Patient Story of Cheryl Irvine

My Story

About Me (In My Own Words)

My MVP was first noticed by doctors when I was 26 but it was never mentioned to me until I was in my 30's. I finally saw a Cardiologist when I was in my 40's and my MVP was rated at a 3 out of 4 with a regurgitation of about 35%. I have just turned 60 and the regurgitation is 50% and time to do surgery. Being told I was going for surgery still was a bit of a shock. At first I was nervous and now am anxious to find out more about what is going to happen to me.

Until this past April I was attending a gym twice a week and never gave my MVP much thought. Suddenly something changed and the shortness of breath became much more acute. I have also developed small leaks in the tricuspid and aortic valves. My ventrical remains normal size and I have not yet suffered congestive heart failure.

My attitude is - this could be worse - much worse. Great gains have been made in this field and my chances of a full recovery are huge.

Surgery was scheduled for Sept. 23rd, 2009 but unfortunately I came down with a sinus attack and now surgery is delayed until I am totally well again. My surgery will take place at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto by Dr. David Latter hopefully in about a week or 10 days.

I'm packed, ready to go and am looking forward to getting this past me. My family is much more anxious than I am. My husband and I are blessed with many dear friends who will become a great source of support. My husband and one of my son's will not be waiting alone - there are going to be a number of friends joining them and they will all wait together. That too makes me feel better.

Adam's book has become a point of reference and much comfort. I am one of those people who want to know as much as possible about what I have and how it's going to be fixed. I very much enjoy reading other people's stories who are going through or have gone through much the same thing. Kudos to Adam and his family who must share his time with the work it takes in keeping up this website