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Darlene's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: April 14, 2016

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Darlene Smith got a guestbook from Gina Fiorentino

7 years ago (July 18, 2018)

Hi Darlene, I am 4 months post-op and I stopped by this site to check-in as well. It always gives me a boost. Thanks for your post today. It made my day, and gave me that little bit of extra re-assurance as I continue to heal and adjust to life after OHS. I related to so much of your story- especially the diagnosis part (after my first cardiologist told me to "wait and watch" since I didnt have any symptoms, and didnt mention anything about repairing my valve). Something just didnt feel right, and so I did valve research on my own, got more opinions, and eventually traveled outside of my network to get into expert hands. When I had my TEE (which I also requested), my mitral valve was actually severely leaking and the Dr. said he thought that it had been leaking badly for a while. Its amazing how the heart can work hard to over-compensate, but with this info. I knew it was only a matter of time. I was still pretty assymptomatic, but was grateful to schedule surgery within a few months, even though I was scared out of my mind. I had a very good experience in the hands of heart valve repair specialist, Dr. Luis Castro, at Sequoia Vascular Hospital in Redwood City, Ca. - much like you had with Dr. Adams. I was willing to travel across the country for my surgery, but Im glad I didnt have to. I was extremely lucky that I was able to leave my HMO group plan, and enroll January 1st into a PPO plan where I could choose my surgeon. I often worry that others who get the same mitral valve news (especially when they are younger) and not told by their Dr. about all of their choices and potential outcomes, and in some circumstances face getting their mitral valve replaced instead of repaired depending on the skill level of the surgeon. However, I feel that Adam Pick has done an incredible job in the realm of patient advocacy with the YouTube videos and also in creating this heart community forum. I, too have made 2 close friends through this site that have helped me tremendously in my recovery. Life is good. Very good!

👍 Susan Lynn reacted to this

Darlene Smith

Hi Gina, thank you for sharing your story. I hear nothing but great things about Dr. Castro. I'm glad I'm not the only one troubled by people getting recommendations for replacement or waiting and not getting surgery at all. It's shocking!! I'm so glad I found this site! Congratulations on... Read more.

Gina Fiorentino

Thank you, and you too!

Darlene Smith got a guestbook from Anne Carey

7 years ago (July 6, 2018)

Hello Darlene, I am scheduled for mitral valve repair on July 17th Dr. Adams...so glad to hear you were pleased with him and his team! I was stunned to read your post about being billed for a second surgeon. I am glad to have this heads up now as there... Read more.

Darlene Smith

Anne, because the surgery was in NY, I ended up being covered by the state's surprise bill law. So in the end the second surgeon received almost twice as much as Dr. Adams! Definitely wrong, but I ended up owing nothing but the original copay, a few hundred dollars. And... Read more.

Darlene Smith got a guestbook from Carmel Power

8 years ago (January 18, 2018)

Hi Darlene. Glad to read you are doing well after your ups and downs. How is your breathing going? Did you manage to get over that issue?

Darlene Smith

Sort of. It comes and goes, mostly goes. I just notice it every once in a while. But my cardiologist pretty much thinks I'm fine. And I do feel really good.

Carmel Power

Thanks for the feedback. Have no symptoms so deciding of whether to have early than later surgery.

Darlene Smith

I had no symptoms at the time of my surgery. I am thankful every day that I did early intervention. I didn't want to wait until my heart was compromised.

Carmel Power

Hi Darlene. Did your cardiologist suggest a wait and see approach at all? I have seen several doctors, a cardiologist and three Cardiothorac surgeons. The guy I felt most comfortable with was very pro early intervention. I also don't want to wait until I have symptoms. Are you working? One... Read more.

Darlene Smith

Yes, the cardiologist suggested wait and see. I am working full time. I went back to work after 6 weeks. I did work from home for the first month, and then started back in the office. I plan to work until my minimum retirement age of 56, and then I... Read more.

Carmel Power

Hi Darlene. I've elected to have surgery on 16 Feb. Feel like you in the respect that I don't want my heart function to be compromised by waiting. Thanks again for getting back to me and letting me know how things have progressed for you. All the best! C

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