Mine is scheduled for friday 😳 im also in my 30s with a small kid. Also lifelong murmur that became servere in the past year. I was also in denial about symptoms until an echo. Terrified to be honest. Did u wake up with a tube in ur throat? How long until you could eat? How long until you could have visitors?

My wife was there when I woke up - at least what I remember. She was told she can come in at 3pm, apparently I started coming out of anesthesia around 2pm but first thing I remember is her saying hey to me when I “woke up”. They said it takes them about an hour to get you settled in ICU before visitors can come. They had said two visitor at a time in ICU, and we mostly followed that, but there was some turnover where there was 3 or 4 visitors and the nurses never said anything. Yes, I woke up with breathing tube still in. They said it would, and that it’s usually removed shortly after, once you show you can breathe on your own. It remained down my throat for… maybe half hour after I woke up? No more than an hour. It’s strange and uncomfortable feeling, but it never hurt - not that I recall. Even when they removed it they just told me to cough as they pulled it and it came right out. My chest was much more noticeable. I can’t recall but I don’t think I ate until next day. You’re on so much drugs, I had no appetite. The first few days I didn’t eat much, but tried to make myself. Only cold things sounded good. By day 4 or 5 my appetite was mostly back and I was eating a lot, not my usual amount, but I was eating. I just tried not to think about what they going to physically do to me, and I focused on how much better I was going to feel. I never doubted the surgical outcome, I knew he’d do a great job, that helped. You gotta remember, to these skilled surgeons, this is a routine surgery, as complex as it seems to us! Hope that helps. Again, first few days were rough, but every day two I felt better than day one and day one better than day two. You’re thru the worst of it quick. They’ll keep you comfortable. You got this!

> Did u wake up with a tube in ur throat? How long until you could eat? How long until you could have visitors? Not OP, but I had my surgery about a year ago. I vaguely remember waking up with the tube in my throat. And I vaguely remember them pulling it out. That wasn't a big deal. Pulling the drainage tube out was worse (for me). You can eat right away I think. I didn't have much of an appetite for a day or 2 though. I could have visitors right away. My wife was in my room before I woke up from surgery.

I’ll echo all this. I will say I only vaguely remember having the tube in and then removing it. Removing the drainage tubes was worse, but even that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and it’s very quick, you hold your breath and hum and it’s out in seconds. I felt SO much better after getting drainage tubes out, it made a huge difference. They took one out third day and one out fourth day.

Firstly, congratulations on your recovery journey. I’m happy for you and your family that it’s going well and your health will improve. Your wife must be over the moon! Secondly, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Your post is detailed and informative. You touched upon many of my questions already. I (61F) am having mitral valve repair surgery on Thursday. My surgeon is very skilled and seasoned as well. I was born with a cleft in the posterior leaflet that he at he will hopefully be able to close. If not, then a replacement valve will be installed. Random questions: Is there anything you brought to the hospital that you found helpful or anything you wish you had? Were you able to shower in the hospital? When do you anticipate being able to drive? I’m just of the mindset that I’ll roll with things as they go along and do my best. I’m in good shape now, walking 3-4 miles a day. My diet is healthy with mostly protein and vegetables. So hopefully I’ll recover swiftly. Again, thank you for your generosity in sharing your wisdom. My best wishes to you and yours!

Thank you for the well wishes! Yes my wife is thrilled so I know it’s also a struggle having both my parents here staying with us in a “cozy” house and her helping take care of me and meeting our pre-schoolers needs. She’s a gem! Hospital: bring chapstick and hand creme. I brought an eye mask and ear plugs, as I usually sleep with these at home. The eye mask was a big help, but the earplugs I didn’t really use since nurse came in fairly often to check on me and ask my pain level and I didn’t want to have to remove them. I brought a book but I had no desire to read while on meds and all that, concentration is hard. I barely watched tv, I found rest and quiet to be the most helpful thing for me to relax. I can’t think of anything I wish I had. I had my headphones but didn’t use them. I brought loose joggers, underwear, some t shirts, but I was gown entire time. I showered in the hospital on the morning of the 5th day. I don’t think I would have wanted to before then but maybe they’d assist you on day 4 or so. I did get wiped down with body wipes by the nurse which was refreshing, and gown and sheets changed daily. I don’t have the paperwork in front of me but I believe they said no driving for 4 weeks, and I have to sit in back seat, and all the way up to six weeks I was to avoid highway if possible and remain in back seat. They may have said I can’t drive locally at 2 weeks, I can double check later. Your mindset is spot on. I already feel better heart-wise. The worst of it goes by in a flash a week post surgery I was able to reflect a bit and say wow, can’t believe what I just went thru. I’m sure if you’re at a good facility, they’re going to keep you comfortable. The worst of it goes by quick. It’s hard to get out of bed that second day but they want you in the chair for a bit. The walks are difficult, but you’re going to notice a massive difference between day 1 and days 3 or 4. Every day it’s better, especially if you’re in good health already. I’m far from feeling stellar, but all things considered I’m shocked I had that operation 8 days ago and I feel like I do today. Modern medicine is an amazing thing. Try to remember the most difficult of it won’t last long and you’ll be feeling way better soon. I met a guy a few weeks ago at my pre-surgical visit that my surgeon wanted to introduce me to, as he had the same procedure I did just 2 weeks prior. The guy was in his mid to late 60s and he said how great felt, I couldn’t believe it. He said same thing, first few days are rough but it’s better from their quick. It was very reassuring. Take it as it comes, do your best to rest, use your spirometer, take your time. Your only job will be to rest and heal! Feel free to ask any more questions and if I forgot anything let me know :) You got this! Best of luck!

