Hey, I'm so glad I found this site. I'm 39 years old and was just informed my mitral valve needs replaced. I was having symptoms over the years that have got worse but I didn't know were symptoms. I have always been very active and full of energy now I feel so tired, going to the mailbox makes me need to sit down and rest. They did an ekg, an echo and then I had the TEE done Thursday. The echo also showed a sm hole in heart but the TEE doctor said she didn't see it, (also confusing to me) The doctor said the valve is severly leaking and I have a small leak that is ok (dont understand the small leak part) I've been waiting to hear back and called myself today the nurse finally called back and said the doctor who did the TEE was part time and they didn't have the results yet for them to refer me to a surgeon, the nurse said she would check into having me referred to UAB instead of Montgomery. I hopefully will get a call tomorrow. I feel myself going downhill so I know I need to get this taken care of soon. I'm in the Montgomery, AL area and near Birmingham. I'm so confused on how this works from here, like on the surgeon choices. Does anyone know of a surgeon at uab that can do the mitral replacement without OHS, I've read about an incision beside the breast instead of splitting the breastbone. Anything that you can share is very appreciated...I really feel like the doctors are keeping me in the dark right now and all I'm reading is just so overwhelming.... Seeing this sight and being able to share and get input from people going through same is Awesome! Thanks for any input!
Carole
Carole