Mitral Valve Repair vs. Replacement

[Granbonny]

Judy

Judy

Noticed you are age 58..Hope you get a very successful repair..because you sure don't want to go thru OH surgery again. Takes a good year..to be back where you were before OH. And your family will be older, too. You will need their help..a lot.. I am age 63 and doing great with a mech. valve. Bonnie

 

[R0Y]

Judy,

For me, the decision was driven by identifying my priorities and acting on them. When I learned that a needed surgery for my damaged mitral value I did some research and concluded that repair, if possible, was preferable to replacement. That led me to seek a surgeon who I thought gave me the best chance for repair. This in turn led me to a hospital 300 miles away at the University of Florida. The peace of mind of knowing that I was giving myself the best chance for the desired outcome made the multiple trips and other inconvenience associated with being away worthwhile.

The ride home was tiring, but no more uncomfortable than my hospital bed. Of course you're looking at about twice the distance.

Wishing you the best outcome wherever you have your surgery.

-- roy --

 

[Kathy]

Judy,

You have a tough decision. My Cleveland Clinic cardiologist trained at Barnes, so I would guess that they know what they are doing there.

I chose Cleveland because I knew that my heart placement was odd (Dextrocardia) and I felt that might complicate the surgery. It was 2 hours from my home, and in-network for insurance purposes. I felt very strongly that I wanted to be in a hospital where nurses were very experienced with valve patients.

I felt that all of the staff were very caring and professional. I had some complications and needed a pacemaker felt that I received good care.

The only drawback was that my hospital stay was much longer than anticipated and it was difficult being that far away from friends and family. It was very stressful for my husband as well. He stayed at the hospital hotel and felt awfully scared and lonely at times.

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Repair VS replacement

Repair VS replacement

Hi Judy
My story reads almost like your. I need surgery for the MItri valve repair but I was supposed to have it local. In louisville, Ky . But no would do the surgery after I was in the hosp. twice. So finally I was sent to CLeveland which save my life. They really are the best esp. Dr. Cosgrove. They gave me the three years I needed to give my heart the chance to heal. I had to have the replacement surgery anyway, But the second time was a breeze copare to the first. I would not be writing this letter if I had stay homefor the first one. I was given a second chance at life. The people you meet here are the greatest believe me. I went to Chicago last year and meet some of them and they are the real deal. They welcomed me with open arms. Like I was part of their big family. If you need anythin else please write me. I will help you anyway I can.



Sherrin Hutt
Valve repair 5/99 CLeveland
Valve replacement 3/03 Louisville , Ky

 

[labguides]

Surgeons, Dr. Laks UCLA

Surgeons, Dr. Laks UCLA

While everyone is putting in a plug for Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Cosgrove, I would like to put in a plug for Dr. Laks at UCLA. He is our HERO. He was able to repair our daughter's mitral valve.