Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Headaches After Mitral Valve Repair

    Posted 08-21-2019 13:21
    Hi. I am 8 weeks post OHS for Mitral Valve Repair. My questions is if it is normal to have headaches after the surgery. I have woken up in the middle of the night every night for the last four weeks with a headache. The headache will normally last until the afternoon. It is located in my forehead. Advil will dull it but not take it away. I’m was wondering if it had anything to do with the muscle tightening that occurs each night while I sleep. My BP is in normal range and I am oxygenating at 98%. The only meds I take at night are Crestor and Baby Aspirin. Has anyone else had this problem and does it go away eventually?

    Thanks

    Cyndi

    Sent from my iPhone


  • 2.  RE: Headaches After Mitral Valve Repair

    Posted 09-10-2019 13:34
    Hi Cyndi! I had the exact same issue after my open heart surgery. Was having headaches everyday from the time I woke up from the surgery (which, thankfully, have nearly completely gone away). Talked to my doctor about it and she suggested a CT scan. The report from the CT scan said ""Bilateral cerebral atrophy with chronic microvascular ischemic like white matter changes". The way it was explained to me is that they are essentially due to mini-strokes caused by the surgery. Which made sense because I had also noticed that I often found myself searching for words that I would normally have right on the tip of my tongue. I'm not a doctor and definitely not saying that is the same problem you are having but am just saying that it is one possibility.. The good news is that it's only temporary and does get better. I rarely get them anymore and my memory is a lot better.

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    Brett Temple
    Project Manager
    Sarasota FL
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  • 3.  RE: Headaches After Mitral Valve Repair

    Posted 09-10-2019 14:12
    Hi Brett!  Thank you for responding. I am now 11 weeks post surgery and haven't had a headache for some time. It is interesting information though and I will ask my Cardiologist about it as well. Were you told that the effects were temporary?  I have also been experiencing some blurry vision or a worsening of my vision since the surgery and I wonder if it is some how related to the "mini strokes" as well?  Just a thought. Thank you again. Wishing you health and happiness! 

    Cyndi

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    Cynthia Maxfield
    Housewife
    Centennial CO
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    Original Message


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