Raleigh's Journal

Jim Kelly-Evans  Always get a second opinion. In my case, the two opinions were drastically different. One treatment plan I agreed with, the other was wholly inadequate. Best wishes.

Jim Jones  Raleigh, this surgery is major and the timing of it and the careful matching of the surgeon and the hospital with the type of disease matters. I had a number of cardiologists, surgeons and hospitals weigh in before I moved forward. Check out my journal if you want. I also live in MA. I am always in favor of second opinions for procedures like this if time allows. Best.

Wiliam Height  I agree with Jim, 2nd opinion definitely. Moderate to severe and asymptomatic is borderline intervention. The LV function/ measurements and EF are important as well. I had a Barlow valve and wanted a repair vs replacement and wanted to have my surgery on my terms. I am in a good place with my employer working from home and have a 7 month old I want to play with soon--these were factors for me as well. I knew over the last couple years surgery was going to come as my regurgitation became worse and the months leading up to my 1/30 date were mentally and physically draining. Live in the moment today.

Barry Van Gemert  From what I have read you will be on a heart-lung machine longer if you have minimally invasive surgery. To keep side effects of the surgery at a minimum, many of which are blamed on being on this machine, I think it makes sense to go with the regular incision and take the pain and scarring that go with it.

Tim Goff  I hope all goes well with the second opinion. The odds were better for the maze with a sternotomy after the mv repair so I'm going with that. Hope you find confidence in your decision

Clay Rowe  It's a hard pill...especially if you're feeling pretty good. "if it ain't broke..." But it took me a while to admit that I was sick with something that would only get worse and cause more problems down the road. It was difficult to even speak the surgery date. But things got a easier after I was able to do that.

Jim Kelly-Evans  Yes, when you feel relatively fine as I do when I'm not having a heart attack/stroke ;) then the mind wonders why...but the doctors and the numbers don't lie. Hang in there and keep posting. GL with the cath!

Tim Goff  Right there with you Raliegh as I just recently received the same news. Hard to swallow, but working through it.

Don LaPorte  Did you get a 2nd opinion? Especially on Mitral Regurgitation moderate to severe, timing is very tricky unless there is any change in heart size or function per 'experts' I have read/spoke to. (Timing is aimed at making sure this can be repaired to resume a normal life span, BUT too soon exposes you to other issues perhaps premature to deal with). Through reading and consultations with surgeons, there is some subjectivity to the measurements as well. Your EF(ejection fraction), ERO(size of the opening where regurgitation is happening), and whether your left ventricle is experiencing any change are key determiners in AHA guidelines. Additionally, whether your MVR is sudden(ruptured chord), or whether you have a Barlow Valve Disease, is also a huge consideration, as to your hearts response. Measurement can be subjective, as to why 2nd opinion is necessary. Some folks stay in the 'watch and wait' effectively for several years, with appointments every 6 months. If already past this point, we are lucky to have a condition with great post-op results!

Tim Goff  I was hospitalized at a local facility recently with what they thought was pneumonia and AFIB. After 5 days, a cardioversion, a TEE and many other tests I was able to leave and get back on my feet, but didn't feel good for about 3 weeks after. The cardiologists were very good and felt that I needed a valve repair, but didn't have much more to say than that. I went to see the cardiologist who originally spotted my MVP 12 years ago at MA General who then kicked me over to their surgeon. The surgeon was extremely confident that the AFIB was caused by the LA swelling and that the regurgitation rate of 30% needed to be dealt with. He felt the P2 Chordae were ruptured which he could repair with a series of gortex loops. Repair the valve, install an annular ring, perform a MAZE which all should bring me back into compliance. Geez I wish it was a car instead of me

Raleigh Chilton  Thanks for the encouragement! My cath went well and my arteries are in excellent shape with no blockages. I'm looking for a 2nd opinion this week.