About Me (In My Own Words)
Back around 2000 I had a regular doctors appointment where it was found I had a murmur, later to be determined as MVP. My doctor at the time was not alarmed and proceeded to put me on medicine for dental visits only. Forward to 2013 where I got pneumonia once in May then again later in the year and finally again early in 2014. After the third time, the tiredness continue to stay and my PCP being preventative, sent me to see a cardiologist for a Echo and stress test to rule that portion out. Passed the stress test and on to the echo. The tech proceeded to do the echo and by the end said he recommended we follow up with the cardiologist for the results because he had seen cases similar to mine where surgery was needed down the line. He kept indicating "cases like mine"- however falling short of being definitive because that was the doctors job. Couple weeks later we follow up and it was confirmed that my MVP would require surgery, that I had moderate to severe regurgitation and his thought was both anterior and posterior leaflets were damaged to the point replacement may trump repair but not something needing done in imminent future. Our doctor being of the conservative nature, wanted to monitor for time being and have a 6 month follow up. This past Oct with a new echo done and his opinion that my heart had not changed size and was similar to last echo, wanted another 6 month follow up. My concern was I was still getting and staying tired. He felt that my active job was the most likely culprit but ultimately decided for me to get a T.E.E to get a more definitive view of my heart, my regurgitation and the look at my valve. Recently done and on my birthday no less, the T.E.E confirmed that my regurgitation had progressed to severe and that the posterior and anterior leaflets were damaged. Their recommendation to my doctor that we progress to next stage of cycle and begin the 2nd opinion, search for surgeon and preparation for surgery most likely within 6 months.....
So trying to wrap my head around thought this major surgery may happen a lot sooner than the original 1 to 5 year range
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Manchester, Connecticut
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My surgery date is:
March 31, 2015
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Replacement
Mitral Valve Repair
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Prem S Shekar
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My hospital is:
Brigham and Womens
