da Vinci Mitral Valve Repair scheduled for 10/28/08

[Yddem]

Hello all!

I have been reading this forum with great interest and have found much information that I believe will help me in my surgery and recovery.

I am 59, recently retired to Austin Texas, and was found to have a heart murmur during my annual physical this past July. I was shocked at this news as I have been having physicals every year to 18 months for some years with no indication of a problem. I have been completely asymptomatic other than becoming winded at times when climbing a hill or stairs. I wrote this off to being out of shape and a bit overweight and have been working diligently on each of those conditions since retiring.

My doctor called for a stress test and echo. I was unable to complete the former due to elevated blood pressure before reaching the targeted heart rate. The echo indicated some degree of mitral regurgitation.

I met with a cardiologist in early September and underwent a nuclear stress test, Doppler echo and TEE. My mitral regurgitation was defined as moderately severe to severe (3+.) I was also found to have a small flail segment of the posterior mitral leaflet and moderate to moderately severe left atrial enlargement.

I was preparing for standard repair surgery in Austin when my father in law suggested a meeting with his cardiologist in Houston. This gentleman's referring surgeon is Dr. Gerald Lawrie of Texas Surgical Associates. When I learned that Dr. Lawrie was one of the 4 Houston cardiothoracic surgeons employing the da Vinci system I jumped at the chance to meet with him.

I felt so positive during our meeting in the way he described the procedure and probable outcome that I immediately decided to proceed. I will have the surgery done at Methodist Hospital in Houston at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center. So now I am ten days and counting.

After reading so many postings here I really have no questions just now. I just wanted to introduce myself and promise that I will report the outcome when I am able to sit at a keyboard after 10/28.

I am a bit apprehensive, not having spent the night in a hospital since having my tonsils out at the age of 5. I have been encouraged by the many success stories that I have read here though I'm a bit nervous about using a technique that is still relatively new.

I guess that's it for now. Wish me luck and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Yddem

 

[lb151]

Good luck to you!! I can't wait to hear all about. Sounds like you are in terrific hands. Prayers will be sent up daily.

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome, I'm glad you decided to post and I put you on the calendar for the 28th so it's "official" now! Best wishes to you and we look forward to hearing all about it when you are on the other side of the mountain.

 

[delcar]

Hi Welcome I had mitral valve repair done roboticly August 6th 2008. Dr. Shemin at UCLA in California. I too met with him and was convinced that it was right for me. Turns that it was a great descision, valve is 100% after the repair. Recovery has been quick and trouble free. He also preformed a maze procedure done at the same time. So far no A-Fib problems. I think you made a wise decision, Good luck! I'll put you on my calendar. DELCAR

 

[skeptic49]

Welcome to the site! Keep us posted on your situation and best wishes going forward.

Jim

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to VR. Glad you found us. I can relate to your story as I too found my heart murmur during my annual check-up after years of absolutely no hint of a heart problem. I was also asymptomatic so it came as quite I shock that I needed OHS. However, I had a standard mitral valve repair. Best wishes and good luck.

 

[ponytaila1a]

Hello all!

I have been reading this forum with great interest and have found much information that I believe will help me in my surgery and recovery.

I am 59, recently retired to Austin Texas, and was found to have a heart murmur during my annual physical this past July. I was shocked at this news as I have been having physicals every year to 18 months for some years with no indication of a problem. I have been completely asymptomatic other than becoming winded at times when climbing a hill or stairs. I wrote this off to being out of shape and a bit overweight and have been working diligently on each of those conditions since retiring.

My doctor called for a stress test and echo. I was unable to complete the former due to elevated blood pressure before reaching the targeted heart rate. The echo indicated some degree of mitral regurgitation.

I met with a cardiologist in early September and underwent a nuclear stress test, Doppler echo and TEE. My mitral regurgitation was defined as moderately severe to severe (3+.) I was also found to have a small flail segment of the posterior mitral leaflet and moderate to moderately severe left atrial enlargement.

I was preparing for standard repair surgery in Austin when my father in law suggested a meeting with his cardiologist in Houston. This gentleman's referring surgeon is Dr. Gerald Lawrie of Texas Surgical Associates. When I learned that Dr. Lawrie was one of the 4 Houston cardiothoracic surgeons employing the da Vinci system I jumped at the chance to meet with him.

I felt so positive during our meeting in the way he described the procedure and probable outcome that I immediately decided to proceed. I will have the surgery done at Methodist Hospital in Houston at the DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center. So now I am ten days and counting.

