u/mamapegela

I just wanted to share with everyone something that really surprised me. I am a little over a week out from mitral valve repair via sternotomy.

The surgeon found that my heart was more enlarged than the echo indicated. He feels I should have been getting echos much more frequently than I was given that I had never had regard with my MVP for 35 years then had an echo that showed mild regurgitation and did not have another one for almost 3 years, that one showing severe regurgitation.

Also, I had a lot of calcium buildup on the annuals as well as the leaflets and a torn chordae. The calcium buildup is due to the mechanical wear and tear on the valve over time.

He said I could’ve benefited from having had this surgery earlier because now I have to be on meds for six months to a year to help remodel the heart. All of this despite barely having any symptoms other than a little bit of increased shortness of breath with exercise.

So just really advocate for yourselves and make sure your cardiologist is on top of frequent enough echocardiograms and realize that sometimes we really don’t know what’s going on until they’re actually in there.

The good news is he said everything should be fine and that my heart will eventually get back to the size it should be. I’m doing extremely well for only a little over a week out. Take care everyone!

It was helpful for me to read other people's experiences before surgery so I want to share mine in case it helps anyone else, because some things are the same as other's experiences and some things kind of surprised me.

I am a 68 yo F who had severe mitral regurgitation and had full sternotomy OHS at the University of Michigan last week Tuesday for mitral valve repair. My surgeon came highly recommended and is one of the best in the country. I live about 4 hours from the hospital so my husband, daughter and I traveled to the Med Inn on Monday, which is right inside the hospital, so tremendously convenient.

I was the first case in the am so I checked in at 5:30 am. All of the pre-op things were done (get into gown, VS, weight, IV, a skin prep and nose swabs) then my family could be with me while the anesthesia team and surgical team members came in to talk to me. Finally it was time to go back and I was brought into a frigid OR suite packed with people and equipment. They got me over to the table and gave me a warm blanket and some nice drugs through my IV. I was still awake and still remember all of the team members saying their names and what their role was, not to me but more of a formal "roll call". They numbed my wrist and started the arterial line while I was still awake but I didn't mind. I heard someone say "Dr. Bolling is here" and the next thing I knew surgery was done and I was in CICU.

Yes, I did wake up still intubated. It was very uncomfortable, but my family was there and I knew that and it helped. I was able to write "take it out" on a piece of paper and after about 15 minutes they did. Apparently the first thing I said was "baby zebra.. no no- baby giraffe". I guess I was having some happy dreams anyway. The first day in the ICU is pretty much a blur and I don't remember much. Anesthesia is still in the body at that time plus powerful pain meds. My son was there and I really don't remember it.

Things started getting rougher the first night in the ICU. I wasn't in tremendous pain but I was having wild images before my eyes whenever I closed them (not scary just psychedelic), I was supremely uncomfortable and felt crummy. I had a true ANGEL of MERCY as my nighttime nurse and I could cry right now for how grateful I am that she was there. If you do not have that kind of nurse I would recommend asking a very caring family member or friend to be by your side that first and second night. Really just someone to hold your hand and help psychologically is a huge deal. Sleep was not good.

The next day lots of lines and tubes came out and I was moved to the step down unit. My husband and daughter were with me all day and I still did not feel right and was uncomfortable. I was taking oxy for pain along with lidocaine patches, Tylenol and muscle relaxers, plus a boatload of new meds and I had no appetite. Everything tasted like glue and I couldn't get enough water. Another rough night in the step down unit and I finally broke down and cried and I think that was good for me. All of this time, medically I was doing great. My VS were stable, labs where they expected them, etc. PT had started and I was up walking the halls.

Thursday things stared to turn around in terms of feeling like myself again. I think it had a lot to do with getting off the oxy. I have had surgery before and know that oxy is not my friend. I get nauseated and it messes with my mood and emotions. The pain was mild and occasionally more if I moved wrong or strained. Get your legs strong before surgery if you have the time! I had months to prepare so I had been doing squats, etc and it really paid off for getting in and out of bed and chair, toilet etc. I have not had any trouble with taking care of my bathroom needs as I have seen some other people mention so I'm grateful for that!

By Thursday night I knew discharge was planned for the am and I was able to eat a bit of food. I slept pretty well on and off Thursday but the visual strangeness continued. I knew it was harmless and I didn't let it scare me. Friday am the final IV's were removed and after talking with lots of folks we were finally discharged. I had to sit in the back seat because we can't disable the air bag but the 4 hours went by pretty easily and my appetite really woke up! For some reason I was craving a Burger King original chicken sandwich, something I haven't had in probably 20 years, so my husband obliged and I ate the whole thing.

Some things that have been surprising or challenging:
My surgeon said my heart was more enlarged than the echos reflected, and because of that I will have to be on a few meds for 6 months to a year to help with remodeling the heart. Also, I am on warfarin for 4- 6 weeks which I hadn't anticipated and it involves all the blood draws and coagulation clinic visits (virtual).

Speaking of my surgeon- he visited me a total of SIX times while I was hospitalized, just checking in and giving words of encouragement. STELLAR.

The scar is quite something. There is a significant bump at the top where the muscle is sutured back together under the skin, but I am told this will go down to some degree over time. The sternal pain is less than I anticipated and the upper back pain is there but not terrible.

Sleep has been my biggest challenge at home. I have a power recliner and it is very comfortable, but I'm not used to sleeping in it. I am one who is curled up on my side ordinarily. There was no restriction about sleeping on my side but that really hurts so I can't yet.

I'm hungry and eating but losing weight. My body is still adjusting I am sure.

Final thoughts: During the challenging times I tried to repeat the mantra "this too shall pass" in my mind. There is no getting around that this is tough BUT it wasn't as bad as I had feared and now at 6 days I am home, relaxing with my dogs with the windows open to a magnificent spring breeze.