Paul's Guestbook

I didn't see your question on my post, back in Feb! I understand your anxiety about this surgery, & finding the right surgeon. My world was turned upside down last October, when I learned that I had to have OHS on my mitral valve within 3 months. After a month of searching, I finally found Dr Kevin Accola, at AdventHealth Orlando (he's in a number of videos with Adam Pick & for the hospital). Searching through Google I found dozens of positive recommendations for him. My family & I had complete peace about him after my visit, like a weight lifted off of me. He specializes in mitral valve repair, having done many thousands of them. AdventHealth is a very good hospital, & I was pleased with my care there. So if you are still searching, I highly recommend Dr Accola! Sorry this is coming so late. God bless you. Mava

Hi Paul, sorry about what you are going through. If you wouldn't mind coming all the way up to NY, Dr. David Adams is world-famous for mitral valve repair. He is with Mount Sinai Hospital. Good luck!

Paul... there are great doctors and hospitals in every state. Although I cannot help with recommendations in Florida,I’m sure someone will. I had my surgery in Michigan... great hospital and surgeon. I had mitral valve prolapse and chose a full sternotomy. I had a repair of the mitral valve, tricuspid valve and a maze procedure. It is doable and you will get through it. I was terrified! But it was not nearly as horrific as I imagined. Truthfully, my total shoulder joint replacement three years prior was far more painful and difficult to recovery from. I had three months off, but only because my doctors gave me that time and wanted me to start rehab before returning. I also had a highly stressful job (911 dispatch supervisor). I could have returned after seven weeks if necessary. I was driving after three or four weeks. I wish you the best of luck... do some research to choose a good hospital and surgeon. If you have questions please feel free to ask. 🙏🏻💞

How are you doing Paul? Sure hope you’re still moving forward with surgery. I’m 54 and had a full sternomoty. I was driving after 3 weeks and easily could’ve gone to work after 4 weeks. The fear ahead of surgery is much worse than the actual surgery. Keep us posted.

Hi Paul, Dr. Gillinov is doing my MVP repair early January! I hope all goes well for you. I'm from out of state too. Have you talked to Dr. G's nurse, Pricilla? She is great and allayed a lot of my fears. She's very encouraging. She's available almost every time I've called and happy to patiently answer my many questions. She's not in on Thursdays. In case you haven't spoken with her, her number is 216-444-9080. Good luck! My twin brother had a mitral valve repair at Cleveland before they had robotic options and he's doing great. He was in his mid 40s at the time. He took off about 2 months since he had a ton of sick leave, but definitely didn't need it. He felt a lot better after. You will too. And don't sweat the extra pounds. Most people who have surgery probably have some extra weight and now you won't have to worry if you don't feel like eating and you lose weight!

Great doctor! That's who did my mitral valve surgery on 11/26. He did the robotic procedure. He's awesome and so is the Cleveland Clinic. You are in great hands!