First 3 Months of OPEN HEART Surgery RECOVERY - Mitral Valve Replacement Recovery Time

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

Here's the first 3 months after open heart valve replacement. What a roller coaster, but sure hope that's the last hospital visit!

[@saradecapua3264]

Sending you best wishes. You truly had a roller coaster ride. MV repair and I’m very impatient. My husband is a retired thoracic surgeon and I have him getting freaked out. PVC. AVC. You name it. I like to have excitement in my life but not like this.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@saradecapua3264 never a dull moment with heart problems for sure. That's great your husband has medical knowledge though and makes a good teammate. as you know, the more you worry, the worse the rhythm gets, so breathing exercises, yoga, walks, whatever helps relax you are all good.

[@saradecapua3264]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets I'm very limited as how much walking I can do right now. Hopefully soon I can get more active. This definitely is not me. Actually, having any husband know so much has been a pain in the a**. He means well but he is being a "helicopter" husband. I'm not worried as much as him. I just want to get back out to feed the giraffe.

[@medic12961]

I had a massive heart attack in April had four bypasses in one night I was placed in a coma for two days then spent fourteen days in hospital and it sucked having to sleep on my back was glad to finally be able to to sleep on my side

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@medic12961 no fun, i know. i spent 17 days in the hospital for the first surgery and could barely move even after getting out. takes a long time to get square again.

[@Mountianlions69]

I had my Aortic valve replaced along with a triple bypass in July 2023, 17 days from diagnosis to operation, nearly four weeks later on the eve of my 54th birthday I had a heart attack and coded in the ambulance, I was de fibbed back and needed another emergency operation to prevent a backflow issue caused by my first procedure. If I was alone on that night I'd have just gone to sleep and never woke up. A huge thank you to Eve, my better half, all the NHS staff at Liverpool heart and chest unit and Warrington Cardiac Care Unit. Hope everyone is OK out there and recovering well.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

That's quite a journey, and so glad to here she was there and everyone helped keep you around. Keep living healthy and happy and never take a day for granted!

[@electricjoke]

Glad you recovered

[@1985cjjeeper]

I'm 45, about to have open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. I was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis a few weeks ago and have been through the emotional pre-surgery gauntlet. I've oddly developed a positive outlook after doing tons of research and talking with my doctors. I actually found out I had a bicuspid aortic valve back in my 20's after a car wreck but I ignored/forgot about it until recently whem I stated having symptoms I couldn't ignore. It's dawned on me though that this has been affecting me for decades. Double vision and seeing stars after exertion were first, along with a growing exhaustion and over recent years difficulty breathing. Everything I blamed on my diet, smoking, work load etc was actually my heart. It's funny because my blood pressure is excellent, no sign of diabetes, vitamin deficiency, and my arteries and such all looked excellent in echo tests I've had done, my other heart valves included. It's truly as if all the calcium in my blood all stuck in one place, and that's what is about to be fixed. My cardiologist actually broke a little bit and smiled that smile whem you just know things are gonna be great as he explained all this to me and tried to impress on me how great I'll feel and how wonderful this is going to be for me when it's all said and done. Obviously this could all go south but at this point I'll take it and run with it. I hope to be swimming again by mid summer and fully back to myself before the end of the year, though I understand it may not be so easy. I have prepared myself for the hospital stay as beat as I can. I don't fear the operation as much as the poking and proding and everything that comes after as I've badly broken my ribs 3 other times in my life. I mean badly as well, like all the way up and down. My heart surgeon has told me that those accidents were much more painful than this will be on my ribs. I'm ready now I think. Bring it on! Good luck with everything man, and thanks for the videos, they are extremely helpful to ease the nerves.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

very high probability you'll come out of this feeling better than ever. kick the bad habits and take care of the ticker. the surgeon can fix you, but it's up to you what happens after that. it won't be easy going through the surgery, it's going to hurt and be frustrating at times, but focus on the fact that you're alive and patiently do the right things to better health. Make every day matter!

[@jlogue751]

How is your recovery going? I'm 48 and we have a very similar story I'm two days away from going in for a valve replacement one bypass and a thin out a heart muscle I found out was thicker than normal in my twenties. I even had the same symptoms leading up to as you do.. I'm pretty scared but got to get it done. I hope you're doing well

[@yaralax]

i'm from ethiopia. But i live in belgium. i'm 19 years old. The doctors have told me that may heart valve is narrowed and i will have surgery in 2months. i trust god🥺 Pray for me guys

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

be as healthy, happy, relaxed, rested, and at peace as you can going into it. every decision you make from now on affects the length and quality of life you get. make every day matter.

