A quick story about what it was all like....I had surgery February 4 this year and yes the anticipation was the worst part. My Surgeon; Dr. Castro and the ...Read more
A quick story about what it was all like....I had surgery February 4 this year and yes the anticipation was the worst part. My Surgeon; Dr. Castro and the team at Sequoia Hospital were phenomenal. I spent 4 days in the hospital before going home. My time in the hospital was uneventful, broken up with nurses and check ups etc. As soon as I got home I focused on my recovery. I walked many times a day, totaling 6-8 miles daily within the first two weeks.
Went back to work as a school teacher after week five but continued exercising because I had a goal...
At 6 weeks I was cleared to return to the gym to get back in shape. I managed to loose 25lbs after surgery, mostly muscle mass due to the body's desire to heal so it leaches from the muscles.
The recovery: the first few times around the block felt like a marathon, and blowing into that damn thing was grueling, my strength was far lower than I ever imagined.
Work was difficult for the first couple of weeks while I was getting used to the rigors. But continued exercising, I kept charting my progress; my walks, weight, BP, what I ate, etc...I had that goal...
On June 3 I was released by my cardiologist and surgeon to tackle my goal...I am a fly fishing guide for Lodge at Palisades Creek on the South Fork Snake River, other than my wife and daughter, it is my love and passion. I row a boat daily for a minimum of 14 miles sometimes as much as 18 miles. I successfully worked 69 days of 71 before returning home to teach.
So, dreams are achievable after heart surgery, if you are determined enough, rather shortly. After only 5 weeks I worked a rather sedate job of teaching high schoolers, 6 weeks I was in the gym and at four months was working a very strenuous, laborious job which I love.
The details....I am 47, and had sternotomy and mitral valve repair at (IMO) the best hospital and the best surgeon with the best team available on the west coast. Not to say that it was easy, there were difficult times, realities of being mortal and fragile are never easy. Exhaustion, but I kept focus on the positives and what I could do including progress...
Before you know it, you will be saying "that was not too bad", and "I'm Ok!"
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!
Hi all,
First, thank you all for the wonderful well wishes! you all are amazing!.
My experience so far has been positive, Dr. Castro, his staff and the ...Read more
Hi all,
First, thank you all for the wonderful well wishes! you all are amazing!.
My experience so far has been positive, Dr. Castro, his staff and the staff at Sequoia Hospital have been overall fantastic.
I am sure I cannot add anything that has not been already said but I will share a few with you.
The anticipation is 10x worse than the event.
Take the Meds!!! No tough guys after being split in half! Here is the deal, the day of surgery I felt good enough to walk, use the inspiorometer, etc, second day, still feeling good and a bit stronger than the previous. Then it comes, the inevitable cough, holy moses, the pain! I was behind on the meds before I ever got started due to the cough! OMG! It does not take long to learn that the dreaded cough is the worst ever, bring be to tears!
Do what they tell you, don't over do it! I have been walking, feeling "Understandably rough" but good none the less.
Will keep posting , just fuzzy right now. I was going to be released tester day (Day 4) but because we live 6hrs away, with less than optimum health care, we will be staying another few days. Hats off to my most beautiful, helpful amazing wife, without her.....I could not imagine life. Thanks Sally!
Tammi Gunwall Glad to hear you are doing well Jon! Take it one day at a time. This is the roughest part. You will b ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Glad to hear you are doing well Jon! Take it one day at a time. This is the roughest part. You will be home before you kbow it. I know the hospital stay isn't the most fun but rest assured you are getting the best care and supervision during this time. Take it. Prayers to you for continued strength and that you rid the cough!!
Brad Swanson Great to hear you are doing well Jon.
Jim Kelly-Evans Glad to read your post, Jon, continued best wishes for a smooth recovery!
Lenore Mitchell Nice post, Jon. And yes, we all remember that darn first cough! But it gets better, thanks to the enc ... Read more
Lenore Mitchell Nice post, Jon. And yes, we all remember that darn first cough! But it gets better, thanks to the encouragement from each other on this site, from our lovely families, and from the ticking of the clock - time heals!
Tim Goff Thank You for the update Jon and great to hear you are doing well.
Penny Prichard Glad you posted and on your way to recovery. Glad everything is still good at Sequoia.
Well, now is the time for gratitude...Thanks to Adam for the book and site, what a wonderful piece of social media.
