Maria Dondero - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

184 days ago

Geoff Curtis reacted to this

Hi there,
My name is Maria and I am 3 weeks post minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery at Cedars-Sinai with Dr. Joanna Chikwe. She is amazing in ...Read more

Hi there,
My name is Maria and I am 3 weeks post minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery at Cedars-Sinai with Dr. Joanna Chikwe. She is amazing in every way. I had complete confidence in her because she projects confidence, has lengthy experience, is so knowledgeable, and on top of all of that, she is so humble and kind. Thankfully, the surgery was a complete success. I am very glad that it’s behind me.
I am feeling ok, but I am however still having some chest tightness and heart beat irregularities and then I get anxious. I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this super annoying chest tightness that comes and goes and consequent anxiety. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just the side incision tightness that’s radiating to the center of my chest.
I’m happy to say that this photo was taken at Joshua Tree National Park two weeks post op.

Rita Savelis You look great in your photo! The chest tightness is something that I still get (10 yrs later) especi ... Read more

Rita Savelis You look great in your photo! The chest tightness is something that I still get (10 yrs later) especially if I do too much or am carrying a heavy load. It doesn't make me anxious, it's just there. One of the "new normal" things that my body/chest does. 3 weeks is very early however. I would say that after 6 weeks or a few months this occasiopnal tightness may go away for you. Your body and heart are healing and you are very aware of them as one is after surgery. I also still occasionally have some heart beat irrgeularities, which last a few seconds. I never had A-fib or any irregularities that cardiologists cared about. Make sure you tell your doctor about anything you are feeling so that she/he can reassure you or do any testing if she/he feels that is necessary. Take care.

Richard Munson Wow, its only 3 weeks since open heart surgery. I would take a deep breath and give it some time to h ... Read more

Richard Munson Wow, its only 3 weeks since open heart surgery. I would take a deep breath and give it some time to heal. And remember. We all heal at different rates. I had a cortisone shot in my hip a month ago and yesterday i had a twinge where the needle went in. You had open heart surgery.

Grace Mason Hi Maria,
You look amazing 3 weeks after surgery!
It is very early days yet and I suspect thing ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi Maria,
You look amazing 3 weeks after surgery!
It is very early days yet and I suspect things will improve over the next weeks.
After SAVR I felt like a small child was sitting on my chest for several weeks and felt very uncomfortable leaning forward for a few months. It is normal to feel anxious afterwards during the recovery. Hopefully you have someone you can check in with at your surgeon or doctors office for reassurance and guidance regarding any heartbeat irregularities.

Massimo Decina Maria, a friend of mine had the same surgery as you had, in December... he had some minor troubles du ... Read more

Massimo Decina Maria, a friend of mine had the same surgery as you had, in December... he had some minor troubles due to the healing phase just after lasting 3 weeks...now he's back to body gym 2 months after the surgery for training his body and get back he muscular tone, and he was back to work after just one month!! You look really great!

J Alexander Lassally All sorts of pain/discomfort and various sensations are on the table for the first months. Don't forg ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally All sorts of pain/discomfort and various sensations are on the table for the first months. Don't forget minimally invasive also implies maximum manipulation, so things have been moved and adjusted to gain access. Nerve pain is legendary after thoracotomy. Keep working on the walking !!! Good job.