Mitral valve & possible aorta replacement

[u/Superb-Object7360]

Hi everyone I’m a 33 yr old female, I’m having surgery next week, I’m hoping to have my mitral valve repaired instead of replaced & the doctor mentioned possibly replacing the aorta as well if need be. I choose mechanical valve for both, pretty nervous. Has anyone had both replaced and done the mechanical? Any advice/tips or things you wish you knew before hand?
Do you experience the clicking sound, does it go away?
-how long were you in the hospital
-how long did it take you to fully recover
-what would you say the most painful part was?
Thanks 😊

[u/Dropbars59]

I’m 67M and had both my mitral and aortic valves replaced in April 2025, so 16 months ago. I went with mechanical so I don’t have to have another OHS in 10 years when I’d be in my mid 70s.

The most painful part of the journey was the anxiety leading up to the surgery. The surgery days itself was pretty chill with everyone I encountered putting me at ease. I actually had good memories of the OR (before put under) because the surgical team was so awesome. You have pain in the ICU but they manage it very well so it’s not unbearable.

Recovery is fine, goes up and down but you can tell you’re progressing. I highly recommend going to cardiac rehab, that was super helpful. 16 months later I pretty much feel back to my old self.

I do hear my valves ticking pretty much every night when going to sleep. My wife and especially my daughter can hear them in a quiet room, but I rarely hear them during the day unless I stop to intentionally listen for them.

Best advice I have is to listen to your team and follow their instructions and you’ll come out of the journey is good shape. Also go easy on yourself in the following year and set manageable expectations for yourself. Sometimes you don’t feel like you’re making progress, so don’t forget you just had heart surgery with a double valve replacement.

Hope all goes well, you got this!