Holly's Profile

About 6 years ago I went to my primary physician for my annual physical and was told I had a murmur. No big deal, get an echocardiogram done, go see the cardiologist....get it checked out, just to be sure. "We'll just watch it" was the advice I was given, so I didn't worry about it. Fast forward to last year during my annual physical. This time the doctor said "I think your murmur is a little more pronounced and I want you to have another echo and see the cardiologist again." Imagine my shock when during that subsequent visit I was told "Let's just get down to the brass tacks.... you won't live to see 70 unless you get your mitral valve repaired". At first I was in shock, then denial, and progressed through the stages until finally several months ago (after another 6 month follow-up echo) I arrived at the "acceptance" stage of the grief process. After doing quite a bit of research and seeking several 2nd opinions, I am scheduled for the DaVinci Robotic Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair with Dr.'s Suri and Burkhart at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota 1 week from today. Surgery date is set for April 25th! I have been following the HVJ for quite a while now and have read Adam's book, trying to prepare myself for what is ahead! I'm 52 years old.