Mitral valve surgery gone awry?

Posted by pkforde @pkforde, 1 day ago

I recently had open heart surgery for mitral valve regurgitation (moderate to severe).
Prior to the surgery I was very active. I had low blood pressure, EF levels ~55-60% and rode my bike hundreds of miles per week, went on multi week, self supported, bike trips (eg. Artic Circle in Norway) and, at 79 years of age felt great. I had previously had an ablation to control AFib and was in normal sinus rhythm at the time of the surgery.
After my mitral valve replacement, all hell broke loose.
I gained 20 lbs of fluid, was put on a high dose (15mg/day) of midodrine because my blood pressure was so low (~80/50) and my heart rate was consistently over 100 bpm.
My diagnosis was now systolic heart failure (EF 30-35%).
After 14 days post surgery in the hospital I was released since my body rate returned to previous levels (~145 lbs).
I have been recently prescribed Metropolol to lower the pulse (which was questioned by my visiting nurse and pharmacist).
I feel like crap.
I am beyond wonderment as to how I entered the surgery as a “young-ish” feeling man and came out as an old man!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

pkford, Gaudiani my, favorite cardiac surgeon, describes open heart valve replacement as getting hit by a mac truck. How recent was the surgery. I hope you'll be filling youngish again soon.

REPLY
Profile picture for gently @gently

pkford, Gaudiani my, favorite cardiac surgeon, describes open heart valve replacement as getting hit by a mac truck. How recent was the surgery. I hope you'll be filling youngish again soon.

Jump to this post

@gently
May 21
Yes, still in the recovery phase. Started cardiac rehabilitation last week.

REPLY

After my mitral valve repair, Cardiac rehab really helped me to get back on my feet. A good program will work closely with you to help determine what you can and what you can't do.
All the best to you.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.