I'm a bit nervous about using a technique that is still relatively new.

I guess that's it for now. Wish me luck and keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Yddem

Can I relate! Also, check up, but after 4 years, shock, considered any symptoms as "out of shape and getting older". I am now making a decision as to da Vinci or open chest. Welcome to the site and please post when you can. Jennifer

 

[Herburban1]

I am having OHS for the same thing on the same day in Boston. I would have had to go to Cleveland for Davinci. We will have to compare notes.

 

[hall]

Welcome, glad you found doctors you like and are confident in. That's half the battle.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Welcome to the site. Sounds like you have an excellent surgeon! My best wishes and prayers are with you for a successful surgery.

 

[ottagal]

Welcome to this wonderful site. Sending my very best wishes for an uneventful and speedy recovery. Sounds like you will be in good hands...

 

[abbanabba]

Wishing you all the best!!


A : )

 

[cp172]

I had mitral valve repair in Feb. The surgeon used the da Vinci robotic system. My recovery was much smoother than I expected. Best of luck to you.

 

[zipper2]

All the best with surgery.... thoughts and prayers to you
and keep us posted when able.

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[LTB39]

I also live in Austin and was just unexpectedly diagnosed with mitral regurgitation (3-4), MVP and thickened, redundant leaflets. I am 39 and thought I was in perfect health (other than asthma) before 2 weeks ago.

My cardiologist is recommending that I have open heart surgery here in Austin with Dr. Dewan. Since my husband is a physician here in town, having a local surgery does have some advantages. However, I am really frightened at the thought of a sternotomy and the lengthy recovery time for several reasons. I have 3 small children under the age of 7 and just started a new job in June. And psychologically, I just can't wrap my head around having a sternotomy scar for the next 40 years.

Dr. Lawrie takes my insurance and is one of the 3 options I have been considering. How was your procedure? How are you feeling now, 2 years later?

Thank you so much!

 

[ejc61]

Hello LTB39,
I had robotic mitral valve repair last year due to prolapse. My regurg was severe and the leaflet was torn. I was asymphomatic. I was out of the hospital 3 days after surgery. I have a desk job and went back to work in 18 days. I ,too, have asthma. I was 47 at the time. Prior to the robotic, I was considering minimally invasive through the right rib. Both would be alot less invasive than OHS. One year later, a TEE shows the repair to be good. My regurg is generally more mild than moderate now. I'd give it some serious thought to either minimally invasive technique.

 

[deano89]

i had mitral valve repair full sternoctomy 22nd oct last year ,had a prolapse diagnosed at 21 no real symptoms just thought i was getting old , my surgeon Frank Wells doesnt like minimal invasive he likens it to to papering your hall way through the letter box it can be done but would you like the result ! and my scar is just a slight silver line now hardly noticable
good luck with your surgery

 

[a_dalhouse]

Looking for a DaVinci surgeon near Austin

Looking for a DaVinci surgeon near Austin

I also live in Austin and was just unexpectedly diagnosed with mitral regurgitation (3-4), MVP and thickened, redundant leaflets. I am 39 and thought I was in perfect health (other than asthma) before 2 weeks ago.

My cardiologist is recommending that I have open heart surgery here in Austin with Dr. Dewan. Since my husband is a physician here in town, having a local surgery does have some advantages. However, I am really frightened at the thought of a sternotomy and the lengthy recovery time for several reasons. I have 3 small children under the age of 7 and just started a new job in June. And psychologically, I just can't wrap my head around having a sternotomy scar for the next 40 years.

Dr. Lawrie takes my insurance and is one of the 3 options I have been considering. How was your procedure? How are you feeling now, 2 years later?

Thank you so much!

Hi,
It's almost 3 years since you've posted this, but my story is very similar to yours. I am a 45 year old mother of 2 (ages 8 & 6) and also live in Austin. I am looking for a surgeon for Mitral Valve Repair. My cardiologist here is also recommending Dr. Dewan. But I am very interested in robotic surgery as it sounds better all around.

I'm wondering what decision you made 3 years ago and if you have any recommendations for a robotic surgeon near Austin. Hope it all went well for you!!!

Andrea

 

[Jkm7]

Andrea,

As you noted, LTB has not posted on this forum since July 2010. It isn't likely he/she will read your message.
You might try a Private Message and perhaps they might respond to you via that route.

I hope you are successful getting the information you seek.

 

[a_dalhouse]

Thanks I will give that a try then. I thought maybe she would be notified that someone responded to her post.