Linda's Journal

Had mitral and tricuspid valve repair plus maze procedure and left atrial appendage closure on Thursday, Feb 3rd. Discharged home Monday, 2/6. Surgery went as planned. Recovering now at home. Thankful to have it behind! Now the recovery phase and rehabilitation phase begin. Fatigue is now hitting me. The Cedars-Sinai doctors, nurses, and other staff provided excellent care and service! Many thanks to Dr Chikwe and her excellent team.

Last day before surgery and my final preparations are done. I have appreciated reading the stories of others who have experienced similar conditions. Although I have been a nurse for over 40 years, And know what to expect this is still quite a unique experience. Of course I would prefer to be on the nursing provider side….not in the bed! This website has provided a great deal of support as I have prepared for this surgery both emotionally and physically. Thank you to everyone. My experience so far with the staff at Cedars-Sinai during all the preoperative testing has also been very positive. Dr Chikwe, cardiac surgeon, Vivian Burkhardt NP, and the other team members are quite impressive, knowledgeable, and caring. Vivian has been incredible, always checking in, a great communicator and patient advocate.