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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: November 17, 2020

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Patrick Ahern posted an update

5 years ago (February 13, 2021)

Hi all. I'm 11 weeks out from my MVR surgery. Covod has affected the local Cardiac Unit rehab programme, but I am exercising away, 4-5km walks a day. and pushing the intensity this week, without any pushback from my body. I've had the occasional step backwards, mainly because I pushed... Read more.

👍 Rose Madura and Joseph Heinzmann reacted to this

Unknown

Patrick, so glad you have overcome pushing your body so hard and come to your rhythm. Glad you are doing well. Continued good health and be well. God bless you

Patrick Ahern posted an update

5 years ago (December 1, 2020)

Good morning from Cork, Ireland. I had my MV Repair op (full sawing through the sternum procedure) in Cork University Hospital (CUH), Ireland on Monday 23 November. An annular ring was fitted. Surgeon Tara Ni Dhonnchu. All went well. I was moved from the Cardiac ITU to the Cardiac surgical... Read more.

👍 Steven Methot, Shannon Gray and reacted to this

Marie Myers

Welcome to recovery, Pat! Be patient with yourself through the healing phase, and every day you will make a little progress.

Unknown

Congratulations Patrick, so glad to hear you are in recovery! Keep up the good work and listen to your body and donâ€™t try to overdo anything. If you have any questions in your recovery ask away. Remember we are here to answer them if we can and to encourage one... Read more.

Patrick Ahern posted an update

5 years ago (November 20, 2020)

Hi. Covid test tomorrow before being admitted Sunday for the op on Monday..Its the full.sternum sawing procedure. What painkillers do people think I should be looking for when I leave hospital? I've no intention of being in more discomfort than necessary..Thanks for any thoughts amd ideas, Pat

👍 Susan Lynn reacted to this

Marie Myers

Even though I was nervous about post op pain, I found it not to be as awful as I had imagined. I took 1/2 doses of narcotics while in the hospital, and mostly used Tylenol .( I am a person who gets nauseated with too much narcotics.) . I was... Read more.

Unknown

I had almost the same experience as Marie and we had the same surgery. We are all different and just follow your medical teamâ€™s directions.

Patrick Ahern

Marie and Ana. Thanks for your advices and time in replying Yes, I trust the medical team. Its inspiring to read the community posts, and the honesty of all.

Lenore Mitchell

Patrick - It often helps to elevate the head of your bed (generally with a foam wedge) - easier to move around, arise from bed for the first few weeks. And taking slow deep breaths really helps relieve both discomfort and anxiety, too.

Patrick Ahern

Lenore- that sounds v helpful. Thanks!

Barbara Wood

I second the wedge - I used an 11" memory foam one that I got on Amazon, that with a few pillows for sleeping - it hurts to lay flat. I was one of the lucky ones - sternotomy with no pain, just an occasional Tylenol. Best wishes:)!

Marie Myers

I should also mention that I rented an electric recliner for a month post op. I loved it, because it was comfy enough to sleep in, and I could get up and down myself. It was an extremely helpful thing for me.

Rita Savelis

In fact having your sternum sawed is not necessarily painful. This is what the anasthesiologist told me. And it was true. I had a lot of discomfort and it was hard to sleep and there was much exhaustion. But no pain meds were required. You'll find many who describe OHS... Read more.