Recent content by LivinMyLife

Sorry it has taken me so long to update you all. My daughter was supposed to update you all but didn't. The surgery was a little longer that expected, Dr. Bodenhamer repaired my mitral valve, but in consultation with my Cardiologist they decided it was not closing well enough so they went...

So only one more day before my OHS to repair/replace my Mitral Valve. I go in at 5 am for preop and 8 am surgery. I appreciate all of the things I have learned here. I now know what to take with me to the hospital, what to expect afterwards and most importantly . . . DON'T Sneeze! ;) I am...

Congratulations! It's good to hear that it all went so smoothly! I'm four days away from Mitral Valve OHS and looking forward to the other side!

I gave up salt several years ago, but along with the fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain my blood pressure has skyrocketed and even after several medications added it is still pretty high. I am just hoping one of the side affects of the surgery will be lowered blood pressure. Thanks...

My mitral valve is the culprit here, so hopefully my blood pressure goes down afterward. Of course, with all the exercise and change in diet it should naturally go down. I was not looking forward to getting my trophy scar and still paying the bill for all the blood pressure meds. :eek2:

That's good to know that at least the diastolic is lower. I always thought the valve caused the high blood pressure but my cardiologist is saying that they are two seperate things. That my blood pressure could still be high even after a valve repair. Sounded strange to me, i thought the blood...

Congratulations! What a milestone! Here's to many more!! :thumbup:

I am scheduled for surgery on March 13, Mitral Repair with a possibility of Replacement. My doctor has said that having this surgery does not always lower blood pressure. Can you please share your experiences with me regarding this?:confused:

It is good to hear that all went well. Ovie is still in my prayers for a smooth and calm recovery. All the best to your family! Mary Ann

Like everyone else my thoughts are with you. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the other side! Godspeed, Mary Ann

I'm not sure about the mini-sternotomy yet. I meet with my doctor on Friday and should have more answers then. Currently I am talking to them about the sternal talons, but I haven't heard anything back yet. After your hospital story, I definitely think I will be bringing earplugs and my mp3...

That is a great question, teachpinellas . . . and I love the answer, catwoman! I was diagnosed with MVR in 1998, it has recently become severe, so my surgery is scheduled for March 13 and one of the things I am hoping to gain from OHS is a new quality of life. The fatigue and shortness of...

Thanks for the encouragement Boston Tiger! I will look forward to that! I'll be praying for you on the 23rd, Ovie, expecting the best outcome. I totally understand the denial thing! I find myself swinging from denial to certainty and back again! I woke up this morning feeling good and...

Thanks Thanks Thanks, for the positive words. I seems that the more I research the calmer I become also. I'm definiteley not looking forward to it but I am going through with it! My surgery date is actually on March 13th, my fingers are dyslexic today.

First of all, I just want to say thanks to everyone! I am so glad that I found this forum. It has been a great way to calm some of my fears regarding my upcoming OHS. I was first diagnosed with MVR in 1998. It has consistantly gotten worse over time. I never had any symptoms until about six...