About Me (In My Own Words)
I was diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation around 5 years ago. I never had any symptoms. The only symptom I had was fatigue. It usually occurred around 2 pm every day. I believe that it was due to my work schedule and believe that it is my issue. After the initial visit with my cardiologist, he advised that we will watch the heart and when it is time, he will let me know. I had no shortness of breath, when I exercised, no problems either. Every year I went for my echo and passed the exam. Except for April 2018, I received a call from my cardiologist and he advised that it was time to see a surgeon. So in July 2018, I had the mitral valve repaired and I felt great. The procedure itself was one of the easiest surgeries I underwent and I had many. I left the hospital with no pain and no medication. I just had to learn to take my time and I would get back to normal. I took off 3 months from the gym and was so excited to get back to my regular schedule. No more issues, so I thought. In April 2019, I return for my yearly echo and received another call from the cardiologist. He tells me it isn't bad news but the surgery from last year didn't work. My mitral valve was leaking again. It wasn't a good day, it felt like I got kicked in the stomach. So I called my surgeon and advised him that the procedure didn't work. I underwent TEE and I was advised that the valve is leaking more than before. After a long discussion with the surgeon, it was decided that I needed to undergo another surgery. He will either repair the valve again or it will need to be replaced. Right now, I'm researching my options for a replacement (i.e.: cow vs. mechanical). I don't want to be on Coumadin the rest of my life, so it looks like I'll be leaning toward a Cow valve. The only problem with a cow valve, I will need another procedure in my 70's. I occasionally have either shortness of breath or a racing heart. These issues aren't every day and don't last that long. I am now rescheduled for surgery again on 9/9/19. I'm hoping that I have the same results as I previous had. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Dunmore, PA
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My surgery date is:
September 9, 2019
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
Einstein Medical Center
