Susan's Heart Valve Journal

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Thank you for your update. So glad to hear you are doing well.
Your "warrior" attitude has certainly helped!
When you review your 3 week post and compare ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Thank you for your update. So glad to hear you are doing well.
Your "warrior" attitude has certainly helped!
When you review your 3 week post and compare it to your 4 week post, you have made great progress.

Gina Fiorentino  Hello! So GOOD to read your update. I have been waiting patiently to learn how you've been managing. Medications are super hard for me as well, and have been ... Read more

Gina Fiorentino  Hello! So GOOD to read your update. I have been waiting patiently to learn how you've been managing. Medications are super hard for me as well, and have been a source of worry throughout this process. I am weaning off my last quarter dose of Metprolol this week and hope all he'll doesn't break lose afterwards. The emotional side of heart surgery is also a process. Best of luck as you continue to adjust and heal!!!

Anna Jones  I'm so sorry that you had difficulty with nausea. The various medications are a worry of mine too. It's great news that you are now able to eat again and ... Read more

Anna Jones  I'm so sorry that you had difficulty with nausea. The various medications are a worry of mine too. It's great news that you are now able to eat again and are getting into a routine. I hope your back and shoulder pain eases soon.

Susan Robichau  I also had a terrible time with nausea and was really surprised by it. I stopped the oxy's but the nausea really didn't stop. I think it was being under general ... Read more

Susan Robichau  I also had a terrible time with nausea and was really surprised by it. I stopped the oxy's but the nausea really didn't stop. I think it was being under general anesthesia for so long, and the other meds. I also was getting IV vanco, potassium, protonics, magnesium, and a variety of things! I also think my drop in hematocrit to 21 didn't help either. Funny though, I could eat jelly beans..... Everything else made me nauseous but the jelly beans my family brought seemed appealing to me!

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Very happy to hear from you.

Sorry to hear about your nausea. Apparently, I was vomiting right after surgery, according to hubby, but I do not remember it ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Very happy to hear from you.

Sorry to hear about your nausea. Apparently, I was vomiting right after surgery, according to hubby, but I do not remember it (thankfully)

Several people mention shoulder and back pain following surgery. It could be the positioning of the body during the surgery which is the issue.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Susan,
You are ready!! You will be fine:)

When my Mother had a valve replaced 20 years ago, she was a "warrior" so when I had my mitral valve repaired ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Susan,
You are ready!! You will be fine:)

When my Mother had a valve replaced 20 years ago, she was a "warrior" so when I had my mitral valve repaired in December, I felt it was my duty to be a good example for my 3 sons (men)

Have a really neat poster from Norway which has "Viking Laws" printed on it..........#1 is "Be brave and aggressive - attack one target at a time". (A good approach for OHS)

Meredith Bray  There is no such thing as chance or coincidence - everything happens for a reason. I hope you'll be back in the water soon, I remember my first time back in ... Read more

Meredith Bray  There is no such thing as chance or coincidence - everything happens for a reason. I hope you'll be back in the water soon, I remember my first time back in the water, it felt so good. My doctor told me as soon as all my incisions and tube-sites were healed I could swim. I hope you will, too!

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Susan I've been watching your post, I don't get to write as often as I like since I still work, actually almost up to the day of surgery. I am doing similar ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Susan I've been watching your post, I don't get to write as often as I like since I still work, actually almost up to the day of surgery. I am doing similar as you, there are days I feel great that I got this then another moment I'm in panic mode. Your upbeat outlook is very motivating.

Kirk Bepler  Just had my cath done 2 weeks ago, can be nerve racking and I know what your feeling. I remembered signing in and seeing that in the documents I needed to sign, ... Read more

Kirk Bepler  Just had my cath done 2 weeks ago, can be nerve racking and I know what your feeling. I remembered signing in and seeing that in the documents I needed to sign, it made my anxiety jump. You will be fine and you get though it..

Helen Daw  Had my OHS 6 weeks ago and I feel great. Not going to lie, I have days that I feel down, but I remind myself where I was 6 weeks ago compare to now. I have ... Read more

Helen Daw  Had my OHS 6 weeks ago and I feel great. Not going to lie, I have days that I feel down, but I remind myself where I was 6 weeks ago compare to now. I have been walking 3 miles a day , just started to drive and just taking it one day at a time. You will be fine. Mot of the people here who have been through it can tell you it wasn't that bad...The whole process wasn't bad at all. I do know the anxiety sometimes an take over our thinking . but hang in there. It will be fine. Cant wait to hear about you recovery!! Be strong. You can do it!

