About Me (In My Own Words)
I am 51. I was diagnosed with MVP when I was 10 and have had no open heart procedures. I have been seeing the same local cardiologist annually since I was 25. Over the course of the last 25 years my MVP has been relatively static with moderate regurgitation, however, I learned of other underlying problems such as a bicuspid/stenotic aortic valve along with a mildly dilated ascending aorta and left pulmonary artery. Four years ago, my cardiologist wanted me to get a second opinion at the Cleveland Clinic with staff cardiologist Dr. William Stewart. I have since been seeing Dr. Stewart annually who has put me through more intensive and detailed testing. Up until this week, we have been watchful waiting as I have been relatively asymptomatic. As a result of more frequent palpitations, non-sustained tachycardia during a stress echo and Dr. Stewart's intuition, he is now recommending surgical intervention. Two Cleveland Clinic surgeons have been recommended to deal with my mix of issues as described:
My general heart condition:
Bileaflet Mitral Valve Prolapse: Moderate to severe regurgitation.
Bicuspid/Stenotic Aortic Valve: Moderate regurgitation.
Ascending Aorta Dilation: Mild / 4.1cm.
Left Pulmonary Artery Dilation: Mild+ / 4.0cm.
EF: 56 +/-5%
Hypertension: 130/80 with meds. 160/90 without meds.
The preliminary plan:
1: Repair mitral valve.
2: Replace aortic valve (with bio valve, type TBD).
3: Aortaplasty *
4: Left Pulmonary artery plasty *
(* Surgical restoration to reduce the diameter of the ascending aorta and left pulmonary artery.)
I am presently awaiting a call from the surgeons office for scheduling, tentatively set for December-2014. I will return to the Cleveland Clinic a few days prior to surgery for pre-op tests such as a left & right heart cath., chest x-ray, MRI and bloodwork. If all goes to plan, I will be in Cleveland for 5 days and then home for approx. 6 weeks.
The percentages (per Dr. Stewart):
90% probability of a successful repair on the mitral valve vs. replacement if the repair is not successful.
2% chance of death.
4% chance of residual problems or complications such as stroke, heart attack, lung problems.
More to follow.
Jeff
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
J-town
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My surgery date is:
December 4, 2014
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Mitral Valve Repair
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My hospital is:
Cleveland Clinic
