Steve Miller - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Surgery has been scheduled...

Journal posted on September 15, 2021

Received a call yesterday from Dr. Sandhu's office and my surgery has been scheduled for October 4, 2021. Completed my Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound this morning and should have the results in 1-2 days.

Mixed emotions on the upcoming surgery. I still feel I am ready, as I knew the date was forthcoming, but I guess the reality has hit that this is really happening.

Feeling well, and I will continue to work (from home) as long as possible. Work helps pass the time and keeps my mind busy. I just wish I could stay more physically active, as I hate to "sit around". Taking regular walks with the dogs helps.

I apologize if I am sharing to much, but I am inspired by all the stories here. I hope that by documenting my journey will help the next person.

As always, to be continued....

Like | Adam Pick, Michelle Troxell, Paul Lechiaro and 5 others like this

Adam Pick Step by step Steve... You are doing all the right things. Great job! Thoughts are with you! Again, you are in great hands with Dr. Sandhu!

Michelle Troxell Take care and all will be okay!

Rose Madura Documenting your journey is not only therapeutic, but it helps others. Best wishes for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery.

Deena Elani Getting there, Steve!! You’re young and probably going to have minimally invasive (?), so recovery will be faster and easier than most.
(I had full sternum ... Read more

Deena Elani Getting there, Steve!! You’re young and probably going to have minimally invasive (?), so recovery will be faster and easier than most.
(I had full sternum cut for my mitral valve.). Know that It will be less painful than you probably are imaging; the odds are so in your favor; and you will leave the hospital walking on your own. To be continued…😎

Susan Lynn Steve - The thought of heart surgery is intimidating, but the only thing you have to focus on is relaxing - everything will be handled for you. When you wake ... Read more

Susan Lynn Steve - The thought of heart surgery is intimidating, but the only thing you have to focus on is relaxing - everything will be handled for you. When you wake up after surgery, you'll be surprised that it's over! It feels like one minute has elapsed! These cardiac professionals have every step so perfected, the discomfort for the patient is minimal. Recovery is different for everyone, but a few weeks make a big difference. Enjoy the anesthesia and look forward to joining the recovery club! We'll be here to welcome you!

Ginny Turner Hi Steve, hi there from another mitral valve patient. My surgery will be in January...when you'll already be back on your feet and doing great! Will be thinking of you next week and as you recover.

Surgical Consult

Journal posted on September 8, 2021

Today, I met with Dr. Sandhu and Michelle and both were great people. They answered all my questions and further explained the repair procedure. Based on the testing/imaging so far, Dr. Sandhu is confident my mitral valve is a repair and not a replacement. I do not have a surgery date yet, but should have one by the end of the week.

At this moment, I think I am ready for the surgery. I continue to research and read other people's stories, which all keep my spirits high. I am certain there are going to up/downs along this journey, but I have a fantastic wife, kids, and family to support me along the way.

This is a great community and I can't say enough praise about everyone here on HeartValveSurgery.com. Thank you to all the members and Adam for this very inspirational and educational site.

As always, to be continued....

Like | Shannon Gray, Deena Elani, Patsy Stewart likes this

Adam Pick Great to hear that Dr. Sandhu and Michelle are helping you Steve! That's great!!! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Aqeel-Sandhu-McHenry-Illinois.php

Dr. Aqeel Sandhu - Heart Surgeon in McHenry, Illinois

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Aqeel-Sandhu-McHenry-Illinois.php

See patient reviews, physician biography, videos and contact information for Dr. Aqeel Sandhu, heart surgeon, in McHenry, Illinois.

Update posted on...

August 31, 2021

I live in Illinois (NW Suburbs of Chicago) and my surgical consult is not until September 8th. I am concerned with COVID and not being able to schedule the surgery quickly. Anyone that has or is having mitral valve repair surgery in Illinois experience(ing) any delays?

Like |

Adam Pick Hey Steve, I have not heard about delays in the Chicago area. But, I am just getting off the phone with a patient in Alabama. Unfortunately, her hospital recently ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Steve, I have not heard about delays in the Chicago area. But, I am just getting off the phone with a patient in Alabama. Unfortunately, her hospital recently called her to inform her that her upcoming mitral valve repair may be postponed due to COVID hospitalizations. I would encourage you to keep in constant contact with your medical team to ensure you have a solid expectation about next steps. Thoughts are with you!