Elaine Phares  You will stay over night if they have to put in stent/stents I was told. The Cath was a pretty easy procedure. Just the tiniest bit sore where they went in ... Read more

Elaine Phares  You will stay over night if they have to put in stent/stents I was told. The Cath was a pretty easy procedure. Just the tiniest bit sore where they went in and after I ate, they sent me home. I'm almost 7 weeks out from OHS and feel most days like I never had anything done. You will do great....the stress we put ourselves thru really is the worst part.

Rita Savelis  It's highly unlikely you'll have to stay, and there's not anything you absolutely need to have along anyway even if you did stay. You should be fine.
I'm sorry ... Read more

Rita Savelis  It's highly unlikely you'll have to stay, and there's not anything you absolutely need to have along anyway even if you did stay. You should be fine.
I'm sorry the hospital staff has made you worried (they do that) and sorry that you have to go through this.
Take a deep breath.
Whatever gets done, gets done. And whatever doesn't get done before OHS, doesn't get done.
It's okay. Really.

Aaron Morgan  I had mine several weeks ago. They told me that i had a small change that i might have to stay the night to be monitored. This was not the case for me. They ... Read more

Aaron Morgan  I had mine several weeks ago. They told me that i had a small change that i might have to stay the night to be monitored. This was not the case for me. They said that age and health have a lot to do with them keeping you overnight. Best of luck. It is not that bad.

Mark Wilbur  One of the videos about the procedure mentions that sometimes the patient stays overnight for precautionary reasons if the cath is done later in the afternoon... ... Read more

Mark Wilbur  One of the videos about the procedure mentions that sometimes the patient stays overnight for precautionary reasons if the cath is done later in the afternoon... Maybe that's all. I'm sure you'll be fine!

Charlotte Dowd  Susan, good luck with the Cath tomorrow- I'll be thinking of you! My cath is on the 11th,(your surgery day) so I'll be thinking of you that day too! I want ... Read more

Charlotte Dowd  Susan, good luck with the Cath tomorrow- I'll be thinking of you! My cath is on the 11th,(your surgery day) so I'll be thinking of you that day too! I want to hear your report on the cath procedure.

All the best and we've got this!!

Marie Myers  Always good to get through the dental work. I had to have a root canal 6 months after my AVR and aneurysm replacement. Needless to say, I was nervous, but all ... Read more

Marie Myers  Always good to get through the dental work. I had to have a root canal 6 months after my AVR and aneurysm replacement. Needless to say, I was nervous, but all went well. Best wishes for a smooth surgery!

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Susan I'm right there at the 7 week mark and anxiety is high also. I have some pre dental also. Worried about it causing an infection then going to my heart ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Susan I'm right there at the 7 week mark and anxiety is high also. I have some pre dental also. Worried about it causing an infection then going to my heart afterward. Then anxiety over pre op CAT scan, worried they will just find other stuff wrong. I even made an appt with my regular cardiologist to triple check that I still need surgery and things haven't improved. Crazy, like the leak is going to stop for some reason. All I do is worry. I take melatonin, it does help me stay asleep a bit. My doc gave me a small doze of Xanax for now because I was having terrible nightmares of them taking out all kinds of organs. This is horrible, i know exactly how you are feeling.

  I had my MVRepair on April 17, 2017. I remember all those feelings you are experiencing now. I have to say, just as many others on this site have, the preanxiety ... Read more

  I had my MVRepair on April 17, 2017. I remember all those feelings you are experiencing now. I have to say, just as many others on this site have, the preanxiety is much worse than the actual surgery and recovery. It just seems so scary. I had surgery on Monday morning and was home Friday afternoon. I did have some fluid build up in one lung but it was quickly resolved. Actual surgical pain from sternum was not at all as bad as I had convinced myself that it would be. I did hunch over instead of standing up straight which I am sure led to more back and muscle pain so stand up straight when you are up walking. Ask for that laxative early and save yourself that discomfort. Pericarditis hit at 8 weeks but, knowing it is only a painful inconvenience and not a threatening complication, it is easy to let go of any anxiety or stress about it. It will go away. I guess my point is that we all have those presurgery terrors but after it is over it really isn’t as bad as we had predecided it would be. So, as you read all these posts takes a lot of deep breaths and accept the assurances that the odds are in your favor. 👍😊

