John's Journal

I hate to bring up a sore subject but have any of you experienced heart rhythm issues after receiving a Covid vaccine shot? I have been a dedicated follower of the recommendations to get the vaccine but after my last dose I have not felt well and am experiencing PVCs- premature ventricular contractions. Now I’ve experienced PACs and PVCs since my mitral valve repair almost 3 years ago but was feeling great until I got this year’s vaccine in October. Prior to that I’d have an occasional day with PACs but now I’m getting regular PVCs and don’t feel well. My cardiologist and electrophysiologist both indicated they had heard this from other patients and that hopefully it will go away. Just curious how widespread this is. This is making me think it may be my last booster. Thanks

Hi all, wondering if anyone else has dealt with a reduced ejection fraction after mitral valve repair surgery. I had surgery in Dec 2020. As of my last echo in 12/21 the EF was 50% down from 60%+ before surgery though up from 42% right after surgery. Due for another echo next month but not sure if the EF will improve any more. Thanks for an comments folks can offer.

Adam, I watched your interview about the maze procedure which was fantastic. Wondering how the maze procedure differs from a surgical procedure related to the left atrial appendage. This is what I had when I had my mitral valve repair. Long story short, it didn’t resolve my Afib and other rhythm issues. I had a follow up catheter ablation 6 months after the surgery. Finally feeling a bit better 9+ months later. Assuming Maze is different it sounds like I should have gone that route. Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks-John Mohr

Just saw Adam’s post about the Covid booster shot but I’m not on Facebook. I had a question. Adam, what if you had a valve repair vs replacement. I think I read that this didn’t matter but I’m still confused. Am I eligible for the booster? Thanks!

Whoops. Forgot to mention that I also continue to get ocular migraines. I had a history of actual migraines before surgery but only one or two a year. With ocular migraines you get the visual “aura” but no headache after it goes away. Has anyone else experienced this? Based on what I’ve read it could have been caused by the anesthesia or heart/lung machine. Some days I get them more than once so it’s a drag. I also experience more PACs when I have them so I know they are connected in some way. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone. So, my heart rhythm issues continue. Improved but still continue. Mostly PACs at this point but with symptoms. I'm scheduled for an ablation on 6/25. As part of the procedure they hope to trigger the PACs so they can address that area of the heart. Other than that I’ve made decent progress in cardiac rehab. Still have some pain when I lay in bed or sneeze but gradually getting better. It has been almost 5 months since my mitral valve repair.

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!

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.

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?

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!

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!

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

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.