Susan's Journal

I am 21 days post-op from a mitral valve repair on Jan. 5, 2022. The surgery was flawless and my surgeon is fantastic!!! I had surgery on Wednesday and was discharged home on Sunday Jan 9. My biggest recovery challenges I want to share because many of them came as a bit of a surprise. First big surprise was the amount of fluid retention I had while in the hospital. I gained 13lbs of water weight after surgery. It is all gone now but took about 10days. All of this to say…the clothes I took to the hospital to wear home were to small…I came home in a pair of my husband’s pajama pants and sweatshirt. It was a week before I was able to wear any of my own clothes. Something I wish I had known prior to my surgery. I had little pain with my incision but did experience quite a bit of shoulder pain and a dull ache across my back and chest. For the women…to be blunt…the “girls” were bruised and really hurt. They are still sore at times. Sleeping was also (and still is) a bit of a challenge. I had purchased a nice electric recliner prior to surgery and it has been the best purchase I have made. I am still sleeping in it the majority of the night…working to transition to the bed with short periods of sleep during the night. Lastly, my skin (especially where tubes and censors were adhered) was very dry and flaky for several weeks. I used Lubriderm lotion several times a day to combat this (but not around the incision) I was prescribed vitamin E oil and Pracasil cream for the scar to help reduce appearance. All in all I am feeling pretty good. I get tired very easy and have a bad day every now and then. Cardiac rehab is on hold until Covid calms down in my area, but I am able to walk and use my stationary bike at home. I hope this is helpful to those getting ready for surgery. Be patient with yourself. Recovery from a major surgery takes time.

My mitral valve OHS was Wednesday 1/5/2022 and was a success. My amazing surgeon was able to repair my valve. I spent 24 hours in ICU and was then transferred to a cardiac room and was discharged yesterday to home. I feel really good.

I was wondering if anyone isolated prior to their surgery? I have family from out of state that want to visit me a week before my scheduled surgery…trying to decide if it is best if I tell them no and basically quarantine until my surgery date because if the increase in Covid cases. I have asked my surgeon but am waiting for his reply. Wondering what others who had surgery during the height of the pandemic have done. 15 days until OHS. Ready to have this done and behind me!!

23 days until my OHS to repair/replace my mitral valve. I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow and time schedule for questions (and I have several). The pre-surgery anxiety is increasing. I am trying to stay busy and of course the busy time of the holidays is helpful. I have a fair amount of fatigue these days…really my only symptom. Wondering if anyone else suffered from lots of fatigue pre-surgery?