Post surgery

  Hi,I am a 58y/o caucs.female,employed full time as a therapist.I am due to have a valve repair done at the C.C. later this summer.I wanted to know how long the stay in the hosp. may be, and how many weeks at home. I have an enlarged heart and have gone a round with CHF ending in a hosp.stay.On lasix 80mg.a day lenoxin 1 a day and kdur along with zestril 2 a day.I know at best it will be a guess, but what the heck! I know what I want from this surgery, an improved ability to get around and breath at the same time :

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

Dear Barb,
Depending on your general medical condition,  the typical hospital stay for mitral valve repair is 4-6 days.  Coexistent problems such as lung or kidney disease can prolong this stay.  Also, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm that occurs in up to 50% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery) can prolong the hospital stay by a day or two.  Of course, these are general estimates but will hopefully give you an idea of what to expect.  
Also,  some valve repair surgeries are performed via a less invasive approach, leaving a smaller scar and more rapid healing.  You should discuss this possibility with your surgical team.  Best of luck.  Information in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.