About Me (In My Own Words)
To start with i am a healthy 64 year old; actually have never had a major surgery in my life. Within the last year however I had some episodes with not being able to get a deep breath and also a rapid heart rate . I generally have quite a low heart rate so it concerned me but i thought it could possibly be related to the COVID vaccine as some of the episodes occurred shortly after having vaccines and boosters. So i was pretty shocked after learning that i had pretty severe mitral valve regurgitation and would need surgery to repair the valve After guidance from my cardiologist and tons of research we set up a consult with Dr Chikwe.She has quite the reputation and with good reason.She has performed over 2000 valve surgeries and specializes in minimally invasive valve repair.. She explained and showed me exactly what was going on with my mitral valve and how she would repair it with robotic surgery. It certainly is nerve racking when you think about having open heart surgery but Dr. Chikwe was extremely confident of a successful valve repair.i was in the hospital for 5 days, not exactly a walk ;l in the park but i made it thru. Nursing staff was great…i am 6 weeks out from surgery and getting stronger every day…i go to the gym and walk on treadmill or ride bike and swim in the pool.Any questions or concerns i call Vivian, the NP .She is extremely knowledgeable and kind.
Although open heart valve surgery is not something you want to go thru, you really dont have a choice. I’m here to say you are in the best hands with Dr. Chikwe and her staff at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars .Minimally invasive robotic surgery is the way to go.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Henderson
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My surgery date is:
May 4, 2022
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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