Steve Miller Appreciate the information. I will keep in touch with my team. Thank you.

Kimberly Eisenhut Steve, I am also in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but have been told I am not at the point quite yet to have my surgery.
Do yu go to Northwestern? If so, ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Steve, I am also in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but have been told I am not at the point quite yet to have my surgery.
Do yu go to Northwestern? If so, who are you seeing and what surgeon?
I spoke with Dr. Malaisrie a few weeks ago about my options when the time is right, and he was very helpful. If you call your surgeons office and speak to the nurse, she/he will be able to tell you how the hospital is doing as far as Covid is doing at the hospital. The surgical team head nurse is the go to person in my opinion and they are so very kind and helpful whe you have questions and cannot alwaus speak to the surgeon or cardiac specialist. Best of luck, and please keep us updated.

Kimberly Eisenhut Apologies for typos :)

Thomas Brusstar Hi. I had a mitral valve repair in summer 2018. I always knew I had a mitral valve prolapse since I was 20, but all of a sudden it got bad, with part of the ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Hi. I had a mitral valve repair in summer 2018. I always knew I had a mitral valve prolapse since I was 20, but all of a sudden it got bad, with part of the valve kind of so floppy it was torn ("flail"), and therefore severe regurgitation. It sounds like your murmur kind of sneaked up on you. But Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern downtown fixed mine. As of last fall, 2 years afterwards, my repaired mitral valve (not artificial, just my own valve fixed) was leaking zero percent, so that's all I can ask. I'll have my annual echo in October. So if they say a repair is advisable, just know that they are experts at the surgery. It's a big deal, BUT you'll do great.

Steve Miller Kimberly - Yes, I am going to Northwestern and met with Dr. Sandhu today. The consult went very well and I am proceeding with the surgery. I don't have a ... Read more

Steve Miller Kimberly - Yes, I am going to Northwestern and met with Dr. Sandhu today. The consult went very well and I am proceeding with the surgery. I don't have a date yet, but should have one in a day or so. It looks like the surgery will be the first week of October. I asked about COVID and potential delays, and they are not seeing any delays at the moment. I agree that the head nurse is the go to person. She was very helpful and answered (in detail) a lot of my questions. I have a great feeling about Dr. Sandhu and his team.

Steve Miller Thomas - the mitral valve condition did sneak up on me. Throughout my life, I have had numerous physicals for sports, diving, military, annual checkups, etc. ... Read more

Steve Miller Thomas - the mitral valve condition did sneak up on me. Throughout my life, I have had numerous physicals for sports, diving, military, annual checkups, etc. and no one every noticed it. Not sure what changed, but something did. My valve is repairable and that is the direction I am proceeding. After speaking with my cardiologist and cardiac surgeons, they are all saying that this was caught at the right time (if there is such a time) and now is the time to make the repairs. Thank you for sharing your story, it helps keep my morale high.

My first Journal post....

Journal posted on August 24, 2021

I guess I'll start with an update.

The TEE procedure was completed on August 18, 2021 and a Coronary angiogram was completed on August 20, 2021. Still a little sore from the angiogram. It has been initially confirmed that a mitral valve repair will be required. It appears Cardiac Surgeons are quite busy, as my first consultation is not until September 8, 2021. I am not sure how quickly this whole process takes, but I am being told that I need to have surgery as soon as possible. Feeling well and still doing research on the mitral valve repair. I have watched well over a dozen videos on the surgical procedure and doing as much research on the recovery process.

It is very empowering and encouraging to read everyone's stories, and knowing I am not alone.

As always, to be continued....

Like | Rose Madura likes this

Deena Elani Steve, since you are a born and trained researcher, you are way ahead of the curve! I underwet a MV repair, but through the sterum because of my severe calcification ... Read more

Deena Elani Steve, since you are a born and trained researcher, you are way ahead of the curve! I underwet a MV repair, but through the sterum because of my severe calcification on the valve. There are many, many minimally invasive repair warriors on this website to give you the pros and cons of robotic vs not. Go for it!

Steve Miller Deena, thank you. I will continue to research and this is a great site to gain insight on what to expect and surgery options.

Ross F Good luck on your surgery Steve. I just had my MV repair thru mini sternotomy 12 days ago, doing ok, got high and lows after OPS, but I can see recovery day by day.

Adam Pick Welcome aboard Steve!!!