Thanks to all the heart brothers and sisters, ...Read more
Well, now is the time for gratitude...Thanks to Adam for the book and site, what a wonderful piece of social media.
Thanks to all the heart brothers and sisters, your stories, encouragement, and camaraderie! Without all of you, this would have been much more difficult!
Bob M Amen! I pray that your surgery an recovery will be peaceful. Thursday will be a new day for you with ... Read more
Bob M Amen! I pray that your surgery an recovery will be peaceful. Thursday will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and Rise Up!
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Jon! You're going to do great!
Adam Pick Jon, I'm so glad that the book and website have helped you along the process. You just made my night. ... Read more
Adam Pick Jon, I'm so glad that the book and website have helped you along the process. You just made my night. Fyi, you are in incredible hands with Dr. Castro. So many patients from our community, have had great results with him and his team at Sequoia. Go forth. Get healthy. February 4 will be a great day!
Two days out, pre-op tomorrow and Wed 6am for the real deal. A wave of emotion for my wife and I. Have not been sleeping exactly well but good enough. Most ...Read more
Two days out, pre-op tomorrow and Wed 6am for the real deal. A wave of emotion for my wife and I. Have not been sleeping exactly well but good enough. Most of the time I am resigned to it ok, but I have moments of fear, doubt and what ifs....
I will feel better once I wake up on the other side and put this behind me, just want to move forward without incident.
Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes, Jon...hope all goes well for you.
Jimene Jetton best wishes on a speedy recovery thoughts and strength to your wife and family. I will be having my ... Read more
Jimene Jetton best wishes on a speedy recovery thoughts and strength to your wife and family. I will be having my pre-op tomorrow as well and surgery at 5am Wed
Penny Prichard Good thoughts too you on your adventure. You will love Sequoia Hospital. They just opened the new Car ... Read more
Penny Prichard Good thoughts too you on your adventure. You will love Sequoia Hospital. They just opened the new Cardiac wing. Hopefully I'll be there soon on my journey.
Adam Pick Jon, Emotions make us who we are. Try to enjoy feeling the feelings. As for concerns, please know tha ... Read more
Adam Pick Jon, Emotions make us who we are. Try to enjoy feeling the feelings. As for concerns, please know that FEAR is just an acronym for Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. You and your wife are going to do better than expected. Sending you my best thoughts and prayers right now!
Well here I am, officially a 1 week out from pre-op and I have a constant nervousness. At 45, and a 12year old daughter, as well as the love of my life Sally, ...Read more
Well here I am, officially a 1 week out from pre-op and I have a constant nervousness. At 45, and a 12year old daughter, as well as the love of my life Sally, can't help but to be apprehensive. I do feel quite a bit better about the surgery because I have become symptomatic since diagnose in Mar 2014. I feel the hardest part for me is going to be arriving at the hospital and waiting to tell the doc to "Have at it"....
Tim Goff Jon
I too was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (2001) which never caused an issue until recentl ... Read more
Tim Goff Jon
I too was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse (2001) which never caused an issue until recently. The atrial swelling it caused put me into AFIB which landed me in the hospital for 5 days. After that I went to another cardiologist, then the surgeon who said "not this month, but inside of 6 before it gets worse". The plan is to repair the valve and perform a MAZE for the AFIB. Are they suggesting a repair or replacement? I work out regularly with plenty of lap swimming and was asymptomatic for many years. I hear my story in yours and will be pulling for you!
Duane Beeman Jon: I'm thinking this is kind of like stepping in the ring and having your trainer tell you to "kee ... Read more
Duane Beeman Jon: I'm thinking this is kind of like stepping in the ring and having your trainer tell you to "keep your hands at your sides, take your opponents best shots, fall down, and when you wake up, not only are you going to win the decision ....you're going to thank me."---------- (OK coach, if you say so)
Jim Kelly-Evans I hear you, Jon...it becomes about your loved ones, you will do it and get through it for them (as we ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans I hear you, Jon...it becomes about your loved ones, you will do it and get through it for them (as well as yourself.) That's what keeps me positive, anyway. Wishing you the best outcome and recovery!
Emily Shively I was right where you were a week ago. Don't be afraid to reach out to your doctor and mention your a ... Read more
Emily Shively I was right where you were a week ago. Don't be afraid to reach out to your doctor and mention your anxiousness. Being calm beforehand is better for you in the long run.
