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Hello Praline, I also remember your name. I had a mitral valve repair in 2005, and although I will probably at some point need another operation since the regurgitation is moderate to severe, I still feel very good, so who knows? I recognize a lot of names, so hello to you all!

I remember you. That is a shame. What type of valve are you getting (I remember that you are young)? I have to say that I worry about myself too. Although I feel fine and my ejection fraction is very normal, my left atrium has gotten very enlarged. I am sure that one day I will also need a...

One of my pacing wires had to be left in also, and it always worries me if I ever need an MRI. There is not supposed to be a problem with sternal wires or even a mechanical vale, but pacing wires go straight to the heart.

Alma, I am just wondering why the cardiologist did not mention a mitral valve repair. They usually try to repair the mitral valve, and it is only if they find that they cannot repair it that they replace it. Be sure you ask the surgeon about that when you meet him.

It was very good. However, I have a couple of lower teeth that are very close together, and from time to time, the gums become slightly inflamed (this doesn't happen often). A possible contributing factor was that we had just flown to Rome (I don't sleep on planes) so my immune system was...

Endocarditis Endocarditis I'm pretty sure that the reason a person who has already had endocarditis is at higher risk is because of the scars and/or calcification that is caused by having had endocarditis. It is easier for the bacteria to latch onto the valve. I had endocarditis in 2004. I...

I also had severe mitral regurgitation. After having endocarditis in 2004 and wanting a second (or even third or fourth) opinion about surgery, I spoke to the chief of surgery at the Montreal Heart Institute. I knew that I wanted him. He said to make an appointment in 6 months after having...

The spray is the worst part!!!

I found it was good having a pair of old shorts with an elastic waist so that when my legs were in an awkward position, they covered me (I also had underpants, of course).

I think that the reason is that when the parts are NOT moving, they are eventually covered up by our own endothelial cells. Even people who have a MV repair have to take Coumadin the first few months (until the parts are covered). When talking about a valve, it's different because it moves all...

I am very sorry to hear this sad news.

I had a PFO closure at the same time I had my MV repair. So, my chest was already open. Actually, I never knew I had a PFO until after the operation when my surgeon told me he closed it up!

In addition to what everyone else said, if and when you do need surgery, the mitral valve can usually be repaired rather than replaced which means that you won't necessarily need anticoagulants for the rest of your life (as with a mechanical valve) nor will your valve necessarily calcify (as...

You didn't mention if you had a PICC line to deliver the antibiotics. I had endocarditis in 2004 (strep viridans) and had 5 days of IV penicillin and gentimycin, then a month of penicillin delivered by a PICC line. If you are taking the antibiotics orally, I am wondering why.

Thanks again everyone.

Happy Valversary to you too!

Thanks everyone!

I can't believe that eight years ago today I had my mitral valve repair!

Happy Valversary! Mine is coming up very soon!! Adrienne

I joined in 2006, almost a year after my operation. I wish I had known about before my surgery!