Gina's Guestbook

I read your story. I am scheduled to have surgery in 7 days, the anxiety is awful.  I have a question on the dizziness.  Did it ever go away.  I have had episodes of intense dizziness and was hoping this surgery will resolve that issue.  

Greetings Gina Came across your posts today and realized that I had mitral valve repair at about the same time as your own with Dr Castro and team at Sequoia (mine April 11, 2018) and that I also was misinformed by another cardiologist. I want you and others to know that I have zero chest problems and the scar is not at all noticeable and the repaired valve is functioning well. So thankful for Adam Pick's web site leading me to a great hospital and doctor team. You look so young. I will be 80 next month. Guess there is a wide range of those who can take advantage of MVR.

Hi Gina, I don’t know if you have seen that a new community member was looking to connect with you on the recommendation of Dr. Castro. It seems to be because she is looking to navigate (if not too late, the possibility of changing from Kaiser to a Covered California plan). She also has mitral valve issues. It stood out to me because Dr. Castro was my surgeon in August for AVR! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/user/lindayoung

Hi Gina, Catching up on the website and saw your post. Thank you very much for the well wishes. I hope you are doing well too. Nice to know others had the "Kaiser experience".

Hi Gina. Hope you are doing well. I just read your comments to Kirk about the metoprolol causing restless legs for you and I noticed I have the same thing at night, but I didn't make the connection. In the past, my doctor told me to drink more water. So I have been, which means, of course, I have to get up more at night. Hopefully now that they are starting to reduce the dosage it will start to lessen the effects. Funny how things like this effect you.

Hi Gina, my husband and I are following your story. He needs to have mitral valve surgery on the anterior leaflet. We live in San Francisco and are going to be consulting with your surgeon about this, it sounds like you are doing well.

Oops, Gina . . . after I sent my last msg. to you, I read your story--which I SHOULD have done beforehand. Anyway, it's clear you don't need any pep talks on the importance of research. In fact, I consider you the Role Model for Research. Congratulations! You claimed your own power, and it paid off. I'm confident it will continue paying off as you recover and help others with their heart issues. Best, Artie

Hi Gina, Glad to hear you're coming along fine. As for your experience with your initial cardiologist--everyone, listen up! Medical providers are NOT God. They don't always know what's best for you, so it's up to YOU to research everything. Remember, no matter how vulnerable you're feeling, you're hiring THEM. You set the rules, within the parameters of your condition. That means, research, research, research. (As always, many thanks to Adam for making it so much easier.) I love research, but for those of you who don't, find someone you trust who does love it and let them do it for you. Pay them if necessary. BTW, Gina, your not remembering much about your operation is very common. You might enjoy going on youtube and finding the "Barbara Walters heart surgery" clip. All my best to you, Artie

Hi Gina, Congratulations on your successful surgery! I also live in the Bay Area. I have been in a difficult situation for a year due to differing opinions about surgery. I have a moderately dilated left atrium but left ventricle and EF is ok. I suffer from palpitations and take beta blockers. Anyway, I pushed for surgery and was scheduled to have surgery at Stanford in April but I have postponed because of extreme anxiety. Now that I am facing the surgery, I feel that I can't go through with it. So brave of you to do this despite your cardiologist's opinion. Glad Dr Castro and Sequoia was a great experience for you. I am quite at peace with my choice of Stanford and Dr Woo. Now if I could get over my fear and pick a date, instead of freaking out so much. I am absolutely terrified. Best wishes to you for recovery! Nupur

Hi Gina. I too have Kaiser insurance and use the San Francisco hospital. I don’t want to have my surgery there. How did you get doctor Castro to do your surgery?