About Me (In My Own Words)
I have genetic mitral valve disease. It's a gift from my father that keeps on giving. I have known about my mitral valve since my late 30s. I'm now 69 years old. Up until the age of 60, I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. As a dancer, I knew to listen to my body and modified my activities to accommodate my heart rate, etc. Then at 60, I began to feel tired during dance classes. I knew that something was amiss. I was diagnosed with severe mitral valve regurgitation and went through the process of setting up repair surgery at UCLA. My surgeon, Dr. Shemin, felt I was a good candidate for the Da Vinci machine. So, in 2015, I had surgery that repaired my valve (I have an annuloplasty band) and sewed up some flailing cords.
I ended up staying in the ICU for six days.
I was on amiodarone for a few months, which took a toll on my body. Once off those, I had relatively few issues with my heart.
Fast forward to 2019, and my repair was not holding as expected. I ended up with many episodes of afib and extreme tiredness. I had a TEE done at USC with Dr. Vaughn Starnes, and they told me that I might have another surgery in the future, but not at that time. I was elated! I am now having more issues with my heart (ever so thankful for my apple watch), which I'm addressing with my cardiologist. I am an international traveler and carry my "pill in the pocket" Flecainide for afib. I am on Xaralto, and I make sure I have medical travel insurance. I do fitness dance four times a week and modify my cardio levels.
I'm grateful to have found this website and Adam. I've read many of my fellow heart warrior's stories, and with gratitude, we continue along our life journey. We all share a special connection, no matter where we live.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
PORTLAND, OR
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My surgery date is:
June 30, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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