deeL16
Member
Hi All,
First, I wish to thank everyone who responded with their experiences and recommendations.
After a consult with 2 Cardiothoracic Surgeons, whom were not all that experienced with Mitral Valve OR minimally invasive surgery, I decided to contact a Surgeon who worked a miracle!
Dr. Beaver, who is now up at Shands in Gainesville, had operated 11 yrs ago on my then 40-yr old sister at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to remove her lower left lobe, due to lung cancer. And as of her last CT, she still remains cancer-free! I believed he saved her life (with the help of the Lord!). However, she is now disabled (severe dementia and not mobile) due to 3 brain anyurisms(?) and a stroke at the end of 2003.
Dr. Beaver rarely performs lung surgeries anymore; but has been the Dir. of Min. Inv. Cardiac Surgery at Shands for over 9 years.
After sending all films, discs, medical reports and background to him this past week, I had a long phone consult with him. I was well prepared with my questions and concerns.
He will be able to do the surgery via minimally invasive to correct the leaking MV, and at the same time do the 'MAZE' for my A-Fib. The incision will be under my right breast and he indicated surgery should take 3 to 5 hours.
The BIG DAY is Friday, October 30th!
It's a long road trip up to Gainesville, especially for my sister, but I believe he is the best there is in Florida.
The only thing which troubles me, is that he (as well as the 2 other surgeons I met with) cannot guarantee that I will no longer have palpitations or be short of breath. Also, that I MIGHT still have to take meds.
I was wondering if anyone here had these symptoms prior to MV Repair surgery - and what your outcome was. I realize everyone's body is different, but would like some feedback on the above.
At this point, I actually feel relieved that I found a top-notch surgeon (and hospital) and that I can finally put this chapter of my life behind me, look forward to recovering, and having a sense of a renewed, healthier and better life!
Thanks for any and all input.
God Bless!
Dee
First, I wish to thank everyone who responded with their experiences and recommendations.
After a consult with 2 Cardiothoracic Surgeons, whom were not all that experienced with Mitral Valve OR minimally invasive surgery, I decided to contact a Surgeon who worked a miracle!
Dr. Beaver, who is now up at Shands in Gainesville, had operated 11 yrs ago on my then 40-yr old sister at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa to remove her lower left lobe, due to lung cancer. And as of her last CT, she still remains cancer-free! I believed he saved her life (with the help of the Lord!). However, she is now disabled (severe dementia and not mobile) due to 3 brain anyurisms(?) and a stroke at the end of 2003.
Dr. Beaver rarely performs lung surgeries anymore; but has been the Dir. of Min. Inv. Cardiac Surgery at Shands for over 9 years.
After sending all films, discs, medical reports and background to him this past week, I had a long phone consult with him. I was well prepared with my questions and concerns.
He will be able to do the surgery via minimally invasive to correct the leaking MV, and at the same time do the 'MAZE' for my A-Fib. The incision will be under my right breast and he indicated surgery should take 3 to 5 hours.
The BIG DAY is Friday, October 30th!
It's a long road trip up to Gainesville, especially for my sister, but I believe he is the best there is in Florida.
The only thing which troubles me, is that he (as well as the 2 other surgeons I met with) cannot guarantee that I will no longer have palpitations or be short of breath. Also, that I MIGHT still have to take meds.
I was wondering if anyone here had these symptoms prior to MV Repair surgery - and what your outcome was. I realize everyone's body is different, but would like some feedback on the above.
At this point, I actually feel relieved that I found a top-notch surgeon (and hospital) and that I can finally put this chapter of my life behind me, look forward to recovering, and having a sense of a renewed, healthier and better life!
Thanks for any and all input.
God Bless!
Dee
