I have been following you on here since before your surgery (I too have mitral regurgitation, surgery on Tuesday!) and this post is amazing. You definitely ...Read more
I have been following you on here since before your surgery (I too have mitral regurgitation, surgery on Tuesday!) and this post is amazing. You definitely give hope to those of us still on the waiting side of things! I have to say, as a patient awaiting surgery, all we (or I, at least - I won’t speak for others) want is to follow a success story like yours! It helps tremendously. Congrats on your wedding anniversary! And kayaking! And school!!
Skipper Kagamaster Thank you so much for the kind words! Going through heart valve repair was, for me (like it probably ... Read more
Skipper Kagamaster Thank you so much for the kind words! Going through heart valve repair was, for me (like it probably is for most), a very intimidating ordeal. My hope is to have given anyone even a little bit an increased calm and confidence in their heart valve journey; if I can do that, then it was worth going through the stress. (Sorry for the late reply, too; life's been busy!)
Skipper, Hang in there.. You'll be recovered before you know it.. I had mitral vale repair due to severe leakage just like you. I had no symptoms but it needed ...Read more
Skipper, Hang in there.. You'll be recovered before you know it.. I had mitral vale repair due to severe leakage just like you. I had no symptoms but it needed repair before any heart muscle could be damaged. This August it has been 6 years since my surgery and I have not missed a beat and am fully capable to do any physical activity I would like.. See my video on Adams website here... Mitral Valve Repair Good Outcomes.. Jim Kelly & Dr. Patrick Mc Carthy.. Be Strong!
Andrea West-Antoun posted a note for Skipper that says:
I hope all went well with the surgery. I am at the "watchful waiting" on my Mitral valve situation. I am hoping if and when I need it I can get a more minamally ...Read more
I hope all went well with the surgery. I am at the "watchful waiting" on my Mitral valve situation. I am hoping if and when I need it I can get a more minamally invasive procedure. Prayers for a quick recovery!
Prayed for you Skipper. I had mitral valve repair 1 1/2 years ago and doing great. Reading all the success stories here are wonderful encouragement. When ...Read more
Prayed for you Skipper. I had mitral valve repair 1 1/2 years ago and doing great. Reading all the success stories here are wonderful encouragement. When you get the opportunity, go for cardiac rehab. When you feel fatigued just rest. Eat healthy and follow advice about exercise. Take in love and support.
Adam Pick Love the encouragement Linda! And, I am in COMPLETE agreement with you about cardiac rehab. That wa ... Read more
Adam Pick Love the encouragement Linda! And, I am in COMPLETE agreement with you about cardiac rehab. That was a game changer for me during the recovery! You got this Skipper!
Skipper Kagamaster I've already talked with my cardiologist about cardiac rehab; looking forward to it. Thank you so muc ... Read more
Skipper Kagamaster I've already talked with my cardiologist about cardiac rehab; looking forward to it. Thank you so much for the prayers and encouragement!
Good luck on your surgery! My husband had robotic minimally invasive mitral valve repair a year ago. His recovery was really quite incredible, and he’s better ...Read more
Good luck on your surgery! My husband had robotic minimally invasive mitral valve repair a year ago. His recovery was really quite incredible, and he’s better than ever. Sending prayers for peace and a successful surgery
Jeff W * should have noted - this is Cathy (Jeff’s wife)
Skipper Enter with confidence in the OR you will see that the more confidence and faith you have in the operation and recovery is easier the healing.... my ...Read more
Skipper Enter with confidence in the OR you will see that the more confidence and faith you have in the operation and recovery is easier the healing.... my surgery was last January 10th and I feel great and my recovery was fast and smooth and I am happy to have all this behind as is going to be the same for you tomorrow. I will pray and remember you today and your family.
Adam Pick Love this encouraging post for Skipper! Thanks Paola! I love what you wrote about confidence heading ... Read more
Adam Pick Love this encouraging post for Skipper! Thanks Paola! I love what you wrote about confidence heading into the OR. I feel the exact same way.
Skipper Kagamaster I'm glad this is now in the rearview; now let's put some miles between me and surgery!
The wait is over Skipper! Today, you're putting this behind you. We'll be here to welcome you to recovery! ❤
Skipper Kagamaster Dreading it and looking forward to it simultaneously.
Skipper Kagamaster Dreading it and looking forward to it simultaneously.
Susan Lynn Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking just before surgery. But, trust me, putting it in the rear ... Read more
Susan Lynn Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking just before surgery. But, trust me, putting it in the rearview mirror is way better than waiting. You go, Skipper!
Shainy Connors Well said Skipper!
It’s a love/hate relationship
I just know it’s time & Im tired of running from ... Read more
Shainy Connors Well said Skipper!
It’s a love/hate relationship
I just know it’s time & Im tired of running from it! I will never win this race.
