I am 78 and got a mitral valve repair at Cleveland Clinic at age 59. I had been “followed” by my cardiologist for 15 years, waiting watchfully during that time for a reduced ejection fraction, enlargement of the heart, and most importantly, how I felt. When I reported that I was getting fatigued and somewhat breathless with walking uphill, the date for surgery was set. Not getting the repair would have meant definite heart failure in my future. My regurgitation was classified as “moderate” at the time.
I had only a few inches of my sternum cut to provide access to the mitral valve. The recovery was quick. I was swinging a golf club within 6 weeks, little chip shots within 3 weeks. First days you will be quite sore but extra strength over the counter pain meds were adequate. Today, minimally invasive ( small incisions/ no sternum cut) is often possible. Everybody is at risk for AFib after this surgery. They will give you meds beforehand to avoid that reaction. I got one dose of Amiodorone and it did the trick. Even if your heart does react to the surgery with AFib, it is typically very short-lived.
My Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance covered it. I live in PA with access to good hospitals but wanted the best available. Cleveland was # 1 in the world at the time. I called the 800 number for the hospital, was transferred through to cardiac surgery, asked if the Chief of Cardio thoracic surgery was available. ( Bruce Lytle at the time, since retired) Answer was yes. That hospital is a well- oiled machine. They are incredibly organized from start to finish. Yes, you will be a number- but in a good way. Plus, they somehow keep costs down, and serve as a model for other hospitals trying to do the same.
I would recommend calling the hospital ( go online and check Cleveland’s website related to heart surgery) and asking about costs when insurance doesn’t cover everything. Many hospitals have options and help for you in this regard.
I flew back to Philadelphia 5 days after the surgery, having followed a brochure you are given documenting everything that will happen during those 5 days, assuming everything goes as expected. That little addition was wonderful if you’re the type who wants to be informed, without surprises. Following surgery recovery, I did not transform into a decathlon level athlete but did feel far more energized and was glad to have it behind me. 18 years later, my mitral valve repair is still hanging in with only “trace” leakage.
Go for it! You’re too young and too needed to reject the help available to you at this amazing time of medical expertise.