Douglas's Journal

Kimberly Eisenhut  Welcome Douglas! I was shocked in 2016 when I was told about my condition also, so you are not alone. I do not have mitral valve disease, but Tricuspid is my main problem along with an aortic anuerysm. I have been watched and had echos every 6 months for years now. I am still in wait and watch mode, so cannot comment on surgery yet, but many here can. I am sure there will be many others here happy to connect and answer any questions you may have. I would also suggest getting Adam Picks book, which has a lot of great information and explains so much about heart valve disease and surgery. There is so much information here on this website that will give you direction and educate you on everything you need to know moving forward. We look forward to hearing more from you and please do not hesitate to reach out whenever you need to with any questions/concerns.

Susan Lynn  Welcome! I'm a MV/Barlow's heart warrior. My surgery was 7 years ago. I'm doing just fine. Please feel free to ask any questions you have.

Kathy Ozio  Welcome! I understand the shock. I knew about my MVP for years, but suddenly went severe. I am almost at my two year anniversary.  You found the best site here for information and the best people. Ask anything!

Robert Miller  The learning center is a good place to start. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Douglas Merten  Grateful to receive the welcome and information. I have spent a lot of time in the learning center reading and watching videos.  Also starting to learn my way around and read others experiences. I and soon joining the MV/Barlow’s with surgery coming on January 7th. Doing preop testing and a preparation meeting next week. Family anxiety is high as we are trying to decide handling the holidays with everyone afraid of getting me sick. I I would love to hear any advice on handling the last weeks going into surgery.  I haven’t got to the totally confident all decisions are great full steam ahead yet, but I want to be.

Robert Miller  They will get your temperature and possibly do a covid check. They might also ask you if you have been around people that are sick. If I were in your shoes, I would get a covid booster and flue shot. I would not avoid family gatherings for Christmas and I wouldn't wear a mask because your surgery isn't until January 7th. Now if you plan to do some Silvester party, I might possibly wear a mask. But that's just me. If you have open heart surgery, coughing and sneezing is your enemy. That's why you try not to get sick and you want to wear that heart hugger all the time. 

Douglas Merten  Thanks, Robert I think we’re thinking alike. I likely will mask up around folks I don’t know or if a family member is sick.  Not sure what a heart hugger is.?

Robert Miller  It doesn't look the same as what I had but this is a heart hugger. https://www.hearthugger.com/ Basically, it has two handles in front of your chest. When you sneeze or cough, you use your hand to pull the two handles together. This will limit the amount your chest is expanding. It looks funky but I found it rather helpful. I got them for "free" from the hospital. And you get recognized as a heart worrier right away. Though I tried to hide it below my jacket, our neighbor across the street immediately recognized it.