Suzanne's Profile

This is the beginning of a journey I never wanted to take. I am 65 years old and was diagnosed with multiple valve insufficiency about four months ago. What a surprise! I have no symptoms except for that fatigue that some of you have referred to. (Doesn't everyone need to lay down in the afternoon? ) Forget the surgery I may face soon, I may not survive the fear that is growing inside of me because of it. (Had a mastectomy for breast cancer a few years back and don't remember being this scared about the pain) I have been researching all things valve surgery and stumbled across this site. I have been eagerly reading about everyone's progress and finally decided to get on board. Maybe you can help me with some of my questions. Nothing is set in stone yet but my second opinion, a surgeon implied sooner is better than later in terms of when I get the surgery done. What I am looking for is a surgeon/hospital that will do a minimally invasive procedure. I've read about making an incision below or between the ribs as opposed to the traditional procedure. Has anyone has this done for a AVR? Could you provide details? Does anyone have experience with Deborah hospital in NJ. Thanks for your help