About Me (In My Own Words)
In December 2021, for the first time in my life, I was in the ER. I had horrible chest, shoulder, neck and arm pain, so based on that, and my age (61), I was referred to the ER. As it turns out, the pain was caused my my first ever, very severe case of acid reflux. It took weeks for the pain to subside, but thankfully, while I was in the ER, the doctor asked me about my heart murmur. “Uh… what heart murmur?” That began a series of tests: EKGs, echos, TEE, Chest x-rays, CT scan, angiogram, carotid ultrasound… my diagnosis is severe mitral valve regurgitation, a-fib, and for good measure, I have a large cyst on the right side of the pericardial sack. Until this time I was active and healthy. I was working out 5x per week, running, bike riding, hiking, and staying active. Just before my diagnosis, I noticed my heart rate was unusually high and it was irregular.
I thought my Fitbit was broken. I upgraded to an Apple Watch but experienced the same “ problem.” Over the past six months, perhaps because I’m more cognizant of my symptoms, I have instances of severe atrial fibrillation, occasional light headedness and unusual brief sharp pains in my chest. My main symptom is overwhelming fatigue. Whereas, I was previously very active, just going up the stairs at home now leaves me breathing heavily.
I am anxious to have surgery, rehabilitate and regain the level of health I once had. I am hoping my mitral valve can be repaired, but because the damage is in several areas (flail anterior and posterior leaflets, and ruptured chord) and somewhat extensive, it may be irreparable, and I may require a replacement. Surgeons estimate a 60-70% chance of successful repair. During my surgery, they will also clip the left atrial appendage, to help reduce the chance of clots forming there, and the pericardial cyst will be drained/removed.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
California
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My surgery date is:
November 7, 2022
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I was diagnosed with:
Mitral Regurgitation
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My surgery was:
Mitral Valve Repair
Maze Procedure
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My surgeon is:
Dr. Asad Shah
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