[@yaralax]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets thankyou so much for your advice dear brother. Blessed be you🙏

[@vasanthakokila4440]

Om namah shivay namaha om shanti

[@electricjoke]

God be with you as I'm sure he was.

[@aliceblessed7123]

Went through mitral replacement two months & feeling better now though the first 2 weeks was a hell for the sternum kept on reopening & my surgeon had to rest itch it two more times😢 Thanks God it’s now drying up! Quick recovery to all cardiac patients

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

oh wow, the restitching doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but glad it's improving. stay healthy!

[@aliceblessed7123]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets sure,,it was hectic especially the injection😢

[@electricjoke]

No the restitching doesn't sound good at all

[@kettlebellken]

Wow... what a journey! I had my mitral valve Repaired on May 20th 3 months ago today I feel so fortunate with my recovery, been swimming after 4 weeks and restarted kettlebells and cutting grass after 6 weeks. I feel your pain with a long complicated recovery, and glad surgeon could repair my valve versus replacement.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

awesome to hear you're doing so awesome already, congrats! for 'repair', did they trim up the edges of the valve for a better seal? that's what they did for me first 13 years ago, but 4 days later everything gave way, and i had to be rushed in for a valve replacement. he said the chordae that hold the valve in place were just completely trashed, so that was the problem, not the repair. again, awesome to hear how well you're doing. still having some rhythm issues here, will post a 6 month check-in vid here in a few weeks as 9/7 will be my 6 month mark. keep working back into health!

[@kettlebellken]

Well based on your 1st surgery 13 yrs ago I should keep my radar up and not get too over confident with my recovery. The only problem I encountered was they only kept me on Furosemide 2 days after discharge (or 7 days after surgery) well body & heart starting retaining alot of water, and 2 weeks later ankles swollen pumping function out of sync with heart with some rhythm issues and thus had to return to hospital for 4 more days. But since then all ok. I'm almost 60 don't want to do this again! Hope you continue to improve...

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@kettlebellken i was super puffy after surgery, so ended up on lasix i think, but doing that can cause electrolyte issues, etc. yeah, it doesn't get any easier as we get older does it? if your rhythm has settled, you should be on the right track, but keep healthy habits and squeeze as much time out of it as you can!

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

What were your symptoms before surgery ??

[@mbrasilbutaitis]

It’s so great to see you adapting to your previous lifestyle walking the dog! Spouse is on day 12 of mitral valve replacement surgery. I walk the dogs and him! You are incredibly resilient! Knowing that you d been through 2 surgeries now is inspiring…we appreciate your honest, no holds barred advice and insight! Many blessings to you and Barron!❤❤

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

thanks for the kind words! i did the whole recovery on my own in isolation, couldn't risk getting covid or any other infections. amazing what you can do when you have to do it. so glad to hear my experiences can help others and more importantly everything's going well on your end for the 2 of you and the dogs! Much appreciated and hope all continues in a healthy direction there!

[@michellezellers7420]

May God give you many days to spend with your loved ones. He's our saviour he cares.

[@sweetyjones1756]

Amen 🙏

[@birthdaybatter815]

Really appreciate this video. I’ll be going in on August 29th to have the Ross Procedure to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. I’m a 31 year old male, so it’s refreshing to see someone in my general age bracket document the recovery process of a major open heart surgery. My stenosis is congenital, so I’ve have my entire life to mentally prepare. I’ve gone from 239 to 151 pounds over the course of the year to get my body as physically ready for the journey ahead as I can. Looking forward to your future heart recovery uploads, and I wish you continued success.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

Howdy, and glad it was useful. Don't know if you watched the heart history video too, but if you did, you can see i had a murmur at 7th grade, pericarditis at 29, and my first valve surgery at 34, so yes, i totally understand your situation. You have youth and prep on your side, and that's extremely wise to get in your best physical shape for the surgery. I'm still fighting rhythm issues, but that's because my heart is all frankenstein scars, so i wouldn't expect those issues for your first split. Wish you the best, sounds like you're doing everything right, and there are some related vids in the description that might be useful, specifically the one on surgery prep and use of the home health devices to monitor things. It'll be one of the most significant inflection points of your life, don't be afraid to create a new normal for yourself as you start rebooting after it either!

[@birthdaybatter815]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets Awesome. I really appreciate the wise words and encouragement. I’ll be sure the check out the rest of your channel today and over the coming days. Indeed, I can already tell this will be a “before/after” moment in my life, and seeing others in similar situations thrive post operation is extremely encouraging. Again, be well, and I look forward to future health updates.

