Debra Gioquindo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2112 days ago

I've asked around. Took me some time because I don't know many people down here in South Jersey. I have an appoint with Dr. Sheldon Goldberg on Wednesday at ...Read more

I've asked around. Took me some time because I don't know many people down here in South Jersey. I have an appoint with Dr. Sheldon Goldberg on Wednesday at Penn Medicine. He got me in 2 days later. Wish me luck and I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for all the support.

Susan Lynn Debra - I wish you the best of luck. If you're willing to travel to Penn, you might want to conside ... Read more

Susan Lynn Debra - I wish you the best of luck. If you're willing to travel to Penn, you might want to consider Main Line Health's Lankenau Heart Hospital in Wynnewood just outside of Philadelphia. Dr. Scott Goldman repaired my leaking mitral valve via a minimally invasive mini-thoracotomy. The facility is beautiful with private rooms in the CICU. The nurses are positively spectacular. It's worth checking out. Good luck with your search. ❤

Debra Gioquindoposted a journal

2165 days ago

I've been trying to get into the cardiologist and the first appointment they can get me is March. Even my primary who wants me seen before March has no pull. ...Read more

I've been trying to get into the cardiologist and the first appointment they can get me is March. Even my primary who wants me seen before March has no pull. Just want to keep everyone updated. - Debbie

Richard Buckley There HAS to be another good cardiologist somewhere nearby.

John Morales Debbie I agree with Richard i wouldn't stand for a wait like that ...go knock some doors down

Rob Sparling Agree. Jump this obstacle...pivot and make this a positive. Find the best team you can! They will b ... Read more

Rob Sparling Agree. Jump this obstacle...pivot and make this a positive. Find the best team you can! They will be more readily available and you’ll be in excellent shape. NYC, Boston, Cleveland, etc.

Louanna Miller I agree with the three above post. Don’t wait, be proactive and research cardiologist in your area ... Read more

Louanna Miller I agree with the three above post. Don’t wait, be proactive and research cardiologist in your area. There is a cardiologist that will get you in sooner. Your heart health and life are too important. Keep us posted.

Debra Gioquindoposted an update

2276 days ago

I'm 54 years old and just got diagnosed with etiology of cardiac valve disease unspecified. I'm kind of numb and trying to learn about what I am facing. Side ...Read more

I'm 54 years old and just got diagnosed with etiology of cardiac valve disease unspecified. I'm kind of numb and trying to learn about what I am facing. Side note, my grandfather died after complications of a heart valve replacement in 1979, so I am very scared to put it mildly. Thanks.

Anthony Fumo Don’t be scared .Go to Cooper university Dr Michael RosenBloom.I had my Aortic valve replaced by hi ... Read more

Anthony Fumo Don’t be scared .Go to Cooper university Dr Michael RosenBloom.I had my Aortic valve replaced by him 2 months ago .Im 51 years old super active .He is the best surgeon around.I have a 3 inch scar and am back to every thing full strength.

Debra Gioquindo Where is Cooper. I'm located in South Jersey. Should note, moved here 5 years ago from NY

Anna Jones Debra, don't be scared. Firstly, heart surgery techniques have changed a lot since 1979. Mortality r ... Read more

Anna Jones Debra, don't be scared. Firstly, heart surgery techniques have changed a lot since 1979. Mortality rates are extremely low. The replacement valves are much different and better then they were in 1979. In 1979 my mitral valve would not have been able to be repaired but I just had heart surgery and my mitral valve was repaired! Secondly, you are in South Jersey and are surrounded by Nationally rated fantastic hospitals and wonderful and talented cardiac surgeons. You are going to be just fine. Please don't assume your experience will be in anyway the same as your grandfather's was.

Debra Gioquindo Thank you Anna!

Steve Farthing Debra, Sorry about your grandfather but that was almost 40 years ago - basically the medical stone ag ... Read more

Steve Farthing Debra, Sorry about your grandfather but that was almost 40 years ago - basically the medical stone age. And most risks of heart surgery are not genetically inherited. How far along are you finding out what you may need to do?

Debra Gioquindo Steve, not very far. Just got diagnosed this week and trying to learn everything about .

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi Debra I can understand completely what you are saying. I had my mitral valve repaired in April, same ... Read more

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi Debra I can understand completely what you are saying. I had my mitral valve repaired in April, same procedure my Aunt had in 1961, she lived about another 2 months afterwards. They have come such a long way, had my aunt had this surgery in 2018 like me I'm sure she'd be here to talk about it Hang in there!