Becky's Journal

Kim Lonergan  So glad to hear you are feeling good and that your recovery was successful! I am sure it is a relief to be on the road to full recovery. I am scheduled to have mitral valve repair and a maze procedure on June 28 with Dr Ryan at the Heart Hospital Plano. I saw you were in the hospital 5 days. Just curious what you thought of the hospital? I know each person is different but I'm not sure what to expect as far as recovery, especially at 4 weeks or 6 weeks post op. Any info would be appreciated!

Becky Kerubo  Thank you all. @Kim the hospital is amazing with wonderful nurses and doctors. You will love it. The recovery was fast for me . The first two weeks were hard for me but there after it’s been pretty good. Wishing you all the best

Marie Myers  It is tempting to feel good one day and then do too much. For recovering from heart surgery , the slow way is best.. Hope you have a good day tomorrow!

Jim Harvey   110% agree with Marie. Take small steps forward for a few weeks at least. Get in touch with cardio rehab to let them establish a custom program for you.

Helen Daw  I had one of those days as I was recovering. Did too much one day and paid a price for it the next. Take it easy.

Don L  Great update Becky, very glad to hear!.....we have several Dallas area Baylor Heart Hospital alumni now! Every day will get better....5 weeks post op I feel great. Make sure you do the Cardio rehab...I was skeptical.. But very glad I did.

Becky Kerubo  Thanks Don . I wasn’t really sure about cardiac rehab but I will give it a try. Does insurance cover it

Don L  Typically Yes, but always call and confirm with both the provider that they are 'in network' and with your insurance(copay or co-insurance applicable?). In my case with heart tests, surgery, hospital, etc.....I am WAY past my annual out of pocket max, so all paid for by insurance(which once your bills settle would assume same for you).

Becky Kerubo  Thank you all for the prayers and encouragement. Let’s continue encouraging and bless each other. This group prepared me for this surgery and am grateful to all of you

Mark Wilbur  Your son will be a terrific helper! Prayers and best wishes for a successful surgery and for a good recovery and rehab. Prayers, too, for your family as they're anxious as well.

Catie B  I imagine the news that it's nearly surgery time is hard to wrap your head around. It was for me, even when I knew for years it would come. Hang in there. Lots of supportive people and good information here. And you'll be in excellent hands in Plano.

Catie B  Hi Becky. The Heart Hospital in Plano has achieved an excellent reputation and does a high volume of valve surgeries. You can read nine patient reviews of Dr. Smith here and there are more out on the web. Wishing you the best on your journey!

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Robert-Smith+II-Plano-Texas.php#more-testimonials

Jennifer Donohue  Hi Becky, Our stories sound a little similar. If you haven't read the book, I highly suggest it and I'm not associated with the site. haha It really helped me and was actually a pretty easy read versus most of the medical sites. Best of luck...

Becky Kerubo  Thank you all. Thanks catie for the information. yes am lucky . This is a new physician I just started seeing and have worked with her in the past and she is really good. I hoped it was a functional murmur but no it’s mitral valve prolapse. Am still confused on what to do next. Am waiting to see the surgeon to know more

Nancy James  I had the exact situation as you - I am 68 years old and last April on my Humana home wellness checkup the PA said I had a heart murmur. I went to the doctor on June 6th for my wellness exam....even after listening to my heart he didn't hear anything unusual then I spoke up and told him the PA from Humana told me I have a heart murmur -he came back to me and listened again and said - "Hummmmmm!!!" (by the way - he was my doctor for over 35 years and never told me I had a murmur) Then he scheduled me for an echocardiogram - which indicated the aortic valve was regurgitating - same as you....saw a cardiologist surgeon a couple of weeks later when he told me I needed a new valve....it is a shock and I was alone - so I could hardly drive home - I was in tears.

I had my surgery at a completely different place on September 26th and I am doing very well. Still have some chest pains - but I am feeling stronger and am getting more confident every day. I questioned did I do the right thing - but the longer I am in recovery the more I know that if I hadn't of had the surgery I could have died at some point so I'm grateful to be where I am right now.

Jennifer Donohue  Becky, if your surgeon feels you are ready for surgery you may want to look into/ask about the robotic approach or minimally invasive (misleading term) approach if you haven't already. I'm 42 and at the beginning stages as well of getting the news and figuring out what to do and what options are available.

Rose Madura  The news is always terrifying especially when you didn't know you had this issue. Is did your due diligence and have a list of questions for the surgeon. Keep us posted. You'll get lots of help and support on this site.

Becky Kerubo  @jeniffer it looks like doctor smith has performed some robotic surgery . Will keep that in mind.
Thanks y’all for your thoughts . I feel at ease already

Kathy Blank  He was my surgeon and I had a successful robotic MV Repair on Feb 8 2017. I am fully recovered and am very thankful. I was 60 at the time of my surgery and am so grateful I was a candidate for robotic surgery. It is a shock but this community will provide you SO much support and guidance!

Becky Kerubo  thanks @Kathy blank it makes me feel better. saw him yesterday and he ordered a CT scan before he proceeds