Michael's Journal

Mild to moderate MVR, LA mild dilation, LV mild increased wall thickness, LV findings consistent with concentric remodeling….meeting with cardiologist next week…any thoughts…there is lots going on!!!

To all of you who responded to my question about second opinions…thank you for your input. For me, i have been following the progress of my mitral valve regurgitation for over two years…it was first diagnosed in 2016(mild MR). Wiith that said, based on all that I’ve seen, heard, read, treatment (surgery) will most likely be required when we reach severe level (currently moderate to severe) unless something shows up on Echo. So I would not require a second opinion just to confirm surgery, i pretty much accept that more than likely it will be required. I now believe that after reading your comments “for me” the 2nd opinion would be following meeting with the surgeon when he recommends surgery, type of surgery, etc. So once again thank you for your input. As my son has said, I am into a future chapter in this process but my response is that I am just trying to become educated and prepared.

So often we hear or read of the importance of the 2nd opinion...is the 2nd opinion based on cardiologist referral to a surgeon at a medical center or is it based on having met with the surgeon and have his recommendations for surgery, type of surgery, etc.

I am a 78 year old healthy male who rides a bike 45-50 miles per week or about 4+ hours of aerobic exercise per week. I have moderate to severe MVR asymptomatic. My question is if at some point my cardiologist refers me to a medical center what choices do i have and what is the process when I get there….thank you