Sarah's Guestbook

Sarah: I am a former patient of Cleveland Clinic (>34 days post op mitral valve regurgitation repair). I had moderate to severe regurgitation. There is good advise here to see a cardiologist. There is a specific battery of tests that the cardiologist will order if they see signs the MVR is moderate to severe. Any good to excellent cardiothoracic surgeon will not operate unless they are convinced it is required, at least I know that is the case at Cleveland Clinic. It is an excellent institution and facility, you can review my experience on my journal. I hope further testing will give you some guidance of best next steps.

Sarah, When I read about all your coughing I remembered a friend that had a cough that wouldn't go away. She finally went to the Dr and she had Bradycardia and needed a pacemaker. Also, I have had problems with coughing when I used Lisinopril. I have no idea if these are remotely close to your symptoms but remembered these things and thought I would offer up the info. Hope you find some answers soon.

Sarah, I swam for exercise. Late 2009 I would get dizzy at the end of a hard set. In the water, it's very disorienting. I didn't know which way was up. Luckily the pool I could stand up in the pool I swam in. My doctor didn't think it was my heart. So I saw all kinds of other doctors who, no surprise, were not able to diagnose my dizziness. You can read my story, including surgery and recovery, in my journal on this website. Houston has lots of superb doctors. You should have no trouble finding one.

Hi Sarah!! Read your story and I am sorry you have had a rough time to say the least. I also looked at the Cleveland clinic but that pesky insurance issue limits me to the Philly tri state area.! Thankfully we do have u penn and other really good docs in this area. I will keep you in my prayers. Yes this board is awesome, but I got a bit consumed by it. I have a cardiac cath on Monday. Seeking a second opinion on the 18th to see if I am a candidate for minimally invasive repair of the mitral. Only so much we can control. God bless and I will wish you only the best! ❤️❤️❤️

Sarah - I fully agree with Julia. See a good cadiologist and go over all your symptoms. Write the, down, sl you don't overlook anything. I had medium/low regurgitation, but developed a-fib fhat made it a cjore to catch my breathe. Didnt know it til my cardiologist hooked me up to one of his machines. After the a-fib was corrected, I became virtually symptom free. I had mitral valve repair and MAZE procedure to prvent future a-fib. Good luck and best wishes. Michael Culpepper (Mike)

Sarah, You should really see a cardiologist. Bring all your test results with you. Your symptoms are consistent w/ valve problem, maybe even congestive heart failure. But it might be something else too. At least the cardiologist can tell you whether it's your heart. I live in Plano & had heart valve surgery by Dr. Ryan at Baylor heart hospital here in May. I know this hospital has a CHF program. Maybe Baylor in Houston would have similar program .BTW, I had a very positive experience w/ Dr. Ryan & the hospital. Also, don't do water exercise if you are dizzy. It's very scary & dangerous. I have been there.