About Me (In My Own Words)
I feel I have to weigh in here. I traveled to CC for mitral valve repair in November 2018. My condition was not life threatening and I presented with no symptoms. However, this was congenital and after being monitored annually the past 15 years, I was told it was ‘time’. After much homework, my husband ( a retired physician) and I decided we would prefer Dr Gillinov to be my surgeon. He did prove to be professional, knowledgeable and skillful in correcting my problem. However, he did convince me that robotic surgery was my best option and that I was fortunate to be a candidate for this ‘minimally invasive’ procedure. I have a few friends who underwent the more common sternal splitting approach. They recuperated well in 6-8 weeks. I was led to believe my recovery would be easier and faster.
Unfortunately, the surgery did not resemble the videos online. Besides the 5 entry points on my right side to accommodate the robotic arm and cameras, I was really chopped up under my right breast. The stitches were thick and bulky and I had a breast that was sewn up in the air in a most awkward way. It took 5 months to descend. All the while, I suffered terrible nerve pain in that area- to the point that I was sidelined for over 4 months. I did call the CC several times and spoke to very lovely nurses who tried to help me also deal with the depression that resulted from the extreme pain. I was never given Dr Gillinov’s cell or his email and when I did try to reach out to him, I was unsuccessful. The pain was unbearable and I do not do well with opioids, so refused to go that route. Ordinary meds did not touch the pain. The nurses at CC apologized, told me how unusual my situation was and that they were sorry I ‘fell through the cracks’.
My advice to any patient considering this surgery is to fully discuss the pros and cons of robotic. As well, I now believe that my right arm was tied above my head and back onto the table as I have been undergoing PT for months now to restore full movement and ease the resulting pain.
It would have been a much better experience had I been better informed as to what exactly I could expect post surgery. It has now been 8 months and I am still in recovery mode, though thankfully doing much better. In retrospect, armed with better knowledge, I would have asked for the old, tried and true methodology.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
-
I am from:
Sanibel
-
My surgery date is:
November 20, 2018
-
I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
-
My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
-
-
My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
