Recent content by MikeHeim

I also had my surgery (mitral repair) at UCLA with Dr. Laks, who was (and may very well still be) the head of Cardiothoracic surgery there. My experiences there were quite positive and I have absolutely no reservations recommending it whole-heartedly (so to speak). Feel free to send me a pm...

I had the mini (5") when my mitral valve was repaired almost four years ago. I'm not sure that my recovery was any faster because of it. What takes the most recovery time is what they do to your heart, not the bone they have to cut through to get to it. I had no chest pain to speak of after...

For a few weeks, or even months, it is fairly normal to have some SOB after surgery. If it appears to be getting worse, or even not getting better, you should call your Cardiologist to get their opinion.

Second opinions can be a mixed bag. I personally believe that if you are comfortable with your first opinion and the person giving it to you, then you should go with it. If not, get a second one. I know some people around here think you should automatically get a second opinion. Such a plan...

I had pain with deep breaths for quite awhile (a few months). Sometimes it was in back, sometimes in front, as well as either on my left or right side. If I took one deep breath, it hurt pretty bad, but if I took a second, it was quite a bit better. Since you're already going to the Dr. on...

Just to try to put your mind at ease, from what I've read the risks of a second surgery are pretty close to the first surgery. It's typically the third surgery where the risks go up in a noticable fashion. That said, the risks of a third surgery (again, from what I've read), are only about 5%.

I had the same thing for at least a few months after surgery. 5-6 times per minute, my heart would seem to miss a beat, and then come back with a really strong one a few moments later. Eventually it just went away. Depending on how enlarged your heart was before surgery, it takes time to...

I had a fever in the mid-99's every night for at least six weeks. I would come on at 6-7PM, and then break with a horrible bout of night sweats at 2-3AM.

I had vision anomolies (sparks, flashing lines, etc.) almost daily for several months post-op. Like you, I also had an instance where I completely lost vision in my left eye for 5-10 minutes. VERY scary, but it obviously ended up being nothing. I actually just had spots last week for the...

I had night sweats for about six weeks. I personally was concerned as well, but absent other symptoms (fever above 101F, no appetite, spots under fingernails - to name a few) I wouldn't worry about it.

I lost about 15lbs after surgery (198 to 183 - or so). I had put on 5-10 in the months leading up due to exercise restrictions, but lost all of that and then some. Eventually put it back on and now sit somewhere in the low 190's.

Amen to everyone that mentioned the pillows. ALL of my pain was in my neck and shoulders, and I had constant problems until my wife was able to go out and buy a neck roll. I also wish that I (and the nurses) had known that I was sensitive to morphine. It's not preferable to be wretching about...

12" fan. I've always wondered what my electric bill would be if I didn't run it. Any ideas?

This would obviously be a fantastic breakthrough if it works out. I think we should all keep an eye on this and reserve judgement until all the facts are in.

There have been people on this site who have gotten pregnant with a mechanical valve and have had good results, and others who have not. Either way, from what I understand, it is an ordeal that requires constant monitoring even in the best case. Here are a couple links from people who have had...