Mitral Valve Regurgitation.. 53 yr old

[dats2cute]

My father has been having excessive sweating, breathing problems etc.. his DR had him on  Digitek and lasix for a while saying it was CHF. He got really sick last saturday and we took him to the ER. They found he was in A-FIB and they did a few tests. (he looked pale) They admitted him and after a cardiologist came in and listened to him they said he had a Valve leak and murmur. The did a Heart Catherization and found their were no clogged arteried, but he has Mitral Valve regurgitation. They said it's pretty severe. Right now he is on blood thinners and still in the hospital for a day or 2 more. They also have him on a low sodium diet. The DR said that he needs the surgery, but in 3-6 months, because his heart muscles need to get stronger. ?? We are VERY scared about all of this. We don't want to lose him. How do you get through this? Has anyone had a succesful replacement/repair? Please someone contact me and tell me your story. How you made it through surgery etc.. I am seriously going nuts!!! My dad just turned 53.
Thank you so much!

[Jerry_NJ]

I have mitral valve surgery last November.  The surgeon was able to repair my valve, the leaflets were in good condition, but could not completely cover/close the passage.  He installed a "reducing" ring, now the leaflets close as needed.

I had a known leaky mitral valve for about 6 years and because of the seriousness of open heart surgery no action was taken until my atrial chamber had been stretched to a point of putting me at risk of congestive heat failure if the stretching continued.  This stretching may have caused/contributed to my AFib.  

The heart surgeon did a Maze procedure while he had my heart open to help block stray electrical signals of AFig.  I was in sinus rhythm for about 30 days following surgery, then to Atrial Flutter which dirgressed into the old AFib.  

I was in intensive care at the heart hospital for 5 days following surgery.  The worse part of the whole experience for me was the fear of being cut open and my heart stopped.  All worked out, and other than some discomfort with catheters (yes plural) for the first day or two following surgery, I was never in any serious pain.  Oh yes, the transition from the heart lung machine to breathing on my own wasn't fun.  One has to regain consciousness and begin breathing on their own before the breathing tube can be removed from the lungs.  This was tough going, not sure how long it took suppose only a few minutes, but it seemed like a long time, and that was uncomfortable, no sharp pain, but plenty uncomfortable.

My backup plan was to take a mechanical mitral valve if they were not able to repair mine.  One can take either a biological (pig) valve or a mechanical.  The biological valve may need to be replaced again in about 10 years, the mechanical should last for life, i.e., not be the cause of death.

I continue to try to get out of AFib, but the mitral valve surgery is all behind me now, and even the long scar on my chest is beginning to disappear.  My memories of the the surgery are all good, and especially the care I received in from the intensive care nursing staff.    

[Momto3]

Sounds like your Dad's doctors are moving forward, but conservatively.  Many people have had successful MV repair or replacement.  I have MR, but it is not at the point of requiring surgery, but there is a point where surgery is the best option.  If you're really worried about the current treatment plan, you might want to suggest your Dad get a 2nd opinion.  It may give you all great peace of mind.  
Connie