Meghan Bridges - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

66 days ago

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Hi everyone! My name is Meghan. I was diagnosed with Mitral Vale Stenosis and Mild Regurgitation in my early 30's. Seeing my cardiologist yearly for checkups. ...Read more

Hi everyone! My name is Meghan. I was diagnosed with Mitral Vale Stenosis and Mild Regurgitation in my early 30's. Seeing my cardiologist yearly for checkups. About age 35 I got a bad echo test result. I was active, going to the gym 4 days a week and playing softball 4 nights a week. Only one symptom present, extra beat every once in a while. It was becoming more frequent at the time I got the bad test result. I was not happy with my Dr so I did research and sought out Dr Bolling for a second opinion. He ran some tests and I needed a repair due to my severe mitral valve leak. Dr Bolling repaired it and it was really bad, I was lucky to get a repair. Diseased from having rheumatic fever as a kid best they can tell. Fast forward 7 years, I've started to feel short of breath only when exerting. I knew it was getting worse and was in denial but knew this day would come. As stenotic as it is I do alright getting around and working. I'm lethargic last month or so. I'm hoping to feel much better after surgery. I know I have the best surgeon and medical team around! I'm very thankful. Dr Bolling will be also doing my second surgery. I'm 44 years of age and I want to get to 90. A mechanical valve is my best chance with no re-op. I already know what to expect but the one thing that bothers me is that I remember everything about my first surgery. Every detail before and after. I remember waking up every single time in recovery. They say that is rare to remember. What was your experience?

Jamie Griffith Hi, Meghan. Dr. Bolling and his team operated on my mitral valve 11-weeks ago today. It was also my ... Read more

Jamie Griffith Hi, Meghan. Dr. Bolling and his team operated on my mitral valve 11-weeks ago today. It was also my 2nd Open Heart operation. You can look at my profile for the details, but my 1st operations was when I was 8-yrs old, back in 1980. I had what seemed like vivid memories and trauma regarding the original surgery, especially the recovery and waking up with a ventilator. I was a child at the time.

Going into the surgery, I tried to share my prior experience, including worries about the anesthesia process and waking up with a ventilator. I can share this time around, the experience was so much better. Although I vaguely remember waking up and knowing the ventilator was in, I barely remember the overall experience this time. Anesthesia worked with me and took steps like 1) not using a gas mask to put me under (I was sedated via IV prior), 2) using anesthesia as they weened my off the vent. My anesthesiologist was Dr. Allison Janda, and she was a very compassionate and excellent doctor. She really helped me feel comfortable as I was prepped for procedure and moved to the OR. She explained what was going to happen and how she was going to help. Be open with your anesthesia team and let them know of your anxiety.

My summary is things went much better than expected. The care in the ICU was exceptional, as was the step-down cardiac unit. Share your concerns with Marguerite prior and the anesthesiologist, and I have confidence you will be on the road to recovery and activity very soon!

Rose Madura I have very vivid memories of when I woke up.

Rita Savelis I'm sorry that you have to go through this again. Every surgery is different and 7 years have gone by ... Read more

Rita Savelis I'm sorry that you have to go through this again. Every surgery is different and 7 years have gone by. I certainly remember most details about my surgery and would rather not have to repeat it. But knowing how it all goes means there would probably be less surprises and possibly some happy changes. Take care.

Yumiko Ishida Wishing you a successful surgery! I have had varying experiences waking up from anesthesia. The best ... Read more

Yumiko Ishida Wishing you a successful surgery! I have had varying experiences waking up from anesthesia. The best was after OHS, actually. Very much as Jamie describes. They used sedatives before and after, so the falling asleep and waking up were both gradual. Talking to the anesthesiologist about your prior experience is critical. What also helped me was daily meditation before the surgery. I was still shaking with fear right before the procedure, but it helped me stay calm most of the time. Things happen, but they aren’t necessarily good or bad, they just are. At least that is what I try to tell myself.

Meghan Bridges Thanks Jamie, I def feel like I have trauma from the first surgery with the ventilator. But the team ... Read more

Meghan Bridges Thanks Jamie, I def feel like I have trauma from the first surgery with the ventilator. But the team is amazing and I know I'll be in good hands. Dr Bolling is the best! Marguerite knows all my concerns and she is the best. I can't wait to be feeling good enough to work out. I'm glad your doing great!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. This process is definitely not easy but your stories help. Thank you

Jamie Griffith Meghan, I am pulling for you and know how much you will appreciate when this is behind you. The ICU ... Read more

Jamie Griffith Meghan, I am pulling for you and know how much you will appreciate when this is behind you. The ICU nurses are exceptional. Hopefully you will get to meet Tim. He will definitely lift your spirits the day after surgery when you are ready to get back on your feet again! Best of luck. Reach out if you need a pick me up between now and then,

Meghan Bridges Thank you Jamie! Appreciate you