Linda's Guestbook

Hi Linda, my name is Ana, and I had my Mitral Valve repaired 4 months ago. I too went to Cleveland Clinic. Who was your surgeon? I would love to talk more with you. I have so many quartona to ask. I just started exercising, but even after 4 months felt some discomfort.

Linda - I agree it would be easier to identify the minimally invasive patients with an "M". I am surprised how many "Os" there are on this site when minimally invasive entry is available for MV repairs. I researched MANY surgeons across the country before I had my MV repair. One surgeon plainly said to me that he uses a mini-sternotomy procedure and was blatantly forthcoming that he never learned nor gained experience in the side-entry procedure. He had nothing but praise for the short recovery, minimal pain, and negligible scarring offered by this technique. I had tremendous respect and gratitude for his truthfulness. I can't say enough about the importance of patients doing their own research and being fluent about their options. I was perfectly willing to have my sternum cut, if it was medically necessary. However, I was not wiling to do it when minimally-invasive entry would yield an equally successful repair with similar by-pass time. Everyone will make the decision that's right for them, but I am happy to say that I will not be reminded of my heart surgery by looking at the sternum scar every day.

Hi Linda... How are you doing? I noticed your note on my page to call you but was a few days late in reading it! You still need a call? I can do that in the next couple of days. Hope all is well with you.