Rick's Journal

Ben Fretwell  Hi Rick. I just showed up on this site today. Same issue, but I have only had knowledge of the problem for less than a month. Hope you are preparing well. When is your surgery scheduled...if it is?

Jeff V.  Hi Rick, I just posted the below info. on another patient's blog and am doing a cut & paste here as this info. and my journal may be of interest to you as I just got home from MV repair in Cleveland. I also have a AV regurg., however, the surgeon decided that problem was mild and would be saved for another day. Let me know if you have any questions.
"I returned home this past Thurs. following MV repair surgery in Cleveland. In the month leading up to surgery, my anxiety over the issues you describe would come and go in waves. This website was really important for me in processing and managing all of the issues I was faced with. I wasn't necessarily looking for a support network but after reading patient blogs, realized how important sharing this information became for me. I have had the benefit (and distraction) of knowing for several years that my surgery was going to happen but did not know exactly when until my routine cardio appt. in Cleveland in Sept. It was at this visit when I learned it was time for intervention and that it would happen sometime in early Dec. Once I locked in on the date, my anxiety dissipated and the week I arrived in Cleveland to begin pre-op testing I was totally relaxed and confident with the plan. This website was incredibly helpful for me to accept and understand what was coming. For me, the patient blogs were the key in seeing how it wasn't the end of the world but the means to a healthier life. Yes, there are likely going to be some bumps in the road... certainly, ICU is not fun but the people that will surround you in the hospital are awesome and will do their best to alleviate your pain and stress. I have been home since Thurs., 12/11, and feel great. The discomfort is minor and very manageable. I have been sleeping in my bed and keeping reasonably active with 4 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a feisty wife to keep me in line as I am no walk in the park! By the way, my MV repair was rather involved... My surgeon installed a 31mm Medtronic remodeling ring with a physiologic mitral valve shape. The ring helps reduce leaflet stress and increase mitral valve durability. Also, the doctor had to clear up some very sloppy valve chordae and used "neochords" (artificial chordae) to shore up the anterior leaflet. I had a 5 hour run of A-Fib in day 3 of post-op but converted on my own. This complication is very common and reportedly happens 30%-40% of the time following OHS. I expect you will do great! Regards, Jeff V."

Jim Hernandez  Welcome Rick! I too have mitral regurgitation and will have to have some work done soon. It never struck me till I had a TEE done and confirmed the severity and surgery will be needed. But the folks on here have been fantastic in helping me understand with their journals and support. We are all behind you in support