Melissa's Heart Valve Journal

I am 35 years old and preparing to have my pulmonary valve replaced. I was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) that was repaired when I was 4 years old with open heart surgery. Also, my pulmonary artery had some slight narrowing. Once the VSD was repaired I lived a regular life. I saw a pediatric congenital cardiologist every year without any problems or major concerns. As long as I remember, my cardiologist would discuss the narrowing in my pulmonary artery and how at the time the narrowing wasn't enough to repair with surgery. The pediatric cardiologist saw me until I was about 25 when he finally said that I needed to see an adult cardiologist. I saw a couple cardiologists before I found one I liked. About 4 years ago, while pregnant with my 2nd child, I decided to see a different cardiologist as the one I had seen prior was a little too laid back for me. Dr. Doria kept a close eye on me throughout the pregnancy and wanted to get some updated tests once my daughter was born. So a few years ago, the tests began. We live in a small town so I was referred to specialists in Southern California. All the while, I thought I was tired from working full time and taking care of 2 young girls. I met Dr. Burstein last spring who told me that my pulmonary valve had calcification built up at the narrowing of the valve. Basically, it is like saloon doors that don’t swing very well. So, the narrowing was preventing sufficient blood flow to my lungs. Last August I had a heart cath. This was to determine if my valve could be fixed with an angiogram or if I would need surgery. Obviously, I needed surgery. Once I was back home and the realization of surgery sunk in, so did panic attacks. I called Dr. Burstein’s office and Dr. Burstein did a good job of easing my fears (for the time being). I met my surgeon Dr. Yokoyama last fall. He practices out of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles. My husband and I were comfortable with him right from the beginning. He ordered more tests that I did back home. The challenge was getting my local cardiologist office to coordinate with Dr. Yokoyama’s office in LA. I was getting anxious to hear back from Dr. Yokoyama to get an actual diagnosis. He called me at home, the night before Thanksgiving. He confirmed that I would need surgery. He believes that I will get a donor valve. But, I was not in an emergency situation. He wanted me to enjoy the holidays and not to worry about it. Easier said than done. But, with 2 little girls there is no way I wanted to be stuck in bed through Christmas. Also, my mom would be retiring in December and would be a huge help in my recovery. My surgery was scheduled for January 26. I was all set to head to LA. Then, I got an infection 2 days before and had to postpone my surgery. My surgery is now scheduled for February 24 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles.

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I am 35 years old and preparing to have my pulmonary valve replaced. I was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) that was repaired when I was 4 years old with open heart surgery. Also, my pulmonary artery had some slight narrowing. Once the VSD was repaired I lived a regular life. I saw a pediatric congenital cardiologist every year without any problems or major concerns. As long as I remember, my cardiologist would discuss the narrowing in my pulmonary artery and how at the time the narrowing wasn't enough to repair with surgery. The pediatric cardiologist saw me until I was about 25 when he finally said that I needed to see an adult cardiologist. I saw a couple cardiologists before I found one I liked.

About 4 years ago, while pregnant with my 2nd child, I decided to see a different cardiologist as the one I had seen prior was a little too laid back for me. Dr. Doria kept a close eye on me throughout the pregnancy and wanted to get some updated tests once my daughter was born.

So a few years ago, the tests began. We live in a small town so I was referred to specialists in Southern California. All the while, I thought I was tired from working full time and taking care of 2 young girls. I met Dr. Burstein last spring who told me that my pulmonary valve had calcification built up at the narrowing of the valve. Basically, it is like saloon doors that don’t swing very well. So, the narrowing was preventing sufficient blood flow to my lungs.

Last August I had a heart cath. This was to determine if my valve could be fixed with an angiogram or if I would need surgery. Obviously, I needed surgery. Once I was back home and the realization of surgery sunk in, so did panic attacks. I called Dr. Burstein’s office and Dr. Burstein did a good job of easing my fears (for the time being). I met my surgeon Dr. Yokoyama last fall. He practices out of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles. My husband and I were comfortable with him right from the beginning. He ordered more tests that I did back home. The challenge was getting my local cardiologist office to coordinate with Dr. Yokoyama’s office in LA. I was getting anxious to hear back from Dr. Yokoyama to get an actual diagnosis. He called me at home, the night before Thanksgiving. He confirmed that I would need surgery. He believes that I will get a donor valve. But, I was not in an emergency situation. He wanted me to enjoy the holidays and not to worry about it. Easier said than done. But, with 2 little girls there is no way I wanted to be stuck in bed through Christmas. Also, my mom would be retiring in December and would be a huge help in my recovery.

My surgery was scheduled for January 26. I was all set to head to LA. Then, I got an infection 2 days before and had to postpone my surgery.

My surgery is now scheduled for February 24 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Los Angeles.