Cindy's Profile

I am 57, I had severe mitral valve prolapse, 100% regurgitation, calcification of all leaflets. I was told by doctors in CA that ONLY a replacement valve would do. Which meant coumadin. I have horse property & horse to care for & ride. With that diagnosis my life style was to change drastically. I did a google search & came up with the Mitral Valve Repair Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in NY. After studying the extensive website & listening to Dr. David Adams speak on the site I knew I found the doctor for me. I sent all of the test records to him (Dr. David Adams). He looked everything over, called 1st my husband & then myself & said he could REPAIR my valve & I would NOT have to take coumadin ... I could still handle & ride my horses! I was brought to tears!!! I went from CA to NY & had my surgery on Feb. 3, o9. While in there he also repaired the tricuspid valve. My estimated 4 hr. surgery last 8.5 hrs. The valve was really a mess!! His assistant surgeon who has been with him for years came out & told my husband it was one of the most difficult repairs she had seen him do & had I been anywhere else it would have ended up a replacement. I even told Dr. Adams the day before surgery that IF he got in there & it was too bad that I would understand if it had to be replaced. But he hung in there & made my dream come true!!!!! NO murmur, NO regurgitation. My cardiologist smiles & shakes his head EVERY time he listens to my heart now :). Dr. Adams even took time to call my cardiologist here in CA right after surgery & gave him a detailed account of what he found & what he had done. I am so grateful to all of the team at the MV Repair Center. They helped with everything from helping us find a hotel, to insurance matters, my hospital stay was pleasant with all the wonderful staff. I am back to all normal activities. I got a new horse & I enjoy riding her in Montana de Oro State Park & beach ... just out my driveway & 10 mins. by horse back. I wear a helmet always & a bull riding vest. I wore the vest prior to surgery as I was training a young horse. So it is no big deal to wear it now ... I just feel my sternum is more protected should I fail to keep my horse between ME & the GROUND !! ;) I am also am a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs For The Blind in San Rafael, CA. I have had one pup graduate with a blind person & now have one on campus at San Rafael a little beyond 1/2 way through the actual guide dog training. Only about 50% graduate so fingers are crossed. This one was born 4 days before my surgery in NY & at 2 months post op I got her at 8 weeks old. She attended several of my cardiac rehab. appointments. She's super special & dear to my heart & I so want her to become a guide!!