Susan's Posts

Hi All, It's been 3 and 1/2 years since my mitral valve replacement and mostly I'm fine, at least my heart is. I'm wondering if any of you "old timers" have experienced continued tightness around the scar, muscle tightness in the upper body, and high levels of anxiety and fear. Since my cardiologist doesn't have much to say since tests show all is well I'm hoping that someone out there can relate. I wish great health to all of you and rapid recovery to those awaiting surgery.

Here I am two years later, with this surgery pretty much in the background of my life. I am writing again to ask if there is anyone who has dealt with the flu while having a prosthetic valve. I seem to have caught it from my husband and am concerned about secondary infections although I am in very good health otherwise. I was given a prescription for tamiflu but after reading about benefits vs. side effects I opted not to take it. I am taking lots of natural remedies: vit. c, vit. d, oregano, garlic and cannabis oil.......but reading about dangers of flu has gotten me scared. As for my heart, that has gone really well, especially in the last several months. My scar is barely visible and my echo shows all is normal. I wish good luck and good health to all of you in the new year and look forward to hearing from anyone who has experience with my latest issue.

First anniversary mitral valve replacement! On October 1st, 2015 I went into surgery hoping for minimally invasive repair of my mitral valve, defective from early childhood. When I woke up it was with a replaced valve (bovine) through the sternum. My surgeon (Dr. Argenziano, Columbia Presby. the best!) had told me that this was possible but in any case I would wake up with the situation taken care of. So here I am a year later, after an uneventful (thank goodness) recovery, healthy and active...no more skipped beats (a lifelong disruption). I was extraordinarily anxious beforehand, used ativan to get me through the pre op terrors, was quite anxious for the first few months believing I would never be the same. The good news is the anxiety passed as I improved from month to month. By January I was dancing again and soon thereafter traveling, dancing, hiking, galloping up the stairs. The only issue I feel still is a tightening sensation around the top of the incision but hey... a small price to pay for being healthier than before. My love goes out to all of you about to undergo this life saving, life changing event This site really helped me get through the rough times with all the support available from those with experience and it can do the same for you. I feel so fortunate to be where I am in my recovery and wish you the best too. We are so lucky to live in a time where such surgery is so common and perfected.