Shirley's Guestbook

Shirley Wong-Cruz  Hi Linda, welcome to the site. Well, I don't know if you have read my story but I'll love to give you every single detail. I'm 48 years old now and I happen to be diagnosed with Mitral valve prolapse in August 2012 due to anxiety caused by my mom's passing. My medical doctor told me that my problem was very common and not to worry but that I should have an Echo every 2 years. 3 years later I went back to him to have my annual physical and after having another Echocardiogram and being told that I had A significant heart murmur, my medical doctor referred to a cardiologist who recommended surgery. Then I was referred to Dr Robert Kalimi, cardiac surgeon, who confirmed my diagnosis. I had Mitral valve regurgitation ( severe leak of my mitral valve). After having 2 test prior to surgery "TEE and Angiogram" I was told that I needed OHS to repair my valve. I had " Minimally invasive OHS on 9/11/15, stayed 2 days in Cardiac ICU then transferred to Step down and discharge home day #5. My recovery was miraculous, pain free (I know hard to believe) and returned to work 3 weeks later. I only experienced tenderness on the incision site ( 2 inches cut on the lateral side of my right breast) and back pain around shoulder blade area. I'm a physical therapist so I did my therapy at home. Good luck to you and please contact me via this site anytime. I'm from NY and here is where I had my OHS ❤️. PS: I only took occasional naps during the day because beta blockers make you tired and No! No recliner needed but used extra pillows for comfort. Very important walking and breathing exercises are the key to my success .

susan kotansky  Hi Linda, I also had MVP with moderate to severe regurgitation which I had since childhood (not sure about the regurgitation part which was diagnosed later). I was asymptomatic however, in hindsight I believe that many of the weird symptoms I've had my whole life might very well have stemmed from this issue. I was always very aware of my heartbeat (isn't everybody? no!!!), often had palpitations, pvcs, and bouts of very rapid heartbeat, and panic attacks....did I say "asymptomatic"? Surgery was never really considered a serious option until last spring when my cardiologist said I shouldn't even wait 6 months! I totally freaked out. I found a topnotch surgeon who told me I could wait and watch but that deterioration was inevitable.I decided to go ahead while my heart was still healthy and I am now 4 am 1/2 months past the surgery. The first month was about resting and healing with some moderate exercise. I rarely stayed in bed, walked around the house as much as possible. I didn't use a recliner but lots of pillows. Each week I got a little stronger. There was much discomfort but not much pain and frankly the emotional part was harder than the physical. I can say now that I feel really well even though I didn't expect to. I would suggest two things that helped me alot:
1. Ask your doctor what symptoms normally occur afterwards. If you know they're normal you just accept them and they pass. If you don't know they are normal it can needlessly upset you.
2. Move as much as possible...they usually give you some PT at home...take it, do it. Walk a lot..outside, inside. Go to cardio rehab when you're ready...stay busy!!!! and rest in between.
Good luck...It will be great when it's over!!!! Waiting is the hardest part...for sure.

Linda Richards  Shirley, do you think you had an easier recovery because of your age and a PhyTh? I'm 52 and will be having the minimally invasive surgery.

Sharmin Atker  Linda, I also was diagnosed with MVP when I was younger, which progressed to Mitral Regurgitation warranting Mitral Valve Repair, I'm in my 50s, via Median Sternotomy, three months ago. My symptoms were minimum:
1 Shortness of Breath - which I wrote off to aging
2 Dizziness - which I thought was due to another medical condition
3 Palpitations - I thought that was normal
4 Rapid Heart Rate - when I ate sugar
It was after I had a few chest pains at night that I decided to see a Cardiologist, because I had planned a trip planned to Europe and didn't want to have any medical issues there.
After my surgery, I didn't use a recliner, but it's a good idea to have one because lying down flat did hurt. In the morning after taking a shower I would stay downstairs all day, only going to bed at night. If I was tired I would sleep on the couch. A week after my surgery, I went to a restaurant with friends.
I too didn't have anyone to talk to before my surgery, so I know how you feel. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Shirley Wong-Cruz  Linda, I believe my quick recovery can't be compared with others. We all heal different but I do believe that been very active prior to surgery, healthy (I only have chronic gastritis, acid reflux like everybody else) and the fact that I had a minimally invasive approach helped a lot. And Linda, I'm 48 and you 52? Not a big difference in age lol. Sometimes, after surgery you have to push yourself. I also had a very experience 43 year old Cardiac surgeon. At 9 days post op I had already walked my first mile, constantly monitoring my heart rate. Never had any shortness of breath but constantly did breathing ex. And stopped walking as needed. I daily performed simple sitting exercises in my house to strengthen up my legs and used my incentive spirometer to increase my lung capacity. Nothing is impossible my friend, be positive and you will see how fast and easier your healing can be, Please ask me any questions. I'm here to assist those who are going thru this journey.