Anna's Profile

Mitral valve regurgitation was determined to be severe October 2023 via a TEE procedure. My cardiologist conferred with doctors at The Heart Hospital in Albuquerque and they decided it wasn't quite severe enough to operate at that time. Experiencing a few symptoms recently.....edema in legs, heart palpitations, slight shortness of breath. Cardiologist has done bloodwork and another Echocardiogram this week. I keep getting told don't want to operate too soon, but on the other hand can't wait too long either. Not knowing when really creates anxiety. :{ During follow-up with cardiologist, we went over results of March 2024 echocardiogram and blood tests. He said results warranted the next step....a L/R Heart catheter (angiogram). Which was done April 26, 2024. Immediately after the procedure, my cardiologist told us that results warranted a referral to a cardiac surgeon. He referred me to Dr Peter Walinsky in Colorado Springs CO. He has many years of experience and a team that specializes in heart valve surgery. As of June 6, 2024, I have a mitral valve replacement surgery scheduled 7/9/24. Any advice, suggestions, and/or sharing your experience is greatly appreciated.