About Me (In My Own Words)
My story begins with my wonderful cardiologist from The Southern California Heart Specialist in Pasadena California who diagnosed me as having Mitral Valve Regurgitation that needed open heart surgery to replace or repair my heart valve. He explained my condition and suggested a couple of options to surgery for having my heart repaired.
One was a traditional open heart surgery and a more minimal invasive procedure which interested me the most. He researched hospitals and surgeons and found Dr. Joanna Chikwe based at Cedar Sinai Hospital. Her credentials, experience and mission statement that included caring about the patients pain and faster recovery time over the more traditional open heart surgery really impressed me. Upon first meeting Dr. Chikwe I felt very comfortable and trusted her knowledge and expertise as a heart surgeon. She explained the surgery in detail illustrating the use of robotics technology and I knew I was in the "best hands" . So without delay I decided to move forward and have the surgery on 31ST August 2022 with Dr Chikwe . The surgery had gone well then a five day hospital stay I felt just a slight discomfort but the pain was manageable without needing much pain medication. Now the good part that puts a smile on my face...When I was released from the hospital, I had no need for pain medication at all! A small dose of Tylenol and a good deal of rest for a few days worked wonders. Within a week I was able to do light work at my job mostly by phone and short walks, Within 10 days I was walking over 1 mile per day the second week 2 miles and climbing 20-30 stairs per day. Now at one month being home I am up to an average of 3 miles of waking and stair climbing. Another week I will be at my regular routine of walking 4-5 miles per day and climbing 35-40 stairs each day.
I feel better and have a bit more energy in this short period of time. Also want to mention the small 3.5-4 inch incision under my right breast area is so slight that in another month or two it will be nearly invisible. I adore Dr Chikwe and cannot thank her enough for repairing my heart and giving me a chance to live a longer life. Last, I want to give a special thanks to nurse practitioner Vivian , Dr. Chikwe's surgery team and all the wonderful nurses that had taken care of me while I was in the hospital.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Los Angeles, CA
-
My surgery date is:
August 31, 2022
-
I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Tricuspid Regurgitation
-
My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
Tricuspid Valve Repair
Maze Procedure
-
-
