musica_al
New member
I am a 36 year old female, married with 2 boys (7 & 3). I found out I had a heart murmur when I was in High school but there was nothing to worry about at the time. I found out later that they did report mitral valve prolapse with mild regurgitation at that time. Fast forward to last year. My primary doctor has been listening to my murmur for years and finally suggested I have an echo again. The cardiologist said I had more severe MVP and I would almost certainly need surgery to repair "at some point". We'd monitor every 6-12 months with an echo.
Last week, I went for my echo and check up and he strongly urged me to go to Mayo Clinic in MN (which is only a few hours away from here) for a consultation. My condition hasn't changed since last year but for some reason he seemed to be strongly hinting that I need it now. He is arranging an appointment for me with Dr. Suri for consultation and tests. I admit I was very scared when I first heard about this needing to be done now. I did some online searches and found that Dr. Suri was one of the best so I am lucky there. I found some success stories on the Mayo clinic site. They all made me feel better, though still pretty scared.
I'm pretty sure it will be for the robotic mitral valve repair and not replacement. My heart is otherwise very healthy and I don't really have any symptoms...though I have had some short of breath the last few days but that could be anxiety. When I sit down to think about it, I do have short of breath not constantly but fairly often, I guess. I didn't really think I had any symptoms and have told the doctor that but maybe I've had them for so long and so slowly, it is just 'normal' for me and I don't think about it.
My question is for those who have had the robotic mitral valve repair: How has the valve repair held up through the years? Are your doctors confident that it is 'permanently' repaired or will you need further surgery some day. (Basically how long does a typical repair last?). Most people report going home after a few days. How long before you could resume your regular activities?
Thanks in advance for any advice anyone might have.
Last week, I went for my echo and check up and he strongly urged me to go to Mayo Clinic in MN (which is only a few hours away from here) for a consultation. My condition hasn't changed since last year but for some reason he seemed to be strongly hinting that I need it now. He is arranging an appointment for me with Dr. Suri for consultation and tests. I admit I was very scared when I first heard about this needing to be done now. I did some online searches and found that Dr. Suri was one of the best so I am lucky there. I found some success stories on the Mayo clinic site. They all made me feel better, though still pretty scared.
I'm pretty sure it will be for the robotic mitral valve repair and not replacement. My heart is otherwise very healthy and I don't really have any symptoms...though I have had some short of breath the last few days but that could be anxiety. When I sit down to think about it, I do have short of breath not constantly but fairly often, I guess. I didn't really think I had any symptoms and have told the doctor that but maybe I've had them for so long and so slowly, it is just 'normal' for me and I don't think about it.
My question is for those who have had the robotic mitral valve repair: How has the valve repair held up through the years? Are your doctors confident that it is 'permanently' repaired or will you need further surgery some day. (Basically how long does a typical repair last?). Most people report going home after a few days. How long before you could resume your regular activities?
Thanks in advance for any advice anyone might have.
