery went well but I had some post surgery afib and Aflutter issues which delayed my discharge and we’re frustrating and depressing at times. . A bit more under control now and I feel much better. To all having surgery, even if it goes well there will be times you think you’ll never feel better. You will and you’ll get out of that hospital. Happy New a year to everyone. Onto recovery and rehab at home!

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Steven Methot Great news! Happy New Year!

Chris Hall Great news John. Welcome to rehab

Susan Lynn Woo-hoo! Happy New Year, John! Glad surgery is behind you - welcome to recovery! ❤

Elyse Sherman So glad you're.feeling better and headed home' John! This will be the happiest of.New Years for.you that your surgery is behind you! Here's to a great 2021!

Ana Brusso YEAH JOHN! Wishing you a Happy New Year and a smooth recovery, congratulations and blessings

John Mohr Thanks all for the support! It will be a roller coaster especially due to these ongoing rhythm issues as I found out during my first day home yesterday. Happy New Year to all!

Update posted on...

December 14, 2020

Going in for mitral valve repair next week but need to pick mechanical or tissue valve as backup in case they can’t repair it as expected. I’ve picked mechanical but am having second thoughts. Any advice? Than you!

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Rita Savelis There's a good chance your mitral valve will be repaired so hopefully whatever decision you make won't matter. The decision is hard because there is no right ... Read more

Rita Savelis There's a good chance your mitral valve will be repaired so hopefully whatever decision you make won't matter. The decision is hard because there is no right decision. Each type of valve has its pluses and minuses. I have 2 mechanical valves (including the mitral). It's been 5 years and I'm doing fine. Wishing you a smooth surgery and smooth recovery.

Steven Methot You know the expression "Your results may vary"? There is no right or wrong answer. Personal preference, lifestyle, the shape of the valve, there are countless ... Read more

Steven Methot You know the expression "Your results may vary"? There is no right or wrong answer. Personal preference, lifestyle, the shape of the valve, there are countless factors. When making the decision try to keep distinct your fear or worry about the surgery from the actual details of what sort of valve to get. Know this... whatever you decide on you will be better than you are now.

Marie Myers If you don’t mind my asking, how old are you?

John Mohr 55 years old so I’d most likely need to have surgery again if I picked a biological valve. Thanks to everyone for the comments!

Cathy Slipski I had to pick also 5 years ago. At first I decided on the mechanical but me being young I didn’t want to be on blood thinners my whole life. I also am very ... Read more

Cathy Slipski I had to pick also 5 years ago. At first I decided on the mechanical but me being young I didn’t want to be on blood thinners my whole life. I also am very active such as dirt bike riding, Harley, kids exc and I wanted to resume normal activities and enjoy my life. I also didn’t want to hear ticking constantly. So I made the decision to do the bovine valve knowing I would need to have surgery again. When and if this fails I will choose bovine again as the last almost 5 years I have resumed all the things I love to do with my husband and kids. My suggestion is to make a list of pros and cons and do your research. I wish you lots of luck and let us know what you decide to do.

John Mohr Thanks for all the advice!

Delay

Journal posted on December 10, 2020

My surgery has been delayed from 12/15 to 12:21 due to Covid capacity issues. More waiting. Uugh

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Update posted on...

November 30, 2020

Hi everyone- has anyone ever had an infection prior to surgery and will it delay surgery? I’m on an antibiotic for a potential infection(not heart related) but it doesn’t seem to be clearing up. Surgery is scheduled on 12/15 so I’m getting concerned. Any thoughts would be appreciated! - John

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Intro

Journal posted on November 7, 2020

Hi- I’m a 55 year old man and have mitral valve repair surgery scheduled for December 15. I’ve been living with progressively worsening symptoms over the last 5+ years but had been able to handle it, especially Afib episodes with meds. That stopped in August when I had to be cardioverted. Another echo and TEE later and my valve issue has gotten worse so it is the time fir surgery. I also have a bicuspid aortic valve but it is stable so they aren’t doing anything to it for now.

Honestly I’ve been so busy at work and some other things that I haven’t thought about it too much - it’s always been a few months away but it is closing in. I’ve read some stories about the breathing tube which is one of my concerns. Also worried about doing all of this in the middle of a pandemic. Anyways- it’s good to read stories of others. It really helps.

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