mitral/tricuspid valves

Hello, @lyndylou, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm so sorry that the triscuspid valve did not sort itself out in your case, and now you are where medical treatment isn't easily accessible. How frustrating.

I thought you'd like to meet some of our Connect members who have experience with heart surgery and recovery, like @downhillbob, @predictable, @jackj @jc2buds @callalily74 @yarrum @michael123 @callalily74 @ronbee @thankful @cynaburst @lyndamm. I'd ask them to please join this conversation.

What symptoms are you experiencing from the tricuspid valve problem currently?

Thank you for your contact. I am currently experiencing increasing breathlessness, chronic fatigue, increased pulsing and bulging in my neck especially on the left side and a pretty permanently bloated tummy. I also have COPD, pulmonary hypertension, fybromialgia and both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, hows that for a handful!

Is anyone familiar with what treatments are available for tricuspid valve problems?

I had my second open heart surgery in Nov 2113. I had my miral valve replaced with an artificial valve, and they repaired my triscipudit valve. I am doing better than I was, but still have afib all the time and problems with nausea most days. If I were you I would try to get back to see your heart Dr soon. Take care.

Hi, thank you for your reply. I have much the same daily problems as yourself to contend with, nausea etc. I went to a pain clinic on Tuesday and as a last resort was put on reboxetine. Does this work for anyone else? How were you with your second heart surgery? My consultant wasn't too keen on a second session but at that point it was only 6 weeks post op. for my first, I hope that things will be different now as the tricuspid is now at severe level. Always something eh? hey ho not to worry, I hope that you continue to do well, all the best.

My second heart surgery went well, and I felt really good for about a year after sugery and then my nausea came back and my afib got worse. I have afib all the time now instead of just off and on as before. Mine was also at a sever level before surgery. Hope all goes.well for you. Please keep us updated. Thanks.

Hello, I had redo open heart surgery with re-replacement of my tricuspid valve after the first prosthetic valve got infected. The awesome Mayo docs also found a severe blockage in my main blood vessel returning blood to the heart (superior vena cava) and opened it up with a pericardial patch. In some ways I feel like a million bucks now, but I'm having so much trouble with nausea and not getting enough calories despite G tube feeds. 3 weeks out I'm still having a lot of chest wall pain (feels muscular plus mediastinum healing). I thought I would feel better by now. I stopped opioids on postop day 10 and am just relying on Tylenol/Advil and frequent ice packs and short walks. Has anyone else here been a little down about how bad they feel at 3 weeks out postop? I need to gain weight, way too thin, any advice greatly appreciated! Be well and let's all stay positive--ef

Hi @electric2001, you had open heart surgery, twice? Maybe that has something to do with the pain you've been experiencing because of the prior incision.
I had a mitral valve repair in 2019. Things went okay, and I didn't have much pain in my chest (knee surgery was much worse), but I did feel very fragile for a while, like a raw egg. I was nervous about cracking my shell. It took a while for my appetite to return.
Have you contacted your doctor about your symptoms? That might be the best route. Maybe you can see a dietician or nutritionist who will help with your food intake.
Sorry for the nausea. That is most unpleasant.
I hope you get some relief soon.
I wish you the best.

Hi Teri, thank you so much for your reply. I'm 51 and my last open heart surgery was 3 years ago. I've had hurdles...infection postop has caused me major problems and got me last ditch to Rochester. SO MUCH went amazingly brilliantly at Mayo that I am optimistic my newfound luck will continue! I guess we all have hopes, sometimes dreams that may or may not come true...important for me to remember that nothing is really very controllable, though we do have some say in all of it. I guess I just get down sometimes when my "dream" trajectory doesn't match up with real life. I'm on tube feeds for severe malnutrition so I have smart folks on that side of things, and I really appreciate your upbeat spirit and "eggshell" analogy...thats so wise! My best to you, and to all! Cheers, ef.

Hi @electric2001, It's important to get the right nutrition and keep your weight up as loss of weight/malnutrition can severly impact your bones. Are you also able to eat food?