Randy's Journal

I had a mitral valve repair for a badly leaking valve 2.5 years ago. I have had tons of problems since. I’m a avid runner and fitness enthusiast. I have never been able to come close to the level I was before surgery. Have had so may dr visits and tests. Basically they are telling me that now my mitral valve is to small causing a restriction. With any running or fitness I get severely fatigued and have extreme problem catching my breath. My surgeon wants to redo surgery and put in a large mechanical valve. My cardiologist is completely again getting a valve and just thinks I should live with my valve being smaller as it works great just to small. Just don’t know what to do. Recovery didn’t go very well and kept getting paracarditous. Had it 4 separate times. I have this theory that my paracardium have extensive scar tissue that is causing my heart not to expand under exercise. It’s my theory but they just keep telling me it’s my valve size. Surgeon says it’s hard to believe my valve is to small but that is what all the tests show. I’m lost as to what to do next. I get so tired and exhausted with any activity. I need some advise and also feedback on people who have mechanical valves and do lots of fitness or running etc.