Skipper Kagamaster Here I am on the other side. Am I happy with the pain and medication? Not at all. Am I happy that I'm ... Read more
Skipper Kagamaster Here I am on the other side. Am I happy with the pain and medication? Not at all. Am I happy that I'm alive and the valve was fixed (and it was really in very bad shape)? Absolutely! Life's a mixed bag; I'm taking every day the Lord gives me for what it is, and I'm thankful for the prospect of many more days to come.
Hi Skipper my thoughts and prayers will be with you as we both begin our journey through our heart surgery on Feb 27. I have been staying very busy to keep ...Read more
Hi Skipper my thoughts and prayers will be with you as we both begin our journey through our heart surgery on Feb 27. I have been staying very busy to keep my mind occupied as best I can and trying to get everything in order. Every now and then I am overcome by a range of emotion trying to remain positive reminding myself that in a matter of months I will have my active life back hiking,spinning and gardening and everything in between as you will too! I know I will need to be patient as my body heals and recovers, I also know it wont be easy I'm sure I will get frustrated as patience is not my strong suit but I will persevere I have many people in my corner to help encourage me along the way.
i WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK, I will be keeping tabs on you when I can, take care keep your family close
That is great advice and thank you Skipper! we are indeed in a very similar situation. I was jogging 2-3 times a week before my doctor called me with the results ...Read more
That is great advice and thank you Skipper! we are indeed in a very similar situation. I was jogging 2-3 times a week before my doctor called me with the results of an echo he recommended I get just to be safe after hearing a murmur. I had no clue. Like you said though, I am extremely grateful that we live in a time with amazing medical advancements. I'll be following your story and praying for your success. It looks like you have tons of love and support on your side. I'm meeting with Dr. Larry Watts at Sanger Heart and Vascular here in Charlotte next week. Anyone out there have any knowledge about this facility? They seem to be the best in the area and I think they are considered high-volume for valve surgeries, but I'm still researching all of this.
Skipper Kagamaster Here's a good, jumping off point to compare metric for different hospitals and surgeons:
https://heal ... Read more
Skipper Kagamaster Here's a good, jumping off point to compare metric for different hospitals and surgeons:
https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cardiology-and-heart-surgery
They rank Sanger #1 in the Charlotte, NC area, so that's good. What procedure are you going with? Have you explored the minimally invasive surgeries? Any reason to even talk replacement instead of repair? I found a good checklist for things to ask a prospective surgeon a little bit ago; I'll share it if I find it again. I personally was happy to explore clinics outside of my area if they took my insurance. Of course, Charlotte is a pretty big city so you might have some great options right there.
Just got home from church and read your update. So proud of you and now hoping and praying for a perfect fit w the surgeon God leads you to. Love you so much, ...Read more
Just got home from church and read your update. So proud of you and now hoping and praying for a perfect fit w the surgeon God leads you to. Love you so much, and the beautiful inside and out Danielle, my grandson Jon, the little baby, Jack and crazy Buster. Bless all of you. And may God speed the exact right direction for you. Love ❤️ Mom
Welcome, Skipper! I'm a fellow Pennsylvanian and mitral valve repair heart warrior. Curious to know where you're having surgery!
Skipper Kagamaster You and me both! Lord willing I'll find out int he next two weeks.
Frank Giovanniello Best of health, Skipper, no matter where you have it done. Key is to feel good with the surgeon. I to ... Read more
Frank Giovanniello Best of health, Skipper, no matter where you have it done. Key is to feel good with the surgeon. I too am a Pennsylvanian. I'm from Tannersville, Poconos. I had my quad bypass near you, St Lukes Bethlehem in August. I pray all good things for you and your family.
Skipper Kagamaster Thanks, Frank! I'm glad you're on the other side of that bypass surgery.
Crystal Sandoval posted a note for Skipper that says:
I just know it will be better on the other side. This wasn’t a surprise to God!
Skipper Kagamaster I have to keep reminding myself of that aspect; the beginning to the end is already written, and we'r ... Read more
Skipper Kagamaster I have to keep reminding myself of that aspect; the beginning to the end is already written, and we're all just playing it out. Thanks!
Ali Kagamaster posted a note for Skipper that says:
Hi, son! I'm praying for a speedy resolve to this, and that the Lord would be with you every step of the way! I love you! Thank you for sharing your story here. ...Read more
Hi, son! I'm praying for a speedy resolve to this, and that the Lord would be with you every step of the way! I love you! Thank you for sharing your story here. Love, Mom
Skipper Kagamaster Thanks, Mom! Maybe I'll give you an excuse to fly out to NYC, eh?
Alison (Ali) (Kagamaster) Oh, I don't need an excuse to see you, but I'm always up for NYC - after all, it's where I was raised ... Read more
Alison (Ali) (Kagamaster) Oh, I don't need an excuse to see you, but I'm always up for NYC - after all, it's where I was raised and hopefully will service you in a speedy and wonderfully miraculous way!
Skipper Kagamaster We'll find out if that's the destination soon enough; 1 week to go.