Rainell's Journal

Joshua Nowack  Hi Rainell. On mitral valve regurgitation, the primary driver here is going to be a combination of how you feel and what the echocardiogram reveals. Yes, a cardiologist will listen to your heart for the murmur that the regurgitation generates. But as far as where to go? I'd start with UC Davis as it is an excellent hospital and close by. Check out Jason Rogers who leads their interventional cardiology team. My search for my cardiologist started with who knows the most about MR. And yes - there are cardiothoracic surgeons that have a practice based on valve repair/replacement. Those that know the most about MR write journal articles or have press releases with their names in it. They work for larger hospitals that are going to have surgeons as well as general cardiologists where the handoff, should it ever come to pass, will be seamless. Following diagnosis, I moved all I could to Cedars Sinai (LA) so that they would handle everything. But I would start with the team at UC Davis. I don't think you'll have to make a second call from there.

Susan Lynn  I asked friends who worked in health care and did some research on my own to find cardiologists I trusted. I sought opinions from several. Everyone's decision is individual, so do your homework and make your own educated decision. I also realized that many symptoms I chalked up to aging were messages from my leaking mitral valve that it was time to get it repaired. Good luck to you. Please feel free to ask any questions you have as you embark on this journey. ❤

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Rainell! You've come to the right place. I am a mitral valve repair heart warrior and there are many others on this site. You can read their stories or they will likely reach out to you. I don't know if you're willing to travel to LA, but you happen to be near one of the world's best valve surgeons - Dr. Alfredo Trento. He is also known for minimally-invasive techniques, so you may be able to get a repair without the sternum cut many of us try to avoid. If you have any questions - just post them. There are always people on this site ready to help you! Wishing you the best!

Steve Farthing  You can also use the search feature at the top of the page. There is a lot more information here than you might think.

Rainell Metzger  Thanks Susan for your kind words. Is Dr. Trento at Cedar Sinai? I'm in Northern California but if that's what it takes to get the appropriate procedure, then that's where I'll go. Anyone know of good docs in the Sacramento area? Again, thanks Susan. I read your story. So glad it worked for you. Rainell Metzger

Susan Lynn  You're very welcome! I realize it's quite a trip from Sacramento to LA. Dr. Trento is at Cedars Sinai. I considered traveling from Pennsylvania for his expertise and I know that patients travel from all over the world to see him. It's great if you can find an experienced surgeon in your immediate area, but don't let distance be the highest priority. Good luck with your search and decision. ❤

Rainell Metzger  Thanks Susan. I'm overwhelmed right this moment. However, I did submit my records to Dr. Luis Castro Sequoia Redwood City. He will look at them and then give his opinion. I live near Sacramento. Surely there must be good doc here. Cardiologist here in Placerville send their patients to Sutter General In Sacramento but so far haven't found the ones to specialize in heartvalves. What complicates distance is that I am caretaking my husband making travel nearly impossible and we have no family near by. Anyone out there familiar with the Sacramento area docs? Thanks again Susan

  Hello Rainell, the heart warriors that have responded to your post have provided excellent information. I see that you have contacted Dr. Castro who is one of the best in the country and is not too far from your area. Wishing you a smooth journey and hope you find the right doctors for you. I’m in the desert and not familiar with Sacramento but keep asking questions until you feel comfortable with your research. Be well and God bless you