I was diagnosed with moderate to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in November of 2010, and like you, my only symptom was palpitations. I was shocked to learn I needed surgery, but after a year of research, tests, doctors etc. I finally had the surgery last October. It went well, but I still have palpitations. I'm hoping they will eventually go away, but they may not.
You can read my journal if you want, or I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. It's pretty overwhelming and scary to learn you need open heart surgery.
Deb Ziegler
Nancy B Hi Deb,
I read through your journal....what a story! I've been leaning toward the attitude "if this ... Read more
Nancy B Hi Deb,
I read through your journal....what a story! I've been leaning toward the attitude "if this has to be done....lets get it done!" but now that I've read through more journals, I'm seeing that complications can and do occur.....long lasting, permanent complications....and it's scaring me.
I'm anxious to get my next echo and see what the cardio has to say.
I'm sure I'll have questions when the time comes.
Thanks for responding to my journal. I hadn't read yours until you posted.
Nancy B
On February 27, 2012...
Hi Nancy, welcome to HVJ. This is an incredible source of information, support and companionship. I hesitated to start my HVJ, then took the plunge and am so very glad I did. The support I received from this community was nothing short of incredible. I encourage you to read my HVJ, people have said to me they found it quite helpful.
I am in a slightly different boat than you. I had surgery on 2-2-12 to replace my aortic valve and my root. I had regurg of the aortic valve and knew about it for quite some time. Now I am on the road to recovery. So I can't offer you much advice on your condition, but I am sure many will opine shortly. Definitely do your homework, I recommend you consider going to a top facility, for your either Yale or one of the NYC hospitals. I chose a surgeon at New York Presbyterian Cornell. He was great. Top docs at NYP Columbia and Mt. Sinai too. All world class facilities. Maybe your cardiologist has recommendations for surgeons either at Yale or NYC.
Good luck with everything and keep posting. You will be amazed at what you get back.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman
Nancy B Hi Mitch,
I have been following your journal since before your surgery. I'm glad to see you're doing ... Read more
Nancy B Hi Mitch,
I have been following your journal since before your surgery. I'm glad to see you're doing well. I hope you're still active here when I have my surgery as your encouragement and cheery spirit will be welcomed.
My cardiologist has mentioned Yale as where he thinks he will refer me. Coincedently, I met someone who had Mitral valve repair at Yale a few years ago and really liked her surgeon. I'll mention him to my cardiologist to see if I can get his stats.
I think I'd be afraid to travel too far as getting home seems like it would be nightmare-ish. Of course, getting the very best care would be worth it. I guess i'll make that decision when the time comes.
thanks,
Nancy B
On February 27, 2012...
Hi Nancy,
Welcome to Heart Valve Journals!
I'm hopeful that you will be hearing from other patients in a similar situation.
I was diagnosed with moderate to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in November of 2010, and like you, my only symptom was palpitations. I was shocked to learn I needed surgery, but after a year of research, tests, doctors etc. I finally had the surgery last October. It went well, but I still have palpitations. I'm hoping they will eventually go away, but they may not.
You can read my journal if you want, or I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. It's pretty overwhelming and scary to learn you need open heart surgery.
Deb Ziegler
I read through your journal....what a story! I've been leaning toward the attitude "if this ... Read more
I read through your journal....what a story! I've been leaning toward the attitude "if this has to be done....lets get it done!" but now that I've read through more journals, I'm seeing that complications can and do occur.....long lasting, permanent complications....and it's scaring me.
I'm anxious to get my next echo and see what the cardio has to say.
I'm sure I'll have questions when the time comes.
Thanks for responding to my journal. I hadn't read yours until you posted.
Nancy B