Lisa's Guestbook

Those look like great reasons to me. I just had ohs on the16th. Repaired 3 aneurysm's and rerouted an artery. Good luck to you and keep the faith. Stay strong!

Lisa, where did you have your surgery, I am supposed to have valve replaced in Cleveland soon. I enjoyed reading about your journey, that gives hope to others.

Best of luck Lisa, I'm right behind you, I read your story and it was as if I had written it. I too have MVP since around 22 went for EKG last week and same here, I speak to the surgeon in a couple of weeks to see what the plan is, repair or replace. Sounds like a lot of people on here are doing well, I'm trying to look at this as a repairing something that has been broken for a long time. Best of luck!!!!

Hi Lisa, this is Bonnie's husband, Brian. Good luck with your surgery. We will be sending prayers your way. Bonnie had her surgery. She is very weak but is doing well. Merry Christmas. Bonnie

Hi Lisa I went though the same type of process as yourself, when we first found out it came a a massive shock . And we checked all the new & latest ways to do the surgery. But as the information presented it self ( this is only my understanding) it became clear , because my surgeon said to me the Gold standard operation which is around over 50 years was the best way for me to go , and that was the open heart surgery. That was nearly 9 weeks ago - and everything went very well - it is not a walk in the park - but everything that I experienced was bearable and I am a corward and I was terrified but I found the whole Experience positive. So hope all goes good for you and your hubby.

Hi Lisa, You might try Kingsport, TN. They performed minimally invasive heart surgery for my mother. Just a thought. I also know people who travel to hospitals that specialize. I had my own heart surgery in 2014 in Norfolk Va. They have their own designated heart hospital and did a great job. A second or even a third opinion is usually a great idea. You need to feel comfortable in who you choose. Good luck and prayers to follow. Happy holidays Lisa.

Hi Lisa. I suppose every situation is unique, but I also had some telling me that Open Heart was the only way to go. But I took myself to see Dr. Balkhy at University of Chicago Medicine for robotic approach. Now, I do think the initial pain is just as intense. Of course, I can’t know for sure because I haven’t had a sternomoty, but from everyone I’ve spoke to, I do expect to heal up a little better. My 42 year old neighbor is almost two years out from his quaddroopale bypass and he still feels some pain in his sternum. Again, everyone is different, and I do hope I’m not causing you concern, but sitting at 36 hours since my surgery started, I’m pretty happy with the path I’ve chose. I know that expert care would’ve been applied by open heart surgeons, but my goal is to get back to weightlifting, mountain biking and wrestling with my sons. The valve is sealed up nicely now, so I think this was my best option. God bless, Adam

Hello Lisa, So nice of you to send a note! Bags are packed, getting lots of rest, electric bed is ordered, keeping focused on good thoughts. Have requested that hubby post an update, on my behalf, right after surgery as I am always looking to see post-surgery posts from others:) Thinking of you and all our community members with good wishes, prayers and blessings...............and as my Mother always closed her notes to others............God Bless!

Hi again, I just read your original "story," which I should have done in the first place! So that kind of explains why they plan to replace rather than repair. I'm probably stepping out of line here, but hey, I'm from New York City (originally) so we don't care. If I were you, I'd get that second opinion on not being able to repair it. My own surgeon, Dr. Glenn Barnhart, in Seattle, would I'm sure be happy to give it. And they don't charge anything. Second, since they're not doing minimally invasive but the full cut, NOT because you're not a suitable candidate for M.I. but because they don't do it at all (for anyone), I'd ask Dr. Barnhart (1) if he thought you WERE a candidate for M.I.; and (2) could he recommend anyone in your area who does it. He's from the South originally (Virginia) so he might well be familiar with your region's resources. M.I. is hugely preferable to full OHS if you do qualify. That's it for now. Feel free to tell me it's none of business. We New Yorkers hear it all the time, hahaha.

Hi Lisa, I read your posting re: mitral valve replacement. You're doing exactly the right thing by getting as much info from as many sources as possible--and then, YOU ALONE can make the decision. I had my mitral valve repaired (and my aortic valve replaced, because it can almost never be repaired). My surgeon is known for doing everything possible to repair an M.V. rather than replace it. After he looked at all my medical films, he said he wouldn't know if he could repair it till he "got in there." Then he added a wonderful, "I've repaired worse than yours." And his first words to me post-op were, "We repaired it." Did your surgeon tell you WHY he knew he couldn't repair it, even before he "got in there?" Would he mind if you had your records sent to another surgeon for a second opinion? (A good surgeon will NEVER be offended by this, but will urge you to do so for your own reassurance.) Okay, let's say you must have it replaced after all that. I was 70 when I opted for a cow valve rather than a mechanical one (for my aortic valve). But if I were 49, I'd still go with the animal one, and here's my thinking. First, the mechanical valve requires, as you know. lifelong Coumadin. Second, a doctor told me that someone with a mechanical valve will feel that valve inside him. I don't know to what degree,, but something like a timepiece. And some people who have that valve are actually reassured by this: "Hey, I'm still ticking away!" But I personally wouldn't have liked it. As for the natural concern of needing to maybe replace your animal valve in 10-20 years, sure, that could happen. But in 10-20 years, it looks like there'll be ways to do that that we can't even imagine now. They already have the TAVR, so there's no cutting open the chest. And I've read that in the future they might well be able to inject microrobots into your bloodstream to do all the repairing. (Weird as that sounds!) My point is that we shouldn't assume that 20 years from now medicine will be just what it is now. Final thought: if you do get an animal valve, I don't know if there are different sources for them, but ask for one from Edwards Life Sciences. They're cream of the crop. Have any questions for me, shoot 'em my way. But remember: you get to decide not me (or anyone else). Every blessing to you, Lisa, I know you're going to do just fine. Artie Rubin

Hi Lisa, Yes, to find out there is a mitral valve problem is sometimes a "surprise", to say the least. Your story is similar to several I have read on this site, including mine. Not certain if I will have repair or replacement of valve. Up to my surgeon to decide. Glad you have found this information blog, so helpful. Best of luck. Regards, Bonnie

Hi Lisa! You and I have a similar story and I was just as shocked as you to find out surgery was eminent. I had open heart surgery 4 weeks ago by Dr. Gerdisch at the Franciscan Heart Center in Indianapolis, thoracotomy approach (incision under the right breast as opposed to sternum). I read Adam Pick's book cover to cover and then used this site to help calm my nerves. And of course I prayed like crazy. It is the scariest thing I have ever faced and although I wasn't having many symptoms, I already feel better and feel so grateful - after all, I was given a second chance at living a long and active life.