Liz's Guestbook

Hi Liz, My story is very similar to yours. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse when I was in college. I am now in my early 50's. I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery with the DaVinci robot seven months ago. I am feeling really great, but the scars from the 5 cuts on my chest still hurt at times? Did your scars hurt (at random times) when you were 6 or 7 months post surgery? How long did it take for the scars to stop hurting completely? There pain is not bad, just annoying. Please let me know what your experience was? Thanks.

Hi Liz, so sorry, my condolences on losing your Dad. My 94 year old Dad passed away Feb 10th. I know your sadness, but also I hear some pride and sweet memories. My Dad was an amazing guy too. Sounds like they could have been brothers! I told myself that if I can channel his optimism, loving manner, sense of humor and courage through the things he faced in his life, I should be just fine as I go into my surgery next week. I was fortunate too, to be with him along with my siblings. God helped us both in that way. We are going to be stronger for it! Thinking of you!

I am glad you are doing well. Best wishes back at work. Work smirk as my girls say! I have cath this wed and scans Thur in prep for my surgery most likely in Jan. My story sounds a lot like yours. Only exception is that I have been told I have the murmur and made myself an apt with a cardiologist in Aug. They found the MVP after Holter and echo. But that dr wanted to take a wait and see. I made another apt in Birmingham, AL and these dr found sever regurgitation. I wan this done before damage is done to my heart. I notice symptoms since they are pointed out. I am very nervous. I am 57 yr old female. For the most part very healthy. Go like a mad woman all the time. Continue to care for you. Cheryl Smith

Hi Liz, You are in the hands of the best surgeons so do not worry, you will see that you will recover soon just like I did and will be sending you lots of encouragement. I will be praying for you and sending good thoughts and well wishes.

HI Liz wishing you calming thoughts. I to have surgery next week. Your surgical team will be looking out for you. You are never alone. I work at a heart and Lung hospital called Deborah heart and Lung center in NJ. I work with cardiologist And I have the same feelings you have and then there are times I know how the Doctors put there knowledge to use in order for us to feel better and have a quality of life that otherwise would not be available. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Remember you are not alone.

Liz, yes! I know exactly what you mean! I found out four months ago something was even wrong with my heart and then two months ago that I was going to have surgery within the next 6 months. It completely devastated me and confused me cause I had not had any symptoms. My GP, cardiologist and my surgeon all told me what symptoms I should be experiencing but wasn't which made the thought of surgery ridiculous to me. However the past few days I have been tight chested, short of breath and extremely tired. As crazy as it sounds I'm kind of thankful for these symptoms. It takes some of the fear out of surgery. This site has helped so much too! When I got the news I was so scared and thought of it more of a death sentence. It helps to see all the people who have lived through it and are better for it! Sorry to make you read so much. Lol! I will be praying!

Hi Liz welcome to this wonderful community. We are all here to lean on each other. This page was just what I needed and it is now a daily ritual to have a read, take in more information and receive and offer support. It really makes a difference to how I am coping with my husbands aortic valve stenosis and latest symptoms and possible Surgery. Hugs Shirley.