Jane's Journal

Susan Lynn  Jane - My cardiologist told me after my TEE that I would need a repair, not a replacement. My surgeon didn't even have me select a valve due to his certainty that he could fix my own leaflet and chords. However, it's important to select an experienced mitral valve surgeon with a high repair rate - most mitral valves are repaired more than 90% of the time. All the best! ❤

Ginny Turner  Hi Jane, I'm from Texas, too, just north of you in Crockett. I am scheduled for mitral and tricuspid valve repair surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in January. I just had recent posts to my guestbook from two Houston valve patients - Kim Mickelson, who had her mitral valve surgery 4 weeks ago at the Debakey Heart Institute in Houston with Dr. Lawrie. Also Kathleen Sciacca, who is from Houston and had her mitral valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic 9 weeks ago. You can search for their patient journals, or look them up on my guestbook posts. I'm sure either one would be happy to share their experiences with you.
As for repair vs replacement, there are different factors that must be considered in each individual patient. Even with severe regurgitation, which I also have, successful repairs are very common. Best wishes as you go forward with your research and decisions. It can certainly feel overwhelming, but this site has great resources to help you along the way.

Jane Odell  Hi Ginny, thank you so much for responding to me. I’m so overwhelmed right now , would you be willing to talk to me on the phone? My e-mail is Vt.girl1954@gmail.com, then I’ll give you my phone number. Thank you.