I would love to hear about other people's experiences or advice on ablation AFTER mitral valve repair. My brother and I had mitral valve surgery but my brother's ...Read more
I would love to hear about other people's experiences or advice on ablation AFTER mitral valve repair. My brother and I had mitral valve surgery but my brother's was 20 years ago and he wasn't in afib, so no ablation. Now he's had to be cardioverted 3 times for atrial flutter and doc says 3x is limit, so time for an ablation. But apparently the approach is a little different for us folks. Thanks! He's my twin bro and I lost my big bro to this damn disease many years ago, so I'm keeping a close eye on my twin!!
Hi,
I'm one year post valve repairs--mitral, tricuspid and aortic (yes, all three!) and am doing pretty well but I was really disappointed by my recent echo--it ...Read more
Hi,
I'm one year post valve repairs--mitral, tricuspid and aortic (yes, all three!) and am doing pretty well but I was really disappointed by my recent echo--it wasn't as good as my echo at 6 months. My ejection fraction went from 70% to 55%, my left atrium went from moderately to markedly dilated, and I now have a mild decrease in right ventricular systolic function and my mitral valve has mild central valvular regurg. I would love to hear from others about their experience with echocardiograms--maybe the results can vary depending on factors other than the health of your heart? I meet with my doctor this week, but would love to hear about other patients' experiences.
Thanks and happy heart month!
Rose Madura Glad you will meet with your doctor this week. I'm curious as to what he/she says. My former cardio ... Read more
Rose Madura Glad you will meet with your doctor this week. I'm curious as to what he/she says. My former cardiologist who has retired told me once that an echo is only as good as the technician. Not sure I agree with that though. Please keep us posted.
Kim Owen I had a cardio doctor that said the same thing. I have heard the technician, the the time of day, y ... Read more
Kim Owen I had a cardio doctor that said the same thing. I have heard the technician, the the time of day, your mental state etc. can cause a fluctuation in echo’s. They always ask how do you feel? My ejection fraction has gone up and down. Your doctor should be able to tell you more about it. I wish the best out come for you.
Tee Ad Thank you so much Rose and Kim! The doctor said she thinks I'm fine but when I pressed for more info ... Read more
Tee Ad Thank you so much Rose and Kim! The doctor said she thinks I'm fine but when I pressed for more info on the changes in the echo results, she was kind of vague and not helpful. I really need to find a cardiologist I like. She saw me through the surgeries, but was always annoying to deal with. My cardiologist before her, who I loved, moved out of state!! Thanks and I'll keep you posted if I learn anything new.
The pleural effusion after my Jan 10 didn’t clear up with the less evasive methods so I have to have another surgery on Wednesday. Bummer! But hoping I can ...Read more
The pleural effusion after my Jan 10 didn’t clear up with the less evasive methods so I have to have another surgery on Wednesday. Bummer! But hoping I can go to my daughters college graduation on Memorial Day !!
Susan Lynn I'm sorry you need to go through surgery, but you will hopefully see dramatic improvement afterward. ... Read more
Susan Lynn I'm sorry you need to go through surgery, but you will hopefully see dramatic improvement afterward. We'll be here cheering you on and looking forward to those graduation pictures! You've got this! ❤
Marie Myers Hoping this is the answer to the recurring effusions, and that you get to your daughter's graduation! ... Read more
Marie Myers Hoping this is the answer to the recurring effusions, and that you get to your daughter's graduation! How long will you be in the hospital?
Tee Ad Thanks so much for the encouragement! Hopefully just 3 days. Then I’m released with one chest tube ... Read more
Tee Ad Thanks so much for the encouragement! Hopefully just 3 days. Then I’m released with one chest tube in place, which comes out after 4 days, hopefully.
Tee Ad I was able to go to my daughter’s graduation! It was lovely. Finally home again. Exhausted and read ... Read more
Tee Ad I was able to go to my daughter’s graduation! It was lovely. Finally home again. Exhausted and ready to get better! Lung surgery is much more painful than OHS! I was on 3x more pain meds. But I am already cutting back a bit on the pain meds. Breathing deep and being thankful for good medical care, family, friends, and fellow heart warriors!