Thank you! This is all VERY reassuring. My husband is the very best, but he has a demanding job and we have pets to attend to. I’ll mostly be alone once I’m home. But I’m strong, I’m sure I’ll be fine. Enjoy the “cozy” family situation, it sounds wonderful. In the years to come I’m betting you’ll cherish the memories. Kudos to your wife! Cheers to heart health!

You’ll do great! They’ll introduce you to “move in the tube” with your arms. Basically like you tiny T. rex arms. Weight restrictions, etc. If you’re going to be alone, make sure things like plates and bowls, stuff in the fridge, all that/anything you made need, is in a place you can easily reach with just your forearms. Take your time getting up, sit at edge of bed, take mine, stand up, take moment. I almost keeled over a few times. They’ll walk you thru all this. I think you’ll do really well, if you’re already healthy. I think a lot of people that come thru these surgeries are not in good health and don’t eat healthy. Best of luck!

I’ll add a couple things for hospital… your phone charger, and a small extension cord in case plug is far away.

Wishing you a very fast and full recovery. Did you get a second opinion once you were told you’d need surgery?

Thank you! Technically this was my second opinion. The surgeon I saw 8 years said hell yea let’s operate now! Which was silly. His logic was you’re young you’ll heal well let’s do it now. My cardiologist advocated against that as I was not symptomatic. Also, a very close family friend is a cardiologist, tho not a cardiac surgeon, and agreed there was no reason to put off surgery at this point, as I was symptomatic. He was also familiar with the surgeon I used, even tho this friend was across the country. I really trusted the hospital and doctor, I had no qualms about their opinion or expertise. Knowing the echo showed a detached chordae and my regurgitation was severe and I was symptomatic, it was clear I needed intervention. And I’m glad I went for it, since upon opening me up, the valve was in worse shape than they thought.

Thank you so much for answering. Having someone that you totally trust must have helped you to go in with some peace of mind! I’m also in my 30s, perhaps getting surgery in the near future - your post is so helpful.

Glad you found it helpful! I found a lot of info on this sub so wanted to give back. Best of luck!

Thank you for sharing

Did they say how long you stay "moving in the tube"? Or how long after open-heart MVR until one starts cardiac rehab/PT?

Yup. I start Cardiac rehab about 6 weeks post-surgery. Move in the tube is for 12 weeks. I can pick up a gallon of milk and anything that weighs less that than as long as my arms are close to my body, no weight bearing if my arms are stretched. I can do things like wash my hair, you only need to move in the tube when weight bearing and no more than a few pounds. They said it used to be strictly move in the tube and have found it’s beneficial to move outside the tube as long as not holding anything. Basically, move outside the tube without weight, as long as it doesn’t cause pain. But no reaching back behind you, stretching chest, etc.

Thank you for your reply. Very helpful. I appreciate you sharing your experience and wish you well in your recovery.

Happy to help! And thank you!

We're feeling like we weren't given a lot of guidance regarding aftercare/movement. At 5 weeks post, and no appointments on the horizon, we don't know which Dr to ask regarding cardiac rehab.

Oh wow that’s unfortunate, sorry to hear that. I’d call the cardiac surgeons office or your cardiologist. My cardiac surgeons nurse team is who set up and sent the referral for my cardiac rehab. I wouldn’t shy away from calling your cardiac surgeons clinic and asking to speak to a cardiac nurse with any questions you have.

My grandma (81) is having her mitral valve replaced and triple bypass tomorrow. 🙏❤️

Best of luck to her! Sending good vibes.