I Might Need Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery

[romantico]

I went to the Doctor the other day and he told me that there is a good chance I may need a Mitral valve replacement in my heart.I'm pretty stressed out by this.I'm 42 and have never been sick. Never been rushed to the ER(not even as a kid) never been sick other than the flu. No allergies or any other health problems that I know about. I've always had a heart murmur but it's never been a big deal. I've always been active and it has never stopped me from doing regular normal things.

Doc thinks my heart is leaking fluid. My foot and ankles are swollen (which is why I went to see him) Sometimes have trouble walking like sore joints. He seemed surprised I was not experiencing any shortness of breath. Not sure if I'll need surgery or not but I think for some reason I will. I go in for tests at the end of the month to have a Echocardiogram. So, I am curious if anyone here has had this done. If so, how bad is the surgery? How long is recovery? How painful is it? If anyone has had this done and can relate any of their experience I would be grateful. Thanks!

[WildEyedLiberal]

1. I've had open heart surgery to replace my aortic and pulmonary valves

Not the same valve, but I can't imagine the procedure is that much different. Did your Dr. tell you how the procedure would be performed? Mine were all (yes, multiple operations, all a barrel of fun let me tell you) open heart, but my doctor has mentioned less invasive procedures that do not require opening the sternum. I don't know which procedures are recommended for which conditions, though.

PM me if you want to chat more about it.

[REP]

2. Sorry to hear that

Did he rule out other causes for the edema? Are you on diuretics?

[romantico]

3. No

No,I'm not anything. I think he saw I was kind of nervous so he said I may not need surgery. He said in some cases medication might work. I know this may sound vain but I'm more concerned about the scar it will leave. No more beaches for me or pool party's. Yes,I am that self conscience. I mean, if it saves my life and helps me and I need it of course. My Dad had triple bypass surgery but he was about 72 when he had it done.I don't smoke or believe I have any history of heart disease in my family.Basically I just need to vent. I'm not telling anyone. I told my Mom and Brother and had them swear not to tell anyone until I find out what I am dealing with.Anyway,thanks for the replies!

[REP]

4. The not knowing sucks almost as much as surgery

Almost!

You might not need surgery, though. There's a lot of things than can cause edema - some pretty bad; some less bad and not all of them need surgery. Plan for the "worst" and if you do need the surgery, well, you're prepared and if not - gravy!

And if you have a scar a) most people won't care b) if YOU care, swim in surfer gear (I've seen some nice-looking gear that covers the chest and is sleeveless or varyingly length sleeve).

Try not to worry TOO much!

[RebelOne]

5. You will be fine. I have a friend who has Morphin's Syndome.

She has had 5 heart surgeries to replace her heart valve each time. She is thriving despite all those surgeries, and it didn't take her long to recover after each one. I hope you will not have to have surgery.

[pacalo]

6. Without tests having been done, how could your doctor suspect this?

My husband's feet & ankles were swollen & it turned out to be due to his blood pressure medicine. After adjustments were made, the swelling's gone.

This is NOT medical advice; just a reminder to use your own judgment, too, given the fact that hospitals are also businesses. Consider all possible causes & get a second opinion, if necessary.

And good luck -- I hope it isn't as serious as it seems to be at this point.

:hug:

[LaurenG]

7. Most people do have leaky valves and lots of people have valve

replacement surgery. There is a newer surgery that is done with a much smaller incision and shorter recovery. Sometimes it just needs repair as well.

I was just evaluated for this with an echo and 48 hour holter monitor but I ended up with a leaky tricusid valve that doesn't require anything at this time.

If you haven't seen a cardiologist yet, try not to worry. Even if you do need surgery there are options now, depending on the severity of the leak.

[Skittles]

8. may I ask

did you have a diagnosis of Mitral Valve Prolapse before these symptoms occured?

[romantico]

9. no

As a matter of fact I looked at symptoms online and I don't have any. I don't get tired,or dizzy or have a shortness of breath or feel sick. Thanks for the replies and I'm going to worry no matter what(that's just how I am)I've read they make a small incision and then I read they make an incision 7-10 inches long. I've heard recovery is not very long then I've heard 3-4 days in the ICU. I've always heard the WORST thing a person can do is go online and self diagnose themselves. I am guilty of that. Thanks again for the kind words everyone! I needed it today!

[Skittles]

10. get those tests and you'll know more

it's what you don't know that bothers you so much

I have had MVP a long time but only experience the occasional extra beat when I'm stressed :D

[romantico]

12. Yes

Yes, so true. Its the waiting that is driving me crazy. Like I said, I don't know if I will need surgery but my Doctor mentioned it a couple times and then quickly said afterwords I might not need it and we'll know more after the tests. Could be me but I think he is thinking I need surgery. Going online and researching this is the worst thing to do. I'm hearing so many different things it's hard to know what to believe. Again, thanks for the kind words,replies,and encouragement.Means a lot to me.

[UTUSN]

11. Oh, R., I'm the nervous type, too, and fully empathize.

I know that, for me, open heart is in my future and I dread it. I was diagnosed 50% blocked in '96 and they don't do this thing until nearly 90+ blocked. I've been on a maintaining regimen all this time.

Anyway, I did have a minor surgery a couple of years ago and the anesthesia was light years, almost literally, better than in the old days: 5 minutes of "really OUT" totality, then a "twilight" period that started out like Star Wars pinpoints of light coming at you in slo-mo, and I could hear everything, the doctor and staff carrying on like in M.A.S.H., which might not be my taste, but I *did* chuckle at one point. And there was NO need for pain killer needed throughout the recuperation. That is, they prescribed some if needed, and I thought it would be needed in a day or so, but apparently they stock you up during the procedure.

Anyway, I'm a big wuss and don't know what to say but that you are an incomparable human and nobody would be telling you all the replies if we didn't wish you the best and looking forward to your bouncing back with us afterwards.