Melinda's Journal
Mitral Regurgitation, Joined August 26, 2023
Mitral Regurgitation
Joined August 26, 2023
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I am from: Hoboken -
My surgery date is: September 4, 2025
I found out I had a floppy mitral valve right after the birth of my second child in 1989. I was told it was innocent and not to worry about it but saw a cardiologist every year just to make sure things will not be becoming an issue.
My regurgitation went from mild, to moderate, to moderate to severe, to severe. In May, I saw my cardiologist and and my echo is compared to last year‘s echo and there were no changes and was told. See you in nine months. Before I left, they put a 3?day monitor on me. The results came back and my cardiologist felt that they were inconclusive. There was 0% a fib, but PVCs and PACs were shown, but this was also shown on other Holter monitors prior to this one.
My cardiologist sent me to an electrophysiologist in the group because he felt that there would be a better chance to get an extended Holter monitor if the petition to the insurance company was coming from him. The electrophysiologist gave me three options. He told me I could wear a loop recorder and they would manage me for five years, a 30 day monitor may not show anything because a fib could happen on day zero or day 31 we get an Apple Watch.
I was a little confused because the whole Amanda report showed 0% a fib and went back to see my cardiologist. My cardiologist told me he was putting me on Eliquis and thought it was time. I went to see Dr. Adams and Dr. Boateng at Mount Sinai. They asked me why I was on Eliquis and my response was I was told I have a fib based on the three day Holter monitor test. They looked at the Holter monitor test and saw 0% a fib and told me that everybody gets PACs and PVCs.
I asked him if I could get off the Eliquis and they told me to call my cardiologist. I did and I am now off Eliquis.
I am asking you all because I feel you are the experts because you all had so many different experiences. If you had the situation, would you feel you have a fib. Please note I have worn my Apple Watch for almost a month and there are no indications of a fib and trust me I test for it all the time. Is there a definitive test that will be done to ensure that I do or don’t have a fit prior to my surgery?
I appreciate your thoughts on this and thank you in advance for your time
MINI: Minimally invasive heart surgery, or MICS, allows
surgeons to access the heart through smaller incisions than traditional
open-heart surgery, often avoiding the need to cut through the breastbone
(sternum). Instead, surgeons may make small incisions between the ribs,
sometimes using robotic assistance, to perform procedures like valve repair or
replacement, coronary artery bypass, and other heart surgeries.
My chest was never open. They have robotic options that I think provide the same limited intervention.
Dan
... Read more
MINI: Minimally invasive heart surgery, or MICS, allows
surgeons to access the heart through smaller incisions than traditional
open-heart surgery, often avoiding the need to cut through the breastbone
(sternum). Instead, surgeons may make small incisions between the ribs,
sometimes using robotic assistance, to perform procedures like valve repair or
replacement, coronary artery bypass, and other heart surgeries.
My chest was never open. They have robotic options that I think provide the same limited intervention.
Dan
I have so many questions - such as for those who had to be on heart - lung by pass what were your experiences ? I am so nervous.
My advice to you is to relinquish control of the details of your repair to your surgeon and medical team. As we always say, all you have to do is show up - everything else will be handled for you. It's true! Surgery will feel like only one minute has passed. You'll wake up and it will be behind you! You will see progress every week in recovery! Just do your periodic walks, don't overdo it on the good days, and you'll be fine! No worries.
But, there are several other things you might want to pack - long phone charging cord, travel pillow, disposable toothbrushes, slippers, a notebook (to write down questions, instructions, etc.), reading glasses, chap stick, dry shampoo, etc. Pretty much everything you need will be provided, but you will want to bring any other items that will make you more comfortable. Don't forget to bring a shirt that buttons or zips in the front and some loose stretch pants to wear home. Lifting your arms after surgery can be difficult and many of us went home with a little extra water weight - hence, the loose pants. Go with the flow while you're at the hospital - follow the nurses' instructions and you'll be leaving before you know it!
I don't think we discussed the things you might want to have at home. I bought a shower chair (more of a stool). I, ultimately, didn't need to use it, but I felt more comfortable taking showers by myself. I found showering to be one of the most exhausting activities after surgery. So, keep them short and make sure the water isn't too hot. I found out later that hot showers can drop your bp. Many of our folks swear by recliners, foam wedges, and lots of pillows. Sleeping in a comfortable position can change from one day to the next age surgery - be sure to have options. You'll find what works for you!
You have a month to ask any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
you cannot lift your arms to wash your hair ??
My blood pressure did go up after surgery, but I'm not sure if that's the case for everyone. But, as far as showering goes, a hot shower can drop your blood pressure (I'm not sure exactly what it does to your blood vessels - constrict them, I suspect) and cause you to feel dizzy. That's why you want to keep them short. As far as washing your hair, you will want to get that answer from the sternotomy people. I didn't have a problem lifting my arms, but I had a minimally-invasive entry.
You'll find out how to get through your daily tasks by trial and error. Recovery is very individual, so while we try to share our experiences, do whatever works for you.