Laura Giampietro - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1 hours ago

I just passed my three-month mark post-mitral valve repair robotic surgery. I'm feeling excellent; actually stronger than I did pre-surgery because I'm very ...Read more

I just passed my three-month mark post-mitral valve repair robotic surgery. I'm feeling excellent; actually stronger than I did pre-surgery because I'm very dedicated to working out.

The only lingering issue, which I know takes a long time to heal, is the numbness and nerve pain around the incision area.

Has anyone tried acupuncture to help with this?

Laura Giampietroposted an update

37 days ago

I'm two months post robotic mitral valve repair surgery and a MAZE procedure. I'm feeling pretty good and doing well with Cardiac Rehab.

The only thing ...Read more

I'm two months post robotic mitral valve repair surgery and a MAZE procedure. I'm feeling pretty good and doing well with Cardiac Rehab.

The only thing that bothers me at times seems to be nerve related and I have numbness in the area where the incisions where made. I'm guessing that it takes time for that to settle down.

Anyone else who had robotic surgery experiencing this?

Skipper Kagamaster Yep. My dermatologist advised it takes two years to fully asses what nerve damage will heal and what ... Read more

Skipper Kagamaster Yep. My dermatologist advised it takes two years to fully asses what nerve damage will heal and what will be permanent. I'm 6 years post robotic MV repair and most of the damage healed (some was permanent where the big incision in the armpit was).

Two months out? Yeah, you're going to have to deal with it for a while. I started to experience a weird, kind of itching/pricking sensation in my incisions, which I believe was the nerves healing. It was weird. Check back every six months up to two years on your progress, but for now numbness is totally normal.

Laura Giampietro Thanks, Skipper. I have been learning to manage my recovery expectations and this is very helpful.

Deena Z Numbness and pain does sometimes happen. Nerve healing is measured more in months than days or weeks ... Read more

Deena Z Numbness and pain does sometimes happen. Nerve healing is measured more in months than days or weeks, but everyone is different. Definitely check-in with your surgeon’s office to be thorough.

Susan Lynn Laura - i had numbness, pins and needle sensations, and occasional sharp pain for over a year. I t ... Read more

Susan Lynn Laura - i had numbness, pins and needle sensations, and occasional sharp pain for over a year. I think Skipper's dermatologist was right - it could take two years, so be patient. It's a small price to pay for such miraculous surgery. Best wishes to you!

Laura Giampietro Thanks everyone!