Sandra's Profile

I was one month from celebrating my 65th birthday and trying to decide on a birthday adventure. This is not what I would have chosen, but am glad it was found and can be fixed. I have no symptoms of CHF although I do have COPD. A first time "murmur" was heard by my primary M.D. in late May. Went to cardiologist in June and echo showed severe mitral valve regurgitation. Heart cath showed no coronary artery issues. Found my surgeon in June and esophageal echo showed ruptured or broken chordae tendineae of the mitral valve with severe regurgitation. It is unknown how or why this suddenly happened. Scheduled for repair or possible replacement with sternotomy. I worked in surgery for 10 years and I know that the sternotomy is extensive but it puts my surgeon right where he needs to be especially if there is an unforeseen problem. This is also where my medical and surgical knowledge is both a blessing and a curse.