About Me (In My Own Words)
I had a murmur since childhood, from mitral valve prolapse. I have a Barlow's valve, which is apparently like a big floppy parachute. It started to fail at some point but I had no symptoms until March 2021 when I developed strep endocarditis and would up with AFib, rheumatic heart disease, and severe mitral regurgitation.
I had surgery 11/12/2021 with a mitral valve repair, excision of left atrial appendage, and MAZE procedure.
The rhythm problems post op have been a rocky road to travel and are challenging, but the valve is not leaking any more, the heart is functioning well, and I am already feeling better 2 weeks after the surgery. I'm grateful to my surgeon, Dr. Gabriel Aldea, who is a master craftsman with the valve repairs and is also one of the kindest surgeons with the best bedside manner I have ever encountered.
Hoping to inspire other patients in their journey and gain some support and perspective as we figure out what makes my heart tick, and how to get it to settle down into a regular rhythm.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Seattle
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My surgery date is:
November 12, 2021
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
Atrial Fibrillation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
Maze Procedure
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