Marc Marelich  I am seven weeks out as well, i feel some of the same anxiety. You are going to be in skilled, caring hands and we are right here routing you on. It’s scary, ... Read more

Marc Marelich  I am seven weeks out as well, i feel some of the same anxiety. You are going to be in skilled, caring hands and we are right here routing you on. It’s scary, I know, but we are not alone. Hang in there Susan!

Susan Killian  It helps just knowing that the anxiety is something we share as a group going through this. Sometimes I think I am being overly dramatic or something. My ... Read more

Susan Killian  It helps just knowing that the anxiety is something we share as a group going through this. Sometimes I think I am being overly dramatic or something. My family does not quite get it, they try but I feel I need to be strong for them. It does help to read about those of you that have gone through it. At least Nancy Surprenant Takahashi I don't seem to have the nightmares, I just have trouble going to sleep. I am going to try the melatonin, and maybe call my surgeon if I still have troubles. Thank you Jennifer Torring it is good to hear from all you that have gone before. I hope I can help others in the future!

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  it really does help so much so very much that others before post their experiences and I am truly grateful for your help. I'll agree with Susan Killian that ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  it really does help so much so very much that others before post their experiences and I am truly grateful for your help. I'll agree with Susan Killian that hopefully I can help other in the future . No one can understand it unless they have walked in these shoes. My family is very supportive and but they don't really understand fully, I also hide a lot of how I'm feeling because with my boys I can see they are worried and if I show just how scared I am I will only worry them more than they are. I can't freak out but inside I really am.

Helen Daw  My anxiety was so bad that I did not want to do anything. I was going to work and back home for months. Did not want to see anybody. I know how you feel and ... Read more

Helen Daw  My anxiety was so bad that I did not want to do anything. I was going to work and back home for months. Did not want to see anybody. I know how you feel and nothing we say will ease that anxiety, but believe me, it was so easy that sometimes I forget that I just had OHS. I wish there is some magic words I can say to ease all of anxiety, but there isn’t. Trust your surgeon, trust the people here who have gone through it and have faith. It will be ok. Good luck!!

Civita Fahey  the last month or so before is really hard. I was there last year at this time.. my surgery was 4/24/17. I tried just living my days as normal. I kept saying ... Read more

Civita Fahey  the last month or so before is really hard. I was there last year at this time.. my surgery was 4/24/17. I tried just living my days as normal. I kept saying to myself, it will be fine.. they are trained to do this and the alternative isn't any better.. I tried to do some meditation . its hard.. but I can say that truly the anticipation is the worst part.. I have things in my journal that may help out.. but, really try and relax and just go through life as normal as possible.you will do just great.. best wishes for a successful surgery.

Barbara Wood  The waiting is so hard & stressful! Recovery is work, but it's such a good feeling to know that the surgery is behind you! I was beyond nervous, but had this ... Read more

Barbara Wood  The waiting is so hard & stressful! Recovery is work, but it's such a good feeling to know that the surgery is behind you! I was beyond nervous, but had this unexpected sense of peace & optimism come over me about 3 days before S-day...we drove to Portland ( Maine), walked on the beach, had a fish fry, & I slept so well. Went in for the surgery completely calm. Several people have mentioned that feeling of peace just beforehand. Maybe the relief of knowing that the inevitable is at hand & it will soon be behind you... I wish this for you, take care Susan:). Oh, & I had no real pain, just some nausea the first day & lots of fatigue for a few weeks!