Tom Elliott Hi Jon. It's been a few months but I remember that last week, and it's definitely not fun. I agree wi ... Read more
Tom Elliott Hi Jon. It's been a few months but I remember that last week, and it's definitely not fun. I agree with Emily that letting your health care team know of your concerns is important. They want the best possible outcome and knowing where you're at helps them.
If you're still looking for meditation suggestions, I got a lot of benefit from recordings from Belleruth Naparstek (healthjournies.com).
Best wishes to you - you're going to do fine.
Daryl McCallum I was to nervous, but the night before something came over me that told me that this is only a bump i ... Read more
Daryl McCallum I was to nervous, but the night before something came over me that told me that this is only a bump in the road. I remember when they shaved me, it seemed forever but when the nurse was done I was whisked away with my wife telling me I will see you in 6 hours....lol just like going to work....well the 6 hours turned to 24 and she was right there. Had a few complications
Bob M I pray that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful. It will be a new day when your heart is fixed ... Read more
Bob M I pray that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful. It will be a new day when your heart is fixed. God bless and rise up!
Penny Prichard I worked at Sequoia for over 20 years. My friends say Dr Castro is the best all around. Hopefully tha ... Read more
Penny Prichard I worked at Sequoia for over 20 years. My friends say Dr Castro is the best all around. Hopefully that's where I will go to have mine done. Wishing you the best of luck and a wonderful recovery. Please keep us updated.
Wiliam Height I am day 3 post op. Nerves will be there but you are surrounded by love and in great surgical hands. ... Read more
Wiliam Height I am day 3 post op. Nerves will be there but you are surrounded by love and in great surgical hands. The morning of all kind of seemed routine, you'll do some minor prep--keep the conversation light, than you go to OR and be out pretty quick. At 45 you'll hear from everyone how fast you will be recovered. Stay in the present moment and at ease. You will do great!
Hi all, had my surgical consult w/ dr. Castro on Mon and set a date for Feb 4th. I guess it is real now. What a roller coaster since original diagnosis. Anyway, ...Read more
Hi all, had my surgical consult w/ dr. Castro on Mon and set a date for Feb 4th. I guess it is real now. What a roller coaster since original diagnosis. Anyway, funny thing after spending time with my wife and the good doc I was confident leaving his office, now that I am home and in routine, I am back to my old doubtful ways. Scary for me but even more for my beautiful daughter who is 12. Any advice? Also any advice on web sites to use for meditation? Thanks in advance and best to all.
Tammy Pilcher Congratulations Jon on setting a date! When you start to doubt, remember this is going to save your ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Congratulations Jon on setting a date! When you start to doubt, remember this is going to save your life. My boys are both in their 20's, but I just kept reassuring them everything was going to be okay. To reassure myself I did a lot of praying and wrote favorite scriptures in a journal. That helped more than anything! You can do this!
Clare Auten You guys have a little more time to worry than I did but I am not sure if that is a good things or a ... Read more
Clare Auten You guys have a little more time to worry than I did but I am not sure if that is a good things or a bad thing. My oldest was 13 at the time of my surgery and I won't kid you, it was rough on her. It might have been her personality or the age. My husband and I made sure her life stayed as normal as possible. We found other people like my sister-in-law to do things I had planned before I knew about the surgery (only 10 days notice here). For example, my sister-in-law took her for the hair appointment we had scheduled so she didn't feel the heart surgery was controlling her life. My surgery and recovery were pretty good but not driving for a month was hard. I did make sure her teachers knew what was going on. Sorry that is kind of a jumbled reply. If you need more, let me know.
Cheryl Batzing Jon, welcome here! I agree with Tammy...my best source of comfort was scriptures from the Bible writt ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Jon, welcome here! I agree with Tammy...my best source of comfort was scriptures from the Bible written down on index cards I'd read through daily...some days many times. I got many of the verses from sweet heart brothers & sisters from this site. If you want some suggestions, holler. I have a 17 year old boy who we also tried to let be as unaffected as possible. We kept his schedule the same, just kept him updated, and gave him the stats on my surgery & recovery. The stats really are fantastic for OHS! I was told for me personally mortality was less than 1%, which is better than driving my car. My son's take away was, "then what's there to worry about? You will be fine!" Easy enough for a 17 year old boy to say. But it did help us all. And I was/am fine. Just recovering and thankful it could be fixed!