Catie B Yay for getting to her graduation! Sooo sorry for your post-op pain after the lung surgery--hope you ... Read more
Catie B Yay for getting to her graduation! Sooo sorry for your post-op pain after the lung surgery--hope you feel heaps better soon. It's good to hear you're breathing well...
Has anyone had experience with a VATS thorocoscopy to treat a pleural effusions? I would love to hear about other people's experience with this. I'm four months ...Read more
Has anyone had experience with a VATS thorocoscopy to treat a pleural effusions? I would love to hear about other people's experience with this. I'm four months post valve repair and have had two thoracenteses to drain the fluid around one lung. Both times they got about a liter but doc says they couldn't get it all, so now I need surgery. ugh!
Has anyone had a thoracentesis after surgery to drain the fluid around your lungs? I just had one this morning to drain fluid around my right lung and I’m ...Read more
Has anyone had a thoracentesis after surgery to drain the fluid around your lungs? I just had one this morning to drain fluid around my right lung and I’m in pain! The doc said it wouldn’t last long but would love to hear from patients who had this procedure! Pain is on my right side front and back. I’m almost 10 weeks post valve surgery.
Louanna Miller I had a thoracentesis to drain fluid from around left lung. They removed nearly 3 cups. I had discom ... Read more
Louanna Miller I had a thoracentesis to drain fluid from around left lung. They removed nearly 3 cups. I had discomfort for about 24 hours, and some soreness more localized to where they inserted the catheter.
Catie B Tee, I'm so sorry you're hurting. I had a thoracentesis of lower right lung while in the hospital. I ... Read more
Catie B Tee, I'm so sorry you're hurting. I had a thoracentesis of lower right lung while in the hospital. I also had pleurisy and there was pain with breathing for quite some time after I got home. I dearly hope you feel better soon!
Tee Ad Thanks folks! I feel better today. I just wish my doc had warned me that I would need some tylenol an ... Read more
Tee Ad Thanks folks! I feel better today. I just wish my doc had warned me that I would need some tylenol and icepacks!
Catie B Good to hear the discomfort is easing now! Hope you feel better all the way around soon.
Tee Ad Thanks. I’m going to see a specialist on Tuesday cuz still have some pain and fluid. I decided it ... Read more
Tee Ad Thanks. I’m going to see a specialist on Tuesday cuz still have some pain and fluid. I decided it’s time to bring in the pro!
Catie B It sounds wise to get checked. I hope the appt goes extra well and that you'll be on the mend shortly ... Read more
Catie B It sounds wise to get checked. I hope the appt goes extra well and that you'll be on the mend shortly!
I’m now 8 weeks post valve repair (3 valves!) and a maze procedure. Thankful for the improvements but honestly still frustrated and a bit anxious. After feeling ...Read more
I’m now 8 weeks post valve repair (3 valves!) and a maze procedure. Thankful for the improvements but honestly still frustrated and a bit anxious. After feeling better, the pain in my sternum has come back, I still have some pleural effusion, and yesterday at cardiac rehab the nurse said the heart rate doesn’t increase with exercise. I’m told this is all within the normal realm but it’s hard to be patient for my body to get over this surgery! Has anyone had the return of chest pain or heart or the poor response to exercise? It’s not slow heart rate—my heart rate is 80-90 and increases only to about 105 when I exercise. Thanks!
Phyllis Petersen It could be a medication. I was on metoprolol for a couple of months after surgery and that kept my H ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen It could be a medication. I was on metoprolol for a couple of months after surgery and that kept my HR lower. After going off that, my HR and BP went on a wild roller coaster ride for months. It's pretty normal now. But if you do have any concerns, discuss this with your cardiologist. S/he may be able to adjust medications or at the least reassure you that this is not a problem.
Jennifer McInerney My chest pain came back. At first cardiac rehab said it was a displaced rib but turns out it is a Co ... Read more
Jennifer McInerney My chest pain came back. At first cardiac rehab said it was a displaced rib but turns out it is a Costochondritis, an inflamed chest wall. Common complication for sternums that have been tortured. I just have to wait it out.
Tee Ad Thanks! Jennifer, did using an ice pack on your sternum area help? How long did it take to get better ... Read more
Tee Ad Thanks! Jennifer, did using an ice pack on your sternum area help? How long did it take to get better.
