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Tonja M's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: January 18, 2022

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Tonja M Dodd got a guestbook from Susan Lynn

4 years ago (January 20, 2022)

Welcome, Tonja! I am a fellow mitral valve and chord repair heart warrior. I'm sorry to read that you haven't regained your stamina since surgery. I'm hoping that someone can share their own story on what may have helped them. I attended cardiac rehab and stayed on in their extended... Read more.

Tonja M Dodd

4 years ago (January 20, 2022)

Thanks Susan! Nice to meet you fellow valve warrior! I understood because of the major open heart surgery repair (a ring was placed around my valve too) that it is a longer recovery but not sure why I can't seem to get back to my old self. I also did... Read more.

Richard Munson

4 years ago (January 20, 2022)

Tonja, i echo all susan said but add that i never attended rehab due to covid. I had all the same stuff done to my heart. Lucky to have a treadmill home which i use daily even a year later. I was told walking is the best medicine. My expectations... Read more.

Tracy Fallu

4 years ago (January 22, 2022)

Hi Tanya, I had mitral valve repair at 48 years old, a bit over 4 years ago. I was a runner prior to surgery. I had a very rough recovery and wondered if I would ever run again. I do workout, hike and run. I've been able to run a... Read more.

Tonja M Dodd

3 years ago (June 8, 2023)

Thank you Richard Munson and Tracy! I just celebrated 5 years since my surgery and still haven't gotten back to running but I haven't given up! Thank you all for your support and inspirational words.

Tonja M Dodd got a guestbook from Annabelle Picz

4 years ago (January 19, 2022)

Hi Tonja! I'm Annabelle and I'm new here. My mitral valve regurgitation diagnosis came after I had covid in August 2021. It was a shock to me because I'm very diligent with my doctor's appointments every 3 months due to my high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Not ones that... Read more.

Tonja M Dodd

4 years ago (January 20, 2022)

Hi Annabelle- Thank you so much for your supportive thoughts. It really means alot. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this unexpectedly as well but glad you're feeling at peace going in. That's the best way - stay confident and positive before the surgery. I'm... Read more.

Annabelle Picz

4 years ago (January 22, 2022)

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