Loretta's Profile

I feel very lucky to have discovered my severe mitral valve regurgitation before any damage to other parts of my heart! My symptoms (the ones I more easily recognized) began in Feb 2021 with heart palpitations when I would lie down at night and around the same time I started noticing I was getting out of breath with minimal exertion, like walking to the mailbox, loading laundry, etc. I later realized I was coughing sometimes right before I would fall asleep as well as throughout the day or evening but didn't have a cold. During a CT angiogram it revealed mild cardiomegaly so I raised this to my primary doctor who sent me for heart ultrasound and had me wear a heart monitor for 48 hours. This test revealed the mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation. To assess the level of regurgitation I had a heart cath and a trans esophageal echocardiogram which showed no other heart or artery issues but confirmed I had severe regurgitation and would need surgery sooner than later. I will say, I ceased almost all caffeine and the palpitations have literally stopped. I am getting more short-winded but still able to do most activities with rest. My friends and family say I seem so calm while discussing my upcoming surgery but I believe a positive outlook, confidence in my excellent Dr and daily prayers will bring me through the surgery better than I am now. I'm excited for my future once I recover. I have two grandsons ready to play with their Nana. Blessings to all.