Deb Lewis   As a therapist with severe mitral valve regurgitation, I have noticed that the symptoms of many heart problems and anxiety feel identical! Be gentle on yourself! ... Read more

Deb Lewis   As a therapist with severe mitral valve regurgitation, I have noticed that the symptoms of many heart problems and anxiety feel identical! Be gentle on yourself! I use a free meditation app called insight timer and even 5 minutes of listening to a guided meditation seems to help.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Susan,
It takes a while to go from denial to acceptance, especially when you feel perfectly fine! At least, that was my experience.
Great that you are ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Susan,
It takes a while to go from denial to acceptance, especially when you feel perfectly fine! At least, that was my experience.
Great that you are moving forward with your planning. Two key items for a smooth recovery are soup and pillows:)

Julie Copeland  You’ll be amazed by the reversal of symptoms and feel so much better! At least I did! I didn’t realize how bad I was till I felt good again! Prep now ... Read more

Julie Copeland  You’ll be amazed by the reversal of symptoms and feel so much better! At least I did! I didn’t realize how bad I was till I felt good again! Prep now for later- fill the freezer, get a massage, get a great haircut that will last a month, make arrangement for child care, recruit family & friends to help, try a grocery delivery service, and even a housekeeper for a month, get ahead if you can at work, pay bills and get current on any personal paperwork. Best wishes on the upcoming surgery!

Civita Fahey  Susan I think all of us are in some form of denial at some point through this process. Once we realize it that surgery is inevitable and we will be better after, ... Read more

Civita Fahey  Susan I think all of us are in some form of denial at some point through this process. Once we realize it that surgery is inevitable and we will be better after, it somehow gets a bit easier. You will feel so much better after .. best of luck for a uneventful surgery and speedy recovery.

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Hi Susan, I feel great despite I need my valve repaired. I'm not out of breath no swelling etc. just EKG showed real bad leak, I too didn't want to believe ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Hi Susan, I feel great despite I need my valve repaired. I'm not out of breath no swelling etc. just EKG showed real bad leak, I too didn't want to believe it. So I asked the surgeon, "what if I choose not to do this" he replied "You don't have a way out, your heart is working too hard and it will continue to work too hard". Sometimes we have to take a step backward to go forward.

Michael Neverisky  Hi Susan. I had my mitral valve repaired on Feb 8th. Back home in 5 days and with very little discomfort. Bought some loose fitting flannel shirts, front buttons, ... Read more

Michael Neverisky  Hi Susan. I had my mitral valve repaired on Feb 8th. Back home in 5 days and with very little discomfort. Bought some loose fitting flannel shirts, front buttons, and stretchy T shirts. Was told to keep the range of motion in my arms limited, so the loose shirts are easier to put on.

Also rented a powered recliner for a month $150. Slept there the first two nights but now back in my own bed! I use the recliner during the day, I think the power feature helps.

Therese ODell  Hi Susan, just had my aortic valve replaced 2 weeks ago. A toilet seat riser, shower seat, bed wedge, lots of pillows. I bought button down shirts and loose ... Read more

Therese ODell  Hi Susan, just had my aortic valve replaced 2 weeks ago. A toilet seat riser, shower seat, bed wedge, lots of pillows. I bought button down shirts and loose fitting v neck t shirts along with loose "yoga" pants. You will have a couple small incisions in your abdomen. Get some dry shampoo so you don't have to wash your hair so often. I have found Aspercream with lidocaine roll on a miracle drug! Back pain is by far the worst of this adventure! A heating pad has been helpful. Buy a few front closure bras, they feel sort of comforting. Holding you together feeling. Sitting her trying to think of anything else that would be helpful. If I think of anything I will let you know! You can do this! I will be praying for you.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hello Susan,
I agree, was weeks before able to sleep without head elevated. Rented an electric bed for a month, very helpful when getting out/in bed. Have ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hello Susan,
I agree, was weeks before able to sleep without head elevated. Rented an electric bed for a month, very helpful when getting out/in bed. Have an electric recliner so slept in that for the first 2 nights as the home staircase seemed too challenging when I got home from the hospital.

Shoes that are easy to get on/off really help. ( I had velcro fasteners and rubber soles for ease/safety)

Safety tub chair for showers for the first 2 weeks.

Had to sleep on my back for about a month, while sternum healed so bought essential oil, lavender, to apply on my hands to help fall asleep.

Had a couple of nice bamboo ponchos which I wore as tops (and in the hospital too). Felt great, looked great, kept me warm. Shawls would also work.

Hope this helps.

Rose Madura  A shower chair might be helpful for when you first come home. I wore large tshirts at first to allow the scar to heal. Had a surgical bra that the hospital ... Read more

Rose Madura  A shower chair might be helpful for when you first come home. I wore large tshirts at first to allow the scar to heal. Had a surgical bra that the hospital gave me which helped. The wedge helped. Would start in bed then move to recliner during the night. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze. Seems like you've got a good handle on everything.

