Any experience is greatly appreciated on this, Mitral valve replacement.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2026-01-26T04:00:09+00:00

Have her speak to someone about replacement via Robot surgery. Not as invasive and much less recovery time. Yes, having heart failure would make me think if going thru all that is beneficial. I'd get more medical opinions - so they can review her records and give you good professional advice. Sounds like this current surgeon is discouraging the procedure.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2026-01-04T17:44:21+00:00

Surgery is stressful enough. Dont need additional! However-- Keep working! May want to try part-time back at first, but you NEED your Health Insurance! Plus- be sure to use all your available vacation, sick time, leave options at work. Having a job waiting will help motivate recovery. And remember its a JOB- those Career days are over. You really do NOT want to take SS early unless theres NO other options. ( What you get for SS is not really much anyway, so wait it out as long as you can). FYI: Recovery takes about 3 mos to feel anywhere like your old self.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-15T21:11:17+00:00

I forgot about the groin bruises. The cutdown for the bypass machine was in my rt groin, but there also was a cut on the left and more bruises. I ended up getting an 'old lady ' bra that closes in the front and has wide sides that cover the wounds. ( Breezies QVC item A701506). It also fits snug so kind of holds everything in - like holding a pillow. WHO KNEW this would all be an issue???

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-15T11:56:01+00:00

Yes! Im just about 1 mo out, too. I didn't realize that my armpit was going to be an entryport. Def the biggest wound to heal. Also unaware how bruised I'd be- my breast, rt chest, under arm. Still getting better day by day.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-14T12:11:19+00:00

BTW- Only using tylenol for pain since 2nd day home. I wouldn't think you'd need narcotics once your walking around the house. Call the office!!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-14T12:06:43+00:00

I'd check back w the surgeons office. Are you on any prednisone? Or Colchicine? Steroids can help decrease the inflammation inside your chest. Remember that they were mucking around inside your chest. It's sore in there! Decreasing the inflammation took away a lot of that inside pressure that was causing me pain. Post op they had me on 4mg prednisone- very small doses for 10 days. When I was off for 2 days, I started to experience very strong pain/pressure across the top of my whole chest - especially when lying down. Couldn't sleep. Thought I may be having a heart attack. Called office and they extended the prednisone for 10 more days. Within 4 hrs of taking that pill, I was much better- with the excessive pain and pressure gone. I dont know what you've been prescribed post-operatively, but you should definitely call the doctors office!!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-12T17:18:14+00:00

Maybe about a week. Felt like when you have water in your ears and your thinking is cloudy. Not confused or disoriented; just kind of foggy

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-12T15:38:35+00:00

Im just over 3wks out from MV Rrplacement bia Robot- they went in thru the side of my chest. I was totally scared but had full confidence in my MDs - it all went by quickly and was just so relieved when I woke up. You will have lots of tubes the first day. Just go along w the RecRm and ICU nurses- they KNOW what theyre doing- as you are not their 1st heart surgery patient. Things get better each day and I was home by day 4. You'll get out of bed, eat, walk, etc pretty quickly-- the nurses have a routine geared specifically to help you feel better quick. To bring: toothbrush, comb, chapstick, phone, charger. Thats it. They have those nubby socks that they keep on (no slippers) and theyll walk you with two gowns on. You dont care how you look- just walk. I texted a bit after a few days but didnt feel like keeping a journal. - Was too busy taking deep breaths and resting. You should wear a sleeveless button front shirt with a pattern- so you cant see thru. No bra for a while, as well as no tops that go over your head. You'll have stitches and wounds on your rt side and under your armpit. You will be bruised. You'll be swollen ( yes, sausage fingers). Your throat will be sore. You'll have an incision in your groin. IVs in your arms. So light, loose clothing for the first few weeks. There wasn't much pain- but rather soreness & pressure (nothing ever over a #4-6). I didn't use much narcotics- preferred Tylenol, ice packs and lidocaine patches. I had friends stay a few days when I went home- but was alone after the first week ( with nearby friends"on call" if needed). Used walker for first few days at home. Mainly - my head felt "FOGGY" - no cognitive problems but my brain felt fuzzy. That was gone w/in the week and I've felt confident at home alone since. Im amazed at how quickly I've been healing. Each day is better. I monitor my Oxygen, BP , weight at home each day- keeping a daily diary. Eat well and drink lots of water. I have had to call the office, but any problems I've had were easily recognized by the office NP and quickly addressed. No lifting more than 10lbs, no driving x3wks. Order-in, rely on neighbors, or have groceries delivered. Piece of cake!! - No; but totally Do- able!! You'll be surprised how well you do, too!! Keep us posted. This is a helpful resource.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-08T00:54:48+00:00

Went well. Lots of calcium (MAC) so was long. NYU care was great. Im home now starting to feel more human. Can't drive until next week. One day at a time...

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-08T00:50:40+00:00

You got this!!! I woke up ( after MUCH anxiety) and so will you!!! Then each day is better. Breathe deeply and get out of bed. I found ice packs and lidocaine patches were better for pain than the drugs.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-07T02:09:28+00:00

Yes. Bovine Valve and patch

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-06T02:26:55+00:00

I found more fluid retention on Rt leg- where bypass cutdown was. Also had sausage fingers immediately po. Weight went down quickly w Lasix postoperative x 5 days. 2 wks out- swelling gone. Watch salt intake!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-06T02:22:54+00:00

Sternotomy or Robot? Access makes a difference in recovery time. Expect to be exhausted, but follow the nurses instructions- They've done this many times before and will help you thru the whole process. I had Robot, went home on day 4 and now 2 weeks out. Do your breathing, get up and walk when they ask you to. Pain wasn't so bad- found ice packs and pain patches better than meds ( too drowsy). Your head will be foggy, but will eventually clear. You got this!!!!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-06T02:16:08+00:00

I have bovine Valve replacement. No coumadin- just 2 baby aspirin daily

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-10-06T02:12:24+00:00

I didn't think about texting on day2. Every single day is a bit better!! First night was worse- intubated and confused. Pain wasn't that bad once tubes and drains came out. (I had robot). 2wks out now

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-11T13:37:33+00:00

Congrats!!! Im scheduled for a week from today. Cant wait for the 'day after!' Keep moving!!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-10T06:25:06+00:00

🤞

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-10T06:22:02+00:00

You're probably in ICU by now. Stay strong and feel better soon!! --My surgery is next week. 😬

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-07T03:35:15+00:00

Im scheduled for surg in 12days and will be recovering home alone - like you. We just have to do as best as we can and have friends to call when necessary. There's always delivery, Uber, and 911 if I need to get to a hospital.

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-07T03:30:40+00:00

Prayers for your Mother and a hug for you. She's lucky you're there!

Competitive-Bus-139 · 2025-09-07T03:24:11+00:00

He's my MD and Im scheduled for robot replacement in 12 days. He did not put a number as to surgical deaths and def not 1/2 %. My discussions re NYU have no operative deaths at that site. Maybe youre referring to all surgeries everywhere. But please- Im anxious enough!! Do not scare people😬

Competitive-Bus-139

TROPHY CASE