So, I had Open Heart Surgery

[sadlebred]

The backstory on heart surgery. PDQ-I may delete.

I've mentioned a few times that I had a Cocksackie virus last winter. (Nothing to do with COVID-19. These viruses have been around forever and are known to cause heart problems in adults.) I was really tired all the time. My PCP diagnosed a general virus and said it would probably resolve itself. It did in about a month until I couldn't breathe on a bike ride. Not a good thing. I went back to the PCP and my cardiologist. I'll leave out the details, but I was diagnosed with myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle. By the time the myocarditis sets in, the virus is long gone. Time and rest for 8-12 weeks are the only treatments for it. I was able to ride my bike but with NO stress and keeping my HR at a very low threshold, and it had to be on a flat surface like my local rail trail. I also slept A LOT (think 2-3 hour naps on the weekends and sometimes after work). I also worked with a university rheumatologist to rule out any other issues; he is the one that diagnosed the Cocksackie virus.

The myocarditis resolved itself by early June, but I was left with symptoms that were still occurring like fatigue, shortness of breath, and general malaise. I had all of the tests from earlier in the year repeated. Sure enough, they showed that the mitral valve had damage and was most likely causing the symptoms. Because of COVID-19, the local university hospital had closed their cardio-thoracic surgical dept. except for emergencies until August. My cardiac medical "team" is all based here, and they are the only ones locally to do robotic mitral valve repair and replacement. The main surgeon is one of the robotic pioneers and has done over 3000 procedures. Needless to say, I'd be in good hands. It took time to get appointments and all of the prelim tests and procedures done. October 1 I had a mitral valve replacement.

Recovery is long?? I don't really know--I've read everything from 6 weeks to 6 month. Each person is different, and I don't know anyone that has had a mitral vale replacement. It takes 4-6 weeks just to get over the physical surgery, the 14+ incisions, and 6 "stab wounds" that go through the ribs for the robot. I've talked with a few athletes that have had an aortic valve replacement, and that recovery seems longer. I'm out of work for at least 6 weeks (thank you FMLA!). I am back on the bike very very slowly (think 8 mph on the rail trail vs. 12 mph I was doing with myocarditis and 16-17 mph is "normal."). At two weeks the surgeon and cardiologist want you MOVING. Not "working out" or "exercising" but just MOVING. That's what I'm doing. It will be a couple of months before I can really do yoga or weights. Until then it's just moving and keeping the legs going around in circles. I'm back driving and trying to do 1-2 "useful" things/day to keep moving before going back to the couch.

I'm sleeping a lot although trying not to after 4 pm, so that I can get my sleep pattern back within the next few weeks. I'm sleeping 9.5-10 hours/night.

So, that's my 2020.

[tacokick]

That’s really rough. I hope your recovery is on the shorter side and you can get back to “normal” soon.

[minzy]

Oh, wow. I’m glad they figured it out, and that it was fixed by someone who sounds quite capable. I hope your recovery goes well and that you’re back to biking how you like in due time. Rest up in the meantime!

[campermom]

My gosh sadlebred! I knew you were working through the diagnoses but wow. I know how much riding means to you. I hope your recovery is smooth as can be. Thinking of you!!

[lilypad1126]

Oh my gosh! I'm so glad to hear you had such a great medical team for this. I hope your recovery smooth and that you are back riding like you want to be soon!

[breezy8407]

Wow thank you for sharing. I hope recovery goes smoothly and you can get back to riding soon!

[scm1011]

Oh wow, that's a lot. I'm glad the problem is finally fixed and I hope you're back at 100% as soon as possible.

[pumpkin]

Oh goodness. I’m glad they were finally able to determine the issue and that you had a great medical team.

I hope you have a speedy recovery so you can get back out on your bike.

[monkeyfeet]

Wow! I am a lurker, but also wanted to wish you a speedy recovery! I’m glad they were able to diagnose you relatively quickly and that you received great care.

[Wines Not Whines]

Wow, that is a lot to handle. Thanks for sharing. I hope you have a smooth recovery and that you can get back to your old activities relatively soon.

[jane6672]

Wishing you a speedy and complication-free recovery!

[mrshandy]

Wow. That is a lot to deal with. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[MrsE]

Hugs. Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

[namasteak]

Oh my goodness, I am so glad you are ok now! I am wishing you a speedy recovery and the patience to take it easy on the bike ❤️

[osulori]

Oh wow! I'm so glad you're okay. Fingers crossed for an uneventful, speedy recovery!

[gt7301b]

Wow, that is a lot to handle i the best of times.  I hope that your recovery goes well.

[labbie]

sadlebred, I am so glad you are ok and in good medical hands. Speedy recovery and healing thoughts to you.

[brooke77]

That is so scary. I am glad to hear the surgery and recovery are going well! Hope you continue to rest and recover!

[wanderlustmom]

I lurk mostly but I remember you well from these boards and hope you are well! Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly

[cuadrado]

Sending you thoughts for quick healing!

[keweenawlove]

I'm sorry you're going through on this on top of everything else in 2020 but I'm glad you're being taken care of an wish you a quick and complete recovery.

[hurricanedrunk]

Oh my gosh, I’m sorry to hear about your health issues. Glad you were able to figure everything out. Wishing you a speedy and safe recovery.

[farfalla2011]

I haven't popped over here in a long time, but I'm so sorry to hear this sadlebred! I hope your recovery is going well and you'll be back to normal quickly.

[oliviapope]

Just wanted to give encouragement. My husband has had myocarditis twice with an active infection (5 years apart) and it sucks. We now see Dr Cooper with Mayo Clinic as he has been researching myocarditis almost his entire career. He and his research team are the best! Also, the myocarditis foundation is great for support and encouragement as well.

Thoughts for healing and recovery!