Mary's Journal

Deena Elani  Oh Mary, you have been through so much, and all not due to your own doing. Hang-in-there. You just need the "right" surgeon or cardiologist. So...I had ... Read more

Deena Elani  Oh Mary, you have been through so much, and all not due to your own doing. Hang-in-there. You just need the "right" surgeon or cardiologist. So...I had my tricuspid valve repaired three months ago, but it was during my mitral valve surgery. The surgeon did explain to me after the surgery a bit about tricuspid valve surgery. Think about going to one of the best surgeons, at least on the East coast, for your surgery, particularly if you are in interested in the clip. Maybe you are already doing that, given your upcoming virtual appointment. BTW, I am currently receiving cardiac rehab at Inova Fairfax in your home town:)..... Here's a link about your clip on this website; the cardiologist is in Charlottesville, not too far away.
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2017/09/18/mitraclip-tricuspid-dr-scott-lim/

Mary Wagner  I replied but I guess I did not hit post. I have had all of my work done at Fairfax and they have been very good. I do not think I am going to be a candidate ... Read more

Mary Wagner  I replied but I guess I did not hit post. I have had all of my work done at Fairfax and they have been very good. I do not think I am going to be a candidate for the clip. Fairfax was one of the 7 hospitals in the pilot. I may look at the C'ville doctor though. Thanks!

Corey Sines  Mary, how you doing 5 months out other than your recent fall? Are you still having the fever and chills every night? Still having issues with Water retention? ... Read more

Corey Sines  Mary, how you doing 5 months out other than your recent fall? Are you still having the fever and chills every night? Still having issues with Water retention? Just thinking of you. I have 3 kids in Orchestra by the way, it has meant a lot to them (one is graduating this year). So I really appreciate those who teach music!

Mary Wagner  Hi Corey, I am doing well. Fever (low-grade) went away after about 2 weeks as did water retention. My heart is doing super - I feel good again and you will ... Read more

Mary Wagner  Hi Corey, I am doing well. Fever (low-grade) went away after about 2 weeks as did water retention. My heart is doing super - I feel good again and you will too once you find a doctor. It's hard to do it a second time so hang in there! If you live in the Columbus area - who is the orchestra director...I know a bunch around there!

Nap Garcia  Just curious, did BCBS contact you directly of the denial of coverage or did the healthcare facility contact you? I'm assuming this was before the rehab was ... Read more

Nap Garcia  Just curious, did BCBS contact you directly of the denial of coverage or did the healthcare facility contact you? I'm assuming this was before the rehab was even started? Unless you have supplemental insurance, BCBS should give you at least the opportunity to appeal, even for partial coverage, I would think.

Steven A Husted  do you have medicare i have medicare and what ever medicare did not cover my bcbs covered the only difference may have been i have federal bcbs but i would ... Read more

Steven A Husted  do you have medicare i have medicare and what ever medicare did not cover my bcbs covered the only difference may have been i have federal bcbs but i would check with your doctor sometimes they have ways to help you with cardio rehab my doctors office helped me get into a rehab hospital after surgery which helped me alot

Elaine Cutri  Welcome to the group Mary. I'm sorry you're having a few post op issues.
I had a fast heart rate for a few months, especially in the evening. I also had fluid ... Read more

Elaine Cutri  Welcome to the group Mary. I'm sorry you're having a few post op issues.
I had a fast heart rate for a few months, especially in the evening. I also had fluid retention. LASIK did not help much. I ended up being readmitted, another heparin drip until my INR level was low enough to tap and drain the fluid behind my right lung. They had to do this twice about 6 weeks apart. After the second tap, my energy picked up and my recovery progressed much better. I started cardio rehab a few weeks later and continue now on my own. I'm 11 months post op and feel good. Like you, I have a pacemaker. I had a similar surgery to yours, but I got a new mechanical valve. The previous one was 22 years old, working fine, but a little undersized.
Keep asking questions, the heart buddies are very supportive. Best wishes.

Linda Richards  About 6 weeks ago i had minimally invasive mitral valve repair. At my 2 week follow up with my surgeon I had hardness and a lump near my incision. He said ... Read more

Linda Richards  About 6 weeks ago i had minimally invasive mitral valve repair. At my 2 week follow up with my surgeon I had hardness and a lump near my incision. He said this was normal and it could take 6 months to go away. I'm surprised not many people mention this here.