Tee Ad I meant to write that I wanted to see if others had afib after valve surgery and a maze procedure. ... Read more
Tee Ad I meant to write that I wanted to see if others had afib after valve surgery and a maze procedure. I had an echo last week one month post op and it said I have afib and my left atrium is markedly dialated.
Susan Lynn Tee - I know several heart warriors experienced afib after surgery. Hopefully, one will reply. Ha ... Read more
Susan Lynn Tee - I know several heart warriors experienced afib after surgery. Hopefully, one will reply. Hang in there- it may be temporary while your heart adjusts to the increased blood flow. Please keep us posted. ❤
Barbara Wood Hi Tee, I had a maze & a mitral repair & had afib start about 2 weeks after surgery. I had afib a few ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Tee, I had a maze & a mitral repair & had afib start about 2 weeks after surgery. I had afib a few times before surgery too & really feel it when it happens - very fatigued & short of breath. I went back to the hospital for a few days & was converted back to normal sinus rhythm & started on amiodorone for a few months. felt immediately better & have not had afib since - close to 2 years now. There have been others here who have waited it out, it is pretty common after mitral surgery, but I just didn't want to do that & my doc concurred.
Diane Maher Tee...I had 2 afib episodes right after my first discharge from AVR in Aug....nothing previous though ... Read more
Diane Maher Tee...I had 2 afib episodes right after my first discharge from AVR in Aug....nothing previous though. With the first my BPM shot to 200 and was not responsive to two cardioversion attempts at A&E and was diagnosed as ‘chemical induced’ afib and was finally corrected to sinus rhythm after several hours on IV. Two days later, the next episode occurred which required transportation by ambulance and a 10 day hospital stay until they could get all my bloodwork, etc. stabilized. I was put on Metoprolol and finished the course in mid November and after 2 echos, and no further episodes, I have been released by my cardiologist until next year.
I had pleural effusion (water on the lungs) at my follow up and my doc put me on two strong anti-inflammatories—colchicine and meloxicam. It’s been a week ...Read more
I had pleural effusion (water on the lungs) at my follow up and my doc put me on two strong anti-inflammatories—colchicine and meloxicam. It’s been a week since I’ve been on the meds and I still have shortness of breath when I talk very much. I’m wondering whether the shortness of breath is normal post surgery or is definitely related to the pleural effusion. Do others have experience with this?
Judy S I didn’t have any water issues but I know I had trouble walking and talking at the same time in the ... Read more
Judy S I didn’t have any water issues but I know I had trouble walking and talking at the same time in the first few weeks.
Shannon Gray It wouldn’t hurt to call your dr... just so they know. Hope things clear up for you!
February is American Heart Month! Check out #OurHearts! It’s promotes getting heart healthy with others. There’s a cool interactive map that you can post ...Read more
February is American Heart Month! Check out #OurHearts! It’s promotes getting heart healthy with others. There’s a cool interactive map that you can post to to show how you and your friends, family, or colleagues are staying heart healthy together ! NHLBI (the Nat’l Heart Lung & Blood Institute) is promoting it. NHLBI is part of the US National Institutes of Health. Good source of info.
February is American Heart Month! Check out #OurHearts! It’s promotes getting heart healthy with others. There’s a cool interactive map that you can post ...Read more
February is American Heart Month! Check out #OurHearts! It’s promotes getting heart healthy with others. There’s a cool interactive map that you can post to to show how you and your friends, family, or colleagues are staying heart healthy together ! NHLBI (the Nat’l Heart Lung & Blood Institute) is promoting it. NHLBI is part of the US National Institutes of Health. Good source of info.
I’m now 17 days post 3-valve repair and a maze procedure ! I wanted to share two tips for heart warriors who haven’t had surgery yet: I was in ICU for 5 ...Read more
I’m now 17 days post 3-valve repair and a maze procedure ! I wanted to share two tips for heart warriors who haven’t had surgery yet: I was in ICU for 5 days and they wanted me to use the dreaded bed pan but I asked if there was an alternative and they brought me a commode that one can sit on. Much better! After ICU when I started moving more I began to feel pain and I found that in addition to meds ice packs made all the difference ! I again had to ask for them—the nurses were happy to oblige. Bring lots of patience with you!