[@helenmarais7276]

Also had Afib after Open Heart Surgery for a valve repair and unfortunately the ablasion was unsuccessful. Really not up to having another one so now relying on meds to ensure my heart behaves. So far so good! Thank you for your story. Really great to hear from someone with a similar experience to mine!

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

afib is harder to fix with ablation than aflutter. glad they have you fixed at this point though. keep an eye on it (kardia mobile 6L is a great home EKG tool) and stay healthy. caffeine, booze, sugar, and lack of sleep will all screw up rhythm, so live healthy and make every day matter!

[@frslas]

Wishing you continued success in your recovery.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

much appreciated, so far the rhythm is holding, so hope it sticks!

[@michellezellers7420]

God bless my dogs passed away 16. Years old my .I miss them I had a poodle duchhound mix. Best dog ever got me through my husband's passing away In 2016. I been looking for another.my surgery has not been a year yet.

[@jaws7794]

released from Hospital a week today.thanks for sharing what to expect..the one thing that bothers me is dizzy spells while walking around my residence..

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

you're very welcome, and glad to hear you're out and about. i have a 6 month and 12 month video too for a little more forecasting. the dizziness happens, but keep in contact with your doctor on it to make sure your meds are right as far as heartrate, blood pressure, etc. take care!

[@malesso828]

Tysm.for sharing you recovery. Prayers that you are still staying strong

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

You're welcome and thank you. Not sure if you've watched the later ones for 6 and 12 months, but still living super disciplined to get as long and highest quality life of the time left!

[@heathergundry7059]

All the very best. Youve just shown me that my bloke wasn't shown how to use his retractable needles correctly.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

happy to hear there are some learnings here for others.

[@qstrian]

You should be applauded.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

appreciated but i'm just trying to survive and enjoy a day at a time like all of us :)

[@electricjoke]

I had aortic valve replaced and mitral valve repaired 14 years ago. Now the aortic valve is work out and the ring around the mitral valve has come loose. So do dome test Wed. Sept3 2024. After that looks like the end of September or first of October I will go in for my SECOND open heart surgery. Im 73 and i truly hope that this will be the last

[@davico150]

❤❤❤❤inspired me a lot, way to go, had valve replacement a d 2bypasses, last February, felt great after 3months, it was though, but we made it.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

so glad to hear you're doing well and that the videos are helpful. i've posted 10 days, and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 month updates so far. Every journey is different, but hopefully these help us share knowledge as it can be a scary experience. Stay healthy!

[@truthmatters2020]

You are amazing! I hope you are doing well. I had valve replacement on December 1st. It hasn't been easy but I'm doing well and you have inspired me to get going.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

Thanks, just trying to survive and share what i've learned, but that's great to hear you're doing well! no, it's not easy, but every choice you make from now on affects your length and quality of life. Keep it up!

[@truthmatters2020]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets thank for saying that, I really wonder if I would ever be able to run and lift weights as I did before surgery, I am sure making the right choices now will get me there. Have an awesome day 😊

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@truthmatters2020 takes time, but you'll get there!

[@brian5030]

After my experience, my story is the exact opposite. New limits and total regrets. Bicuspid valve replaced at age 62, told id have new bursting energy but now I have constant fatigue, chest pain, dizzyness, and nearly past out when I tried to do an energy intesive repair at home 7 months post surgery. I really consider that i was given ill informed lies to give consent. If I had truely known how bad I was going to be, I would not have gone down this path. I dont know what they did wrong, if the valve is crap (it is still undergoing clinical trials & only found that out weeks after surgery) or something else was done that I dont know about. I havn't had any tackicardia but I sacked the cardiologist & will not go back to the hospital as they are in denial over the complications I am experiencing. I am 3+ years post surgery and every day is a strugle. I estimate that I am about 60% of my pre operative capacity. So much for modern mecical achievments.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

wow, i am so sorry to hear that. my surgeries have generally resulted in an improvement, but if you've seen the more recent videos, my time is coming to an end and i'm not at 'sudden death' risk any day now. despite the medical technology we have, mistakes still get made, and and sometimes like in my case, science can only do so much, but nature does what nature wants. hopefully you can find someone that can help your situation improve. can only imagine how aggravated you must be and don't blame you.

[@heathergundry7059]

Im sorry for your pain. I too have been there but in different ways.

[@michellezellers7420]

I didn't have the pic valve I had a Lil mechanic .I call it tin man mechanic some of my grand children my kids too heard my heart beat outside my body I stated crying gods mercy is great.i had a surgeon from south his name is Dr.cooper I prayed for a great Dr and got one.

