Corey Potter
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Michael's Posts
Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation, Coronary Artery Disease
Member Since: March 6, 2025
Member Since: March 6, 2025
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Michael Smith posted an update
4 months ago (March 7, 2026)
Three months post op, echo and TEE show my mitral valve repair looks great and left atrial appendage fully closed (so off Eliquis). A big thanks to Cleveland Clinic! They do pathology testing on every OHS patient, (very few hospitals do routinely) and they found I have ATTR-CM amyloidosis. A... Read more.
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Pamela Gregory, Carmen P and
reacted to this
Marie Myers
Glad you found out about the amyloidosis and can start treatment early!
Deena Z
Interesting that not all cardiac centers do this testing. Wonder why not? What's even better is that yours was caught early!
Michael Smith posted an update
7 months ago (December 11, 2025)
Had a bit of a gut punch yesterday. Literally when getting discharged from the Cleveland Clinic hospital I was handed a pathology report with no explanation that showed a positive result for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. I have a final exit visit tomorrow with a nurse practitioner before heading home. Has... Read more.
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Fidel Martínez Ruiz reacted to this
I am sorry you were given this report with no opportunity for some information along with it! I am assuming you have had no inkling of this diagnosis?
That is terrible and unprofessional! Did you speak to someone regarding a treatment plan and which doctor to see that can help you. I don't understand how this happens. Gosh - grateful for AI
If it were me, I would be on the phone with the surgeon's office and not wait until tomorrow. Being still in the area it should be easier. I am not familiar with that diagnosis. 😕
Def get more clarification on that finding! Odd moment to get that.
I cannot understand to deliver a pathology report without a cute explanation. Unfortunately, I see It happens in many places. I understand that you are feeling now annoyed. ❤️
What a way to receive some serious news. You definitely need to followup with your team. Top questions would be is it inherited ( dominant or recessive), and is it treatable and how (medication or gene therapy). You may require family genetic testing to identify other members.
A quick look... Read more.
Got to talk with a cardiologist prior to heading home on Friday. Helped to get an explanation, but now there is a new disease to have to address. I hope that early diagnosis will be beneficial. Thx to all!
Glad you were able to get some answers and a plan. We'll be thinking of you. Please keep us up to date on how you are doing and how your treatments go. Best wishes to you Michael
Michael thinking of you as well and wishing you the best treatment and recovery on your journey back to great health.
Michael Smith posted an update
7 months ago (December 10, 2025)
Looks like will be discharged today after having a successful mitral valve repair with Dr. Malas Thursday (4th). 😀 The absolute worst issue has been back pain between the shoulder blades. I didn't expect to have this much muscle pain, any suggestions going forward? I greatly appreciate the support on... Read more.
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Michael Chaisty reacted to this
Michael, great to see your post. I was at CC yesterday for a couple of non-related appointments on incidental findings during pre-surgery testing. I had some pain in the same place and it resolved pretty quickly. Getting out of there and walking will help. Great to see you are on... Read more.
Michael, congratulations on a successful surgery. I remember that pain as well and I was told it was from the way you were positioned during surgery. Applying heat seemed to help. Hope it gets better soon for you.
I wonder if a muscle relaxant would help? I thought the shoulder and upper back pain bothered me more than anything else.
Congratulations on a successful surgery! Yes, I remember the back and shoulder pain being the worst thing initially. Heat sounds like it could be beneficial. I think it got better after a few days.
So counterintuitive, right? I remember that well !
My pain management was a heating pad, a maximum dose of Tylenol (for the first 2 months), & one 250mg naproxen twice a day.
the naproxen was prescribed for anti-inflammatory reasons, but it's also a pain reliever.
also have someone give you a deep tissue massage on your back... My wife massaged my back and it really helped. I had a miniAVR and was told its from having the chest bones and mussels stretched open for the 4 hours of the surgery. Its 6 weeks post surgery... Read more.
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