Alyssa's Profile

I’ve been followed by cardiologists since I was 9 after discovering a heart murmur. They’ve never been able to give me an exact diagnosis but they think the condition I have is similar to Marphan’s Syndrome. Over the years, different symtoms have developed, and this summer the doctors at Cleveland Clinic told me it’s time to repair my mitral valve. I’m 33 years old. My left ventricle and aortic root are both enlarged, so I will be having open heart surgery to repair the mitral valve and also reinforce my aortic root. The doctors are hoping by fixing my mitral valve that my left ventricle will not continue to enlarge. I’m definitely nervous as you can’t help but imagine the worst sometimes. It’s hard to sign up for such a serious surgery when you are feeling fine (I don’t have any symptoms at this point). Any words of wisdom or advice are greatly appreciated. :)