Mitral Valve Surgery - Heart Disorders Message Board

Stevie07 · 07-24-2007, 09:47 PM

I am scheduled for open heart surgery the 3rd week in August. I have severe mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and have also developed cardiomyopathy. They are going to attempt to repair the valve. If they cannot they will replace it. I am very nervous and just wondered if there was anyone out there that has already undergone this surgery. I am a 40 year old woman with two young children. I am worried that something may go wrong. Looking for support...

Mileena42 · 07-25-2007, 10:25 AM

Hi Stevie,

It's a scary thought isn't it? Here is the only help I can give you: I have researched all this because I am looking at Mitral Valve replacement within the next few years because of rheumatic fever. With the technology they have today it is VERY possible they can do re-pair on your valve. Best case scenrio because they won't have to open you up. IF they have to replace the valve.....(and everyone I have talked with tells me this) You will be amazed how much better you feel once you recover from the surgery. Do you know you are tired? Maybe you don't realize it. They tell me you get all your energy back that left you SLOWLY.

Of course it is still surgery on your heart and there is no way to minimize that fact. I am scared too. I am 43 years old. I wish you the best, and I hope you keep me updated on how you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers!
Mileena

Stevie07 · 07-25-2007, 01:56 PM

Hi Mileena,

Thank you so much for responding to my post. I do realize how tired I have become. Just getting through the day is physically exhausting. It has been hard because I have had trouble keeping up with my kids and their schedules. I so much do not want this condition to impact their lives. The doctors told me I should feel better afterwards but I like the way you put. I would love for all of my lost energy to return to me.

I have not met anyone else who has already had the surgery so I very much appreciate hearing from someone who has talked to others that have been through it. Thank you for sharing with me, and for the blessing of your prayers.

Stevie

started04 · 07-26-2007, 10:24 AM

Hi Stevie,

I had severe MVR and dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary blockage enlarged the left ventricle, and the enlargement skewed the valve opening producing an irregular shape. Also, an enlargement can affect the chordae tinde (cords that attach the leaflets to heart muscle wall). This condition can cause a prolapse of leaflets.

I get a sense from your post that the chords are elongated causing a prolapse of the leaflets and MVR. That in itself can cause cardiomyopathy.

A stent implant and medication has reduced heart size and MVR is less severe. Is your myopathy a dilated left ventricle? My information is there will be no operation option with an enlarged as that is considered too risky unless an emergency...a renown surgeon with Mayo Clinic who has done thousands of valve operations has stated he sees too many patients that wait too long and that puts them at a higher risk. Has cardiomyopathy been an issue for your doctor regarding a valve operation?

Stevie07 · 07-26-2007, 02:05 PM

Hi Kenkeith,

I have been diagnosed with MVP since the age of 7. Until the last few years it has not caused any problems in my life (now 40). About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. At first the doctor felt it was unrelated to the MVP. Now, after further testing, he believes it is related. My case was a little unusual in that when I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy there had been no enlarging of the heart. The doctor put me on Cozaar. After some time had passed we learned that my heart was getting weaker so the doctor recommended surgery. I went to Tuscon for a 2nd opinion where I was told that the MVP did not "sound" severe enough to warrant surgery. That doctor put me on Coreg. 2 months later another echo revealed that the heart had started enlarging (left ventricle). My doctor feels this is the prime time to do the surgery as he fears waiting to long could be detrimental for me. The hope is that they can repair rather than replace the valve (due to my age) and that the cardiomyopathy will stablilize or possibly get better. They have scheduled the surgery for August. I just felt a little unsure because of the difference of opinion between my regular cardiologist and the one in Tuscon. I mailed CD's of my angiogram and latest TEE to Tuscon to get confirmation on his view. I hope to hear from him soon.
I have not met anyone else who has had open heart surgery. I thought I might feel more comfortable if I had recieved information from someone who had actually been through it. How was it for you? How was the recovery? How long ago did you have it done? How long did it take for you to be able to perform regular activities of daily living (showering, housework etc)? Are you currently taking coumadin? I am so frightened of the surgery itself, and apprehensive about what the recovery will be like. I wonder if if will even work, I pray that it will. I would love to feel better.