Susan's Profile

I am a 59 year old female who just underwent my third congenital open heart surgery 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