Robert's Profile

Since mid-March, I've been seeing my Cardiologist for very high blood pressure and other symptoms. He has been conducting numerous tests up to this past Friday, (5/3/19) when I had a heart cauterization. It showed what we expected. I have severe mitral valve regurgitation. Now jump back 10 years ago. At the age of 49, I reached the point where I could not exert myself in the least without being totally out of breath...along with many other symptoms. After seeing a couple of doctors, I was sent to a cardiologist who diagnosed me with mitral valve prolapse. He repaired the valve by putting a ring in the valve and reshaping it. It worked great up until now. Back to the present...After my cauterization two days ago, my new surgeon came to my room to see my wife and me. We were told the previous repair was no longer working, there is a significant calcium buildup on the ring and the leaflet's are also in very bad condition. Due to my age of 59, he strongly recommends doing a mechanical valve replacement so that I (hopefully) will not have to undergo a third valve surgery in X number of years. His office is to call me tomorrow (5/6/19) to set a date for us to have a conference to discuss this more and to get everything lined up for my surgery ASAP. Ten years ago I never imagined I would be facing this again...especially with a mechanical valve being thrown in too. Lucky me! I do feel blessed to have found this group to share with and learn from. I had great family support with my first surgery but nothing like his group for additional outside support. I'm not looking forward to my upcoming surgery. However, I believe the encouragement from the members here will make these next weeks much better. Thanks for allowing me to join.