Mary Ann's Profile

My name is Mary Ann Marko. I am 68 years old, married to Gene for 46 years, mother of four, grandmother of 9. In July of 2009 while preparing for knee replacement surgery a heart murmur was discovered. I proceded to have the knee surgery but was scheduled for follow up with a cardioligist while still in the hospital. An echogram revealed a severe mitral valve regurgitation. I am scheduled to have robotic repair of the valve on May 13th at St Mary's Hospital in Rochester. My surgeon will be Dr R. Suri. In preparation for surgery I read Adam Pick's excellent book, The Patient's Guide to Heart Valve Surgery, along with specific information sent to me by Mayo Clinic. I had a hard time accepting the need for this surgery as I have not had any symtoms. However, my heart is starting to show some stress from the significant regurgitation of blood, and after a second opinion am convinced of the need for repair. I feel confident I have chosen a good surgeon and a good hospital and look forward to many enjoyable years with my family.I will use this website to keep in touch with family and friends through this life journey.