John's Profile

I have been seeing a cardiologist regularly since 2002. Every year I have a stress test and the results have been unremarkable. In February of this year in addition to my annual stress test I also had an echocardiogram. When I met with my cardiologist to discuss the results I was shocked to find out I had Mitral Valve Prolapse with severe regurgitation (4+) and although not an emergency, needed to have open heart surgery soon to repair my Mitral Valve. Needless to say I was shocked since I had not experienced any symptoms. Quite frankly I didn't know what the Mitral Valve was or appreciate much of what he told me at the time. However, since then I have done a lot of research and now feel like I better understand what is wrong with my heart, although I still do not appear to have any of the classic symptoms. One of the first things I came across was Adam Pick's book which I purchased and read cover to cover in two sittings. What a tremendous resource. Although I hadn't posted until now, I have been following several of the patient blogs with great interest. I am a private type person but after reading how great a source of strength and encouragement the journals have been for these people I decided to also start my own journal. After much research, investigation, surgeon referrals, consults and soul searching, I have decided to have my surgery performed at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Marc Gillinov. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 21 (67 days from now).