Hi Susan! I had robotic surgery by Dr. Gillanov at CC in February. In my experience , I was in excellent hands there an can't say enough about all ...Read more
Hi Susan! I had robotic surgery by Dr. Gillanov at CC in February. In my experience , I was in excellent hands there an can't say enough about all the people there. Waiting and preparing yourself for the surgery is the hardest part. Do your research and discuss with doc for the " in case". As far as open heart versus robotic , there are pros and cons to each.I was in longer due to some complications during surgery (my heart, nothing they did). It's been almost 10 months and my right side and right breast is still numb some. Nothing too crazy now, but I had to get all new bras once I could start wearing them again. Lol
Wishing you the best - you've got this. Ask any questions and you are ahead already since you found this site!!
Susan Epstein Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Kathy. I am meeting with Dr. Gillinov today and wi ... Read more
Susan Epstein Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Kathy. I am meeting with Dr. Gillinov today and will find out what type of surgery I will be having. I concur… The waiting in anticipation has been very difficult. Once I have more information, I am certain I will feel better. I’m confident that I am at a fantastic facility with an amazing surgeon, and I’m hopeful that I too will be fine post procedure. Wishing you well. Happy holidays.
Kathy Ozio Merry Christmas! I hope all goes well and please feel free to ask me any questions .
Hi Susan, it's natural to be nervous - just be gentle with yourself and your fears. I did a lot of just-in-case preparation before my 11/30/23 mitral re-repair. ...Read more
Hi Susan, it's natural to be nervous - just be gentle with yourself and your fears. I did a lot of just-in-case preparation before my 11/30/23 mitral re-repair. Shopped for the holidays, sent out cards, reviewed legal documents...but here I am! The odds are TOTALLY in your favor for a successful outcome. With your level of good health otherwise, after a period of recovery, I'm optimistic you will feel better than ever!
Valerie Allen Susan, a dear friend had mitral valve repair with Dr. Gillinov 15 years ago. Still doing great! I und ... Read more
Valerie Allen Susan, a dear friend had mitral valve repair with Dr. Gillinov 15 years ago. Still doing great! I understand the anxiety. I have it too. Soon you will be in recovery. Best wishes to you and your team!
Susan Epstein Thank you SO much for your words of encouragement. Wishing you and your family a very happy healthy... Read more
Susan Epstein Thank you SO much for your words of encouragement. Wishing you and your family a very happy healthy and peaceful holiday season.
Susan Epstein Thank you so much Sharon. I'm taking your advise and doing the same...so I should be goood to go wh... Read more
Susan Epstein Thank you so much Sharon. I'm taking your advise and doing the same...so I should be goood to go when I get back home. Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.
Pamela Gregory Susan, the Cleveland Clinic is amazing and you will do great there. I traveled last year from DE for... Read more
Pamela Gregory Susan, the Cleveland Clinic is amazing and you will do great there. I traveled last year from DE for my surgery and very glad I did. Waiting is torture because it is so hard to turn your mind off of the "what might happen" channel. Turns out for most of us that the pain (which was my biggest fear) was managed way better than I thought and the recovery, while a slow process, was better than anticipated as long as you pack your patience and take it slow and steady. Good luck to you and I will be sending positive thoughts and prayers
I had the same experience 3 years ago where I had no symptoms but diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and severe regurgitation. My surgery ...Read more
Hi Susan,
I had the same experience 3 years ago where I had no symptoms but diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and severe regurgitation. My surgery was minimally invasive ( no sternotomy) at Stanford Hospital. I had some issues with anemia and arrhythmia that has followed me these last 3 years. But, overall, being in good shape and having a strong support system is so helpful and sounds like you have both. I am expecting my first grandchild in April and am hopeful that the surgery has enabled me to have the longevity to experience many more years. I’ve only read wonderful info about the Cleveland Clinic. Wishing you all the best to trust in your surgeon, medical team, your family and your personal strength to move through this to healing and completely enjoying all this beautiful life offers❤️
Susan Epstein Thank you so much. Your words serve as encouragement to me, letting me know that I too will get thro ... Read more
Susan Epstein Thank you so much. Your words serve as encouragement to me, letting me know that I too will get through this. Congratulations on your first grandchild… The best club in the world to belong to!
Welcome to recovery and safe journey home .
Take care and pace yourself .