Sarah Krivy - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2401 days ago

Getting a bit discouraged. I had my 2nd mitral valve replacement on Halloween (worn out bovine to mechanical) along with Maze procedure. I spent 20 days in ...Read more

Getting a bit discouraged. I had my 2nd mitral valve replacement on Halloween (worn out bovine to mechanical) along with Maze procedure. I spent 20 days in the hospital. I was also diagnosed with atrial flutter and had some a-fib as well. I've also had a cardioversion but I'm still having rate and rhythm issues keeping me from starting rehab. Now I have a sinus infection and the coughing is hurting my chest so much. I feel like I will never feel well again. I'm 47 and married with a 7 year old. I need to get back to my life.

Louanna Miller So very sorry you are experiencing all of this. It’s so difficult to have to focus on ourselves wh ... Read more

Louanna Miller So very sorry you are experiencing all of this. It’s so difficult to have to focus on ourselves when we are caregivers to children and family. Please do allow yourself to take care of yourself. Rest when you need to and don’t push too hard. Rest is healing.

Gina Fiorentino Hi Sarah, I'm sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. I imagine it has been quite an endu ... Read more

Gina Fiorentino Hi Sarah, I'm sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. I imagine it has been quite an endurance race for you. I wonder if you have read Christine's heart story? She's a Mitral Valve Embassador for AHA. When I was recovering from my heart surgery this past Spring and feeling a bit down, it inspired me to know that she had been through a lot during her first year of recovery on her path to wellness. I am including a link to her story, in hopes it will inspire you: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-personal-stories/meet-christine-rekash-aha-heart-valve-ambassador

Meet Christine Rekash - AHA Heart Valve Ambassador

http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-personal-stories/meet-christine-rekash-aha-heart-valve-ambassador

Christine Rekash thought she was prepared for open-heart surgery to repair a failing mitral valve, but several complications following her procedure made her realize that she had to take one step at a time. She now works to raise awareness about heart health and offer support to other patients facing heart valve disorders as part of the American Heart Association’s Heart Valve Ambassador program.

Sarah Krivyposted an update

2470 days ago

I am having my second mitral valve surgery tomorrow. I had a bovine valve that now has severe stenosis. I will also have a MAZE procedure. Does anyone have ...Read more

I am having my second mitral valve surgery tomorrow. I had a bovine valve that now has severe stenosis. I will also have a MAZE procedure. Does anyone have any experience with a second surgery?

LINDA ROBERTS Wishing you a successful surgery tomorrow.

John Lant How long did your original replacement Bovine Valve last?

Catie B Hi Sarah, I'm sorry you're needing another surgery at this point. I have not had a second surgery, bu ... Read more

Catie B Hi Sarah, I'm sorry you're needing another surgery at this point. I have not had a second surgery, but the topic came up with surgeons. Both were very reassuring regarding second surgeries in experienced hands. I wish you the best and send prayer!

Rob Sparling My surgeon told me the majority of his surgery patients are those having reoperatioms. So it is not a ... Read more

Rob Sparling My surgeon told me the majority of his surgery patients are those having reoperatioms. So it is not at all uncommon. Be confident!

Debbie Chatzky I had a second mitral valve surgery and maze. First was repair that became severely stenotic. Reopera ... Read more

Debbie Chatzky I had a second mitral valve surgery and maze. First was repair that became severely stenotic. Reoperations should be done by a surgeon who does many complex surgeries.

Sarah Krivy Thanks, all! I feel very confident about my surgeon and facility (Oklahoma Heart Hospital). My bovine ... Read more

Sarah Krivy Thanks, all! I feel very confident about my surgeon and facility (Oklahoma Heart Hospital). My bovine valve lssted 11 years (age 36-47). I.chose a tissue valve so I could have a baby with fewer complications. That baby is now 7. I would do it all again to have my wonderful son.

Susan Lynn Sarah - You'll be a heart rock star times 2! You've got this! We'll be here awaiting your good new ... Read more

Susan Lynn Sarah - You'll be a heart rock star times 2! You've got this! We'll be here awaiting your good news! ❤

Rob Sparling Sarah! Love your comment about your son. Inspiring amount of love and toughness! Thinking of you to ... Read more

Rob Sparling Sarah! Love your comment about your son. Inspiring amount of love and toughness! Thinking of you today! ❤️💪💪

Sarah Krivy Thanks, all. I had my mitral valve replacement plus MAZE surgery on Halloween. I have been home for a ... Read more

Sarah Krivy Thanks, all. I had my mitral valve replacement plus MAZE surgery on Halloween. I have been home for a little over a week. I won't lie--this time around has been much more challenging due to my high heart rate, low blood pressure, and low INR. The depression is worse too. It's hard to not be able to be the wife and mom I want to be, especially around the holidays.
Hoping a second MAZE isn't in my future but it is a possibility.

Catie B I'm sure sorry you're having such a rough time! I hope things will settle down soon and that you wil ... Read more

Catie B I'm sure sorry you're having such a rough time! I hope things will settle down soon and that you will make a very strong recovery. I hope you can be patient with yourself. For sure, seek help for the depression if it persists.

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