About Me (In My Own Words)
In the fall of 2023 my family Dr. heard a significant heart murmur, Although I had no symptoms, at age 69 she referred me to a get an Echo and referred me to a local cardiologist. I saw the cardiologist on January 26th of 2024 and he was a bit alarmed as the echo showed severe MR. As I am along term runner (45 years) and was training for several races, he quickly had me do a TEE and a heart Catheterization. Good news was no CAD or blockage, but the mitral valve was a mess. She advised me to back off the running….which I more or less did by reducing the duration and intensity.
He said the valve needed to be treated. By doing it soon, the procedure would be restorative rather than a rescue. He referred me to the University of Florida - Shands Hospital. I saw them and they confirmed that yes, this need to be done.
While Dr. Hess was hopeful for a repair, he said it was 50/50 repair or replacement.
He was quite upbeat and told that could 100% return to competitive running and resume my normal life.
On March 28th, I had open heart surgery. The valve had to be replaced. After the operation, Dr.Hess told me that I likely had this condition for quite some time. The valve was beyond repair, so I now had an Edward’s bovine valve.
Recovery has been largely smooth, except for a bout of severe constipation.
I was cleared from lifting restrictions in late may and was cleared to slowly resume running on June 1st. The strength is coming back very steadily but the running, my real passion, is proving more difficult. I am dealing with some abnormal heart rhythms and am taking Eliquis which is not a problem. I hope to get the natural rhythm back with either time ro treatment. I have no lingering pain or discomfort from the sternotomy and am fortunate indeed for all the great care I have received and continue to receive as well.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
tallahassee
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My surgery date is:
March 28, 2024
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
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My surgeon is:
Dr. PHILLIP HESS
