Penny's Profile

I went to my physician in September 2014 for clearance for cataract surgery. I have had MVP probably as a result of rheumatic fever as a child. I was diagnosed with MVP in my 20's. My physician ordered an echo because she thought my murmur sounded worse than she had heard before. The Echo showed severe regurgitation but heart function good. I saw a Cardiologist in October 2014, who wanted to have me see a surgeon soon. Due to my family dynamics, raising my grandchildren after the sudden death of my daughter 4 years ago, it was decided I could wait until after the holidays to make decisions of who what when. My two grandsons are special needs with complex mental problems so I'm in the search of who will be responsible for their care while I'm indisposed. Just a complex situation. I found this site and have garnered a wealth of good info. I was a nurse at Sequoia Hospital for many years a long time ago so I'm really wanting to go there. Sacramento is much closer, but I'm having a hard time gleaning information on surgeons and hospitals to go to. I have another appointment with my cardiologist the end of month so I'll go from there. I do have some symptomatic episodes but I just rest and don't exert myself too much. I have no fears of surgery, I guess because I was working when open heart surgery was making great strides in technology. I've observed surgery being done and I think of it as a symphony with the main surgeon being the conductor. My surgeon of choice would be Dr louis Castro at Sequoia Hospital. Hopefully I can make arrangements down there. I'll wait and see what my cardiologist thinks regarding timelines.