Patrice's Profile

15 yr history with cardiologist with arrhythmia and mitral valve regurgitation/prolapse. Knowing at some point the valve might go from mild to severe and need surgery and maybe even a pace maker down the road. All the tests each year were done and in 2008 I had my first TEE which showed moderate problem. My symtoms became worse in 2011 and in August I had another TEE to diagnose the mitral valve as severe and surgery needed to be done. I'm 59, have a job I love, married to a great husband, have one dog, one cat and my son lives nearby as well as my daughter. Five grandchildren between them that I adore. My support system is great but they were scared to death! I have other health issues which affects my lungs and breathing so their fears were heightened more than mine, I just wanted to get this over with and get better so I could do more...like walk without stopping and panting and all the other issues when you have heart problems. Surgery was scheduled for December 14th...I had hesitation at first...before Christmas....what if...but I felt very confident and my doctors are the best in the region...so with my family's blessing and lots of prayers I agreed. The rest is history....