Bob M We are praying for a peaceful surgery and recovery for Jon. I heard the Cleveland Clinic has a sectio ... Read more
Bob M We are praying for a peaceful surgery and recovery for Jon. I heard the Cleveland Clinic has a section in their web site on visualization meditation. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/prevention/emotional-health/stress-relaxation/guided-imagery-heart-surgery
Wiliam Height Jon, just reading your story--same thing here, watching waiting, and echo shows increase in chamber, ... Read more
Wiliam Height Jon, just reading your story--same thing here, watching waiting, and echo shows increase in chamber, move to severe leak, and starting to feel heavy breathing and heart beat pump. Will be thinking of you.
I would like to hear from some patients that had Dr. Luis Castro and / or their care at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. To all, thank you so much for your ...Read more
I would like to hear from some patients that had Dr. Luis Castro and / or their care at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. To all, thank you so much for your active participation on this site, you all are a wealth of information!
Adam Pick Hi Jon, I've been lucky to watch Dr. Castro operate at Sequoia. Awesome surgeon and a great guy. I've ... Read more
http://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - In this video, Dr. Luis Castro, heart valve surgeon from Sequoia Heart Institute in Redwood City, California, addresses ...
Well, I know that surgery is inevitable, and I have come to terms with it. But I could use some assistance / suggestions for surgery mental preparation. Again, ...Read more
Well, I know that surgery is inevitable, and I have come to terms with it. But I could use some assistance / suggestions for surgery mental preparation. Again, I have never been through something like this and it does terrify me so books, videos, articles, personal experience would be greatly appreciated. I am not a spiritual person so something that caters to that would be extremely helpful.
Thanks in advance
D. Carol Moore Welcome to the Heart Family, Jon. As you read the different Journals/Posts on this site, you'll see ... Read more
D. Carol Moore Welcome to the Heart Family, Jon. As you read the different Journals/Posts on this site, you'll see that we all are "Living Testimonies" and you'll be blessed by the many different posts. Be strong.
Jason Leber Hi Jon, welcome. I'm just north of you across the border. Feel free to read my journal and ask any qu ... Read more
Jason Leber Hi Jon, welcome. I'm just north of you across the border. Feel free to read my journal and ask any questions. I was pretty nervous when I got the news but doing lots of research, reading and watching videos really helped my understand the whole process. Honestly, it isn't anything to be worried about. Regards
Nancy D I found some of my favorite music, and new meditation type music as well and listened to it daily in ... Read more
Nancy D I found some of my favorite music, and new meditation type music as well and listened to it daily in the time leading up to the surgery. Once post op, I also used it in hospital and at home, to help relax, focus on breathing and still use it when doing my walking. The earphones do help drown out the constant noise in the hospital that make resting difficult at times. I read the journals and testimonies of people here who were ahead of me in the process. I had to do it in small spurts of time, as initially it was a bit much to take in. Best of luck to you, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. We all have answers, and hopefully some will resonate with you as something you are comfortable with. Take good care!
Suzanne Hunter The more you are prepared mentally the better it will be. Power of positive thoughts got me ticking a ... Read more
Suzanne Hunter The more you are prepared mentally the better it will be. Power of positive thoughts got me ticking along. I had never been sick or in hosp so this does come as a shock believe me. I am now 5 months post op had a few small bumps along the way but every day is good because I am alive and well. I was so pleased I could be fixed and get on with life. Hang in there this is a good site for us all
Tammy Pilcher Jon, you are welcome to read my surgery experience post in my journal. I tried to give as many basic ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Jon, you are welcome to read my surgery experience post in my journal. I tried to give as many basic details without making it too long. I'll be glad to answer any specific questions you have in more detail. You may not be a spiritual person, but God loves you, will hear your prayers , and give you the peace and courage you need to get through this. I know this for sure. This is the scripture I took to the hospital with me: For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13.
