Helen's Guestbook

Helen-- I've been one of your "followers" from the beginning but have been too shy to post anything. But tell me, please: did you have any problem connecting with Dr. Adams at Mt Sinai?. I have severe MV insufficiency + moderate AV, stemming from endocarditis 3.5 years ago. I'm told I need MV replacement at the least, but I can't seem to identify a surgeon who specializes in MV surgery consequent to endocarditis. (Mount Sinai has been recommended by my cardiologist. ) Sorry to bother you with this, but you seem to have had a successful experience with Mount Sinai. Any thoughts? Thank you , Helen-- and best wishes for continued recovery. Diane

Hi Helen, I hope you are still doing awesome. I know you loved Dr Adams. Did you have it done minimally invasively or robotically. Not sure if he does one of both methods. Thanks in advance!

Hi Helen, I just read your post & I was at Mt. Sinai today too! I saw Dr. Adams and was just told I needed mitral valve valve surgery & scheduled it at Mr.Sinai for next month. I am still a bit overwhelmed with the news and lettting it sink in. Funny, I live just a few towns away from you in NJ so we are neighbors :) Feel free to contact me if you need someone to talk too. It is so nice that we can all support each other. Hugs. Suzanne

Hi Helen, We are the same age. I am preparing for surgery as well- similar to you. I imagine you might feel alot like I felt for several months when I got this news. Slowly, with research and support I am having more moments where I am feeling more comfortable with this next life event. Statistics are very good for us All, especially with trusted surgeon specialists. How lucky you are to be offered a repair, and also by a leading mitral valve specialists. Believe me, I relate, and I wish you well. I can speak from experience that a small amount of valium or Xanax can take the edge off of the terror feeling inside, and allow the body to relax and know it is safe. Also, EFT tapping has been very helpful for me - Emotional Freedom Tapping has helped me tremendously (helps to naturally turn off the fear center of the brain, thereby reducing stress, anxiety and panic). Let me know if your curious and I can send you a YOU TUBE link you can follow along with a coach. It's freen soothing (and kind of like acupressure). Wishing you well along your journey... you are NOT alone.

Helen - I know you're nervous - believe me, I've been there recently myself. I found out last year that I needed mitral valve repair surgery, had it in December, and I can tell you that the waiting was the worst part. I had a very quick and nearly painless procedure and recovery. While he didn't do my surgery, Dr. Adams is very highly regarded in MVR. You're going to be fine. Think positively! Every day you're a step closer to putting this behind you, getting on with your life, and your newly-repaired heart.