Tee Ad One other tip: don’t feel like you have to eat in the ICU. I thought I should force myself to and f ... Read more
Tee Ad One other tip: don’t feel like you have to eat in the ICU. I thought I should force myself to and felt nauseous when a nice nurse said “no one eats in the ICU!”
John Morales Thanks Tee for the update i still have to wait till March 11for my surgery widh will be very similar ... Read more
John Morales Thanks Tee for the update i still have to wait till March 11for my surgery widh will be very similar to yours , hope your improving every day and look forward to your updates Gods speed and all the best.
I’m now 17 days post 3-valve repair and a maze procedure ! I wanted to share two tips for heart warriors who haven’t had surgery yet: I was in ICU for 5 ...Read more
I’m now 17 days post 3-valve repair and a maze procedure ! I wanted to share two tips for heart warriors who haven’t had surgery yet: I was in ICU for 5 days and they wanted me to use the dreaded bed pan but I asked if there was an alternative and they brought me a commode that one can sit on. Much better! After ICU when I started moving more I began to feel pain and I found that in addition to meds ice packs made all the difference ! I again had to ask for them—the nurses were happy to oblige. Bring lots of patience with you!
John Morales Thanks Tee for the update i still have to wait till March 11for my surgery which will be very similar ... Read more
John Morales Thanks Tee for the update i still have to wait till March 11for my surgery which will be very similar to yours , hope your improving every day and look forward to your updates Gods speed and all the best.
Tee Ad Good luck John! Waiting is hard but just pamper yourself and tend to any details now, like bills!
I’m back home and 16 days post-op. I’m very glad to be home but my appetite is still non existent. My wonderful husband has found a few foods I can eat ...Read more
I’m back home and 16 days post-op. I’m very glad to be home but my appetite is still non existent. My wonderful husband has found a few foods I can eat but Imost food repulses me. Did other folks have this? What helped? I take a little tramadol but this started before I started the tramadol. I have a pleural effusion, which my doc said isn’t helping. Ideas welcome! I was small presurgery so not a lot of reserves.
Susan Lynn Tee - I ate mostly fresh fruit after my surgery. I wasn't repulsed by food, but I craved only certai ... Read more
Susan Lynn Tee - I ate mostly fresh fruit after my surgery. I wasn't repulsed by food, but I craved only certain kinds. Eat whatever will keep you going - your appetite will return. Best of luck.
Tracy Simmons Hi Tee. I can totally relate to how you're feeling related to your loss of appetite. My family was ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Hi Tee. I can totally relate to how you're feeling related to your loss of appetite. My family was concerned because I didn't return to my normal eating habits once I was home from the hospital. However, it has since returned (kinda wish it hadn't :)). I think it's pretty normal. One tip that my regular doctor provided was to stay hydrated. So even though you may have lost your appetite, try to drink lots of caffeine free beverages. Best of luck -
Dianne A My post-op appetite experience is from orthopedic surgery, but I found it hard to get the calories I ... Read more
Dianne A My post-op appetite experience is from orthopedic surgery, but I found it hard to get the calories I needed. What finally worked the best for me was never ending snacks and frequent small meals. And, eat whatever you fancy. I always craved bacon, fruit and Italian 5 Grain bakery bread toasted with real butter!
Tracy Fallu Don’t worry, your appetite will come back. Right now, make sure you keep yourself hydrated and eat ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Don’t worry, your appetite will come back. Right now, make sure you keep yourself hydrated and eat whatever sounds good.
Catie B I suffered nausea for 2-3 weeks and ate whatever I thought I could keep down. I ate a lot of yogurt p ... Read more
Catie B I suffered nausea for 2-3 weeks and ate whatever I thought I could keep down. I ate a lot of yogurt parfaits and admittedly some not-so healthy stuff.
Tee Ad Thanks everyone! I very much appreciate hearing about your experiences!
Dan Baltazor I also had nausea and no appetite. Hang in there. Just eat whatever you feel like in the moment. I ... Read more
Dan Baltazor I also had nausea and no appetite. Hang in there. Just eat whatever you feel like in the moment. It will come back.
Kim Boardman Chicken noodle soup and ice cream shakes sounded the best to me, just eat what sounds good and you ca ... Read more
Kim Boardman Chicken noodle soup and ice cream shakes sounded the best to me, just eat what sounds good and you can stomach.
