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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: July 15, 2022

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Stephen Berry posted an update

10 months ago (July 5, 2025)

7/5/25 Update: It is now almost 4 years since my mitral valve repair. Just wanted to share that my aerobic endurance continues to very, very slowly improve each year. I can now do fairly vigorous hiking and can bicycle up steep hills. My cardiologist thinks it may just take a... Read more.

❤️ Kate Watson reacted to this

J Alexander Lassally

Which cardiologist are you seeing in Seattle? I am currently at UW and keeping an eye on great recommendations.

Stephen Berry

My cardiologist is Dr. Tina Shah at Kaiser Seattle Capitol Hill. She is outstanding. Clinically skilled and also friendly and compassionate.

J Alexander Lassally

Thank you ! I've yet to find a cardiologist in Seattle who has that combo...

J Alexander Lassally

appreciate your comments about slow progress. I definitely feel like I only make slow progress with more rigorous activity. Tried inline skating and biking again this summer ! It is an exercise in humility and patience for sure. happy summer

Robert Miller

I haven't heard of mini aspirins having such side effects but that doesn't mean it cannot. At some point I was on mini aspirin and Xeralto. The bruising is a bit a pain. Well, not literarily because I usually don't feel a thing but just see the blue and black... Read more.

John Cook

Thatâ€™s really interesting. Iâ€™m just barely hitting my 5 week post-op and I canâ€™t get my heart rate much over 100bpm yet without getting out of breath. My surgeon took me off aspirin right after surgery. I think it might be because something else Iâ€™m on is making me slightly... Read more.

Stephen Berry

It is hard to be a "patient" patient, but that is the best advice I can give other than not giving up. We are all different and will progress at different paces. I was honestly depressed one and two years after surgery at my poor aerobic ability. But I listened... Read more.

Robert Miller

@John Cook, the heart rate can be higher after surgery but I don't think it should be 100bpm 5 weeks after surgery. Are you measuring it at rest? Also do you have Afib? Afib can throw off some heart monitors. I somewhat frequently take my heartrate on my throat when... Read more.

John Cook

When Iâ€™m hitting over 100bpm, itâ€™s on hills during my daily walks. My resting heart rate is in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Generally when itâ€™s lower on that range, Iâ€™m having better days. Iâ€™m still amazed my resting heart rate is that high because it was in the mid-50s pre-surgery... Read more.

John Cook

I should also mention I have not had afib. I did have v-tach when I was still in the hospital and my electrolytes dropped too low.

Stephen Berry

My HR was also elevated for several months after mitral valve repair surgery. My surgeon said this was normal and would improve. Sure enough, I am back to my low pre surgery HR now. I recommend talking with your surgeon or cardiologist about this, if you have not already done... Read more.

Robert Miller

I think you are doing fine. A heart rate in the mid 60s to mid 70s during rest is fine. It's my experience that it can increase a bit after hear surgery. So if you were in the mid 50s before and now are in the mid 60s, I think... Read more.

John Cook

Iâ€™m not too worried about the resting heart rate, although I have noticed I feel worse when my watch tells me itâ€™s in the mid-70s vs mid-60s. I am going to talk to them at my 5-week appointment tomorrow about the feeling I get when I walk up hills and... Read more.

Robert Miller

My Samsung Galaxy watch always gives me wrong measurements. It only gives accurate measurements when doing an EKG but both the Apple and Samsung watches are bad when it comes to accurate measurements without using an EKG. In any case, a resting heart rate of 60-70 isn't bad. 105 going... Read more.

Stephen Berry posted an update

3 years ago (July 15, 2022)

Subject: Unable to return to running after mitral valve repair I am 67 years old and underwent a successful mitral valve repair 9 months ago for severe regurgitation. I have recovered very well and am back to doing my pre-surgery level of pushups, pull ups and abdominal exercises. I can... Read more.

Rita Savelis

After having 2 valves replaced and one repaired 7 years ago I still get out of breath on stairs and if I walk quickly. I continue to be very active and take dance classes but my endurance is not what it used to be. My heart is perfect in all... Read more.

Richard Munson

Just curious if you tried a stress test to check your heart during exercise. I guess its possible that returning to such a grueling schedule may take more time or may never be attained. Being involved in athletics my entire life and having my share of injuries and surgeries along... Read more.

James Hall

My best advice would be stop doing all that exercise !!

Stephanie Arnold

this sure gives me some insight. yes, steven, 9 months is still a short time post op. i had the same feeling, expecting normal, quick recovery. my athletic self ,bike riding, outdoor hard work, saved my butt,but it still has taken 2 years to be sorta normal. i ride my... Read more.

Deena Z

Itâ€™s one thing to be more tired at only 9 months. I am more tired after exercise at 16 months and just turned 65. But being out of breathe is a different situation. I think Richardâ€™s idea of a stress test is sound. Cant hurt!

Richard Munson

Iâ€™ll lend him shadow for a weekend. True test of whether your valve is working.

Stephen Berry

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much everyone for your experience and advice...even the humorous one to stop doing all that exercise. 😊 I feel much better and supported after reading your responses. I did have a stress test that was normal. I think I just need to be a... Read more.

Stephanie Arnold

😉

Unknown

You will be fine Stephen, sometimes it takes time to get back to normal. You have the right attitude and just take it one day at a time. Running and mountain climbing has not been my thing but I do walk and use the Gubii. I think you are doing... Read more.

Thomas Brusstar

Iâ€™m 4 years post mitral valve repair. I had an echo last month and my valve does not leak, so thatâ€™s good. I am experiencing shortness of breath, especially on stairs, and I do think the severe regurgitation period before surgery created lung damage. A recent chest CT (looking for... Read more.

Iggy I

Hi, I was 32 and used to alternate between running and swimming every other day, excellent shape. I've never gotten back to the pre-op levels of endurance. Sometimes its just what it is. I'm grateful for what I've got.