Linda's Heart Valve Journal

Adam, I wish there was a way you can put an M (minimal invasive) or O (for open) next to peoples name. Im just over 2 years but I still read this site. It seems like everyone here had the big one. I was lucky and had minimal invasive for my MVP.

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my husband would not take a picture of me ... i gained 10 pounds of water weight.

I'm one year 3 months ... talking with my husband tonight, I totally forgot the pain I was in. I had Minimal invasive surgery ... Still leaking at a 2 but its better than 4. He had to grab my right arm so I could turn out of bed to get up. The pain was unbearable. He showered with me to wash my hair. (It wasn't fun but now that I look back he was SO sweet. I will never forget my first sneeze. That heart pillow to hug doesn't do much ) I think it was 5 weeks out. Its funny but when we talk about my surgery and stuff ... I don't remember much.

My one year anniversary for MV Repair is tomorrow, March 3. Met with my cardiologist earlier this week to review my Echo from a few months ago. Overall I am doing well ... no complaints. I was leaking at a 4 and my repair has me at a 2+. I hoped it would be a one or less. My echo has not changed in the last year, so thats good. He said I can stay this way and do fine for the next decade or so.

my one year is coming up on March 3. I feel so sad and depressed. its not normal for me. I had minimal invasive ... I feel like I need to talk to other people that had surgery. Does anyone else feel like that?

Question. After having open heart surgery do you have to worry about every little cut, scratch and infection? I know that we have to take antibiotics when going to the dentist.

My MVR surgery was 7 months ago today. I almost feel like it never happened. I had minimal invasive surgery and still have some numbness. I finally pushed my self at the gym and (thanks to the new Fitbit Charger 2) I run/walk for an hour. I should have been doing this 3 months ago. My only excuse is I live in Miami and its just too hot even in an air-conditioned gym. I can't speak for people that have had their sternum cut, but I was walking at the mall with my husband 4 days after surgery. He took 2 weeks off from work to be with me. Sleeping was not easy for the first 2 months. I'm glad my Doctor only gave me 2 things of Oxy ... Aleve is better and realistically you will never be pain free. After the first week I only took Oxy at night. Go to the mall and walk your butt off!! I'm 53, 117 pounds and active!! I try to eat vegan at home ... some cheese on the weekend.

My MV repair was 6 months ago at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL/Dr. Savage on March 3rd. I had my first massage at the Biltmore in Coral Gables. FL ... I can't say how wonderful it felt. I will say when they ask you if you have any allergies, surgery, etc. ... i was very taken back and almost started to cry. It was hard for me to speak. I never thought this was a surgery I would have to have.

As heart Valve repair patient, we all have to take Anti-biotics for dental care/procedures. My dentist is confused about what my cardiologist prescribed. Please let me know you are taking for dental care/work. THANKS!

So, I got a card in the mail today that I have to carry. Took pic's for my husband. It says I have a Ring on my heart. Kinda took me by surprise

Question Re: Traveling after Heart Surgery

Is it OK to travel out of the USA after heart surgery? I'd love to go on vacation to an Island but nervous about not being near a good hospital. My surgery was 9 weeks ago and I feel great. Am I just being too nervous?

Question for Women with minimally invasive heart valve repair surgery: When is the right time to start doing weights?

Heart Monitor? Does anyone have a heart monitor they use to track their pulse at home or when working out? None of them see to be accurate.

I had MV Repair 6 weeks ago today. Very glad that the Cleveland Clinic in Westin Florida is 30 miles from my house and that Dr. Edward Savage was my surgeon. Always healthy, active and a normal weight. (I'm 52). Finding a new General Doctor (December 2015) ... she told me I had a very loud heart murmur. After a few test,s etc. we met with Dr. Savage and he said I should have surgery in a month or two. My leak was severe. I said schedule it. My surgery was on March 3rd 2016. One day in ICU and 2 days in a regular room, then I was sent home. I came home on a Sunday. Monday I had my husband take me to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Tuesday it was Starbucks (I had green tea) then to the mall ... I walked just over 30 minutes. Same thing on Wednesday except I walked an hour. 6 days after heart surgery, pretty good I thought! Over all I feel great ... my incision area still hurts ... esp when I sleep by accident on my right side. I always slept in my bed surrounded by pillows, now most of them are gone. I just can't wait for the day when I can sleep on my right side with no pain. I declined cardiac rehab. Now I walk 50 minutes at the gym or 1 hour at
the mall. (2 days and one day off) I bought baby weights ( one and two pounds) and can't wait to use them.

My surgery was the morning of March 3rd. I came out of surgery about 4:30pm. I was only in ICU for a day and a regular room for 2 days. Came home Sunday 11:00am. My doctor felt since I was young and healthy (52) I didn't need to be there and I'd do better at home. Its more painful than I thought. My entire right boob area hurts very badly. Esp when I get out of bed or off the couch. Today I started having a nurse come to the house to check my vitals.

Is it true you can't have any dental procedure, not even a cleaning, for 6 months after heart surgery?

My surgery is on March 3rd. I know I won't need much for the hospital but is there anything special I should bring for my stay. I'm guessing you're in a hospital gown the entire time. My big question is when I'm home. What will I need to make it through the first 2 weeks?