Leslie Sheetz - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

11 days ago

A little update, I was told by a surgical doctor that I didn't need a second opinion. The Heart & Vascular Institute called me a few weeks ago and scheduled ...Read more

A little update, I was told by a surgical doctor that I didn't need a second opinion. The Heart & Vascular Institute called me a few weeks ago and scheduled me an appointment on May 19th. So I will get a second opinion after all

Richard Munson Was he afraid of a little competition?

Marie Myers It would make me get a second opinion just by hearing that I didn’t need one!

Leslie Sheetz He said that he had looked at my paperwork from my doctor and said since my valve disease and Pericar ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz He said that he had looked at my paperwork from my doctor and said since my valve disease and Pericardial Effusion were just trace amounts, that I didn't need a second opinion. I was too the point of feeling that no one wanted to give me a second opinion, until the Heart & Vascular Institute called me and set up an appointment. So I'm not exactly sure why he felt that I didn't need a second opinion

Leslie Sheetz I asked my doctors office for a second opinion and I felt like they was angry that I asked for a sec ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz I asked my doctors office for a second opinion and I felt like they was angry that I asked for a second opinion

Rose Madura Red flags! ‼️ Get a second opinion for sure. Please keep us posted.

Susan Lynn Second, third... keep going until you feel comfortable. No one cares about your heart more than you ... Read more

Susan Lynn Second, third... keep going until you feel comfortable. No one cares about your heart more than you do.

susan harris two, three, four…until you feel comfortable that you’ve found the right person!

Leslie Sheetz posted an update

59 days ago

I know that it has been a few weeks since I joined the site. I was trying to get a second opinion about the Regurgitation of my Mitral & Tricuspid Valves. ...Read more

I know that it has been a few weeks since I joined the site. I was trying to get a second opinion about the Regurgitation of my Mitral & Tricuspid Valves. That being said, Adam (the creator of this site) helped me tremendously, and I so extremely appreciate you doing that for me. He was in touch with a Cardiosurgeon in Morgantown, WV. They did call me, and they said you don't need surgery and I said I didn't want surgery, but that I was trying to get a second opinion, and I was told that since my Regurgitation and Pericardial Effusion is all just trace, they felt that it wasn't necessary for me to have a second opinion. So, I'm basically at a stand still.
I just wanted to thank everyone who offered all kinds of advice to me when I joined. It was very appreciative

susan harris that’s great news! so happy it worked out to get to talk w them! Adam, we ❤️ everything you g ... Read more

susan harris that’s great news! so happy it worked out to get to talk w them! Adam, we ❤️ everything you go here!

Leslie Sheetz posted an update

89 days ago

After 3 attempts for a second opinion at WVU and not hearing anything back, I was just wondering if anyone knows a good Cardiologist at Pittsburgh. I would ...Read more

After 3 attempts for a second opinion at WVU and not hearing anything back, I was just wondering if anyone knows a good Cardiologist at Pittsburgh. I would like to be able to go to John Hopkins but I unfortunately don't have anyone that will go with me down there. But my parents said that they would go with me to Pittsburgh. So if anyone has any suggestions that would be great

Richard Munson I would go but its too far. Good luck. I bet susan lynn can help you out.

Leslie Sheetz Thank you Richard

Adam Pick Hey Leslie, Sorry to hear about the challenges you faced getting a second opinion at WVU. Fyi, to he ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Leslie, Sorry to hear about the challenges you faced getting a second opinion at WVU. Fyi, to help you, I just sent a note to the WVU team. I am hopeful they will get in touch with you sooner than later. Again, sorry about the delay! Fyi, Dr. Badhwar and his team have helped many mitral valve patients from our community.

Leslie Sheetz Oh Adam, thank you so very much. I will let you know if I hear from them. Thank you again.

So, ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Oh Adam, thank you so very much. I will let you know if I hear from them. Thank you again.

So, I received an email from the doctor's office. I tried to call them, but the woman who sent me the email wasn't in, so I left a message for her. So hopefully she will call me back tomorrow. Thank you again for helping me.