And the one I keep close at hand now: The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. Psalms 28:7. I hope this helps. You can do this! Best wishes, Tammy
Cris Dykeman I was one who didnt know i was born with a bicusoid valve, so when i found out this summer it took me ... Read more
Cris Dykeman I was one who didnt know i was born with a bicusoid valve, so when i found out this summer it took me aback. People have many different ways with dealing w things, but i may be one of the few to support medicstion. I was rcovering from pneumonia before surgery, so i was a bit. Of a wreck. I have a strong outgoing personality and started getting overly emotional when i would. watch an old show (because someone would have died since the airing) or when a Publix commercial came on. I went to the doc because i felt like a "6 year old girl". We decided to try Lexapro -id been on Ativan prn since. being diagnosed- since i am a former mental health therapist & knew copng skills plus had a strong support system (i will say therapy can be a great option too- it's all so individualized).
The low dose lexapro did wonders. Based on what i read in Adam's book i decided to up my dose right before surgery & ill ween off once im back at. Work.
Best of luck! Im hsppy to chat more.
Cris Dykeman Also, as hard as. it may be, DONT GOOGLE. Cleveland and Mayo clinic are good sites though
Joseph Ballett Hello Jon i wrote about my feelings if your interested read my early journal's
Bob M Jon, likewise, read our stories and journals. I believe you will see that all of us are both similar ... Read more
Bob M Jon, likewise, read our stories and journals. I believe you will see that all of us are both similar and different. Peace before surgery is both a personal and team approach. Personal means spiritual in my opinion. God is always there for you, even if you don't know it. Maybe just walk into a Church when there is no Mass, and just sit there. Just you and God. As your team, we are part of your team via the Web, but you need a local team: family, friends, etc. I would hope that someone in your circle of friends has experienced open heart surgery and could share her/his experiences. If not, we are here for you. In fact, someone here could be local for you?
First journal entry....Well I am 45 years old and I thought healthy as a horse so to speak. Apparently not, here is my story in a nutshell. Last spring I ...Read more
First journal entry....Well I am 45 years old and I thought healthy as a horse so to speak. Apparently not, here is my story in a nutshell. Last spring I had a cough I could not shake from the flu, I went to my GP who advised me I had a murmur and should get a echo and EKG. I did and that night I got a call from the cardiologist who advised me that he did not want me doing ANY strenuous activity. Hard to believe because I climbed Castle Crags a few months prior and felt fine.
He advised me I had a prolapsed mitral valve and I was in the severe category.
Well after a lot of panic and worry my wife and I did some very intensive research about it all and narrowed down two surgeons: Dr Castro from Sequoia Hosp, and Dr Miller from Stanford. Dr. Miller advised us that I did have a bad valve but was not in as bad of shape as the original diagnosis and I would have five years before needing surgery. Left his office relieved but went to see Dr Castro who advised me that being young and healthy, it would be a good time to get this over with and behind me.
Being a guy who has never had a cavity let alone major surgery, I decided to wait. Both surgeons advised me to get echoes every six months. As the next few months passed I fell myself getting more easily fatigued and finding myself short of breath at the inane tasks. The latest echo confirmed that five years turned into five months and I have some growth in my chamber and need surgery.
I am going down on the 5th of January to consult with Dr Castro again and Dr Miller and set a date. Needless to say, I am pretty scared.
Bob M Jon, welcome to our awesome community! You have a beautiful family. God Bless! Many here are doorkeep ... Read more
Bob M Jon, welcome to our awesome community! You have a beautiful family. God Bless! Many here are doorkeepers where we have been on the other side of open heart surgery (mine was on Dec 10). We are here to pray for you, share our experiences and answer your direct questions.
Tammi Gunwall Welcome to our heart family Jon! You will find this site a great help in your own personal heart jour ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Welcome to our heart family Jon! You will find this site a great help in your own personal heart journey. My story is fairly similar to yours in that I only recently founder out about my heart defect/disease a year ago and already am looking at surgery. It is a lot to take in in such a short amount of time! Feel free to ask any questions here. You will do great!
Joseph Ballett Welcome we were and are all scared here, but with numbers you find support and strength we will be he ... Read more
Joseph Ballett Welcome we were and are all scared here, but with numbers you find support and strength we will be here for you like so many where here for me , and i have been for the ones that followed behind. If you have any questions please ask. I am around you age.
Tammy Pilcher Welcome Jon, I had my surgery 7 weeks ago and I'm doing great! I was afraid too, but it really wasn ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Welcome Jon, I had my surgery 7 weeks ago and I'm doing great! I was afraid too, but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You can do this!