[@BonnieBeeGood]

Wow. I hope by now that you are all healed up with no issues. ❤You did a great job of staying mentally alert to all the aspects of your recovery challenges. Thank God for technology to monitor heart rate & oxygen at home…& so that the needed cardioversions for afib were done in a timely manner. You do a great job of self-care. Your filmed experience that you shared here surely is very helpful to others. 🙏❤️👌Good job! Also….What a good doggie daddy you are. Having pets helps life stay normal. 🦮🐾🦴💗

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

I'm doing really well. down 23 lbs since jan 1, healthier than i've ever been. yes, i'm an engineer, so my mind is always going 100 mph and yes, the tech helps. i appreciate the kind words. it can be a scare experience, especially at a younger age, so i like to share this information to help other live their best healthiest happiest lives! oh yes, Baron has been the best sidekick i could've asked for. thanks!

[@heathergundry7059]

I hope everything has gone well.

[@PeteHob]

Is there a video of describing the first 3 to 4 days? I can’t help but notice that most of the time that is left out of these recovery videos. My assumption is a lot of time that is because they don’t want to scare people away from having the surgery.I would prefer to be fully informed. Thanks for the videos.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

the first 'checkin' i did was at 10 days kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5awnIxjgrx7aLMsi=dIxehyRLsLoNH8TH then 3, 6, 12, 18 months, and i'll be releasing a 2 yr one shortly. recollection while on the meds can be a challenge, but i've always tried to really be honest about these and any of my topics as i want ppl to know what to expect and how to prepare.

[@michellezellers7420]

What if you have the finger oxygen heartrate 137 today

[@dandelionsarefree7436]

I really appreciate this video. Thank you

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

you're very welcome and glad it was helpful. the links in the description show 10, 90 days, 6, 12, and 18 months in case those are helpful too. take care.

[@shoomapadoo1141]

it would have been nice for you to state the time past in describing every situation. I have no idea other than within the first three months

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

Much appreciate the feedback. I've tried to make videos every 3-6 months showing what happened in that period since the previous video, in fact my 2 yr video will be in a couple months, but I see what you mean in that it would've been helpful to have more timing detail within each video, especially in that early one. Thanks for watching and sorry i missed that detail.

[@saradecapua3264]

Anyone else who has had mitral valve repair had so much trouble with regulating heart beat and blood pressure. I'm all over the place.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

my rhythm is messy after a surgery, but that's expected. i was on meds after 1st surgery, eventually normalized, needed ablation after PFO closure and 2nd valve replacement though. rhythm still far from perfect, but good enough. blood pressure i don't remember any issues though.

[@saradecapua3264]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets I had mitral valve repair. So much better than replacement. I guess I’m very impatient. I’m just all over the place I hope you are doing well now. Good luck.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@saradecapua3264 the first open heart i had was a repair attempt, but the chordae were 'trashed' and 4 days later it gave out and i had to rush into replacement. always better if you can keep the native valves and avoid what i'm going through now someday. i'm learning that rhythm is annoying but ultimately it's usually more fixable than the structural issues i'm having. best to you as well.

[@saradecapua3264]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets My issue is blood pressure goes dangerously low while the rhythm goes way high. I am blessed to have Janna Chikwe out of Cedars Sinai as my surgeon. She's one of the top in the world and not just a great surgeon but an incredible human being. Seeing her tomorrow. Just hate the 5 hour drive to LA. I hope you find yourself feeling better soon. I didn't realize how depleted I was. Take care.

[@lynettevanniekerk2659]

I had open heart surgery 5 weeks ago. My heart started fibrillation after 3 weeks. It took Cardioversion to stabalize my heart. I'm still very weak.

[@michellezellers7420]

I had arotic/ mitral valve rep.

[@scotwebster1702]

I can tell you from experience after my recent cardiac arrest and heart attack . Don't look at Cardio mobile LOL that's like looking at Google when you don't feel good. You will definitely think you are dying.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

That's a really good point. you have to find the balance between being aware of potential issues and getting data vs. obsessing. That's why once my rhthm was 'fixed', i quit taking all the stats every day. However, recently when my breathing got worse, i was able to get some Kardia mobile strips, send to my doc, and let him tell me the rhythm was fine, i.e. my heart is just failing, so it's a great tool, but I agree you have to use it in moderation!

[@michellezellers7420]

I do not have all that I had to valves and a acare open chest

[@michellezellers7420]

I did yes me also plus another valve..