Susan Lynn Leslie - I live in the northeast part of Pennsylvania, and, unfortunately, I'm several hours from B... Read more

Susan Lynn Leslie - I live in the northeast part of Pennsylvania, and, unfortunately, I'm several hours from Baltimore or I would go with you! I do know that many Johns Hopkins physicians will do telehealth appointments as well as other cardiologists at the nation's top hospitals. As heart warriors, our test results tell our stories - direct contact is great if you can do it, but not required. If you have a copy of your echo, stress echo, and TEE, you can get multiple opinions from the comfort of your home. Please be aware, not all mitral valve repairs need to be addressed immediately, it depends on a number of factors, so don't panic. You'll have a better perspective as you speak to more docs. Please keep us posted. Good luck!

Leslie Sheetz Susan, thank you so much for that information. All the information that have received is very helpful ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Susan, thank you so much for that information. All the information that have received is very helpful. Thank you again and I will let you know how things are going

Robert Miller If WVU ignores you, then that's probably not the place you want to go to. I see Adam is putting in hi ... Read more

Robert Miller If WVU ignores you, then that's probably not the place you want to go to. I see Adam is putting in his weight but if that is what it takes to get a second opinion, then I wouldn't trust that hospital chain. I got a second and third opinion from different hospitals that were completely unrelated. It's my opinion that you don't want to get a second opinion from a different person at the same hospital chain. That second doctor probably sees that you had a previous visit and doesn't want to contradict what the first surgeon told you. My 2 cents.

susan harris how far is cleveland from your home? closer than baltimore?

Leslie Sheetz Robert, I agree. My thoughts are that they wasn't ignoring me at WVU, I just think that there was a ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Robert, I agree. My thoughts are that they wasn't ignoring me at WVU, I just think that there was a lack of communication. I messaged my NP yesterday evening asking them AGAIN to fax my record & Cardiac information over to the Doctors office. I agree with you about the second opinion at the same place. So hopefully I'll have better luck this time

Leslie Sheetz Susan, Cleveland is a few hours drive for me. I know my way to Morgantown, very well

john roland Go to Cleveland, it is an easy drive and you will never regret it. That hospital is second to none an ... Read more

john roland Go to Cleveland, it is an easy drive and you will never regret it. That hospital is second to none and well worth the drive. I drive there every year from New Jersey, it's an easy drive. Good luck

Leslie Sheetz Thank you John. I'll keep that in mind. I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor in Morgantown. I thi ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Thank you John. I'll keep that in mind. I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor in Morgantown. I think the hold up is coming from the doctors on my end. I'll know if I don't hear back by at least Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

Adam Pick Hey Leslie, Did you hear from WVU?

Leslie Sheetz posted a photo

91 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Yumiko Ishida, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

This is my little sidekick. His name is Cake. He started off being my youngest son's dog, but when he moved out I kept Cake. I had both of my knees replaced ...Read more

This is my little sidekick. His name is Cake. He started off being my youngest son's dog, but when he moved out I kept Cake. I had both of my knees replaced last year and he stays close to me while I'm off on recovery.

Ana Brusso Yes Leslie, they are so loyal. Glad you have Cake. He is so cute and seem very sweet.

Pamela Gregory I love Cake!!! He is so sweet

Richard Munson Cake is cute. I just ate the rest of my birthday cake for breakfast. Shadow tried to help so it was r ... Read more

Richard Munson Cake is cute. I just ate the rest of my birthday cake for breakfast. Shadow tried to help so it was rushed. I also have bad knees.

Leslie Sheetz Thank you.
Richard, my sister used to have a Dalmatian, his name was Shadow. Happy belated Birthd ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Thank you.
Richard, my sister used to have a Dalmatian, his name was Shadow. Happy belated Birthday.

Leslie Sheetz posted a photo

91 days ago

Susan Lynn, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Kimberly Eisenhut Welcome Leslie, we look forward to getting to know you better

Leslie Sheetz Thank you. I am so appreciative of all the information everyone has given to me.

