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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: June 16, 2017

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Julia Hasbrook posted an update

8 years ago (September 28, 2017)

HI all, Been so busy recovering that I forgot to update my post. I can't say enough how valuable it was for me to do a lot of research and be in control of my health. This website and Adam's book are indispensable. My surgery went perfectly and all the... Read more.

Rose Madura

8 years ago (September 28, 2017)

Great news. Glad you are doing so well.

Julia Hasbrook posted an update

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

Hi all, I've finished all my pre-op tests. Met with the anesthesia team. I'm high risk and have a lot of people watching me. Thank God! I'm ready and I don't want to think about the "what-ifs" anymore. Please, I have to know, truly how much does it hurt afterwards???... Read more.

Gerald Poulton

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

i had a bioprosthetic aortic valve and aortic artery aneurism, full sternonomy, I was amazed at how little it hurt after. Dont skimp on the pain pills in the hospital because they are there for you, but seriously they release you on just Tylenol extra strength and I only took... Read more.

Steve Farthing

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

Right, a bad toothache or badly sprained ankle are definitely worse. I took 2 Aleve per day plus Tylenol for about 3 weeks after mitral valve repair. That did not eliminate the pain, but made it very tolerable. After 3 weeks, no pain killers. (I'm 7 weeks out now.) I... Read more.

Barbara Wood

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

I had a mitral valve repair 10 weeks ago & never had any pain, never took anything for pain after being released. But I was uncomfortable- I couldn't go to sleep on my back, had no appetite & was easily tired. Having a memory foam wedge pillow is helpful, some... Read more.

Rose Madura

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

I had surgery 12 weeks ago. Minimal pain. Stay ahead of any pain with the meds offered but get down to Tylenol as soon as you can. I also had a heart hugger and not a pillow. I think that made a difference as well.

Cathy Zuber

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

Hi. I had my mitral valve replaced in March. Biggest pain I had was having to let go of my independence (I'm a widow), and have others help me around the house!!. A bed wedge helps..but I actually slept in a recliner for about a month. Make yourself some freezeable,... Read more.

Wanda Mroz

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

I had a shoulder replacement and the pain was ten times worse! I was on regular Tylenol once home. Use a pillow to hug if you have to sneeze or cough... really the pain is not what you'd think it would be. You'll get through it. Prayers for a smooth... Read more.

Bob Fessler

9 years ago (August 24, 2017)

Pain was minimal for me and was controlled in the hospital. Take your pain medication and ask for more of it if you feel any pain. Felt no pain worth mentioning.

Marie Myers

9 years ago (August 25, 2017)

I agree with all the above. My shoulders and upper back muscles bothered me more than the full Sternotomy. I took very few narcotic pain Meds the entire time. Like Barbara said, it is more just being uncomfortable than pain. I was very pleasantly surprised... You will be , also.

Rita Savelis

9 years ago (August 26, 2017)

Julia, I had no pain just lots of discomfort and incredible exhaustion. No matter what you do to be ready, there will be things that happen to you in your specific singular recovery that will surprise you. Knowing that tiredness would last a long long time was helpful for me... Read more.

Laura Jacobs

9 years ago (August 26, 2017)

For me the sternotomy was more tenderness than pain. Like Marie, I found the aching shoulders and back muscles to be more uncomfortable, but i did have pain in my forearms from inflamed arteries from the IV's. I took Oxy on the two days after the surgery and then realized... Read more.

Julia Hasbrook posted an update

9 years ago (August 3, 2017)

Has anyone had Mitral valve repair done with the Da Vinci system and also been at severe risk for anaphylaxis? It almost killed me last time I was in surgery for an SICD replacement.

Steve Farthing

9 years ago (August 3, 2017)

Have you obtained the surgery notes and itemized all the meds used during that procedure to find out their potential for bad reactions?

Michael Meyer

9 years ago (August 3, 2017)

Julia: I had mitral valve repair at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Gillinov. No reactions. There is a pretty rigorous screening and to my knowledge they use the Da Vinci system. I was marked for an upper sternotomy in case they defined they could not perform the minimally invasive procedure.

Michael Meyer

9 years ago (August 3, 2017)

You are a west coaster so be sure and check out Dr. Trento and Cedars https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Alfredo-Trento-Los+Angeles-California.php

Ed Ahern

9 years ago (August 4, 2017)

I had robotic MVR on July 24th at Weill Cornell Med in New York City performed by Dr, Sloane Guy that was very successful. Would highly recommend Dr Guy.

Julia Hasbrook

9 years ago (August 4, 2017)

After my anaphylactic reaction, all meds, latex, foods, everything was tested not only with a skin prick test but also intradermal. My immune system was tested. You name it I tested it. All negative. I know there are pre-op and during surgery precautions I can take, but wanted to see... Read more.

Julia Hasbrook

9 years ago (August 4, 2017)

And I did have a consult with Dr. Trento. He is very nice and answered all my questions. He was a little stumped by the allergic reaction though.

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