Gayle's Profile

I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse in December of 2009. I have always been active and fit and don't fit the common profile of heart patients. I do not have heart disease. In January 2011, I had robotic Mitral Valve Repair. 3 weeks post surgery, it was found that I had moderate regurgitation, meaning a 2nd surgery was likely. I was told my valve would be replaced at that time. This was devastating news. In September of 2011, I had been experiencing symptoms for about 3 weeks, so I made an appt. with my cardiologist for an echo. The echo showed that I now had severe regurgitation. Faced with replacement valve surgery, I began to get very down about the prospect. That is, until my "tipping point". A good friend recommended I check into other possibilities. So I did some research and found a surgeon who would take my case for re-repair. While not thrilled about another surgery within a 12 month period, I am looking forward to finally getting my valve repaired.