Lori's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: January 17, 2026

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Lori Higuera got a guestbook from Matthew Boyer
2 days ago (October 16, 2026)
Lori, I hope all is well. Did you have your surgery? Matt
2 days ago (October 16, 2026)
No not yet, I had to have some extras tests so hopefully November.
Lori Higuera got a guestbook from Charlotte Box
2 weeks ago (September 29, 2026)
I read through your post. Are you having your surgery Oct 22nd? Will it be the less invasive type?
2 weeks ago (September 29, 2026)
Im waiting for my ct results if its good I will have minimally invasive.
2 weeks ago (September 30, 2026)
OK. Got my date today - the 16th. Will be open heart in Phoenix.
2 weeks ago (October 1, 2026)
My prayers are with you . Please reach out if you need to chat. the anxiety can really be hard right now.
2 weeks ago (October 1, 2026)
Thanks. I love to research and did a lot the 6 weeks I was waiting for the appt. I told the doctor that then said 'now tell me about my case and what you plan to do about it'. I even asked questions I don't' think he was expecting but... Read more.
2 weeks ago (October 1, 2026)
What a journey for you. I think the doctors do respect a knowledgeable patient. How interesting that you asked all the questions. Are you feeling better about the heart lung machine? thats the scariest part for me.
2 weeks ago (October 1, 2026)
Who in LA would have done the surgery for you?
2 weeks ago (October 2, 2026)
I forget. It was surgeon I watched on a video. Sorry, I can't remember if it was from this site or youtube. I was searching mitral valve stenosis and robotic. It might be at Cedars Sinai.
2 weeks ago (October 2, 2026)
From my visit with him, the only negative was he does not use the rigid sternal fixation method. He says he has had too many come back with infections from their body reacting with the metal. He said he does a figure 8 with the wires which keeps them more... Read more.
2 weeks ago (October 2, 2026)
Well it sounds like he has a good approach.
Lori Higuera got a guestbook from Matthew Boyer
5 months ago (May 15, 2026)
Lori, How are you doing? I have not been on the site for a few weeks. I am six weeks out from surgery now. I am doing ok. I am not very patient and am ready to be back to 100%. I will be going back to work Monday. Once... Read more.
3 months ago (July 1, 2026)
Hi Mathew, I was just checking how you are doing?
1 month ago (September 3, 2026)
Sorry, I have not been on the site for a while. I guess that is a good thing since I have been busy. I am back to work full time. I went back at around 7 weeks. I was still having the occasional murmur when my heart rate was above... Read more.
1 month ago (September 3, 2026)
Hi Matthew, we'll i am so glad you are doing ok I was a little worried since you haven't posted. I know it will take time to get back completely normal. l Im having my surgery with Dr. Chikwe next month on the 22nd.
1 month ago (September 3, 2026)
I have so many questions .
1 month ago (September 15, 2026)
Feel free to ask. I will try and answer them if I can.
1 month ago (September 15, 2026)
Ok, here they are Did you like Dr. Chikwe and her team. how long were you in surgery. are you on any medicine and was it hard for you to travel after. I am 2 hours away from Cedars. I hope you are doing great!!!!
1 month ago (September 17, 2026)
I really like Dr Chikwe and her team. The nurses in the hospital and ICU were probably my favorite. They were very nice and helpful. I’m think I was in surgery for around two hours. The estimated me in the ICU. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was released... Read more.
1 month ago (September 17, 2026)
I would love that!
1 month ago (September 18, 2026)
My number is 417)439-0188. I will be free today after 6 pm MT. I should be available most of the weekend too. If you would text first to make sure I am free, and so I know you are going to call. I usually do not pick up if I... Read more.

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