Leslie Sheetz posted an update

92 days ago

Leslie Sheetz reacted to this

So where do I start?
My name is Leslie Sheetz. I've been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation and Pericardial Effusion. ...Read more

So where do I start?
My name is Leslie Sheetz. I've been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation and Pericardial Effusion. It All started while I was at work Mother's day weekend 4 years ago. I started having chest pains and thought that had pulled a muscle in my chest while was doing my work. I just left it ride for a few days and it wasn't getting any better. I ended up taking myself to the hospital a few nights later and they just hooked me up to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack. After I was released from the hospital a few hours later, I called my doctors office. They saw me a few later and ordered an EKG & a Echocardiogram. On the Echo they saw I had Mitral Valve Regurgitation. I had my 3 year follow up a few weeks ago and found that I have Mitral Valve Regurgitation, Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation and Pericardial Effusion. Evidently I had that with the first Echo, but wasn't told about the other 2 just the Mitral Valve Regurgitation. I've been trying to get a second opinion but haven't had any success. That's where I stand right now. If someone has advice I'd like to hear. Thank you

Ana Brusso Hello Leslie and welcome to our community. I’m sorry you were not told the whole diagnosis early on ... Read more

Ana Brusso Hello Leslie and welcome to our community. I’m sorry you were not told the whole diagnosis early on. If you are able to travel maybe you can get a second opinion. There will be others here with suggestions. Please keep us posted. God bless you 🙏❤️

Richard Munson Welcome. For sure second opinion. You must own the gas station chain. A couple of folks in your area ... Read more

Richard Munson Welcome. For sure second opinion. You must own the gas station chain. A couple of folks in your area like pam and deena might be able to help you. You are near some good hospitals i think. Good luck.

Richard Munson Johns hopkins in maryland is ranked 10th nationally on heart specialty which is pretty good. I looked ... Read more

Richard Munson Johns hopkins in maryland is ranked 10th nationally on heart specialty which is pretty good. I looked on line.

Richard Munson Duke cameron is a world renowned heart surgeon at johns hopkins. I only mention him as he was at mass ... Read more

Richard Munson Duke cameron is a world renowned heart surgeon at johns hopkins. I only mention him as he was at mass general in boston when i had my surgery and he operated on my roomie when i was in recovery. He apparently moved back to maryland. Might be worth reaching out.

Susan Lynn Leslie - I agree with Ana and Richard about the second opinion. Not all mitral valve regurgitation... Read more

Susan Lynn Leslie - I agree with Ana and Richard about the second opinion. Not all mitral valve regurgitation requires surgery. It depends on the severity of it. You're probably looking at some additional testing before you have all of the information. Take it one day at a time. Don't panic. We'll be here to help you through whatever is ahead.

Leslie Sheetz Thank you all so very much. With knowing that heart problems run in my family, my dad's father passe ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Thank you all so very much. With knowing that heart problems run in my family, my dad's father passed away from heart problems, my dad had open heart triple bypass because of a heart attack, plus some stints, & my mom has had a stint placed in her heart. I just don't like the fact that the doctors offices here in the Cumberland, MD hospital pass it off as "normal". You all have been very beneficial. Thank you and God bless

Deena Z Hi there Leslie,
I live in neighboring VA. I did go to Johns Hopkins for their opinion re: MV repa ... Read more

Deena Z Hi there Leslie,
I live in neighboring VA. I did go to Johns Hopkins for their opinion re: MV repair. They are rebuilding the team there; used to be in top 3 and 4 and as Richard said, above, now 10th. It’s an excellent place to go to for a second opinion. I did speak to Duke Cameron and Dr Gammie while there. Cameron is in his 70s, still renowned, particularly for pediatrics. Gammie is the chair, came over from another Baltimore hospital.

Deena Z I would also have your lipids checked throughly, given your family history. I still go to the Hopkin� ... Read more

Deena Z I would also have your lipids checked throughly, given your family history. I still go to the Hopkin’s lipid clinic. Dr Seth Martin is the Director, outstanding. There is also a women’s heart disease dept at Hopkins, but I have never been. Without any doubt, Hopkins is your best choice in the DMV area!!

