Re: ~*~After Mitral Valve Replacement~*~

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on March 23, 1999 at 10:31:47:

In Reply to: ~*~After Mitral Valve Replacement~*~ posted by CHRISTI on March 22, 1999 at 11:42:16:






Okay,,my question is this,,
My doctor has said they are ready for me to come in and have the replacement done,,But I want to wait a month or so,,,what kind of danger am I in if I wait?
ALSO
I have 5 month old twins and within a month I will have a mitral valve replacement done.  What kind of activities will I be able to do?  What kind of hands on will I be able to do with my twins after the surgery?  Are the doctors at CC the only ones who can do min invasive surgery?
I haven't had time to ask the doctor these questions yet,,,
email
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Dear Christi
It depends on how symptomatic you are and how damaged the valve/heart is. You should ask the doctors who know you whether it is safe to postpone surgery.
You will be restricted from driving or lifting anything above 10 pounds for several weeks after the surgery. You may also easily tire for a week or two after surgery. It would be a good idea to have someone around to help with the twins while you are recuperating, if possible. Other leading medical centers are also doing the minimally invasive surgery.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.