Susan's Heart Valve Journal

Age 30 Atrial Septal Repair thoracotomy

Age 47 Mitral Valve Repair with Duran Ring sternotomy

Age 59 Mitral On-X Mechanical Valve replacement sternotomy

I have been an active sports oriented wife and mother who worked full time for the last 20 years

I think this was only to my advantage that I am in overall good health up until February of this year

Echos had been OK until my husband I returned home from our annual snorkeling Caribbean trip when I experienced a severe case of bronchitis landing in the hospital for several days

This was the third bout of lung issues in 3 months Dr suspected Pertussis

Never really recovered developed Epstein Barr Virus dropped from 130 to 107 lbs and unable to swim laps, walk and work

Long story short with many tests and Dr's involved drastic change in mitral valve thank goodness not endocardis as suspected initially

We had to wait until I could build up a little staminia to undergo the valve replacement

One of my children followed suit now age 34 with Atrial Septal Repair at age 9

My family and I have learned some valuable lessons along the way

My first 2 surgeries we resided in Michigan, traveled 4 hrs to the U of Mich this time stayed close to home in Charlotte North Carolina and glad we did

First 2 surgeries encountered complications after returning home with congestive heart failure

I am 3 weeks post op and not only pleased with the surgeon we chose, hospital and now after care with home health care but feeling like sharing my story

Returned home 8th day only glitch 4 days in ICU due to low heart rate and blood pressure resolved with NEO

Other than pain which is quite significant due to 3rd opening of chest and heart with significant scar tissue I am feeling very positive and patient

I loved Adam's book and although a veteran patient found many new ideas useful

INR levels all over the place but I am not overly concerned have great faith and trust in my home health care nurses working with my Dr office

Looking forward to my 1st post op visit this week and to begin formal cardiac rehab when given the go ahead

Trust, Faith, Support and a good positive attitude is so vital to all of us and our families

Susan