About Me (In My Own Words)
My journey leading up to this upcoming surgery started almost 10 years ago with a single incident of heart attack- like symptoms. The end result was a Stress Test at my internist's office. I passed the challenge, but while recovering after wards, my doctor noticed the heart fluttering every few seconds...he said that I had something going on and told me to see a cardiologist. I talked to a neighbor who was a doctor and very plugged in to the heart network at the Medical Center in Houston. He sent me to the Med Center and it was there that I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse....a benign condition for about 98% of the population. I had a heart cath to rule out any heart attack issues since I had exhibited symptoms and was cleared in that department. The Valve issue was verified and as far as I was concerned it was a done deal! Little did I know that six years later I would have additional problems that would lead to heart surgery.
It has been an up and down battle with the mitral valve prolapse....heart fluttering, chest pain, fatigue, atrial fibulation episodes and many, many echocardiagrams! A few weeks ago my cardiologist, Dr.McGregor, said it was time to have the valve repaired and that I needed to see a surgeon. We saw Dr. Robert Baldwin at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Hermann Hospital in Houston and knew that it was indeed time to get my heart valve repaired before any more damage was done to the heart. My surgery is scheduled for January 4, 2012.
The next most difficult decision for me was when to tell my adult children. I told my oldest son and his wife immediately after meeting with the surgeon. I chose to hold the information on the surgery until my two younger kids finished their semester finals at college. They are all supporting me through this medical situation. I am confident that I will feel like a new gal once I get my valve fixed and recover from valve surgery!
I know that all of these years of dealing with MVP has prepared me to embrace what is coming. I am going to feel healthy and have a new lease on life. God is in control and I know that He has me ready for this new journey...
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Richmond, Texas