James A.'s Journal

I'm having robotic Mitral Valve repair by Dr. Aflredo Trento at Cedars-Sinai on Dec. 18th. Last week I had my dental clearance appointment. She took x-rays and she suggested I get a 3D scan because there were some dark spots on one root. Well, after much back and forth I had a front tooth pulled on Dec.4. I will possibly get a temp tooth tomorrow. Taking antibiotics to get rid of any infection. I return to see the dentist next week. I didn't realize that there was this possibility, but better safe than sorry. Jim

Last week, on November 8th, I had my first meeting with Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars-Sinai Heart Center. I had initially gone there to see Dr. Raj Makkar but I decided I wanted my Mitral Valve repaired using robotic surgery, not replaced. Dr. Trento went over my test results i had done at Cedars and said my valve was bad and I should not put off the surgery. My wife Ruth and I discussed it and decided to set the date for the operation. December 18th was available and we booked it. My question to the community is, with over a month to go before the operation, that I continue my stretching, the the use of light weights/high reps, and to use the elliptical machine for 20 to 30 minutes in a mild mode and keep my heart rate between 130 and 140 b/s. In addition use salt to a minimum, keep alcohol low and increase fruits and veggies. What are the thoughts of the community? Any suggestions about this direction? Thanks in advance, Jim

Hello all, I Just got off the phone with Julie, Dr. Alfredo Trento's scheduling assistant from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. I have an appointment to see him on November 8th. Today I also spoke to my personal Cardiologist, Dr. Witter. He had suggested going to C-S. Dr. W. felt that a Mitral Valve repair is BEST but was a little concerned. He knows, even if it's a robotic surgery it's more invasive than a "Clip" procedure, but he said a clip would only last about 10 years. That would put me at 88 years old. I hope to still be active at 88. Thank you HVS.com. Without you I would not have seen Dr. Trento's video interview. Thank you Adam for starting this site. :)

I will be 78 years old in December, live in Long Beach, California., married 45 years, father of four, and grandfather of 9. I have been very active all of my adult life: karate, water skiing, bicycling, windsurfing, wake boarding, kite boarding, stair climbing, and going to the gym. Over ten years ago I was referred to Dr. Bret Witter, a cardiologist in Los Alamitos. For years I’ve known I had an enlarged heart and that I had mild valve leakage. About two years ago I was diagnosed with A-fib and have been taking Pradaxa and Digoxin. About a month ago, I had an Echocardiogram, followed by a Trans Esophageal Echo. Dr. Witter said my Mitral regurgitation had moved from moderate to a more sever level. He was concerned and said I should be evaluated by a heart surgeon. I’m retired but still active. No shortness of breath, no fainting. I walk the dogs two to three times a day. I have kite boarded this summer, but my recent back surgery has prevented a more active participation. I regularly stretch and use mild wights. I walk the two flights of stairs in our home just fine, and I feel great. One of Dr. Witter’s recommendations was Dr. Raj Makkar at Cedars-Sinai. My records were faxed over and last Thursday, October 18, 2018, I had an appointment at C-S for a battery of tests: vitals, a blood draw, an EKG, and an extensive Echo Cardiogram. Another Trans Esophageal Echo, and last but not least a CT Angio Cardiac Valve Scan. During my interview with an assistant I was given a disclaimer to read and sign. I was being considered for a feasibility study for a new Transcatheter Heart Valve, the Sapien M3, by Edwards Lifesciences. Cedars has performed 10 implants. A total of 30 have been performed. I’ve spent the weekend reading and learning about what I have, what the Edwards M3 is, and what my options are. During my YouTube searching I found "Advances in Mitral Valve Surgery with Dr. David Adams.” It was very enlightening, and that is what led me to Adam Pick and HeartValveSurgery.com. In the words of Dr. Adams from the webinar, “It’s always better to keep your own valve... rather than replace it.” I have yet to be given a follow-up appointment to see Dr. Makkar to discuss my case. In the mean time I am searching for options. One option is to see Dr. Alfredo Trento at C-S. Another is Dr. Vaughn Starnes at Keck Medical at USC. And I am sure there are many others great heart surgeons in the area too. Right now I’m going to sit back, wait for my appointment and see what this community might say about my situation.