About Me (In My Own Words)
Diagnosed with mild mitral prolapse in my early 30's, I was told it was nothing to worry about. Thirty four years later, it has developed into severe regurgitation with a central and anterior jet. I would never made an appt with my doc based on symptoms. My brother asked me to see whether or not his "torturous aorta" was something I might have inherited, as well. Well, I didn't have that but I was sent for tests. Several echos, a TEE and a heart cath later, I now face replacement of my very damages valve because I also have a connective tissue disorder (Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome) that makes the surgeons want to err on the side of caution, as a repair would more easily fail on me. I also have a PFO, an atrial septal aneurysm, a severely enlarged left atrium and stage 3 ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Blessedly, by God's grace, I have virtually no symptoms other than what I've dealt with for decades - low exercise tolerance, PVCs and SVT. Overall, I feel great going into surgery and thankful for God's mercy of letting me know before this killed me. He has let me know twice before about life threatening conditions (OVCA 1999, BRCA-1, 2017) and given me the strength to go through surgery and treatment for both. I am standing on the precipice of another journey through the valley of the shadow, with Him. Lord willing, I'll make it through again, with His help.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Wrightwood, California
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My surgery date is:
November 8, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Daniel Serna
