About Me (In My Own Words)
I was born with a genetic disorder called Holt Oram syndrome. I had a “cushion defect” with Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect and a cleft mitral valve. A hand surgeon discovered my murmur when preparing my for surgery to construct thumbs on each hand when I was about 5 years old. They determined I needed heart surgery but, at that time, they waited until I was 8 years old for surgery so I would be a bit bigger and more mature. I had a very successful surgery at Children’s Hospital in Detroit Michigan. I was left with a residual mitral valve prolapse but the heart function was great, I was even able to run a couple half marathons as I turned 40 years old.
Fast forward to 2023, at the age of 51, my annual echo determined that my mitral valve regurgitation was now severe and that I should speak with a surgeon. In July, I met with Dr. Steven Bolling at the Michigan Cardiovascular center. He felt that he could repair my valve and that they may need to treat a moderate Tricuspid valve. I scheduled surgery for 12/5/2023.
Since this was a redo surgery, Bolling recommended a full Thoracotomy incision but felt he could repair it again. I am ecstatic to report that I am WELL. During the 6 hour surgery, he was able to repair the cleft mitral valve, which had moderate calcification. During the procedure my heart maintained sinus rhythm so the operation was performed with my heart still beating (that was a surprise to me since I didn’t know that was possible). I spent about 70 minutes on bypass.
I spent four nights and five days at the hospital. I was up and walking the day after surgery, quickly increased my stamina, and was discharged on day five. Dr. Bolling and his team encouraged me to walk, walk, and walk some more, so I focused on that. By day 10 I was walking 10,000 steps a day and was able to walk 6 miles a day within a few weeks. It all seemed a bit miraculous to me.
My post-op with Dr. Bolling was two weeks ago. I now have NO MR and they did not need to repair the tricuspid, which is no longer leaking. He encouraged me to increase to more of an aerobic workout routine, and yesterday I was able to workout for 55 minutes, including 25 minutes indoor cycling, getting my heart rate into the 140s.
This site these past 8-months has provided me with a wealth of information about experiences that patients face and surgical advancements. I had trauma from memories of the prior surgery, but having knowledge gave me the courage to face this procedure which had been hovering over my head my entire lifetime. My prognosis is very bright. Dr. Bolling encouraged me to live a full life and “go die when you are old of something else.” I would highly recommend the Michigan Cardiovascular center and all of their gifted surgeons, including Dr. Bolling (who also operated on my Dad for MRr 6 years ago).
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Novi
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My surgery date is:
December 5, 2023
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
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