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Anna's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: August 2, 2024

Member Since: August 2, 2024

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Anna Rakowicz got a guestbook from Richard Munson

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

I was intrigued reading your recent post regarding heart surgery vs. knee replacement surgery. After living a full life of 24/7 sports and experiencing numerous knee nips and tucks including a full zipper back in 1966, before the scope, plus having ohs 3 years ago i can give a little... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

Hi Richard, yes it's been a dilemma for sure. But have decided to hold off on the knee surgery. It's really going up stairs that hurts the most, but we recently got a stair lift installed and that has been great. I am bone on bone in right, and close... Read more.

Valerie Allen

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

We talked before I think about acupuncture. For knees. My guy has helped so much. It takes time. 2 months once a week, now starting to feel really good. Important to have a good one (that uses moxibustion) in my opinion.

Richard Munson

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

Good idea picking the heart. The problem with bone on bone, is that its bone on bone. Its like a moving part with no grease. I tried a gel injection which is a cushioning agent but had a huge negative reaction to it. Broke out in hives. Called uflexa if... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

Haha, Richard, I just got Euflexxa in August!! Didn't get hives but I had some sort reaction, as it increased the pain 10 fold. Much better now that it's worn off.

Richard Munson

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

Well, now i know it was not just me.

Kimberly Eisenhut

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

I have also been told I need raplacement, but am putting off until absolutely needed. Richard explained it best, I pick my heart first. I am also in wait and watch mode for tricuspid (moderate to severe) and makes me too nervous to do it now, as well as hearing... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

Thank you Kimberly, I have decided to hold off even though I've had clearance from cardiologist. I just don't feel like I have the cardiac reserve to go through the tough recovery. But I am working with a physiotherapist to help me get stronger. If you have stairs , you... Read more.

Kimberly Eisenhut

1 year ago (November 20, 2024)

Unfortunatley I rent, so not an option for me. I am doing o.k. right now. I just try to not move my knee any funky ways and am very careful of how and where I am walking so I do not "tweak" my knees. I am glad you are moving... Read more.

Karen Hommel, heart valve patient

Anna Rakowicz got a guestbook from Karen Hommel

2 years ago (August 4, 2024)

Welcome Anna, I had mitral valve replacement, tricuspid repair and a maze procedure I did very well except for a few fluid issues. The waiting is difficult but I did well with that too. I told myself every day, I'm not having surgery today, I will enjoy this day. It... Read more.

🥰 ❤️ Kimberly Eisenhut and Anna Rakowicz reacted to this

Anna Rakowicz

2 years ago (August 4, 2024)

Good advise Karen, on taking it one day at a time, and knowing that I will have some time before surgery is scheduled.

Jamie Griffith

2 years ago (August 4, 2024)

Hi Anna. Sounds like you are gathering all the proper information and seeking multiple opinions to fix your heart. Tomorrow will mark 8-mo since my OHS to repair my mitral valve (It was my 2nd surgery for a congenital disorder). I had amazing care at UM and they have several... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

2 years ago (August 4, 2024)

Hi Jamie, I actually made an appointment with Dr. Bolling on 8/20. He did my friends mitral valve and she's doing great also. However, I also have the aortic valve that needs to be replaced and I was told Dr. Bolling doesn't do those, so I am seeing another surgeon... Read more.

Jamie Griffith

2 years ago (August 5, 2024)

Hi Anna, they have great Aortic specialists too there. Good luck with your upcoming appointment. I met with Bolling last July (he also repaired my father's mitral about 7 yrs ago). Waiting for surgery, the procedure, and rehabilitation was a challenge to say the least. But 8 months later, I... Read more.

Valerie Allen

2 years ago (August 5, 2024)

Cleveland Clinic has one of the top, if not the top, aortic surgeon. Dr Eric Roselli. Highly recommend.

Anna Rakowicz

2 years ago (August 5, 2024)

Thanks for the feedback. It's crazy this all started because I needed cardiac clearance (PVCs) for knee replacement surgery early this year, and I found out things were not right with my heart. Still haven't had the knee replacement, but I was getting regular gel shots every 6 months and... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

2 years ago (August 6, 2024)

Thank you Valerie, I have not yet met with a surgeon from CC, though I did go there for a second opinion in May for my reduced EF and cardiomyopathy dx. following a routine echo. I have viewed Dr, Roselli's video on this website. I also see Marc Gillinov has... Read more.

Valerie Allen

2 years ago (August 6, 2024)

Anna, yes Gillanov mostly does mitral valve issues. Also great.

Ruth joy, heart valve patient

Anna Rakowicz got a guestbook from Ruth joy

2 years ago (August 3, 2024)

Hi Anna , Welcome 😊

👍 Anna Rakowicz reacted to this

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