[@joysmith687]

I’m about to enter month 4 of aortic valve replacement. Everything I went through except my heart rate never had issues. I do all of the monitoring except that portable ekg you are using and I’d love to know more. So far it has not been suggested to me.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

yes, the kardia mobile 6k. more info on that with all the stuff i use at home is in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zl6ZfaGciZJ0ZtEsi=muWweo90oX6ZPULw

[@joysmith687]

@@NoLimitsNoRegrets that’s the one I was thinking about. I’ll talk to my cardiologist and see if he thinks I need it.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

@@joysmith687 mine love that i have it as it's really hard to capture deviations in the rhythm, and if i feel them and can catch them on the kardia, it gives me the data to show the cardiologist later.

[@ArticSun]

I have to have this procedure. I'm nervous to say the least..

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

The first time is always the scariest due to the unknown, but this most recent time went much smoother as you saw from the videos (10 day, 3, 6, 12 months checkins). I'm glad you're watching them as hopefully it'll reinforce the importance of being as healthy as you can be going into them as well as what to expect and worry less Take care!

[@michellezellers7420]

Didn't you have a brace ti hang on to when getting up

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

no, just used legs.

[@connortrent596]

What equipment did you use to monitor you own recovery at home. Good luck.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

This is the video i did on all the home health monitoring devices: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zl6ZfaGciZJ0ZtE

[@hannahailu6413]

I also had both aortic and mitral valve replacement and on my 10th day post op.What Im troubled in is the consistently lower bld pressure.What should I do

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

low bp after surgery might be caused by medications given to slow the heart down for healing. obviously talk to your doc, but you can see in my medications video, they put me on one that dropped mine really bad and caused a lot of issues.

[@bryontharp5790]

How was the sleep take anything for that can't sleep at all unless I take some percecets with ativan how bout you

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

first surgery years ago was different, but for this one, i was off all pain meds by day 4 (i think i mention this in the 10 day video) because of how awful those meds made me feel. biggest sleep hurdle was the cough, so i had to sleep sitting up for several weeks i believe, but beyond that, my body was just beat and needing to recover, so i was sleeping a lot, not just at night, but naps in the day too. every body is different, but that was my experience.

[@michellezellers7420]

I kook like I been in fight with a kangaroo from shots

[@TWHISPERER]

So, were you not able to move around in your first three weeks, is that why you started this video at three weeks? Why would open heart surgery cause hair loss? You got me worried because I am about to have triple bypass surgery myself. You couldn't even get up and move groceries for three weeks??

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

oh yes, i could move fine, the actual surgery recover went really well this time. on day 10 i took the hospital shuttle home myself, wasn't on oxygen, wasn't on any opiates, and recovered completely independently w/o any assistance. i had to use a skateboard to move laundry and delivered groceries around the house, but i could clean, shower, etc. just fine. the reason this video may have started after a gap was I already made a video about the first 10 days after surgery kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5awnIxjgrx7aLM no hair loss, i just shaved my head for efficiency during surgery/recovery. it's not a walk in the park by any stretch, but just do as your told, get off the opiates ASAP, get back to eating, doing the exercises as soon as you can. months from now you'll be fine and a new appreciation for more life.

[@yolandejones6183]

I had a valve replacement 2years ago my stitches still worry me I don't know why

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

my scar did take quite a while to fully heal, especially the very top and bottom of it, but stitches were never a concern for me anyway, but each case can be a little different.

[@jessrannachan]

God bless you. May you have favor with Jesus for your bravery and kindness to your furry friend ❤️

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

thank you so much!

[@user-umcub]

Recovery from open heart surgery and I had a craving for sweets

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

body probably needed sugar for energy since it was likely deprived and hadn't eaten well for a while.

[@BonnieBeeGood]

What was in that shot to fast thin your blood??

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

oh wow....i'm sorry but i do not remember what the name of that was or where to even look. i'll be if you have any friends that are docs or nurses you might be able to ask them, but i can't recall.

[@jamiedonovan7199]

i am 3 months post mitral valve repair and noticing just now that my HR is over 100 resting, coming off one medication. not sure if this is normal and will take time to normalize.....waiting for cardiologist to call and reassure me.

[@NoLimitsNoRegrets]

definitely want to talk to the cardiologist. every time i've had tachycardia (HR over 100 bpm), it's fatigued my heart, which slows the heart's healing. sometimes it can be addressed with meds, sometimes it needs ablation, sometimes just more time. i have a 6 month surgery recovery video that goes into more detail of all the rhythm stuff i went through if it's helpful. here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHKZg3aKfJ6UrrM

[@michellezellers7420]

Look

[@user-ub2tp1jn4u]

No more sausage..