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Anna's Guestbook

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: August 2, 2024

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Anna Rakowicz got a guestbook from Richard Munson

1 year ago (November 19, 2024)

I was intrigued reading your recent post regarding heart surgery vs. knee replacement surgery. After living a full life of 24/7 sports and experiencing numerous knee nips and tucks including a full zipper back in 1966, before the scope, plus having ohs 3 years ago i can give a little... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

Hi Richard, yes itâ€™s been a dilemma for sure. But have decided to hold off on the knee surgery. Itâ€™s really going up stairs that hurts the most, but we recently got a stair lift installed and that has been great. I am bone on bone in right, and close... Read more.

Valerie Allen

We talked before I think about acupuncture. For knees. My guy has helped so much. It takes time. 2 months once a week, now starting to feel really good. Important to have a good one (that uses moxibustion) in my opinion.

Richard Munson

Good idea picking the heart. The problem with bone on bone, is that its bone on bone. Its like a moving part with no grease. I tried a gel injection which is a cushioning agent but had a huge negative reaction to it. Broke out in hives. Called uflexa if... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

Haha, Richard, I just got Euflexxa in August!! Didnâ€™t get hives but I had some sort reaction, as it increased the pain 10 fold. Much better now that itâ€™s worn off.

Richard Munson

Well, now i know it was not just me.

Kimberly Eisenhut

I have also been told I need raplacement, but am putting off until absolutely needed. Richard explained it best, I pick my heart first. I am also in wait and watch mode for tricuspid (moderate to severe) and makes me too nervous to do it now, as well as hearing... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

Thank you Kimberly, I have decided to hold off even though Iâ€™ve had clearance from cardiologist. I just donâ€™t feel like I have the cardiac reserve to go through the tough recovery. But I am working with a physiotherapist to help me get stronger. If you have stairs , you... Read more.

Kimberly Eisenhut

Unfortunatley I rent, so not an option for me. I am doing o.k. right now. I just try to not move my knee any funky ways and am very careful of how and where I am walking so I do not "tweak" my knees. I am glad you are moving... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz got a guestbook from Karen Hommel

1 year ago (August 4, 2024)

Welcome Anna, I had mitral valve replacement, tricuspid repair and a maze procedure I did very well except for a few fluid issues. The waiting is difficult but I did well with that too. I told myself every day, Iâ€™m not having surgery today, I will enjoy this day. It... Read more.

😂 🥰 Kimberly Eisenhut and Anna Rakowicz reacted to this

Anna Rakowicz

Good advise Karen, on taking it one day at a time, and knowing that I will have some time before surgery is scheduled.

Jamie Griffith

Hi Anna. Sounds like you are gathering all the proper information and seeking multiple opinions to fix your heart. Tomorrow will mark 8-mo since my OHS to repair my mitral valve (It was my 2nd surgery for a congenital disorder). I had amazing care at UM and they have several... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

Hi Jamie, I actually made an appointment with Dr. Bolling on 8/20. He did my friends mitral valve and sheâ€™s doing great also. However, I also have the aortic valve that needs to be replaced and I was told Dr. Bolling doesnâ€™t do those, so I am seeing another surgeon... Read more.

Jamie Griffith

Hi Anna, they have great Aortic specialists too there. Good luck with your upcoming appointment. I met with Bolling last July (he also repaired my fatherâ€™s mitral about 7 yrs ago). Waiting for surgery, the procedure, and rehabilitation was a challenge to say the least. But 8 months later, I... Read more.

Valerie Allen

Cleveland Clinic has one of the top, if not the top, aortic surgeon. Dr Eric Roselli. Highly recommend.

Anna Rakowicz

Thanks for the feedback. Itâ€™s crazy this all started because I needed cardiac clearance (PVCs) for knee replacement surgery early this year, and I found out things were not right with my heart. Still havenâ€™t had the knee replacement, but I was getting regular gel shots every 6 months and... Read more.

Anna Rakowicz

Thank you Valerie, I have not yet met with a surgeon from CC, though I did go there for a second opinion in May for my reduced EF and cardiomyopathy dx. following a routine echo. I have viewed Dr, Roselliâ€™s video on this website. I also see Marc Gillinov has... Read more.

Valerie Allen

Anna, yes Gillanov mostly does mitral valve issues. Also great.