Laurel's Profile

I am fairly new to the group and my diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse with severe regurgitation was made in early August. I was left on my own to find an excellent surgeon so did a lot of research. YouTube videos led me to this incredibly helpful site. My Medicare Supplement (actually a HMO FEHB insur plan) has made finding covered care difficult. However, although it means travel, I learned that superbly rated Dr Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic was covered by the plan. His extremely helpful assistants, Christine and Kim, have been walking me through the the process and addressing the packet I received from Kim will be completed tomorrow. Coordinating the logistics of being away from a complex WI based life has been the main challenge so far. I expect to be in Cleveland from Oct 26 - Nov 8. Surgery is scheduled for Nov 1. Personally, I have two adult daughters and a number of grandchildren. All but one live far away. My husband is disabled and lives at home. I have a small mental health private practice, servicing vets and others, and look after our big demanding mid-century lake house and 2 rental properties. Shortness of breath and overwhelming fatigue have been with me for years. My diagnosis, before now, has been PVC. After I arrived and went through the battery of tests, Dr. Gillinov said the stroke risk was too high to address the surgery through minimally invasive procedures and would have to be done as open heart surgery. So, I had an open heart procedure. Longer healing period ahead.