Toni Z  Hi, I was told to used non scented baby wash on my incision area and drainage tube area. They also said a new clean towel after each shower to dry the incision. ... Read more

Toni Z  Hi, I was told to used non scented baby wash on my incision area and drainage tube area. They also said a new clean towel after each shower to dry the incision. If you don’t want to keep using a whole new towel each time, have lots hand towels or wash clothes to dry in these areas. That way you don’t have big laundry to do.

Vanessa Corwin  Comfy clothing is a must. Shower chair is good if you feel you need one. I had a surgical bra that they gave me in the hospital. Ugh. I did much better with ... Read more

Vanessa Corwin  Comfy clothing is a must. Shower chair is good if you feel you need one. I had a surgical bra that they gave me in the hospital. Ugh. I did much better with a sports bra (no wires, front close) that I got from Walmart.

Helen Daw  Had my surgery 2 weeks ago. I used the recliner during the day and my bed at night. Did not buy a wedge but had a lot of pillows on my bed. To be honest, ... Read more

Helen Daw  Had my surgery 2 weeks ago. I used the recliner during the day and my bed at night. Did not buy a wedge but had a lot of pillows on my bed. To be honest, I did not buy anything. Took a shirt, sweat pants, socks, slippers, underwear and a loose sports bra to the hospital. I did buy a robe but did not use it as my hospital provided that for me. Make sure you have Tylenol home. I did not have any home so hubby had to go out and get some.

Gina Fiorentino  I have my own personal organizing business, so keeping my place "together and organized" is a way I've been self-soothing during the last few months. I also ... Read more

Gina Fiorentino  I have my own personal organizing business, so keeping my place "together and organized" is a way I've been self-soothing during the last few months. I also packed my hospital bag packed with the list of recommended items from Christine's online blog: "Operation Backward Blood", which I found very practical, informative and helpful.

I investive in some things to make myself comfortable when I come home from the hospital: a comfortable, gently used recliner off Craigslist, portable tray for food with iPad stand to watch movies relaxing upright in bed, a leg wedge, button-down pjs with a light, comfy robe and house shoes/slippers.

I also did some major Spring cleaning- then organized all of my drawers (moving my most commonly used items to middle drawer for easy access).

I placed important papers, passwords and a list of my monthly bills / expenses together in one place (in case my husband needs them handy).

Today, I put together a portable accordion file for all of my upcoming medical bills, receipts, medicine and care instructions.

Next, I plan to stock up on non-parishable food, and bring out the ol' "Seal-a-meal machine". I'll prepare and freeze a bunch of homemade meals that have been cooked and seasoned, so that my husband can easily thaw and pop into the microwave.

Oh! And an excellent book was recently recommended for surgery preparation that I am really finding relief in reading. It is called "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. It comes with 2 relaxation CD's and lots of tips how to "Let go and surrender" into relaxation for a good surgery outcome and maximize healing.

Hope some of these suggestions are helpful!

Kathy Blank  Besides getting organized before surgery- spending quality time with loved ones was priceless. The BEST thing about my whole experience is having family and ... Read more

Kathy Blank  Besides getting organized before surgery- spending quality time with loved ones was priceless. The BEST thing about my whole experience is having family and close friends surround you. My bond with my loved ones became SO much stronger and I appreciate them SO much more❤️

pat vassalluzzo  Pat Vassalluzzo. I am now a little over 4 weeks for aortic replacement and mitral repair. Still have some shortness breath after walking 400 feet. Also started ... Read more

pat vassalluzzo  Pat Vassalluzzo. I am now a little over 4 weeks for aortic replacement and mitral repair. Still have some shortness breath after walking 400 feet. Also started to feel extra beats which I know happens but cause anxiety. Anyone else have this problem please advise

Kelly Stoll  We've been setting the house up to make walking easier and putting things I'll want access to at lower levels, since reaching will be problematic. Also finding ... Read more

Kelly Stoll  We've been setting the house up to make walking easier and putting things I'll want access to at lower levels, since reaching will be problematic. Also finding time to mediate, listen to music, and pack my hospital bag. Best wishes and good luck.

