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Fr's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: November 3, 2017

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Fr Dowling posted an update

8 years ago (March 17, 2018)

Has anyone had the right vertical axillary minithoracotomy approach for their repair? I had a repair on December 28th. I have a lump in the tissue under and to the side of the incision. Feeling like it must be scar tissue but it's painful. I am feeling well in all... Read more.

Steve Farthing

He may have spread the ribs there in order to see better, especially if he did not also use an endoscope. Have you asked him about it?

Fr Dowling

I'm going to see him Tuesday. He did go through the ribs and I've had a little discomfort but nothing out of the ordinary. It's just this hematoma or what ever it is on the side of my breast that's a real drag. I hope it's just the trauma of... Read more.

Rita Savelis

Several women on this site have mentioned painful breast tissue after a mini surgery - they do go through your breast and for women,d women with larger breasts this can mean pain. Wishing you some relief.

Fr Dowling

Thanks, Rita. I am "large". This was the last thing I thought I'd have a problem with. Wish I knew he was going to go in that way...I'm sure he had his reasons but it still stinks. Knowing I'm not alone helps.

Fr Dowling posted an update

8 years ago (January 5, 2018)

Had minimally invasive mitral valve repair on December 28th. Doing well and was released pretty quickly from the hospital. It is not an easy surgery even minimally done. I'm not in A-Fib anymore, either, which is good. Still feeling a little sluggish and was thinking it's the Amiodorone (200 mg... Read more.

👍 Someone, Someone and reacted to this

Clayton Mcarthur

That is a standard dose for that medication for many patients but a lot of people have side effects to it and that is definitely one of them they usually don't like to keep you on that stuff too long

Cathy Zuber

Hi Fran, yes, you can be very tired from that dose of Amiodarone. I couldn't tolerate that much and drive and work, etc. so I'm taking half dose..200mg once a day. Something to talk to your Docs about as you continue to recover. Hang in there!! Keep warm

Fr Dowling posted an update

8 years ago (December 9, 2017)

Looks like I'll be having a less invasive open heart surgery on December 28th. After my local surgeon was talking open heart with the full strenectomy, I went to another surgeon (referred to me by the thoracic surgeon who operated on my grandson) and he felt he can repair my... Read more.

Fr Dowling

P.S. I understand now why some doctors don't want to wait for symptoms with mitral valve regurgitation. I went into A-Fib with a heart rate of 170 a few times....and with the CHF, I feel like a puddle.

Bonnie Stone-Hope

Wishing you the best Christmas ever with family and friends. Hugs and Prayers.

Marie Myers

Best wishes for smooth sailing through surgery and recovery! It is all quite a shock, but you will get through it all...

Anna Jones

Best wishes for an easy recovery.

Rose Madura

Best wishes for your surgery and recovery. Yes I think being proactive is a better approach than waiting for CHF. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Keep us posted.

Tina Maroon

Best wishes for an easy recovery. Hope all goes well!!

Fr Dowling

Thank you for the encouragement...this page has helped me greatly.

Lisa Hunley

Will be praying for you.

Unknown

I just had the less invasive mitral valve robotic repair at Cleveland Clinic. I didn't know until after surgery if They could do robotic or through the sternum, they had to check my femoral artery. Although it's less invasive they have to go through muscle to reach the heart. I... Read more.