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Hello! My name is Dr. Mark Epler and I am a cardiac surgeon having graduated from University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine in 2000. To date, I have performed approximately 1,500 cardiac surgeries, of which more than 1,000 involved heart valve procedures. I regularly perform surgery at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Read more...
I believe my greatest strength is my interest and fortune in surrounding myself with amazing team members and support staff. We tackle cardiac disease from a team standpoint. There is never an isolated process with just one individual. I have a reliance on a team concept.
Experience has allowed me to be prepared for almost anything that comes to my team. This has allowed me the confidence to tackle complex valve disease that is simply not routine, and cases others would not tackle.
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I have experience with doctors George and Kodali. You are in GREAT hands.
Best of luck tomorrow! Also, Columbia/Pres. is a fantastic hospital.
"
Hello! My name is Dr. Mark Epler and I am a cardiac surgeon having graduated from University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine in 2000. To date, I have performed approximately 1,500 cardiac surgeries, of which more than 1,000 involved heart valve procedures. I regularly perform surgery at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Read more...
I believe my greatest strength is my interest and fortune in surrounding myself with amazing team members and support staff. We tackle cardiac disease from a team standpoint. There is never an isolated process with just one individual. I have a reliance on a team concept.
Experience has allowed me to be prepared for almost anything that comes to my team. This has allowed me the confidence to tackle complex valve disease that is simply not routine, and cases others would not tackle.
Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.
Recently a good friend went through the same surgery--and she is extremely fit. She, like me, had anxiety about the surgery. I was able to help her in advance. The main thing I want to say is everyone I've known who had this or bypass surgery didn't have severe pain afterward. That was my biggest fear. It's more like feeling very run down as your heart needs to heal physically. I only took one oxycontin--and that was to sleep in the hospital because they will check on you all night long. Yes, there are people who have terrible pain, but I haven't talked to one. I would think you'll feel okay.
If you read Adam's book, you will see how this is a terribly successful surgery (99% Success, I think) and very, very common. Get one of the doc's that has done a thousand of these surgeries. It will take a good month to feel more normal again. Be sure to do the cardio rehab. That is where I got the most support--from other patients--also dealing with the newness of all of it. Helps to regain your confidence in your body too.
Your anxiety is warranted, but read Adam's book and keep positive. You are being given a new lease on life. At some point you'll feel a lot of gratitude I think. Good luck!
"
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