Jason's Posts

Hi Jason. I live in Delaware and traveled to CC for surgery. They are very organized for all pre-op tests (angiogram, bloodwork, etc). I arrived a couple of days before for tests and very fortunate to have my sister in law live only 30 mins from CC to recover at her home. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks because of complications but most people are out in 5-7 days. I believe you have to stay in the area for a week for a follow up and to get clearance to fly home. Flying was easy for me because it was short but if it is longer they will give you things to do like get up and walk every 30-60 mins (something like that). You will want to order up a wheelchair from your airline and they will take you right through security and to your gate. Walk before you get on the plane for sure. I splurged on a first class ticket to sit in the front but they will let you on early no matter what if you let them know. That way you can take your time and no one running into you etc. For me it was a very positive experience considering what we all have to go through. There are a few hotels right there that cater to patients too. I believe one is a Holiday in 3 blocks directly down from the hospital with a shuttle to the hospital (stayed there once before surgery). There is a nice hotel connected to CC that also caters to patients. A couple more but I know those two are right there and very easy to navigate. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

I take it from your question about food that you’ll be by yourself? i’d suggest asking when you make a reservation if they have a delivery service, in house restaurant and a staff member bring it to you. one bring it you or room service which can get expensive. the hotels around CC understand patients-i’m bc sure this is not the first time they e been asked.

Jason- I am so sorry you are facing a re-repair of your mitral valve. I highly recommend getting a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic. I had my robotic mitral valve repair at a local large university hospital. Had second open heart sgy at CC less than 2 yrs later. (aortic root and ascending aneurysm repair via sternotomy) I live 10 hrs away from Cleveland and would only go there if I needed another OHS. Received excellent care. They are accustomed to treating patients from out of state.

Jason, I travelled back from Mt Sinai via car from NYC to VA (about five hours); it was easy. Definitely bring an extra pillow, even if via air. I had my sternum cut, given my severe calcification. If you dont have this risk, cleveland clinic may offer a robotic surgery, though for a re-repair not sure. Either way, dont be concerned about the travel!

Mmm- I have moderate regurgitation 6 months after mitral valve repair on my first post surgery echo. My cardiologist says this is not atypical and my surgery was a success. Surprised me and have tried to not let it bother me ( although this news did not make me feel good). Good luck with your visit- hope all goes well

This seems a very sensitive subject coupled with elusive answers. I've heard a bunch of things: - Some regurgitation is normal; - If the regurgitation does not cause symptoms, then it's not a big concern; - Your heart is remodeling and as that process progresses, the presence or absence of regurgitation may vary; - If you feel good, then don't worry about the imaging; - Even if you need a re-operation, if you are not symptomatic, your chances of success would be very high. So, Jason, I guess the best thing to do is to trust that if you're feeling OK, then, even if the echo shows regurgitation, it's no big deal. I think when we go into surgery for a repair, we expect that the issue will be fully resolved. I guess the heart does what it does and there's only so much that even the best surgeons can control. My experience is that I had severe regurgitation with emerging symptoms prior to surgery. In the OR, the echo report says no regurgitation. Two days later, the echo said "moderate" regurgitation but the report was later revised, based on calculations, to mild. My first echo (five weeks after surgery, showed mild regurgitation. When I spoke with my cardiologist about it, he took a more global view of the situation. Yes, there is regurgitation, but prior to surgery, my left atrium and left ventricle were enlarged. The post-surgery echo showed those returned to normal ranges. So his view was that whatever regurgitation that was present was not enough to prevent good remodeling of the chambers and because of that, he thought things were good, or, to put it another way, if the regurgitation was significant, my left atrium would not have returned to normal range so quickly. He also said that as things progress, we might see changes based on how the heart continues to heal and remodel and that the only way to know the answer was to let the time pass. I guess we all need to channel St. Pio (or whatever helps you in situations like this). Pray, hope, and don't worry. I can only add to this: DO THE WORK. Take control of your rehabilitation and do what needs to be done to maximize your chances of a full recovery. There are days when I have felt like I really didn't want to get on the treadmill - again. Push through that and do even just a little to give yourself the best chance at the best outcome.

Joseph, thank you for that thoughtful and kind reply. Wonderful perspective and so well articulated. You've talked me down. :) The day I posted my question I was having just... anxiety about it all. I go literally weeks now without even thinking about heart surgery or my valve. It was years ago and the scar is negligible. I particularly love your counsel to let me symptoms guide me -- I feel fantastic, run regularly, and can hike forever. So yeah, I'll calm down and wait until I hear there's a problem.