Susan's Guestbook

Yes Susan, my incision is center chest--right between my breasts. It's only 3.5" long & doesn't show at all when I wear low cut tops. I also had severe mitral leakage. I'm almost 51 years old now & was most concerned about my surgeon's ability to repair the valve as quickly as possible with as little pain possible. Dr. Castro explained that the side, rib approach adds a full hour to the surgery time, requires several small incisions vs. just one incision down the center & it's a more painful recovery because you have to do A LOT of deep breathing exercises every day to keep your lungs clear. At my age, I just don't care if my scar does show--it's part of my life's story now. Maybe if this happened to me at a younger age, I would've been more vain & not wanted a scar on my chest. It's an individual decision you'll have to make with the guidance of whichever surgeon you choose. I'm glad I can help in any way, Susan. Have a great Sunday!

Yes, I had the center chest incision. I could've had the right side, through the ribs approach if I was concerned about the scar, but there are big negatives to that: longer surgery time, more incisions, longer time on bypass & it's more painful. No thanks 😭

Maybe it's time for a new cardiologist? I find it scary that he doesn't know about Sequoia, Stanford, Alta Bates or UCSF. I know insurances are all different, but most don't require a referral anymore. The specialist's office will take care of getting your records too. I had my heart catch & TEE done at Sequoia by two cardiologists who work at Sequoia a few days prior to my surgery day. Btw, I'm 50 years old & had severe regurgitation too.

You're very welcome for the referral! I was so worried about having my surgery done at the local hospital--one cardio thoracic surgeon in my rural county, who only does the old school 10" incision--so thankful for this website for helping me find Dr. Castro!

Hi Susan, recovery is such an individual experience--everyone heals differently. For me, the first three weeks post op were pretty rough. I must say that I have a low pain tolerance, though. The nurses at Sequoia Hospital said pain tolerance after a sternotomy varies from patients who only need Tylenol to patients like me who need the "big guns" medication for pain. Dr. Castro & Dr. Adam Harmon, the assistant surgeon during my surgery, were both very concerned about my pain control. They did everything possible, even keeping me in ICU a second night to be sure I'd get the attention & meds required. Dr. Harmon visited me daily to make sure I was comfortable & always asked for my input regarding pain control. I came home six days post op. I didn't do much the first few weeks, just rested & took it easy. It's amazing how fatiguing this surgery is--I was wiped out by the simplest things. My husband took care of everything I normally do: shopping, cooking, pet care, etc. I'm very lucky to have such a caring, compassionate husband. Sleeping wasn't easy for awhile; I couldn't sleep for more than 3-4 hours at a time. I am lucky to have an adjustable bed because sleeping flat was impossible. I've read that a lot of people rent power recliners for sleeping the first weeks. With my bed, it was most comfy to have the head elevated so I could sleep on my side, clutching my heart pillow against my sternum. I'll be three months post op on March 26th. I haven't needed pain meds, not even Tylenol, for several weeks. I haven't been consistent with daily walking & that's definitely a habit I must acquire. I need to build up my strength & endurance. Sorry to go on & on, Susan. If there's any other questions you have about anything, please feel free to ask. I really hope you call Dr. Castro's office today to set up an appt. He's the most personable physician I've ever met & alleviated so many of my fears, calming all of the "unknowns" I had. Take care & have a great day!

I just saw that you're in Oakland, so you're not that far at all from Sequoia Hospital & Dr. Castro. I live 5.5 hours away from Redwood City, but would've driven twice as far to have my surgery there. Call tomorrow to set up an appointment; you won't regret it!

Please consider a consult with Dr. Castro in Redwood City, Susan. He has patients travel from all over the US because his stats, reputation & personality blow everyone else out of the water! He's just fantastic, I can't say enough great things about him. I had my mitral valve repaired with a tiny 3.5" mini sternotomy on 12/26/14, almost 3 months ago. Sequoia Hospital was wonderful too, especially the ICU nurses. Before traveling all over America, please see Dr. Castro in the South Bay of San Francisco first. You'll leave with all your questions answered, but also will have Dr. Castro's personal cell phone # and email--unheard of, right?! Take care! Jenni