Heather's Guestbook

Heather, all the best. I had a similar story -- pretty severe mitral regurgitation but no real symptoms. I got the valve repaired on September 13 and the surgeon said it couldn't have gone better. I just had my post-op checkup with him and he was quite pleased. He doesn't need to see me any more so I just have to see a cardiologist and go through cardiac rehab. I have had a good recovery and feel pretty good except for a little discomfort around my rib cage. I had a right thoracotomy. I shared your concern about the need for such extensive surgery but am definitely glad I went through it and am looking for things to be better. Even with no outward symptoms, the doctor said it appeared my heart was on the verge of damage, so I didn't have the surgery too soon. Good luck next week.

I am 7 weeks post-op with Mitral Valve repair completed by Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern. I had MVP for 20 plus years and the regurgitation was sever this summer with my atrium enlarged. I have no regurgitation now. I was in the hospital for 10 days post-op for a variety of reasons, but once I came home I started to get rest and recover. You will be glad you had this done and will be on the mend. Just take it a day at a time and be gentle with yourself. We are all unique and require different things to heal. Listen to your body. If you have any questions before your surgery, don't hesitate to ask me. I'll do my best to answer.

Hi Heather, I can understand your being concerned about your upcoming surgery. In today's world, surgery for mitral valve repair is routine. The fact that you are having the surgery before the ssymptoms appear is a plus. I wish you all the best. Keep us posted.

Hi Heather, facing open heart surgery is not easy, but just think, when you wake up the risk will be over. It is better to go into surgery before the symptoms appear rather than after they appear. Be strong and think positive. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.