About Me (In My Own Words)
After years of having a heart murmur so loud that medical personnel would visibly jump when they heard it, I was advised it was time to do open heart surgery. I had started warning them when they got out the stethoscopes! Really, really wish I had found this wonderful site before my surgery, but am glad to know about it now. I stumbled upon Adam's book one day post-surgery, bought it and read it all at once. I can't tell you how much it meant to me. At the time. I was at home, recuperating, really hurting and having no idea if that was normal. My issue was a leaking mitral valve and severe regurgitation. (The tricuspid valve was also involved, but as a secondary issue.) It was serious and I was having symptoms, though I'm not sure I was paying enough attention. I thought maybe that's normal--tiring out easily, having shortness of breath. Mostly though, I had palpitations--very strong, thudding heartbeats that often kept me awake because I felt them more at night. I have an overactive thyroid which is under control, and apparently uncomfortable heartbeats can be caused by the thyroid problem. So last summer, my endocrinologist told me it was a good idea to see my cardiologist, which I did. After some tests, I was told I needed surgery to repair the mechanical problem with my heart, that there's a "window of opportunity" to have successful surgery, that I was in it and it's time to do it. That day was October 31, 2014. I was in a shock because I have tried to stay in shape, eat well, be healthy, etc. Apparently, you can't fix this issue that way. So the next phase of my life began.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Jonesboro, Georgia
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My surgery date is:
February 11, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
Tricuspid Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
Piedmont
