Cindy's Profile

I'm married with two daughters 24&21. I've always lived a healthy lifestyle, I never smoked, eat pretty healthy and play league tennis for over 12 years, 4 days/week, until May when my cardiologist told me to stop. So now I walk and do light weights. I've had a murmur most of my life, that turned into MVP, then 3 years ago I had mild regurgitation, this past May after echo and TEE it is now severe. My surgeon will do a mini-sternontmy, I researched non-invasive but decided the MS is the best for me. I'm going into the hospital the day before my surgery for pre-op tests and heart cath. Not sure why not earlier but I will stay at the hospital and wake the next morning already there for surgery. Has anyone else done this? I just read how important it is to do breathing exercises two weeks before so your lungs will be strong, and walk 1 mile twice/day, walk up two flights of stairs several times a day. I wish I knew about these things earlier. I wanted to share this with you as I hadn't seen anyone post this. I'm a nervous wreck, it seems the more I learn about the surgery and risks the more anxious I get. I'm kind of lost without my tennis, I always thought it was good for my heart lol. I'm happy my Dr found it before I had symptoms, I'm hoping I can stay healthy by my surgery date. This is a long story so I'll just add to my journal as needed :) Hope you are all doing well, I look forward to learning/sharing from all of my heart buddies 💖