Steve 's Guestbook

Steve, hope you are holding up and that your surgery and recovery will go as planned with no hitches. Hope you will post after your OR and let us know how you are. I also have MVR, same symptoms exactly you described in your story. Right behind you on the moderate/severe scale. Very best to you.

Welcome, Steve. Suddenly finding out about your valve would be scary...especially as young as you are. I found out I had mitral valve prolapse at age 28,but it was mild. That was in 1983. until past five years, it hadn't worsened. Now it requires replacement..on May 6th. I pray that your TEE results shows no other valve involvement. I pray for your peace as you wait for the next step,with all of this on your mind. God Bless You....

Steve, welcome to this site! I read your story and totally understand how you are feeling, except I have known I had a leaky mitral valve for 22 years and known I'd need surgery one day. Last fall found out "that day" was Dec. 16. I had a mitral valve repair in the Dallas area and am doing great now 4 1/2 months post op. I was terrified, and peaceful the same time. My faith in Christ also helped a lot through the fear. I will keep you in my prayers. Please ask any questions! This is the place to be more confident in this surgery by being prepared.

Steve: Hello. I am new to this site, as are you and your story caught my attention since we are the same age. I was born with a rare heart condition as well as a bicuspid aorta. I had my first heart surgery at 6 months old, my second at 3 years and the third at 12 years old. Now, at 37, I go to UCLA Heart Center next week to see my cardiologist to discuss heart surgery #4. I was not suppose to make it past 6 months old. But, here I am! With that said, don't stress! You will be just fine. Trust me, I think too much about my upcoming "adventure", but it's about my faith in the doctors and the great advances in technology. You'll do great! :)

Welcome Steve. Your description of this being "surreal" is the best word I know to describe how I, and so many others, felt when we were first advised of our need for surgery. The 1st 5 or 10 minutes with my cardiologist, I was pretty sure that she was wrong - or talking about someone else. And at your age, it's easy to understand how it would be a shock. It really helped me once I realized how common and safe these procedures are today. It sounds like you may have a bit of time to prepare for whatever you need to do. I'd try to get as much information as I can through your doctors, friends and this site. As I'm sure your surgeon will tell you, you're a very young OHS candidate and will heal very rapidly. Best wishes.

Hey Steve, I am 67 and two months out from Mitral and Tricuspid repair. A maze, for Afib , an extra bonus. You'll do fine. Find a surgeon who does the surgery alot. Mine has done 4000 of these. You'll do fine . I think a repair if possible is the way to go. Turn it over and trust the talent God gave your surgeon.

Steve, you're not alone brother. I am 37 and last December I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis and a bicuspid aortic valve, and like you I had no symptoms... until I got a cold which led to an infection and that's where it all began. I am 6 weeks post-op now, and believe me when I tell you that I feel so much better now knowing that my condition is no longer a problem. I too thought to myself: "Wait, I'm 37 but how?" and I didn't find an answer other that I was born prone to this condition. If you want to talk there are a lot of people that will not only listen but we will share our experiences with you. I know it's scary, but not only are you not alone the science and the procedures and the doctors and the medicines nowadays are just fantastic. Learn about your condition. That will you put your mind at ease (even if you don't believe it).

Hi Steve, I just read your story and want to welcome you to this community. As you can see, you're not alone! There are so many wonderful people here to help you through this journey! My surgery was 6 months ago to replace my bicuspid aortic valve and I've done great! You are welcome to read about my surgery experience in my journal and I'll answer any questions you have. It really hasn't been as bad as I anticipated. Prayers and best wishes!