By: ruth bash

ruth bash — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:41:44 +0000

Dear Adam, on April 1st 2009 I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrilation and placed on Coumadon. My holter test was in the normal range. The following electrocardigram revealed moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation. A few weeks later followed the TEE and it confirmed that I had severe mitral valve regurgitation and A fib. The final test before surgery was going to be the catheterization. I was stunned. I am 75 years old, very active, walk almost every day three miles in 42 minutes with an incline up to 7. I always had a heart healthy diet, worked hard and manage a large garden. There were only minor symphtoms, which could be age related. I could not imagine what happened and was scared. Was I ever scared! Your website gave me lots of good information and your book helped prepare my husband for what was going to come. I started to prepare myself for the surgery which was suppose to happen within 3 month, I was told. We live in the very North Eastern part of Pennsylvania. It was my understanding from my cardiologist that “repair” would be required and few if any physicians in our area were performing this operation, never mind minimally invasive surgery. which I was hoping for. My husband and I decided to have the the last and final test in Cleveland. It was a 9 + hour drive by car (with stops). I had decided that if my final test showed that I was a good candidate for less invasive surgery, I was hoping to get it done in Cleveland. There is nothing like experience, I figured. I met Dr. Simpfendorfer and was very impressed. After the catheterization he told me that he wanted me to talk to Dr. Gillinov about the surgery, all my tests were good and the mitral valve regurgitation according the an echocardiogram and other tests were in the mild to moderate range. It was important for me to find out what type of surgery was needed. The next morning I spoke with Dr. Gillinov before heading home and was told that Dr. Gillinov agreed with Dr. Simpfendorfer that surgery at this time would be premature. I could not believe it at first and it took weeks to sink in. I was so lucky to be seen by physicians of the caliber of Dr. Simpfendorfer and Dr. Gillinov. I had been terrified of the catheterization because of my age and the fact that I have tiny arteries, but everything went well and the whole athmosphere of the hospital was reassuring. I was awed by the fact that Dr. Gillinov would take the time out of his busy schedule to explain things and to reassure me.
The reason I am writing you, Adam, is to point out that your book brought up the fact that only 32% of patients ask for a second opinion.
Good luck to everyone, I know what you are going through. The experience made me less afraid.
ruth

By: Harry Feuerherm

Harry Feuerherm — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:53:56 +0000

I had been having Heart problems for ~ a week, it started Monday morning, 8/17. I have had an irregularity in my EKG for ~ 30 or more years. No one knew what it was but I was able to function OK. On the morning of 8/17, I woke up at 12:30 AM, could not go back to sleep. When I went to work, I stopped in at the nurse’s office and she pointed out that my pulse rate was between 130 – 150/min. Blood pressure was low. Not a good combination. I started working with my Doctor at the clinic and he finally sent me up for an Ecocardiogram about 2 hours away. (I live in rural Arkansas.) The Cardiologist saw the results that day (Friday 8/21) and put me into the hospital right then.
An arteriogram on Saturday, then open heart on Sunday, 8/23. The surgery was reshape of the Mitral valve and a Maze procedure for the Atrium. Four days later they decided that a pacemaker would be required shortly (2 – 4 years) and they put one in on Friday, 8/28.
Mine was not minimally invasive, my chest was split down the center but I don’t think so terrible. I fact I think I had an excellant team. (But what do I know, I slept through the whole thing.)

Comments on: From Brazil to Cleveland, Patrick Fights For Minimally Invasive Surgery

By: ruth bash

By: Harry Feuerherm