David's Journal

Richard Puckett  This is amazing. I will be having a mitral valve repair done very soon. I have a partially blocked LAD artery that needs to be repaired at the same time. I was initially told that the two repairs couldn't be done with the robotic assisted approach. I wonder if anybody else has a similar situation.

Lenore Mitchell  Not certain about robotic approach, but the LAD is a coronary artery and is on the surface of the heart whereas the valve is inside. Just go to the best hospital and best doc you can and you'll be fine.

  Gosh I keep being told that the "Best way is a full Sternotomy " the big one with the big scar but I hear at mayo Phoenix they do minimally invasive and robotic. Did you get to choose? How did the robot get to be your recommended procedure? Glad you are doing well.

Barbara Laurie  David, it's awesome! PTL Hope your heath is revitalized and blessed, thanks for your prayerful kindnesses❤️💕❤️

David Alejandro  Dan, I was scared to have something "mechanically" go wrong with the Robot. I work with industrial equipment and know things can have a breakdown. I researched online everything I could find about the Davinci Robot used in my operation. From failures, law suits, success stories watching videos of the operation, etc. When compared to the possible problems that can occur with open heart including longer recovery, more pain, etc. I decided to go the Robot way. Boy I'm glad I did. Tough decision, though. Make sure the Dr. IS EXPERIENCED and has many operations experience. I was at peace with Dr. J. Michael Smith @ Good Samaritan, in Cincinnati OH.
Well known for his skills with the Robotic procedure. Only heard many comments of how good he is.
Jesus be with you!

Lenore Mitchell  Good luck, David. I also have mitral regurgitation and went from my Colorado home to cleveland clinic on Oct 1 to see a cardiologist and am having surgery there January 7. There's great info and support on this site.

Jayne Martinko  Welcome Dave, sounds like our stories are very similiar. I will be having Mitral Valve repair surgery next week to correct a murmur/ valve prolapses discovered when I was a child. You will love the information you can get from the website...and the book is fantastic. Will enjoy following your story.

Joan Napier  I would like to welcome you too, David. You've found a very helpful and supportive site here! And I'll add myself to the list of stories similar to your own with MVP. My surgery is scheduled November 10.