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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: January 12, 2022

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Timothy Williams got a guestbook from Steven Lave

3 years ago (December 18, 2022)

I understand I will need open-heart surgery for either a mitral valve repair or replacement. My next event is a TEE this week. Do you have any suggestions about what forums I should join or where to look for learning? I haven't yet found much, but your listing showed activity... Read more.

🥰 Susan Lynn reacted to this

Timothy Williams

I used this forum the most, but benefit here mostly starts once you have a surgery plan/date. My advice is find an institution (hospital/surgery center - "top list" on this forum under "heart hospitals") that is high volume and highly regarded. Determine if your insurance includes desired option. Surgeon and... Read more.

Richard Munson

The difference between repair or replace is major because repair is preferred if it is possible. You should find a surgeon in your area that specializes in repair and consult with him or her. You can usually find this out by reading their bios. Also consider consulting with a surgeon... Read more.

Timothy Williams

Agree for sure on repair. I was so relieved when I woke up to that confirmation. I'm uncertain about whether minimally invasive is equal, better or worse than sternotomy in regards to achieving repair. That is separate issue to fixing the heart. I pushed my surgeon on it as I... Read more.

Timothy Williams got a guestbook from Sebastian

4 years ago (May 6, 2022)

Hi Timothy, I had an aortic valve replacement late 2020 (sternotomy required). 6 weeks post surgery I was back in the gym lifting light weights. 12 weeks post surgery I was doing a light bench press. 6 months post sternotomy I was back to lifting the weight I used to... Read more.

Timothy Williams

Thanks for sharing. Impressive bench press results. Encouraging (although I'll have to accept less weight!).

Timothy Williams got a guestbook from David S

4 years ago (May 5, 2022)

Hello, I agree with Adam: good stretching helped. I like Pilates and the movements helped significantly during the first few weeks, until full motion came back. I also liked to write down what I could achieve daily, in order to do a little better the next day while being reasonable.... Read more.

❤️ Adam Pick reacted to this