Susan Molina posted a note for Kristine that says:
Hi Kristine
So glad you are doing well. Just wondering if you had any symptoms or this was found by a regular check up. Regards, Susan Molina
Kristine Schroeder Hi Susan. I had no symptoms. This was actually discovered by a gastroenterologist when I went for a c ... Read more
Kristine Schroeder Hi Susan. I had no symptoms. This was actually discovered by a gastroenterologist when I went for a colonoscopy consultation. Looking back I was having some palpitations, but had chalked them up to too much caffeine and/or allergy meds.
Congratulations Kristine. My story was similar; surprise diagnosis, MR, ruptured chordate, flail anterior leaflet, etc.. Right minimally invasive... Read more
Congratulations Kristine. My story was similar; surprise diagnosis, MR, ruptured chordate, flail anterior leaflet, etc.. Right minimally invasive thoracotomy, delayed pleural effusion 10 weeks out. I'm finally feeling like my old self. Heart Valve Surgery .com was instrumental in easing my anxiety and letting me know I wasn't the only one with this problem and helping me find an outstanding MV repair surgeon- Dr Joseph Lamelas at U of M.
Gary Whiddon posted a note for Kristine that says:
So happy for you Kristine! My robotic mitral valve repair surgery is in a week, so at age 70 I am in good health and hope to recover within a couple months. ...Read more
So happy for you Kristine! My robotic mitral valve repair surgery is in a week, so at age 70 I am in good health and hope to recover within a couple months. I have severe mitral valve regurgitation and feel shortness of breath when walking uphill. God and family take care of me, so I am in good hands. Best. Gary
Hi Kristine, we haven't heard from you in a while. I hope you are well and recovery is moving forward in a positive direction
Kristine Schroeder Thank You for checking on me Timothy. I’m feeling great. Heart rate still a bit high for me, but ri ... Read more
Kristine Schroeder Thank You for checking on me Timothy. I’m feeling great. Heart rate still a bit high for me, but riding my bike and getting back to swimming. Just navigating life that takes more strength some times than other times. 😊
Timothy Andre Yay, so happy you are doing well. Nothing like getting back to doing all the activities and things y... Read more
Timothy Andre Yay, so happy you are doing well. Nothing like getting back to doing all the activities and things you love. Your heart rate will get there, you are I believe about 6 months post-op, they say it takes a full year before feeling 100%.
I've been back to the gym for a month and still training for my pilgrimage that will begin in April. It's nice to hear from you. Take care and God bless you
Kristine, it is so good to see you! You are such a warrior and inspiration. Your heart journey was one of the first I followed while anxiously waiting for my ...Read more
Kristine, it is so good to see you! You are such a warrior and inspiration. Your heart journey was one of the first I followed while anxiously waiting for my own surgery, it is imprinted in my memory. It is therefore even greater pleasure seeing you thriving. All the best!
Kristine Schroeder Thanks, Klara. I hope your recovery is going well. Hang in there!!
Hi Kristine , Great to see that you're back out on the water . I hope you can tolerate wearing a personal flotation device . Have fun and keep paddling
Hi Kristine.Thank you so much for your thoughtful note. It has been a busy few weeks. I had another surgical consult today with a surgeon I fell very good about ...Read more
Hi Kristine.Thank you so much for your thoughtful note. It has been a busy few weeks. I had another surgical consult today with a surgeon I fell very good about and have faith in. Surgery will be November 7! Having a date has brought some peace to me and I am now anxiously preparing. I''m also having the minimally invasive surgery. Hopefully a repair, but possibly replacement. Both the anterior and posterior leaflets are prolapsed (I think that's the word) and I have a ruptured chord. My regurgitation is severe and I'm frequently in a-fib. The surgeon is very optimistic that a successful repair can be made but if not, I will have a porcine replacement. They will also clip the left appendage to prevent clots from forming there, and drain a large cyst that formed on the pericardial sack. An estimated 5 hours of surgery! That frightens me, but It is time and I am ready. How are you feeling thus far into recovery? I am so fearful of exertion since my diagnosis. I'm anxious to have the valve fixed and start building my strength again. I wish you continued healing and strength.
Kristine Schroeder Hi Susan. sounds like a great plan with a surgeon you have confidence in, and that is more than half ... Read more
Kristine Schroeder Hi Susan. sounds like a great plan with a surgeon you have confidence in, and that is more than half the battle!. Our surgeries sound very similar with the exception of the cyst. Going into the surgery I only knew of the ruptured cords and the posterior flail. It wasn’t until the surgeon was in the middle of the operation that he discovered the anterior flap needed repair as well. My five hour surgery turned into an eight hour surgery. Of course, I knew none of it until I woke up in the ICU. I am doing really well. My right chest is still numb from the nerve block, and I occasionally have what feels like little shocks as the nerves begin to regenerate. I have resumed all normal activities and was driving about three or four weeks after my surgery. I would say the eight or nine week mark was the turning point for me with soreness. I also lost some of my sense of taste especially for sweets and that all disappeared as well around the eight or nine week mark. Time now to prepare mentally. If you have the opportunity to do any mindfulness training I highly recommend it. 😉 you will be sharing your own recovery experience very soon. Please reach out if you have any other questions.
Hi Kristine, it is so good to hear from you. My Anxiety finally started to kick in. I guess I just have to find a way to manage it in my head and be happy that ...Read more
Hi Kristine, it is so good to hear from you. My Anxiety finally started to kick in. I guess I just have to find a way to manage it in my head and be happy that "she" waited for so long :)) I am glad you are ok and recovering well, my fellow Barlow warrior!
So glad you are doing well. Just wondering if you had any symptoms or this was found by a regular check up. Regards, Susan Molina