Vicki Doolittle - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3359 days ago

I was diagnosed with Mitral valve prolapse at the age of 29. My cardiologist told me by the time I was 60 I may need the valve repaired or replaced. He was ...Read more

I was diagnosed with Mitral valve prolapse at the age of 29. My cardiologist told me by the time I was 60 I may need the valve repaired or replaced. He was 5 years shy of being correct. About 5 months ago I started having more palpations than usual, they were non-stop. I knew something was wrong. My cardiologist ordered an echo along with other testing. My worst fear was true. My leaky valve had ruptured and I needed heart surgery to repair it. I was sent to meet with the cardiac surgeons at Allegiance Hospital in Jackson,MI. They confirmed I would need open heart surgery to repair the valve. Once my cath results were back, it was time to schedule surgery. My emotions were all over the place. I searched the web extensively, to find what my options were when I stumbled upon the minimally invasive heart surgery. I had never heard of this before.why wasn't I made aware of this procedure? Certainly this would be a better option than open heart surgery. I found out my surgeons don't do the minimally invasive surgery. My High hopes were immediately deflated. This is not what I wanted to hear. I was told by my cardiologist I was not a candidate for the minimally invasive surgery. I wanted another opinion. I met with Dr Sakwa at Beaumont Hospital In Detriot. He specialises in the minimally invasive surgery. I was very happy to find out I am a candidate for the minimally invasive surgey! Yay! So glad I got another opinion. My surgery day is drawing near, only 2 short days away, May 26. I am having mixed emotions. Wondering, did I make the right decision by going with the minimally invasive, or should have I gone with the traditional open heart. Staying positive and keeping my faith.

Amy Dorsey Wow! What a story! Best wishes for your upcoming procedure!

Vicki Doolittle Thank you! Amy

Patti Talbot I did minimally invasive 8 weeks ago and don't even feel like I ever had surgery!

Vicki Doolittle That is awesome! Thank you for sharing and for the inspiration!

Linda Wiebe Vickie, I had the "big" open heart surgery to replace the mitral valve. I do not know how things wou ... Read more

Linda Wiebe Vickie, I had the "big" open heart surgery to replace the mitral valve. I do not know how things would have been with the minimally invasive surgery would have been. I think you have to trust yourself and your doctor. Since you got the go ahead to have the minimally invasive then trust and it will be fine. Once they start with the mi then if they determine they need to do the traditional surgery they will do it I am sure. Might talk with your Dr. about that. Best Wishes to you!! Linda Wiebe

Enrique K Hi Vicki, that is great to hear. Read my Journal, I had minimal invasive surgery Oct 9, 2015 through ... Read more

Enrique K Hi Vicki, that is great to hear. Read my Journal, I had minimal invasive surgery Oct 9, 2015 through the right side of the chest and a root replacement. I was a candidate for minimal invasive surgery after all tests were done. I had a very quick recovery, I know people recover differently and at different stages but it was accomplished with great results. You will get mixed feelings from others on this topic but I can tell you one thing they will not split the breastbone (sternotomy) in 2 parts which results in much less pain and a quicker recovery for most people (it was for me). You will have less blood loss, quicker recovery in the hospital, reduced pain and lower trauma and very small scar. Not all surgeons perform this type of surgery even if you are a candidate so I'm glad you got another opinion and have trust in your surgeon. Wish you the best of luck and warm wishes for a speedy recovery and a successful surgery. I'm open to questions/comments/concerns.

Petey Bello Good luck to you Vickie. I just had my mitral valve repaired one month ago. It was a difficult repair ... Read more

Petey Bello Good luck to you Vickie. I just had my mitral valve repaired one month ago. It was a difficult repair & my surgeon did a mini-thoracotomy above my right breast that ended up being a bigger incision then normal (5") & higher up then normal so he could have better access. I am thankful for the repair, even though they could not go in under the breast with a smaller incision. Trust your surgeon, he will know what is best to do! It is all relevant in the grand scheme of life!

I will pray for you that your surgery goes well & you have a speedy recovery!

Richard Puckett I'm envious! If I didn't have a partially blocked LDA artery, I would be a candidate for a minimally ... Read more

Richard Puckett I'm envious! If I didn't have a partially blocked LDA artery, I would be a candidate for a minimally invasive mitral valve repair. I am scheduled for a traditional sternotomey.

Wanda Mroz Hello Vicki.. I'm from MI also and had my mitral valve repair in August 2015... OHS at Henry ford hos ... Read more

Wanda Mroz Hello Vicki.. I'm from MI also and had my mitral valve repair in August 2015... OHS at Henry ford hospital . I had the choice of minimally invasive but after much thought and two meetings with my surgeon, I chose the conventional OHS. I've never regretted doing it that way as my repair was difficult and minimally invasive would have taken even longer. Just trust your surgeon and your gut on what it tells you. If your gut told you to go minimal then trust it will go well. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery. If you have questions please ask. We're practically neighbors! 💞🙏🏻

Kate Watson I definitely would have chosen minimally invasive if I were a candidate. That is great that you found ... Read more

Kate Watson I definitely would have chosen minimally invasive if I were a candidate. That is great that you found a surgeon who can do it. Lots of inspirational people on here who have had it and are doing well. Wishing you a successful outcome and smooth recovery! You'll do great :)

Sophia Ridley I have my mitral valve repaired through OHS, for me the surgeon said it was the best route for succes ... Read more

Sophia Ridley I have my mitral valve repaired through OHS, for me the surgeon said it was the best route for success so I went with his advice. It was far less painful than I expected but the recovery is 3mths. I think I would have had the heart complications whichever route. I just had to trust his experience.

Cathleen Weed I say anything less invasive is always good...as my surgeon says "we can always open you up if we nee ... Read more

Cathleen Weed I say anything less invasive is always good...as my surgeon says "we can always open you up if we need to" lol (that was when I had TAVR). They'll do what they have to do to get it done right ( and they will! ) so don't worry. Technology has advanced so much and you are one of the lucky ones to qualify for minimally invasive surgery. That sternum recovery is half the battle with traditional OHS..it's barbaric really. Embrace your fortune and know that they will take good care of you <3.