Leslie Sheetz Thank you for the information. I've tried to get into Morgantown WVU since it's closer for me, but I ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Thank you for the information. I've tried to get into Morgantown WVU since it's closer for me, but I haven't heard anything. I will definitely keep John Hopkins in mind

J Alexander Lassally Hi Leslie - Deena is right, go to Hopkins. Their mitral clinic is well regarded and Dr Gammies assist ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Hi Leslie - Deena is right, go to Hopkins. Their mitral clinic is well regarded and Dr Gammies assistant, Filomenia is wonderful in every sense to get you started. Just a side note that often pericardial effusion happens AFTER surgery: so it is somewhat rare before. I'd have that double checked with new imagery.

It is totally worth it to travel for great care... It is your life, so worth it.

Leslie Sheetz Thank you. You are absolutely correct

J Alexander Lassally Leslie - Hopkins will have you mail in or image transfer your image studies. They may want to capture ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Leslie - Hopkins will have you mail in or image transfer your image studies. They may want to capture their own imagery which is a great idea since there may be questions of quality.
Then, Filomenia will talk with you about a few basics, and schedule a consult with Dr Gammie to go over a surgery plan.

She is busy so don't be shy about calling to reach her and talk about your study and a plan.

Leslie Sheetz I see my regular NP on Tuesday and I will mention John Hopkins to her.

Leslie Sheetz Especially since her office has supposedly sent 3 referrals to WVU, and we haven't heard anything fro ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz Especially since her office has supposedly sent 3 referrals to WVU, and we haven't heard anything from them. I've been trying for a little over a month

J Alexander Lassally Good. Just a point of reference, but a NP is way below the level of consult you need now. You need a ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Good. Just a point of reference, but a NP is way below the level of consult you need now. You need a proper cardiologist to review things and liaise with your surgeon.
Some patients don't need immediate interventions and others do - but a proper review and consult will help set you at ease. Feel free to do your own thing here. I disobeyed all of my local care team back in 2023 ! Best decision I made!

Leslie Sheetz The Cardiologist that I saw pretty much said everything looked normal to them as well, because everyt ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz The Cardiologist that I saw pretty much said everything looked normal to them as well, because everything on my report says that they are all a trace. Her office said that since my CTA came back not showing anything that everything was fine. The Gastroenterologist keeps putting me on stomach medication even though I keep telling them all that I keep having chest pains. My patient portal even has the heart issues in it. The doctors did this to my Grandfather back in 1978, and he did of a massive Heart attack at the kitchen table. That's why I've been asking for a second opinion

Richard Munson The important thing is that you need to become your own health care advocate. Once you get to that le ... Read more

Richard Munson The important thing is that you need to become your own health care advocate. Once you get to that level, then you can deal with what ever opinions you receive. It is true however that gastro issues can mimic heart issues. Just putting someone on Prilosec however is just playing the pill game. The only way to know if you truly have a gastro issue is with an endoscopy. Your grandfather reminds me of my father back in the day. The doctor was god, who was not to be questioned.

Leslie Sheetz When they said that my heart valve problems and pericardial effusion was a normal thing, I decided to ... Read more

Leslie Sheetz When they said that my heart valve problems and pericardial effusion was a normal thing, I decided to get a second opinion, neither doctors office seemed happy about my decision. But I don't care. I have to do what's best for me. Thank you for your advice. God bless you

susan harris keep in mind many fly or drive hours for surgery- it’s completely normal. most surgeons will do vir ... Read more

susan harris keep in mind many fly or drive hours for surgery- it’s completely normal. most surgeons will do virtual, computer consultations after looking at your films so the first visit can be from home. i’d suggest looking at the videos on this site for your issues. they are all leading docs. see if you feel comfortable w any - cleveland clinic, northwestern, penn, mt sinai, columbia all within striking distance for you. many get 3 or 4 opinions. surgeons will suggest different approaches depending on what their expertise is. you decide what your feel comfortable with!

Leslie Sheetz Thank you for this information

susan harris let us know how it goes!

Leslie Sheetz I definitely will. Thank you for all the information you all have shared with me. God bless