Gloria Mako - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

557 days ago

I thought I was going for a final visit to set up a mitral valve replacement surgery this past Tuesday. Not so, the consultation with the surgeon left me with ...Read more

I thought I was going for a final visit to set up a mitral valve replacement surgery this past Tuesday. Not so, the consultation with the surgeon left me with two options - 1. do nothing considering your age (83) or 2. since you have no other major health issues and have a very active life a second option could be a very high-risk surgery. Reasons: extensive calcification of the valve, which has resulted in a narrow opening for blood leaving the heart, regurgitation back into the upper chamber and the extensive calcification leaves no way to repair the existing valve or attach a new valve. I'm still trying to digest all this. My only symptoms have been out of breath with steps, or carrying heavy things, stopping a minute, and I feel back to the current "normal".

Suggestions are - get a second opinion but this is now a complex issue and where do I go. I live in NJ. I've been here a few times but this time reaching out
Gloria

Deena Z Geez, Gloria, you're not that old. If you want to get a second opinion from a nationally renowned m... Read more

Deena Z Geez, Gloria, you're not that old. If you want to get a second opinion from a nationally renowned mitral valve surgeon that not only specializes in the mitral valve, but also calcification, consider David Adams at Mt Sinai Hospital in NYC. I had my repair performed by Dr Adams with severe calcification on my valve.
You can send his office your ECHO disc and they will perform a virtual call w you to give you feedback.
Contact info: kim bushell, (212) 659-6820

If you need any more info, just ask!

Sharon Behl I agree with Deena. My surgery this past November was with Dr. Adams' team and it was very doable to ... Read more

Sharon Behl I agree with Deena. My surgery this past November was with Dr. Adams' team and it was very doable to have them review my case from Colorado. Best of luck Gloria, please do get at least one more opinion and from a super specialist in mitral valves.

Richard Munson Deena great advice. My feelings are hurt as i approach 82 next month. If they told me i was too old i ... Read more

Richard Munson Deena great advice. My feelings are hurt as i approach 82 next month. If they told me i was too old i would be on the warpath. Sounds like the wrong surgeon for gloria.