Meredith Bray  I spent a day with my mom and a day with my step-mom cooking up a storm. Mom & I made quiche & meatloaf (her specialties) and step mom and I made lasagna and ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I spent a day with my mom and a day with my step-mom cooking up a storm. Mom & I made quiche & meatloaf (her specialties) and step mom and I made lasagna and banana bread. It was nice to just be together and be able to talk (or not) and cry (or not). Having an activity to focus on was enjoyable.

Susan Killian  They told me for the optimal repair to do the OHS, he said I am young enough and healthy enough to do this repair and it will have the best outcome. I am ... Read more

Susan Killian  They told me for the optimal repair to do the OHS, he said I am young enough and healthy enough to do this repair and it will have the best outcome. I am happy that the date is far enough away to get some things done but sometimes I just wish to go get it over with.

Rita Savelis  Hello Susan. I am sorry that you have to go through this. Being active is certainly a positive factor for recovery from OHS, and congrats on your weight loss. ... Read more

Rita Savelis  Hello Susan. I am sorry that you have to go through this. Being active is certainly a positive factor for recovery from OHS, and congrats on your weight loss. Not everyone has symptoms, although some do, so it can very often come as a complete surprise when one finds out that a valve may need to be repaired or replaced. Wishing you some peace as you wait for your surgeon's appt.

Kathy Blank  Susan- we have lots in common- read my journal when you are ready. This site helped empower me to make the best choices for my treatment and I am back to running ... Read more

Kathy Blank  Susan- we have lots in common- read my journal when you are ready. This site helped empower me to make the best choices for my treatment and I am back to running and a very active lifestyle 1 year post surgery. I had NO sylptoms but I am convinced waiting and risking heart damage was not the answer for me! Choosing a very experienced surgeon is key! Let me know if I can be of help in your heart journey- your active lifestyle will certainly help in your recovery!

Don L  Hi Susan, I am active with no symptoms and scheduled for Mitral surgery March 21st. I echo Kathy's sentiments and I am thinking of it like an investment in ... Read more

Don L  Hi Susan, I am active with no symptoms and scheduled for Mitral surgery March 21st. I echo Kathy's sentiments and I am thinking of it like an investment in a continued active lifestyle knowing the Mitral valve issue will only worsen over time once it is severe unfortunately. A high volume hospital and Mitral expert surgeon seems to be key on risks/results. It sounds like you have a wonderful support system.

Phyllis Petersen  Hi Susan, I knew about my MVP with regurg for quite a few years, but when they tell you it's reached severe and surgery is imminent, we all freak out a bit. ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  Hi Susan, I knew about my MVP with regurg for quite a few years, but when they tell you it's reached severe and surgery is imminent, we all freak out a bit. I'm glad you found this community. I could not have gotten through my mitral valve repair without the information and support I found here and in Adam's book. I had my repair on 10/13/16 and am doing very well. My main symptom was sudden bouts of fatigue, occasional fluttering and a loud heartbeak, especially when laying down. Toward the end, I started to fatigue easily with exertion. I was 62 when I had my surgery and will be 64 next month. We're considered young, although there are people on here a lot younger. Feel free to ask any question that comes to mind. Phyllis

Helen Daw  I , too, have lost a lot of weight (60 pounds) been very active the last 5 years with walking and hiking for an hour every single day. I knew about my mitral ... Read more

Helen Daw  I , too, have lost a lot of weight (60 pounds) been very active the last 5 years with walking and hiking for an hour every single day. I knew about my mitral valve since I was 16. Tomorrow I am facing OHR at the age of 50. This site has helped me a lot and was so glad to hear that I am not alone. I met someone yesterday from this site and she helped me a great deal to deal with my fear. I am in good hands with my surgeons and at a great facility. I am so ready to put this behind me that it is crazy to say but I am excited to put it behind me. Good luck to you.

Phyllis Petersen  I had minimally-invasive, robotically-assisted repair. They went in from the side and the robot went in under the breast. Even if there's a high chance of repair, ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  I had minimally-invasive, robotically-assisted repair. They went in from the side and the robot went in under the breast. Even if there's a high chance of repair, you will still need to pick out a valve just in case. I had chosen a porcine valve and the surgeon was fine with that.