Valve Job

[Fred D]

Dang!

My mitral valve prolapse has finally gotten serious enough the valve needs to be repaired. Was hoping to go the robotic micro-surgery route, but the surgeon called Monday and said both(?) leaflets are damaged, and he wouldn't be able to repair the valve without opening up me up.

Not really a big deal, just a little longer recovery time and a macho scar down my chest ;) . My head knows heart valve repair~replacement has become routine surgery, but my body hasn't spent the night in a hospital since I had my tonsils out, 50 plus years ago!

Has anyone else had a similar repair? I know we all recover at different rates, but about how long before you were able to break the rear axle nut loose without too much discomfort, or do other semi-strenuous general maintenance?

At least it's the "off" season, so I won't loose too much riding time.

I say again, "Dang!"

[georgeorge]

Fred... that sux! Heal up quick, man. My dad had a heart transplant 3 years ago. He had congenital heart failure for many years prior and was near death when he finally was able to get a heart. He had 3 defibrilators implanted over the years and also an ablasion to help an arrhythmia. He also had many complications during his recovery so his recovery was obviously a lot longer than yours will be because of his weakened condition and severity of the operation and complications. Once he got his new heart, the defibrilator was able to be completely removed and he came through it OK and I know you will too.

Long story, short.... it's amazing what they can do these days. Good luck with it.

[dreddd2000]

Sorry to hear this, Fred. I hope things all go well for you.

I can't say that I'm terribly familiar with the procedure, but I'll certainly find out now. My father works for a cardiac lab here in town. He should be able to enlighten me.

Relax and let the medicos do their job and you'll be back on your STeed in no time. :)

[Mark]

wow... talk about bad news, good news, good news!
Good luck with the replacement, good luck with the recovery and I'm sure Spring will come soon enough! :)

Thoughts and prayers...

Mark

[georgiast]

You scared me there for a minute with your title. I thought the ST had burnt a valve heh...heh...

On a more serious note, hope all goes well, and you are back in the saddle soon!


Dang!

My mitral valve prolapse has finally gotten serious enough the valve needs to be repaired. Was hoping to go the robotic micro-surgery route, but the surgeon called Monday and said both(?) leaflets are damaged, and he wouldn't be able to repair the valve without opening up me up.

Not really a big deal, just a little longer recovery time and a macho scar down my chest ;) . My head knows heart valve repair~replacement has become routine surgery, but my body hasn't spent the night in a hospital since I had my tonsils out, 50 plus years ago!

Has anyone else had a similar repair? I know we all recover at different rates, but about how long before you were able to break the rear axle nut loose without too much discomfort, or do other semi-strenuous general maintenance?

At least it's the "off" season, so I won't loose too much riding time.

I say again, "Dang!"

[EJ's 97ST]

Wow Fred....S & I are sending good thoughts and prayers your way for a speedy recovery. My mom's 86 and had a pacemaker installed a couple of weeks ago and she's throwing a party the 16th....:rolleyes: it's at the point of almost being an out-patent thing and with all the medical technology now days, at your age it shouldn't slow ya down too much, for to long ;)
Good luck man! Get well soon!

Ed

[gec343]

I had a minor heart attack four years ago. One stent placed in artery, and was out of the hospital in three days. I think you'll recover quickly. It will be over before you know it. Good luck.:03biker: :03biker:

[STill Fiddlin]

... I know we all recover at different rates, but about how long before you were able to break the rear axle nut loose without too much discomfort, or do other semi-strenuous general maintenance? ...A man who has his priorities in order :)

Not me, but my dad went in at 70+ and they had to crack him open pretty good to remove most of a lung, and he was out planting tomatoes in a couple of months. Young tyke such as yourself will probably be benching 300# in a month or so. (Legal disclaimer, I didn't *tell* you to try that!)

[Elmo]

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Fred...ain't nothing you and God can't handle!

Keep us posted.



Elmo

[Blrfl]

...wouldn't be able to repair the valve without opening up me up.

Has anyone else had a similar repair? I know we all recover at different rates, but about how long before you were able to break the rear axle nut loose without too much discomfort, or do other semi-strenuous general maintenance?

My dad had a valve replaced shortly after Thanksgiving, 2005 and was good to go months ahead of a three-week romp through China scheduled May, 2006. Eight to ten weeks is what they say it takes your sternum to knit itself back together, twelve if you want to be safe. It's incredibly important that you do all of the exercise and walking they tell you to do after having your chest cracked and not do the stuff they tell you not to do.

If you do get a valve replaced vs. just repaired, let your surgeon know that you participate in a high-risk sport, because it may have a bearing on what kind of valve he selects. With artificial valves, you're on anticoagulants for the rest of your life. With biological valves there's a chance you won't need it. I was looking at some of the industry literature last year when it was possible that I might have to have mine done, too. (Dad's problem was congenital.) There are a couple of manufacturers of artificial valves that have brought out three-leaf designs that flow better, tend not to clot and may not need as much blood thinner. They also don't make as much noise as the old designs.

Good luck on the table!

--Mark

[John Anthony]

Fred,

Maggie and I will keep you and your medical staff in our prayers. Couldn't agree more about following your doc's advice for recovery and rehab. Heal strong.

John