Tee Ad How long did it take for your appetite to come back? I’m still losing weight though I’m really tr ... Read more
Tee Ad How long did it take for your appetite to come back? I’m still losing weight though I’m really trying to eat.
Catie B I'm sorry you're still struggling, Tee. I don't know whether you've used Enlive by Ensure nutritional ... Read more
Catie B I'm sorry you're still struggling, Tee. I don't know whether you've used Enlive by Ensure nutritional drinks or considered asking your physician for something to increase your appetite. For me, I think my low appetite/nausea lasted about 3-4 weeks. I hope you feel more like eating soon!
Tee Ad Thanks! I tried Ensure but didn’t like it. I’m just eating and trying not to think about it.
I did it! Feels so good to have the surgery behind me! It was a more involved surgery than anticipated and I needed 5 days in ICU while my heart rate and BP ...Read more
I did it! Feels so good to have the surgery behind me! It was a more involved surgery than anticipated and I needed 5 days in ICU while my heart rate and BP took their own sweet time to return to normal. So a few questions: I’m taking extra strength Tylenol alternating with 25 mg of Tramadol for pain and it works well enough but I’d like to get off the tramadol ( a “mild” opioid). A few questions:
1/ For those of you who stopped the opioids relatively quickly , did you just decide to live with. the pain?
2/ I’ve not had trouble sleeping other than having to wake myself up to take pain meds, and now tonight I’m completely unable to sleep? Did others experience this? Tips?
3/ did anyone have painful arms from the IVs? heart cath? My arms hurt so much, especially at night. I did notice that a vein in my wrist is enlarged and hard, which I’ll ask the nurse tomorrow at my follow up appt.
Thanks!
John Morales While I cant answer your question im still on this side , congratulations and best of luck on your re ... Read more
John Morales While I cant answer your question im still on this side , congratulations and best of luck on your recovery so happy your thru that part of it. Im sure there is help here if you don't get answers there is a facebook page that is quite active.
Susan Lynn Tee - I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. You probably should discuss all of your symptoms and concer ... Read more
Susan Lynn Tee - I'm sorry to hear you're in pain. You probably should discuss all of your symptoms and concerns about the pain killers with your surgeon or nurse case manager. There may be other alternatives to provide you some comfort. Don't lose your optimism - every day you're closer to being healed and the pain will subside. I wish you the best of luck. ❤
Sara Colosimo Tee- congrats on successful surgery! I too take Tramadol. I've only been taking one at night befor ... Read more
Sara Colosimo Tee- congrats on successful surgery! I too take Tramadol. I've only been taking one at night before bed to help me sleep. I feel like I should start weaning myself though. I was always an 8 hour sleeper. Since surgery, I woke up at 1:30am. Every night... 1:30am. I'm not even sure what wakes me. I reposition and back to sleep I go (normally).
Also, my arms are still sore my my iv's too! 2 weeks post and I can still feel where I was poked for bloodwork and where my 2 IV's were. My groin, from the line they had in, is still very very very bruised as well. Guess it takes a while to heal! Best of luck as you continue to recover!
John Isham Tee....Congrats on a successful surgery and now into recovery! The Body takes a TOLL during these op ... Read more
John Isham Tee....Congrats on a successful surgery and now into recovery! The Body takes a TOLL during these operations and everybody reacts differently. I was lucky because I only had a MINI T which means my spin and recovery time is greatly reduced. My experience with pain meds if I needed them I certainly took them. I would not get too hung up on stopping the opioids too quickly....if you still need them...then take them. Now, if you have a history of opioid abuse (taking pain pills) then your Doc needs to know that.
Glad you are your way to a great recovery!
Louanna Miller I agree with John. If you need the painkillers take them. It’s better than you get relief from the ... Read more
Louanna Miller I agree with John. If you need the painkillers take them. It’s better than you get relief from the pain so you can heal. I was on Hydracodone for 7 weeks post discharge. I was in the hospital 10 days. At first I needed it around the clock for pain management. My MD worked with me to adjust it down over time gradually. We are all unique and heal differently. Listen to your body and be gentle with yourself.
