Anna's Guestbook

Anna Rakowicz  Good advise Karen,  on taking it one day at a time, and knowing that I will have some time before surgery is scheduled. 

Jamie Griffith  Hi Anna.  Sounds like you are gathering all the proper information and seeking multiple opinions to fix your heart.  Tomorrow will mark 8-mo since my OHS to repair my mitral valve (It was my 2nd surgery for a congenital disorder).  I had amazing care at UM and they have several mitral valve surgeons that specialize in repairs and replacements. This website has amazing resources, as well.  It’s overwhelming to process, but soon you will have a plan, have surgery, and be on with the rest of your life. Hang in there!  Fyi my surgery was Dr Steven Bolling who has many interviews available on this site.

Anna Rakowicz  Hi Jamie, I actually made an appointment with Dr. Bolling on 8/20. He did my friends mitral valve and she’s doing great also. However, I also have the aortic valve that needs to be replaced and I was told Dr. Bolling doesn’t do those, so I am seeing another surgeon at U of M.

Jamie Griffith  Hi Anna, they have great Aortic specialists too there.  Good luck with your upcoming appointment.  I met with Bolling last July (he also repaired my father’s mitral about 7 yrs ago).  Waiting for surgery, the procedure, and rehabilitation was a challenge to say the least.  But 8 months later, I am grateful for all the care I had and the reset on life that it has provided.

Valerie Allen  Cleveland Clinic has one of the top, if not the top, aortic surgeon. Dr Eric Roselli. Highly recommend.

Anna Rakowicz  Thanks for the feedback. It’s crazy this all started because I needed cardiac clearance (PVCs)  for knee replacement surgery early this year, and I found out things were not right with my heart. Still haven’t had the knee replacement, but I was getting regular gel shots every 6 months and am getting another series starting today. 

Anna Rakowicz  Thank you Valerie, I have not yet met with a surgeon from CC, though I did go there for a second opinion in May for my reduced EF and cardiomyopathy dx. following a routine echo. I have viewed Dr, Roselli’s video on this website. I also see Marc Gillinov  has high marks as well.