Theresa's Journal

Joseph Heinzmann  Welcome, Theresa. You've come to the right place.

Check out my posts as I detailed a lot of my experience leading up to and through surgery. I am an open book so ask me anything and I'll gladly share. There are a number of MV repair patients here, men and women, and they have also recounted their experiences. It's a generous group when it comes to sharing stories.

Cheryl Mann  I also had the robotic mitral valve repair - just over 2 weeks ago - all things considered, it was a very positive experience. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Dylan Kempers  Hi Theresa. Welcome! I had minimally invasive robotics MV repair a couple of weeks ago. My surgery went very well -- however, I have temporary (hopefully) afib as a result. This happens to about 35% of people. I'm currently treating it with medication. If you would like more details about my whole post op experience so far, we can have a call.

Susan Lynn  Theresa - i also had minimally-invasive mitral valve repair. It was easy and virtually painless. I went in on a Friday morning and was out by lunchtime on Monday. Every part of the process was tolerable. Waiting for my surgery date to arrive was the worst part! You'll do just fine! ❤

Theresa Miller  Thank you all for your posts. Your reassurance really helps! I have been waking up in the middle of the night rehearsing for a surgery that I've never experienced and don't know what to expect. It is particularly reassuring that the post surgery pain is minimal. I realize that it will take time to get back to my pre-surgery exercise level. Until the past two months I had no symptoms so when a chest X-ray done last September showed an enlarged heart, I was shocked. That is when I learned about the mitral valve regurgitation and the need for surgery.

Cheryl Mann  Once you get over the shock of the news that you need heart surgery, waiting is the wort part. I did a little pre-surgery physical therapy to stretch my torso/ribs/etc to help minimize postop pain. I also did a strengthening in my legs to make getting out of bed easier postop. Be sure any exercise you do is ok’d by your doc first. Most are totaling fine w walking - which is good exercise and a good time to mentally process everything and clear your head.

Phyllis Petersen  I had minimally-invasive robotic repair in October 2016. I did have initial pain, especially at night, and it does knock you out quite a bit, but I was driving short distances 4 weeks after surgery. Even though my surgery was side entry, I found a soft wrap for the seat belt strap made all the difference. I'm still using it! I was able to do a 4 hour moderate hike in the Catalina Mts. apx 10 weeks after surgery. If I can help at all, let me know.

Theresa Miller  Hello community of well wishers. I am approaching the end of my second week after having a minimally invasive robotic surgery to repair the mitral valve. I continue to have pain on my right side mostly around all the incisions. Ended up with a large hematoma on my side which is causing some pain. Feel a bit tired but able to walk a few miles every day or two. The pain does come at night but Tylenol helps a great deal. The big shock for me was the location of the incisions. Slightly deforming. Not sure what I expected. Taking one day at a time. Thank you again.