Karen's Guestbook

Karen DellaFave  Hi Jennifer,
Take one day at a time. Trust that Dr. Gilinov will guide you in the right direction. Although I will meet him personally for the first time later today, his background, experience, reputation and reviews are excellent. I've known about my Mitral Valve Prolapse for 30 years, but have been asymptomatic, even though the regurgitation has gradually increased over time. My first evaluation for surgery was performed four years ago by two different surgeons at two different mitral valve centers. At that time one surgeon said he would do it and one said to wait. Both offered me the open heart approach. I choose to wait but have been followed very closely by my Cardiologist ever since. In June, after repeating a TEE and undergoing a Cardiac Cath I was told it was time for surgery. I had originally planned to have surgery closer to home, but my insurance and surgeon forced me to explore other options. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I sent all of my tests and records to two different Mitral Valve experts and it was confirmed that I am ready for surgery. The best part was they both offered me the option of Robotic MVR. I choose Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Gillinov after additional research and trusting my gut feeling. So far, I am beyond happy with my decision. Every contact with CC and Dr. Gillinov's office and especially his nurse has been wonderful. They provided exceptional information to assist me in preparing for my journey, physically and mentally. I was given a surgery date when they reviewed my records, but I'm sure that is because I've already used up my time of watching and waiting. The pre-op testing was an outstanding experience. I was given a schedule with locations and instructions which seemed at first glance a bit overwhelming. But it wasn't! They really have it down to a science. So impressed with the layout of the facility, the staff, and their system of moving their patients through a full day of multiple tests. I look forward to finally meeting Dr Gillinov and hope nothing in my tests will change the approach to my surgery. I know this is very difficult for you, as it has been for me. Take one day at a time. Practice relaxation. Trust that you are in good hands. I hope your experience at CC goes well. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during your heart-health journey!

Jennifer Donohue  Thank you Karen for your story and experience. Waiting and patience have never been my strong points and I know these are the two things I need the most of right now. My prayers are with you tomorrow and as I walk the halls of the CC on Thursday.

Karen DellaFave  Thank you Chris, it has been a stressful year, but happy that the time is here to begin the next chapter. I appreciate your words of encouragement. Looking forward to check out the Cleveland Clinic this afternoon!

Margot Swann  I also believe in the philosophy of "milestones." Every day after my surgery was better than the previous day. Appreciating each small accomplishment kept me from the pity parties.

Karen DellaFave  Hi Phyllis,
So grateful for all of the information you shared with me about your experience with MVR at CC. It has definitely helped to reduce my anxieties about the surgery and recovery. Thank you!

Karen DellaFave  Thank you Betty, I look forward to meeting you after surgery. I will be flying out to Cleveland on Thursday and most of my pre-op testing will be completed on Friday. I hope to enjoy the area over the weekend as we will have time to (try) to relax. The first time I will meet with Dr. Gillinov is on Monday, but the best part of the internet is that I have had an opportunity to view his videos online and read his patient's reviews, so I do feel like I have already met him. All my interactions with his office, his nurse, and the hospital have been so positive. I am confident we are in the very best hands and will be given excellent care. Seems like a lot to do in these final days, but glad that I can finally begin the journey. I contacted CC shuttle service and they are picking us up from the airport and bringing us to the hotel. It is a free service and very easy to arrange. Tuesday is my surgery, just not sure of the time yet. I am looking forward to meet up with you. Best wishes to you as you begin your journey, my thoughts and prayers will be with you!

Betty Atwater  Hi Karen, I hope you have a good flight to Cleveland tomorrow (Thurs.) and a smooth day of testing on Friday. That's a great idea to have some time over the weekend to relax and maybe see some of Cleveland. I, too, feel as though I've already met Dr. Gillinov because I've watched so many of his videos and read all there is available about him on the CC website. And his nurse also has been so helpful in answering my questions. My sister, Judy, and I will be staying at the Comfort Inn, arriving on Sunday afternoon. This hotel has a free shuttle to CC (about 10-15 minutes away) running every half hour. I'll definitely be thinking of you on Tuesday and sending strong 'vibes' and prayers for your surgery to go smoothly. Hopefully we'll meet up with you during our recovery days. Take care!

Karen DellaFave  Adam, Thank you for the warm welcome and for this site. It has been a wonderful source of information and comfort while I wait for my heart surgery.

Adam Pick  Hi Karen and Anna, I saw this and thought you might like to check it out - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/09/11/patient-advocacy-brazil-cleveland-gillinov/.

Karen DellaFave  Thanks Adam! Great article, so true!

Hi Anna, I will try to keep you posted. I start my journey tomorrow!