Ross's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: July 21, 2021

Send Ross a Note

My Posts

Ross F posted an update
4 years ago (August 25, 2021)
Good day Heart Warriors! It is now week 2 after my MV Repair surgery / mini sternotomy (Post OP- Day #10), and here is my current progress a) I am now able to clock 2km walk in average daily, based on my Apple watch. I try to walk 0.75m twice... Read more.
👍 Someone and Rose Madura reacted to this
Back pain gets better. I was a side sleeper too before surgery and finally got back to it but not until week 6. Make sure have pillow under your knees when laying or sitting in bed - will help back pain. Also heating pad was a savior for me. It... Read more.
Ross- It was so delightful to eat hamburgers and steak😎. You will feel the difference in your energy too.
Ross F posted an update
4 years ago (August 17, 2021)
Hello heart warriors. I just had my surgery yesterday and it is MV repair- mini sternotomy. Happy it was successful. I walked already with the help of my PT along the hallway of the ICU unit, was able to sit down as well. Bit groggy this morning but getting better.... Read more.
Great news, Ross! Welcome to recovery! It sounds like you're making great progress for your first day. Wishing you continued success! ❤
It’s strange, I was expecting food to be different but it wasn’t and I could eat everything that I was served
Great! It's amazing that you posted from ICU! Wishing you an uneventful recovery!
Fantastic Ross that you had the repair and not the replacement. You sound strong and that the pain is under control, which was one of your major concerns. It’s OVER. Yay!
Great news Ross! Wishes for a complete and speedy recovery!
Good to hear Ross. Be well and God bless you
Took me a long time to get an appetite back. Nothing interested me. Eat what you can and know that recovery will happen at a pace that is singular and normal for you. Every experience is different. Take care.
Ross F posted an update
4 years ago (August 5, 2021)
My MV repair surgery is confirmed - 16 Aug. My surgeon told me there's 80-90% chance of repair, if not would be a replacement. So I chose a mechanical valve due to my age (41). My last day at work before the ops is today, so I have 10 more... Read more.
👍 Wes Edens reacted to this
Hi Ross, to calm your nerves try to do whatever you normally do to relax. I walked every day during twilight, listened to and podcasts and had a volunteer project. Others mediate, write a journal, exercise, write poetry, sail in a boat.. we all pray- just about! You best know... Read more.
I'm 6 days post op so feel qualified to answer! Pre op, I wish I had done more sit ups. It would have really helped getting out of bed. I did loads of squats (which I also recommend) but thought my abs were strong enough. Post-op - stay as calm... Read more.
Thank you Deena!! That’s the plan. I would do things that i love the week before the surgery. I will also take your tip to buy protein drinks and bring them to hospital. Also can bring my favourite pillow. My tolerance to pain is quite low so would ensure I... Read more.
Alex, wow. You were really awake after your surgery. Thanks for the candid feedback. It's interesting, because most of us are totally out of it. --Meaning I have barely any memory of the tube and having it taken out. I have a small memory of my mouth feeling full with... Read more.
I was awake with the breathing tube still in. I didn't panic, it was just uncomfortable. I had to spell letters in the air to communicate. If you start to gag on saliva, they can suction it out. Every tube they take out is progress! I was glad when they... Read more.

Upcoming Surgeries

Jane Schappell
Aortic Stenosis
May 13, 2026
Margaret Devenney
Aortic Stenosis
May 14, 2026
Chris Freyer
Mitral Regurgitation
May 15, 2026

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.

Heart Hospital Map

Heart Hospital Map

Search for heart hospitals that specialize in heart valve treatment.