Nancy's Journal

Susan Lynn  Nancy - I had a mini-thoracotomy for a mitral valve repair. In the process, the surgeon freezes the nerves, so it's virtually painless. You will feel numbness as well as pins and needles in the months after surgery, but it's completely tolerable. Plus, you'll have a small scar - which your doctor may be able to hide in your right breast crease - and no driving restriction. This surgery does require connection to the bypass machine through your femoral artery, so you will have another small scar above your thigh. I highly recommend this entry to access the heart if you can't have TAVR. Good luck!

Nancy Manning  Thank you Susan! I’m hoping my surgeon will agree to do the mini-thoracotomy. How long were you off work or until life was back to normal?

Susan Lynn  I work from home, so I started working 4 days after my surgery. I was only in the hospital for 3 days - in on Friday and released by lunchtime on Monday. I was tired, but I was able to function. I think 90% of my recovery happened in the first two weeks. You can do this!

Nancy Manning  Thanks so much for the encouragement! I must admit I’m pretty frightened, but hearing how others have managed is very helpful.

Susan Lynn  Nancy - I was also very frightened, but waiting was much worse than any part of the surgery and recovery. I suggest that you do a little research on the mini- thoracotomy. I think you'll find that the nurse got it backwards. Most doctors who do that procedure will favor it over the mini-sternotomy. Hospital stays, recovery time, discomfort are all decreased with the mini-t. Good luck with your research. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions. ❤