About Me (In My Own Words)
I had a heart attack at age 43, ten years ago, while training for a triathlon. I took myself to the hospital and was in Afib. Amazing how quick you get seen in the ER with heart issues. They thought it was just Afib, but not a heart attack. A few blood draws later and confirmed, I did have a heart attack. Sent to have a Cath. They found 100% blocked Right Coronary artery. But my heart had grown its own collateral arteries. They tried doing a stent, but it did not work. Note to anyone having cat's done- Don't let them go through both sides of your groin to fix. Very painful.
Ten years go by, I go to my annual cardiologist appointment and while listening to my heart hears something he doesn't like. Echocardiogram confirms Mitral Valve Regurgitation has moved from slight to moderately severe. I've been training for the 150 mile MS Jack and Back bike ride. Cardiologists indicates, I'll be tired, but no reason I can't do it. Glad I did it. It was a great experience. Tuesday after the ride I had a TEE and a few weeks later another Cath confirms severe mitral regurgitation. On to the surgeon. Yes, I'm a candidate for repair/replacement. Surgery in one week. Pre-op. today.
I have a great deal of anxiety, but I'll just assume thats normal. Vanderbilt hospital has a great reputation and my surgeon Dr. Petracek does over 150 of these each year.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Brentwood, TN
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My surgery date is:
November 15, 2016
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Atrial Fibrillation
Coronary Artery Disease
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
Mitral Valve Repair
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
Maze Procedure
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