Kevin Carmelengo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

21 days ago

Susan Lynn reacted to this

I just returned home last night from having robotic mitral valve repair performed by the amazing Dr. Gillinov. Here are some observations that I hope will ...Read more

I just returned home last night from having robotic mitral valve repair performed by the amazing Dr. Gillinov. Here are some observations that I hope will be helpful for other users of this site.

1. Dr. Gillinov is the real deal. Just an amazing person and an amazing surgeon. I wish I could hang out with him.

2. I was woefully unprepared for what this surgery would be. For some idiotic reason, I equated robotic heart surgery to having my knee scoped. Duh. It is not—it is still open heart surgery. I can’t say I was ever in pain, but I can say that I have had several days of discomfort. For example, I’m normally sleep on my left side—and I still can’t get comfortable sleeping, even in my own bed.

3. The early recovery process has not been linear. I was among the 40%-50% who experience atrial fibrillation. After 12-hours of IV amiodarone treatment, Dr. Gillinov ordered a cardio version which was successful. I will continue taking oral amidoarone for the next 10 days or so.

4. I still have a lingering cough from whatever they did to my innards during the surgery.

5. Even at a prestigious center like the Cleveland Clinic, you must be able to self-advocate. You will encounter some amazing nurses and caregivers, and you will also encounter some who are just looking to get through their shift. I have to say the physician assistants and nurse practitioners who work directly with Dr. Gillinov are amazing, just like him.

Bottomline, I would recommend Dr. Gillinov and his team without reservation.

Thank you, Adam for creating this resource. I’m sure you already know that Dr. Gillinov is a big fan of yours.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Michael Smith Great to hear you made it through Kevin. I can echo much of what you said.
I had sternotomy mitra ... Read more

Michael Smith Great to hear you made it through Kevin. I can echo much of what you said.
I had sternotomy mitral repair, maze, LAA clip December 4th with Dr. Malas at the Cleveland Clinic. The surgeons are top notch, very skilled. I had been told by some other surgeon that my mitral repair was 50/50, Dr Malas was confident in over 95% and he was able to repair. On the plus side, there are many great nurses and staff. I also had a terrible experience in the ICU. It felt like no one was around , the staff was what I would call a “party group”. Loud and I felt alone and isolated. Also, never saw a PT or OT to help with mobility, proper way to move with sternotomy, how much to walk etc.
im happy to have gone as I have ultimately what I think was a successful surgery, but certainly was disappointed in some areas.

J Alexander Lassally Kevin: I like your honesty. I think a lot of folks think the robot is a walk in the park - but it is ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Kevin: I like your honesty. I think a lot of folks think the robot is a walk in the park - but it is not - its a massive manipulatuion of the body and extremem in its own way. Glad you are making recovery.... I also agree with your comment about self advocacy - it seems like all health systems are in crisis including CC at present... I only had one iffy team in the step down to bark at...

Keep going with recovery! Cheers