Steve's Posts

Dr. Thomas and Dr. McCarthy are my physician/surgeon at NM. I had Mitral Valve Repair on August 20. Dr. McCarthy is excellent. He will fix anything that he determines needs his attention. I was in ICU for 2 days post op and then moved to the step-down floor. I had a few issues with pain, drops in my blood pressure, etc., so I the respirator was not removed for about 8 hours. I was so sedated, that it was not a big deal at all. I had other additional issue with a few episodes of AFib, low oxygen level and fluid in the plural sac. All of these took extra time to work out for me, but I do believe I was an outlier from most of Dr. McCarthy's patients. He shared with me that I would likely go home on day 3-4, but I was there for 10 days. You will go home sooner, I am sure. The patients on this website that also had Dr. McCarthy have been home by day 4. My son married September 22 in Charleston, SC. Dr. McCarthy agreed I could fly at that time as long as all was good. I saw the surgical team at 2 weeks post op and my valve was not having any leakage, etc. We flew on a direct flight. I was not 100% then by far, but was able to attend all of the main festivities for the wedding with resting in between. Walking in encouraged in the hospital and the more you do the sooner you feel better and leave. I continued to walk when I was home. I started cardiac rehab at week 8, but most seem to start at week 6. I have learned we are all unique physically and you have to listen to your body and not push beyond what it can handle. Cardiac Rehab really helped me to progress. It was then that I started lifting weights, and walking more and more. Please ask any questions before or after your surgery. I will be praying for you next week. I did not feel normal for a good 2 months, and really not like myself until 3 months.

Everyone is different. My surgery was on Tue. morning and I was home Sat afternoon. I'm 54 and had mitral valve repair. If you participate in cardiac rehab, they'll monitor you and tell you how much exercise you can do. It's 12 weeks before all lifting restrictions are removed. My sister also had MVR. She was able to start water aerobics after 8 weeks. It's 4 weeks before you're allowed to take a bath. Again, lots depends on the patient and the dr. I was allowed to drive after 3 weeks. I know a lot of people have to wait longer. Best of luck to you.

I had a mini sternotomy for AVR, was out of hospital in 4 days. I'd say the typical recommendations of 4 weeks to driving, 3 months for full recovery of sternum is pretty accurate. I was at cardiac rehab my 3rd week out and felt I could have done much more than they had me doing, they wouldn't let me jog until 8 weeks but I felt like I could have sooner. I would say don't worry too much about the sternotomy, they give you enough drugs after surgery that it's definitely managable, but you'll feel sore. After surgery just focus on healing first, worry about getting your cardio back 2nd.

Steve, beside Louanna (above) Dan Vechiola will chime in here soon we can be sure. He had NW and Dr McCarthy and had a great outcome. I had full sternotomy with AVR and was in the hospital 6 nights but the last one was due to a slight fever the afternoon before scheduled discharge. They kept me longer to be safe while waiting for bloodwork, etc to prove I was ready to go. I am three months out and began driving again at 8 weeks. Sat in backseat for first six weeks. Lifting restriction removed at week six as well. You will do great!

I had Mitral Valve repair done by Dr McCarthy in October. I was in the hospital for five days.....I stayed an extra day because my blood pressure was low and I felt faint. I was able to drive at 4 weeks post surgery, and I just went back to work last week. I still don't feel like myself, but that will take time. I also dreaded the idea of a sternotomy, but it was really not bad at all. Just stick to the precautions they give you.

I didn't have Barlow's disease, but had Mitral Valve prolapse with severe regurgitation and other issues. My surgeon at Northwestern was Dr Patrick McCarthy. He's very reputable with an extremely high success rate. He performed my mitral valve repair surgery in August 20. If you have any questions about tests, surgery, recovery etc. please ask. I'll share my experience.