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What is recovery like after Mitral Valve Surgery

Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Apr 7 2:20pm | Replies (20)
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@lindalee88

Thank you for reaching out.
When you say fluid buildup, was it fluid in your lungs? That’s what my concern is because I have COPD and I’m concerned that when the surgery is over, they try to remove me from the breathing machine and my lungs won’t take over so I’m really scared to death because of that Did they go in through the side or did they do open-heart surgery and crack open your sternum because that’s what they have to do with me they cannot repair my valve. They have to replace it.

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Replies to "Thank you for reaching out. When you say fluid buildup, was it fluid in your lungs?..."
Teri | @tsc | Apr 3 7:17pm

Hi @lindalee88,
The fluid buildup was in the pericardial sac, not my lungs. I had to get it drained. It's a common complication.
I did have full-on open heart surgery. My sternum was cracked open.
You will be monitored very closely for any complications.
Maybe ask your doctor what precautions s/he will take with respect to your lungs.
When you go home, don't over exert yourself. Have support in place if you can.
They did get me walking a day or two after surgery.

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