Hi Melinda, It was this time last year that, I too was nervously awaiting my surgical consult. Ours is an emotional and challenging journey but it is not ...Read more
Hi Melinda, It was this time last year that, I too was nervously awaiting my surgical consult. Ours is an emotional and challenging journey but it is not insurmountable and there plenty of amazing people to work with along the way. Tomorrow you will have answers to the questions that you have wrestled with for so long. You will find direction and develop a plan. You are going into this meeting well prepared, you have done your homework and that is to your credit. You have found your way to a highly respected surgeon at a highly respected institution. Job well done, Melinda! Very best wishes for a day that goes well tomorrow.
Hi again, Hope you are doing well. Waiting and planning for heart surgery is challenging in many ways. I have read that you are considering Mt. ...Read more
Hi again, Hope you are doing well. Waiting and planning for heart surgery is challenging in many ways. I have read that you are considering Mt. Sinai and a major heart valve center is critical for a Barlow patient. Doing your homework is vital. Knowledge is truly power. Have you had your consult yet?
My presenting symptoms were shortness of breath on exertion and fatigue, which when worked up showed afib. and mod/severe regurge. I did not feel that badly. Was truly stunned to learn this, as I have had MVP since my 20's with no prior issues. A single cardioversion and amiodarone kept me in sinus rhythm until surgery 6 mos. later.
My repair was a complex one. Start to finish, I believe it was close to 6h including prep and line insertions, etc. Surgery was at MGH in Boston. I did indeed have pain but didn't take much narcotic as it worsened the post op nausea I have following any surgery.. Tylenol and lidocaine patches made it manageable.
Now 8 mos. post I'm taking metoprolol and baby aspirin daily. I feel so blessed to have conquered this. May you know this relief before very long. Let me know how you are doing and any questions as they come up.
Melinda Donahue Hi ! I am having trouble navigating through this site and just found your response. My consult is t ... Read more
Melinda Donahue Hi ! I am having trouble navigating through this site and just found your response. My consult is tomorrow and I am beyond anxious. I am asymptomatic - and am told I have some occurrences of afib based on a 3 day holter monitor. I am noticing some shortness of breath but its so humid in NJ. I go tomorrow and am pretty certain surgery will be scheduled. Thanks for answering me - will update tomorrow
You are not alone. I have walked in similar shoes and shared similar fears. I am 8 mos. post Barlow's valve repair, at age 65, via sternotomy. ...Read more
Hi Melinda,
You are not alone. I have walked in similar shoes and shared similar fears. I am 8 mos. post Barlow's valve repair, at age 65, via sternotomy. All went smoothly, without complications and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. While we all want a minimally invasive approach, sometimes it is not an option. If you find this is true in your case, I'm open to sharing my recent first hand experience.
All the best,
Melinda Donahue Hi Mary - thanks so much for getting back to - I am so happy you did. I am also 65.
Melinda Donahue Hi Mary - thanks so much for getting back to - I am so happy you did. I am also 65.
I have so many questions - like how long was the surgery, where did you get it done, were you in a lot of pain afterwards? Are you on any meds now - did you have symptoms before!!! Thanks so much for answering.
I just read your other post and I totally recommend Dr. David Adams and his team! Mount Sinai's food was terrible for vegetarians but the medical expertise ...Read more
I just read your other post and I totally recommend Dr. David Adams and his team! Mount Sinai's food was terrible for vegetarians but the medical expertise is unimpeachable. Like you, I didn't feel that poorly before the surgery but had signs of cardiac damage due to the mitral regurgitation. The surgery reversed the damage and i never regretted having it done when i did.
Melinda Donahue Sharon you made me burst out crying. I am so happy you answered. God bless you and am so happy you ar ... Read more
Melinda Donahue Sharon you made me burst out crying. I am so happy you answered. God bless you and am so happy you are well. Scared to death. They had a cancellation. Appointment change July 16.
Melinda Donahue Sharon how long was your surgery and you stay at the hospital ?
When you have your consult write down a list of questions beforehand. Such as repair or replace ( on rare occasions they decide after they get in there so picking ...Read more
When you have your consult write down a list of questions beforehand. Such as repair or replace ( on rare occasions they decide after they get in there so picking a valve just in case is a good idea). Ask about the maze procedure for a fib done during the surgery. As far as recovery times, go with the flow. Every person and surgery is different so predictions are like weather forecasts. Not worth much.
Richard Munson Yes, important to write them down and bring it with you. Easy to forget once you get in the meeting. ... Read more
Richard Munson Yes, important to write them down and bring it with you. Easy to forget once you get in the meeting. Write big if you wear reading glasses. Pain to take them out. Assume that you had an echo already. Don’t procrastinate. Your valve will not repair itself on its own. But once your valve is repaired the rest of your heart can possibly improve because it is not working overtime to make up for a leaking valve. Mine did after a year went by. You should also discuss the plusses and minusses of minimally invasive vs. the full zipper. Keep in mind hospitals and doctors tend to push what they do. Its a business after all is said and done. In either case its open heart surgery. Once they get inside, its all the same. I am sure others can add more questions to ask. I learned a lot more after my surgery especially on this site. I am considering going back to school for ohs but at 83 i might be rejected. Plus my sat scores are no doubt single digit. I had mine 3 years ago, minimally invasive at mass general in boston.
Melinda Donahue Thanks Richard - my appointment is on August 13 - I know I sound like a big baby but just so petrifie ... Read more
Melinda Donahue Thanks Richard - my appointment is on August 13 - I know I sound like a big baby but just so petrified. I am going though! I am sure it will be scheduled. I fear that it will get worse and compromise my heart. I am certain you would be accepted!!
Melinda Donahue My appointment was changed to July 15. Surgery scheduled 9/4
It was this time last year that, I too was nervously awaiting my surgical consult. Ours is an emotional and challenging journey but it is not ...Read more
It was this time last year that, I too was nervously awaiting my surgical consult. Ours is an emotional and challenging journey but it is not insurmountable and there plenty of amazing people to work with along the way.
Tomorrow you will have answers to the questions that you have wrestled with for so long. You will find direction and develop a plan. You are going into this meeting well prepared, you have done your homework and that is to your credit. You have found your way to a highly respected surgeon at a highly respected institution. Job well done, Melinda!
Very best wishes for a day that goes well tomorrow.