Jackie's Posts

Member Since: January 28, 2016

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Jackie Comp posted an update
2 years ago (July 12, 2023)
Just came home from my 2nd mitral valve surgery. Previous repair was 7.5 years ago. It was disappointing (to say the least!) to have to go through it again, but it does happen. I was thrilled to learn they were able to do another repair (vs. replace). Hopefully this one... Read more.
❤️ Pamela Gregory, Grace Mason and reacted to this
Congrats Jackie! Well wishes for a smooth recovery
Thank you all for taking the time to send your congrats and good wishes 😊♥️🙏
Jackie Comp posted an update
3 years ago (February 16, 2023)
Looking for feedback on surgery vs. "watchful waiting". I had Mitral Value Repair surgery 7 years ago. Unfortunately a recent TEE shows severe regurgitation again. I was given the option of surgery now, or waiting until 1) my symptoms are worse 2) it begins to affect my heart (echo every... Read more.
Oh, it is hard decision that awaits me, too. I am sorry you have to go through it. My deciding would definitely include more opinions. If you find excellent surgeon experienced in re-repairing, and he thinks there is high chance for a repair, then maybe better repair than waiting. It... Read more.
Thank you Klara. It's tough and I'm sorry you will have the same dilemma. My surgeon will try to do the repair again either way - he is excellent. Apparently it won't change the success if I wait. It seems to make sense to wait until I have no choice... Read more.
Jackie - I'm sorry to read you're facing another surgery. If your regurgitation is severe, I suspect symptoms and/or the impact to your heart is inevitable. I agree with Klara about getting multiple opinions. I'd want to know from someone who is objective why your original repair failed so soon.... Read more.
Thanks Susan. My surgeon is with Mt Sinai and considered one of the best but apparently my repair was "complex". I will continue to research and seek out add'l opinions. 🙏
I was in a similar situation. Had surgery last year. Then 3 months later I had a leakage again. I had another check up 3 months later and was told this has to be taken care of. Unlike the first time it wasn't urgent but they said probably within a... Read more.
Hi Robert - thanks for your thorough response. I'm so sorry to hear your leak returned so quickly. I'm sure that was devastating. Regarding my first repair only lasting 7 years, apparently I had a "complex" repair. Also my heart was swollen and my surgeon explained that sometimes when the... Read more.
Before my first surgery my heart was a big 'balloon' (that's what my cardiologist called it and he showed me the before and after x-rays). After the first surgery my heart shrank a lot (pretty much normal size) which according to my first surgeon is why the first surgery failed... Read more.
More helpful info and insights - thanks Robert! I'll research other surgeons for another opinion. I can find out what they want to see -- e.g. operative report, recent TEE, etc. I will also do more research on the options although I'm really hoping/praying I can get a repair again.... Read more.
My second surgery was a repair again. The surgeon told me before the surgery that based on what he sees he thinks there is about a 2/3 chance he can fix it. He did quite a bit more than what was done during the first surgery so I am hopeful... Read more.
Hi Robert - sorry for the slow acknowledgement of your response. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. I am not sure about the heart appendix - have never heard of that. I do take a baby aspirin every day. I'm glad to hear your second surgery... Read more.
For the heart it's actually called appendage (I wrote appendix). Here is a link https://www.svhhearthealth.com.au/procedures/procedures-treatments/left-atrial-appendage-closure I had (and still have) Afib so it was obvious to remove the appendage. But I was told it's a pretty common to do this even without Afib since they heart is already open and... Read more.
Jackie Comp posted a photo
7 years ago (September 28, 2018)
I've been meaning to send an update. I had mitral valve surgery 2 1/2 years ago. At the time I was an avid Yogi and was very concerned about how this would impact my practice. I'm pleased to report I'm stronger than ever! 🙏
Great news, I practice as well. Not advanced posture like the picture. 😊
Love it!!! Thanks for sharing Yogi Jackie!

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