tricuspid valve replacement seems to be a much more complicated surgery than other valve surgeries. my dr had said I'd be able to go on a planned vacation to Florida 1 month after and be 80%. Didn't work out that way at all. Got depressed since recovery was taking over 2 months just to get moving. Finally talked with surgeon who set my expectations right which helped me emotionally. He said see how I feel 2018 ( had surgery Dec. 2016). Wish I had been more prepared and realistic. Thought I'd be off work 3 months laying around, watching TV and building up strength. No. difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, so little energy. I was an oncology nurse and use to being extremely busy such a change. I ended up retiring. I turned 65 in March so the timing worked out right. Cardiologist said the surgery itself injures the heart. It saved my life but conduction fibers cut so dependent on pacemaker so on coumadin forever. Also will be on diuretics forever. I was very active and after about 6 months I'd say I got my daily routine back but still some sob with walking upstairs. I have a good quality of life. Love retirement and don't miss the stress. I can live this way happily but at times wonders what the future will bring. Dr says hopefully long time with drugs-what else could she say?. I think I'll ask her next time for mortality statistics.

What symptoms are you having? Sorry to sound so pestimistic but be sure Dr gives you the facts before you undergo such a huge life change.

Hi Sherlb. I was diagnosed with the aneurysm on November 17, 2017. I am retired, 73 years old, and led a fairly active lifestyle up till now. My aneurysm is 4.7 cm and my cardiologist operates when it gets over 5.5 cm. We are taking my blood pressure on a daily basis and doing a CT every 2 months. New medication has made me weak, non motivated, depressed, and very little sleep. I know things are going to get back to where I was before this was discovered, and they will for you too. Just hang in there and keep fighting.

Welcome to Connect @sherylb @colleen00,

Here’s some information from Mayo Clinic on tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tricuspid-valve-repair-tricuspid-valve-replacement/about/pac-20385087
Connect has a great video Q&A with Dr Carol Warnes and Dr. Joe Dearani which you might wish to view;
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/webinar-topic-challenges-in-adult-congenital-heart-disease-what-the-patient-needs/
I'd like to introduce you to a few members who've discussed various problems with tricuspid valve; please meet @lyndylou @frande @bjanderson @mikkeleo @grandma47. You can view their posts in these discussions:
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-was-just-diagnosised-with-mitral-valve-and-tricuspid-insufficiency-i-have/
– https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mitraltricuspid-valves/

Mentors @cynaburst @hopeful33250 may also have some more insights, and I hope they join this conversation.

@sherylb, you've undergone some major changes with the replacement surgery – did you participate in a cardiac rehab program after the surgery?
@colleen00, what symptoms are you experiencing? How are you coping with routine activities?