Don's Guestbook

Hello Don, my name is Richard Volpe. I had Dr. Gillinov save my life not once but twice in the last 4 years. He's the man. All we can do is put our self in the best of hands and you did. All The Best.

Don: Feel free to contact me here on heart journal or give me a call (314-399-5008) to discuss any concerns you might have about repair. I did have a surgical consult with one of the best thoracic surgeons in the country about the need for surgery. He suggested there was a need, but he only performs a median sternotomy procedure. Dr. Gillinov was the second surgeon to evaluation my condition. I would have two opinions before surgery. To your point below, we are making data-based decisions and you have done your homework in choosing Cleveland Clinic. I saw your notes about watchful waiting but the most recent data I found was to have surgery within 3 months of the onset of the condition to ensure no affect to long term mortality. I did have irregular heartbeats in discovering the problem, but I am aware there are those that do not have symptoms. I had skied in Salt Lake City for a week two months prior to my diagnosis and was just "tired" a lot. I never had shortness of breath which seemed to boggle my cardiologist mind Each person is different in recovery, the data shows recovery in 6-15 weeks. The robotic surgery should be on the shorter time period. I was back to work in 8 weeks. I did start with half days the first week. I have mostly an office job. A more physical job will require more time and or restrictions based on your cardiologist determination. Rehab is great and important part of recovery. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions about the process, clinic or my condition. You want to feel comfortable with the facility, surgeon and procedure and get to a decision to move ahead.

Hi don! Thank you for your message you left me. Glad to see a few other local people on here! I am just curious, what made you reach the decision to go to Cleveland for your surgery vs. staying in Dallas? I would love to hear what brought you to that decision as I am just in the beginning phases of researching doctors and surgeons. Do you have a local cardiologist that you would recommend? I wish you the very best for your operation and am sure you're very much looking forward to having it all behind you!!

Welcome Don...this site is great for the experiences that others have had as well as their support! I too have mvp with severe regergitation with bi leaflet damage. When we thought we had at least another year to prepare for this turned into the next three months of crammed preparation, education and finding the right surgeon... My thoughts and support are with you

Don, our stories could not be more similar and our surgeries closer in date. I feel everything you wrote and have come here for the experience and expertise.