Laura's Profile

We've been keeping an eye on my mitral valve for as long as I can remember. It had been staying in the moderate/severe category for several years now and I was asymptomatic, so I had no major concerns and thought I would live out my life right there. My last stress test showed some changes. I was still asymptomatic but it was causing issues that I couldn't see. I'm so grateful that I had such a great cardiologist, Dr. Vera Rigolin. With these new changes and potential problems down the line, we talked about repairing my valve robotically. I was mentally preparing myself to decide to have the surgery after I returned from spending a month in my home away from home, Italy. Then I had an AFib episode, which sealed the deal for me. I would have my valve repaired and a MAZE procedure, now, Italy would be there in the spring. I am 6 weeks into my recovery and have started cardiac rehab. I am hoping to make connections and learn from others about their recovery so I stop feeling like 'I'm the only one' feeling this way.