Susan's Heart Valve Journal

11.5 weeks post Mitral Valve Repari (minimally invasive) I was able to hike 6+ miles on the Path of Gods in Italy! We literally walked 1000's of stairs and it felt so good to be able to do it!

I was wondering if anyone has kayaked after their mitral valve repair and how soon after the surgery was it safe? My cardio rehab people don't seem to have an answer for me if it is safe. I had the minimally invasive MVR through the right side. Thank you!

What a difference two weeks can make! I have very little pain- occassionally it feels like my heart is lurching and I get a burning sensation similar to when they removed the pacemaker wires. I am walking 3-5 miles a day (if its not too muggy). Still very tired at night and not sleeping more than 3 hours at a time but I think thats from the Lasix. I don't see my doctor until next week so still not driving. I want to do cardiac rehab- How soon can that be started? Thankful to have those first few weeks behind me! Thank you everyone for sharing your stories- It's the real accounts that help!

Today has been a full week and I have minimal pain which is manageable with my pain relief which I'm taking about four times a day. My incision was very small underneath the right breast and Don seems to be recovering nicely and probably hardly be noticeable. It is still numb so I am sure that helps with my pain too. The worst part I'm finding is the water weight gain and the water retention just makes you stiff and hard to move or lay down flat. I've been able to walk about 6 houses away three times a day go up and down our stairs several times a day. I still get a little short of breath but very manageable. Not much appetite just very thirsty all of the time. I did appear to get some sort of eye problem in the hospital where there's a glazing that keeps forming over my eyes so I can't read right now that's a little tiny problem and it's not pinkeye so that's a good thing! Very low ability to concentrate right now and type so sorry for any miss typings! One mother did mention she wished she would've told her kids how scary she would look when she came out of the surgery and I tried to convey that to my children but I don't think I did a good enough job about that. One of my daughters ended up passing out when she saw me which did give a little more excitement to the event. My procedure was for a Barlow Mitral Valve repair and I think he said I was on the bypass machine for over an hour and a half. Not sure but do feel like the things coming out of my mouth are coming from another brain! That fog and the auras people talk about are there. Not sure if its my pain drugs but have had some happy dreams! Will quit rambling! Hope everyone is doing well. Hard for me to follow and read! Happy 1 week!!!

Will write more details when I can think again! Thank God for the medical marvels. Hope everyone is doing well!

Thank you everyone-This website has been such a help to me. There is so much helpful information. I especially appreciate the candidness of many of the post- both positive and negative. Its always best to have knowledge. Will let you know how it went in a few days. The best to everyone else scheduled!!

Thank you for your prayers. Unfortunately, I was exposed to strep at work and tested positive today. Very upset since everything and everyone was set to go.

I finally met with my surgeon after all of the weeks of testing. He determined I am having a barlow mitral valve repair and he is going to go through my ribs vs. sternum. He said the procedure should last around 5 hours. Its good to finally have some information. Unfortunately when you say it is minimally invasive people assume it means it's minor surgery. I am hoping it is easier than what I am anticipating. Trying to stay calm and get organized. Thank you all for sharing your experiences- It has helped me feel more informed.