divya's Guestbook

You are so fortunate to be able to have robotic surgery - mine was open heart. I assume you have carefully weighed getting a pig valve vs. a mechanical valve. I chose the latter because I didn't want to risk a valve failure and the need for another surgery. As long as you have carefully weighed the options, that's great. Good luck with your surgery. 

Hi, Divya! Heart valve replacement surgery is scary, but for the surgeon it is routine and it is a very safe procedure. The hour before my OHS was the most terrifying moment in my life, though I think most people assume it was when I had a stroke. I admit I’ve never heard of SCAD until I read your story, and it sounds scary! You survived that, and you will survive heart valve replacement surgery. March means it’s not an emergency, so I would suggest you seek a second opinion, if you haven’t done so already. You’re good to go once you’re comfortable with the timing, the surgeon, and the type of procedure. We’re here if you have any questions! Rheumatic mitral valve is uncommon in the US, supposedly, but many of us on this site have had it.