Raleigh's Guestbook

Welcome to this very special and helpful group! I found it prior to my minimally invasive Mitral Valve replacement. (valve too damaged to repair.) It helped calm my fears, gave me information that helped me know the questions to ask and guide me through the process. That being said, it is an overwhelming thing to be told at any age you need surgery on your heart. Decisions are many- but the one I didn't have to make was the one to have it or not. That was already decided for me due to the severe degree of prolapse and regurgitation. I welcome you to read my experience, now 4.5 months post op. I am not the most effective journal writer, as I am an RN by profession, not a writer. I am open to questions as well and you can ask here or email- just let me know and I will send my email address. Take good care, stay true to what is important to you- be informed and make decisions that ring true for you! It is an individual process and we here share our experiences to try to help others through it.

Hello Raleigh. I am seven weeks post aortic and mitral valve surgery repair (fortunate not to need replacement). Last July my "leaky" valves were diagnosed, (during my annual physical, my GP identified an irregular heartbeat).The first cardiologist I went to wanted to have the surgeon operate on me within a few weeks. This was moving way too fast for me; I had no symptoms at all and was freaked-out about all this. One of my good friends recommended his cardiologist and he is who I went with. He made me feel comfortable and confident about the surgery! I am glad I got that "second opinion" because it ended up to be a great idea and made me feel much more educated about the entire process. I wish you all the best and take your time and make sure you like who is going to provide your care. Take care and best wishes!

Welcome to our heart club! Like you, I have MVP with severe regurgitation. Both the anterior and posterior leaflets are damaged so still hoping for repair over replacement but won't know till they get in there..I went this past week to Brigham and Womens up in Boston and met with Dr. Byrne (journal post to follow), came off very impressed and set the date for surgery....hope your consults have and will go as well also...