About Me (In My Own Words)
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).
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin