Todd's Guestbook

Hello Todd, So we're having the same surgery, on the same day! I wish you a great outcome. I too, was a bit blindsided by how serious my regurgitation got in a short amount of time. But like you, I decided now is the time, before it becomes an emergency. I wish you the best; you know, I know EXACTLY how you feel right now, and you know EXACTLY how I feel.

Hey Todd. Welcome to this forum. Your story sounds much like mine (if you ignore the fact that I am 70). I had an unexplained multi-month illness that turned out to be endocarditis from a blood infection. I ended up needing my mitral valve repaired (as well as my tricuspid). I understand the anxiety - I had about 18 months to dread the surgery before I went through with it in November. I was hoping for minimally invasive surgery but other factors derailed that at the last minute so I needed a full sternotomy. I can honestly say that the surgery and recovery were not nearly as bad as I anticipated. I’d give it a three or four out of ten. I wish I had known that it was not going to be very bad - even though almost everyone on this site said that the anticipation was worse than the surgery. I expect you will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you will bounce back. Feel free to ask anything - people here are very generous with their time and support. Good luck.