28, need mitral valve repair surgery

[rcloud]

Hello there,

I'm a 28-year-old woman, in shape, and otherwise healthy. I've known of my mitral valve prolapse for several years, but an echocardiogram this year showed that I've developed pretty severe mitral valve regurgitation. Doctors have recommended that I have my valve repaired. I'm working with a good group of doctors in the Baltimore/DC area, and feel more-or-less confident in it all, but am still totally terrified of the surgery (never have had any other surgeries) and what awaits me after it. I'd appreciate hearing from other young people who have had this surgery and are doing well.

Thanks so much!

[sweatpea117]

I am 27 and I don't have a heart problem, but my 9-year-old does. She wa born with a genetic heart disease. The doctors told me that it was called a double ventrical right outlet. I don't understand everything about, most of the time I feel like I am in the dark. She has gone through one closed heart surgery and three open. We are still working on the problem. She will have another open heart surgery in three years, we are also talking about a pace maker. The bright side is she holds an o2 stat of 97% she is pink and very energitic. She has a big taste of life. No matter what happens you will do fine and try not to worry about tomorrow, live for today and make it count like my little girl has and your future will be bright.

[mgnatek]

I am a (relatively) young (43) healthy and athletic male who has MVP for my entire life.  Like you, a recent echo showed that my regurgitation was severe enough to warrant repair.  Also like you, I am in the Washington, DC area.  Even though my stress test suggested that I could wait for a while to have my open heart surgery, I decided to do it now before my heart started to go downhill and while I was in good shape.  I am currently approaching my fourth week since the surgery at INOVA Fairfax.  I was fortunate enough to not only have my valve repaired (vs replaced), but the surgeon was able to use the minimally invasive method.  

What do I remember about the surgery itself?  All of the pre-op attention from nurses and anethesiologists, then being rolled into the operating room, briefly looking around and then waking up with my family around me.  I was essentially discharged the next afternoon and was up and walking around (gingerly) ever since.  My murmur is gone and I'm awaiting my cardiologist's follow-up in a few weeks.

The anticipatory fear greatly outweighs the actual procedure and post-op experience...at least in my case.  My only post-op complication seems to be a higher resting heart rate than when I walked into the hospital that day...but I have been assured that time will resolve that issue.

My suggestion - and it sounds like you're already doing this - is to interview and spend time with the surgeon(s) who would be performing the procedure.  I eliminated the leading cardiac surgery hospital because they wouldn't even see me before the surgery.

I hope that is helpful.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Michael

[gussy202]

Hi.  I'm a 52 yr old female with history of rheumatic fever which damaged my mitral valve.  I was only 22 yrs old when I had my first open heart surgery to replace my diseased valve, at that time, with a tissue (porcine) valve.  At that time, the doctors told me this was a great valve and there would be no need for anticoagulants should you want to have children.  

Several years later, the porcine valve came to the end of it's life, I was just 30 years old and had to have the valve replaced again with a mechanical valve..St Jude valve.  I''m on coumadin (blood thinners) which would be necessary if you should have this type of valve replacement.

I must say, at that time, I was so inexperienced, terrified, as you say.  I had a strong family who supported me and helped me get through these procedures.  So you are not alone in these feelings.  

You are very young and have a young heart.  Just think you'll be able to do much more than you are currently doing in terms of physical activities.

My young life was surrounded by doctors who watched me closely and continue to do so.  That's important.  I must say that the technology today far surpasses anything I ever saw.  The advances are mind staggering.  

I hope you know that I'll be thinking of you both, rest assured, as long as you are in caring hands, you'll be just fine.  This to shall pass away.

Sincerely, DB

[TSellers]

Hi I just read your post, was wondering if you've moved any further with repairing your valve or not.   I am a 39 year old woman and I have been told the same thing.  Still undergoing tests and my MRI reported enlarged heart, I am terrified as well.
Hope you are well.

thanks.
TR