Mary K Personally, I feel that of any time, post heart surgery is the time to take Tramadol if you are tole ... Read more
Mary K Personally, I feel that of any time, post heart surgery is the time to take Tramadol if you are tolerating it. Yes, it is a controlled substance, but the control is to keep it away from those who would abuse it. You are not in that category! Take the pain control that you need to stay ahead of the pain. Healing is faster if you are not stressed with pain. Heart surgery is hard enough, without unnecessary suffering. :) Happy healing.
Lisa Guinan I didn't stop taking my tramadol until my pain had reduced a lot. I think I took it regularly for th ... Read more
Lisa Guinan I didn't stop taking my tramadol until my pain had reduced a lot. I think I took it regularly for the 1st week. After that, I took Tylenol PM since I did still have some pain at night. That also helped me sleep. Everybody is different. Don't just try and suffer through the pain.
Thomas Brusstar I found that Tramodol made me so groggy that I didn't enjoy it. So on day 3, I found that 2 regular ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar I found that Tramodol made me so groggy that I didn't enjoy it. So on day 3, I found that 2 regular tylenol every like 4 hours was adequate for the pain. The pain with tylenol was manageable, and it avoided the side effects of the opioids. But that was just me, you need to be able to go to sleep well with the drugs, or there's something wrong. On the IV site, I had one terrible site in my left forearm, where we eventually realized (like day 3 out of 3 in the hospital) that the IV had been placed badly, so the fluid was "infiltrating" into the tissue instead of just the vein. It was very sensitive and red, and hardened in a big lump around there. So by a couple day after I was home, my IV site was my biggest source of pain! I guess it's good if that's the biggest problem. I was very annoying, like a totally unnecessary source of pain. Just a bad placement. And a month later, it was still kind of hardened tissue under there. Probably still there 2 months later. BUT now, 6 months later, I really can't feel any evidence of that bump, and there's no pain. So it's probably just localized swelling from infiltration of fluid, but definitely ask doctors/ nurses about it.
Rita Savelis Pain is really personal. I didn't take opioids, because I had no pain, just incredible discomfort and ... Read more
Rita Savelis Pain is really personal. I didn't take opioids, because I had no pain, just incredible discomfort and exhaustion. But if you need them, take them. Your pain is personal. The same with sleep. It can be hard to get good sleep for weeks, months after OHS, so take something if you have to. Your body needs the rest. Take care.
Tee Ad Thank you everyone for your advice and encouragement!! So helpful and heart warming. I figured out th ... Read more
Tee Ad Thank you everyone for your advice and encouragement!! So helpful and heart warming. I figured out the cause of my temporary insomnia: my hubby accidentally gave me regular (not decaf) tea after dinner!
Gina Fiorentino Hi Tee! I've been following your posts, and so glad to hear your doing well. I took Tramadol for abo ... Read more
Gina Fiorentino Hi Tee! I've been following your posts, and so glad to hear your doing well. I took Tramadol for about a week before weaning off, and then started alternating with the Tylenol, until I could just tolerate the discomfort using the Tylenol by itself. The Tramadol made me very groggy, so I was happy to transition to the Tynenol. I remailed on Tylenol every 4-6 hours for a few extra weeks at least. As far as sleeping, I never was able to get more than 2-3 hours of sleep at a time during the beginning of my recovery-- and had very restless legs at night for weeks.
Once I stopped taking the Metropolol, the restless leg reaction disappeared... but I had read that while heart patients need a lot of sleep post-surgery, to not be alarmed if you can only get rest in small chunks of time. I just trusted what my body was doing and tried to keep myself relaxed and comfortable. I didn't have arm pain- but I do remember the line I had in my neck was sore for a while. I also had a lot of back discomfort for the first week- which I also hear is normal (due to positioning during surgery). Time passed, and every week I felt stronger. I wish the same for you too!
Patti Kinsey I sincerely agree with Mary K.
I had my aortic valve replaced December 2016 and then had to have my ... Read more
Patti Kinsey I sincerely agree with Mary K.
I had my aortic valve replaced December 2016 and then had to have my sternum redone because it didn’t heal 8 months later. Tramadol is very helpful. And I still use it daily, but the dosage and frequency change day to day because sometimes I can go several hours. I had trouble with gabapentin that was given to me for nerve pain. I was reducing it without knowing the side effects and had some difficulty.