Sue's Journal

Kathy Blank  I know it is frustrating not to have things decided but it is important you have all the tests so the surgeon knows what they are dealing with prior to your OHS. I also found that going to several cardiologists and several surgeons gave me the most information I needed. Also- I was able to skip some tests once I chose the surgeon and he explained my specific valve disorder. Main thing clear picture of specific heart issue(s) and surgical plan to tackle this issue. At that point you get the most experienced and successful surgeon for your exact procedure!

Sue Bissonette  I've been to a couple of cardiologists. One group says we wait the other says we should repair it now. One test shows this another test something else. I never have a clear picture. As I'm sure a lot of you know, the process can be so frustrating.

Darlene Smith  My surgery was considered elective and had to be approved by my insurance. But there was no issue with the approval. My thoughts are there is a difference between elective as in now verses later, and a surgery that isn't medically necessary like lasik for your eyes. Our valves are damaged, it's just a matter of when to do the surgery and if your surgeon supports now, I don't think your insurance will be an issue.

Civita Fahey  H Sue, Darlene is right elective in this situation means that it has to be done as its medically necessary, its just that its not emergent.. The insurance should have no issues with that. I am having AVR in April of this year. I chose the spring to have it done so hopefully I can recover in some good weather. best of luck.

Steve Farthing  Not quite yet, but they can perform a repair with various methods using much smaller incisions than traditional open heart surgery - if you find the right surgeon who knows how. Search for minimal incision heart surgery.

Phyllis Petersen  I had robotic mitral valve repair (as did several others on here), which is an incision on the right side and a bunch of small holes, plus two very small incisions for the heart/lung machine, but does not involve opening the sternum. There is also another side entry technique which is minimally invasive. Besides exploring what techniques are available with your surgeon (or another surgeon at the hospital), what they find with the early testing will have a bearing on your choices. There is a tremendous amount of info on this site, experiences of many others, and a very supportive community to help you through.

Sue Bissonette  Thanks for the info. I would imagine that since I have severe regurgitation and I'm already scheduled to meet with the cardiothorasic surgeon that surgery is in my future.

Emily Rowley  Hi Sue. I know this is a difficult time for you-I have been there with my Mitral Valve Reguritation going from mild-severe. At this point you will need Heart Surgery. Hopefully they can Repair your valve. It's good idea to have questions prepared for when you meet with your Cardiothoraic Surgeon. It's important to take a trusted close relative or friend along and to feel comfortable with you Surgeon (It's normal to feel nervous), having them explain everything well and taking the time to listen to your concerns. Wishing you all the very best. Loooking forward to hearing updates from you 😀

Kim Jones  I am going in on Wed to have open heart valve repair,hopefully. I was thinking of running to Mexico yesterday, but decided mitral valves don't fix themselves. It is scary but I know I will feel better,and hearing others stories gives me strength. The TEE is easy. The numbing stuff they give you to swallow is yucky. Then you fall asleep for a bit and when you wake up if you are like me you will ask for coffee first thing.

Phyllis Petersen  My regurg was 4+ on a scale of 1-4, so I know the fear, confusion and anxiousness to get it done and over with. Emily is right about writing questions down and not being afraid to ask every one that you have until you feel you've gotten the info you need. As for bringing someone with you, your mind is trying to absorb so much while feeling overwhelmed that it'll be great if you have another set of ears because much of it will go blank the minute you walk out of the office.

Charlene Lanigan  My TEE test showed 4 also and was told to have surgery soon. I met with surgeon and date is set for Feb. 7 with an angiogram the day before. I feel very confident everything will be okay. I just know it's a long recovery. Don't be nervous, you'll do fine! Read lots in this wonderful website and it helps a lot!

Emily Rowley  Thanks Phyllis 🙂 So true about feeling overwhelmed with your mind trying to absorb all the info and process what your Surgeon is saying & go blank once out of the office! I'm so glad I had my family with me to help be another pair of (supportive) ears. I wrote it all down on my way home in a little journal I have kept. If you don't have someone to take with you, there is the option of taking a vioce recorder and asking their permission (try not to be afraid of asking, they are probably asked on a regular bases). Good luck 😃

Kim Jones  I was able to have my mom on face time, for me it was comforting. She is a nurse and retired from her position as surgery director. Whatever works,it helped having my husband there too.

Sue Bissonette  Thank you all for your feedback. I will research some questions to ask the surgeon,unless you can think of specific things I should ask, and my husband will come with me to help me remember the information.