Mark Alafita In the same boat...not just in the situation, but also the fear! It sounds like you keep yourself in ... Read more
Mark Alafita In the same boat...not just in the situation, but also the fear! It sounds like you keep yourself in good condition, which has got to be a plus during recovery time. I learned of my bicuspid valve at the same age, 45. Never had a serious illness growing up, and now this! The Dr. gave me 5 years before needing surgery, which was accurate. The good thing with your situation is that the 5 years turned into 5 months. I can tell you, the last 5 years, it's been like a black cloud over my head with this heart problem, so maybe not having to go through that is a good thing. All my best, and I look forward to hear how your Jan 5 appointment goes.
Ole Bore Welcome Jon! I was in the same boat as you, completely asymptomatic. Even ran my usual 6miles 3 days ... Read more
Ole Bore Welcome Jon! I was in the same boat as you, completely asymptomatic. Even ran my usual 6miles 3 days before surgery. Figured that I should get this done while I was healthy as a horse per se. 10 days post op today and feel fantastic.
Jeff V. Hi Jon, I had my MV repaired on 12/4 in Cleveland. I am 51 but was not surprised by the need for surg ... Read more
Jeff V. Hi Jon, I had my MV repaired on 12/4 in Cleveland. I am 51 but was not surprised by the need for surgery as I have been watched annually for years and new my day was approaching. In determining who does your surgery, the following are some questions I had for my surgeon: 1) How many valve repairs do you do every year? (Mitral repair surgeons usually perform a large number of mitral procedures annually, with the highest volume surgeons performing over 100 per year.), 2) What is the cause of my valve disease? (Is it ischemic, congenital, degenerative, rheumatic, infection, heart muscle dysfunction or something else?), 3) How many repairs do you do every year for the valve disease that I have? (You should expect that your surgeon does at least 25 repairs a year for the mitral disease you may have. The more, the better!), 4) What is your valve repair rate for my disease? (It is not enough to ask your surgeon for his or her overall repair rate. You will need to know his or her success rate for the specific problem that you have. A surgeon may be successful in repairing 90% of all valves, but on the other hand, may be successful in repairing only 50% of Barlow valves. You should go ahead with a repair only if the surgeon feels he or she can guarantee a repair with a high probability, especially if you are asymptomatic.), 5) How many valve replacements do you do in a year? (If the number of replacements a surgeon does is similar to the number of repairs, then chances are that he or she is not a reference mitral repair surgeon. Reference mitral repair surgeons would generally repair well over 90% of valves they encounter. You can also ask your surgeon how many mechanical valves he or she does in year – these operations are often done for degenerative disease which should have a high repair rate, so a surgeon who does a lot of mechanical valves is unlikely to be a mitral repair expert.), 6) How long does the valve repair operation take? (There is no role for quick surgery in a valve repair. Sometimes it will take several hours to achieve a good repair. You need to be certain that your surgeon will invest as long as it takes to achieve a repair if necessary rather than opt for the quicker valve replacement operation. Most surgeons can do a valve replacement in under 1 hour, but a complex valve repair can take up to 2 hours longer.), 7) What is your residual mitral regurgitation rate? (Residual mitral regurgitation refers to patients who continue to have a significant leakage after a repair. A good repair should eliminate all leakage - or leave a minimal inconsequential leakage. Expert mitral regurgitation surgeons know their residual mitral regurgitation rate, which is usually well below 10%.), 8) What incisions do you recommend for my surgery? Is this incision likely to result in a high certainty of repair? (The midline incision or median sternotomy is the standard approach and all reparable valves can be repaired through this incision. Many valves can be repaired through incisions at the side or under the breast, but this limits the options available for repair. Be certain that your surgeon can deliver a quality repair for your valve through a side incision before opting for this approach. The more complex your valve disease, the less the likelihood that a quality repair may be achieved through a side approach, unless the surgeon is very experienced in that approach. Minimally invasive approaches can be undertaken from either the side or in the midline and result in cosmetically appealing small incisions. Not all side incisions fall in the minimally invasive category, so before opting for a minimally invasive approach, ask your surgeon how long the incision will be and if there will be other incisions. A true minimally invasive incision should be less than 10cm, often much smaller. Ask if this approach will increase your risk or reduce the chances of repair. Ask the surgeon if you have a choice in the incision he or she uses.) I requested a median strernotomy as I wanted my surgeon to have the best access possible! Best of luck to you Jon and please let me know if you have any questions. Regards - Jeff V.