Susan's Profile

I went in last fall for my annual physical, I have lost weight and walk a lot. I was expecting a really good check up. Actually excited to hear what he would say about my weight. Instead he took 20 minutes listening to my heart. I knew I had a murmur but had a trans thoracic echo the year before and had never heard anything so I figured it was just another murmur. He sent me immediately for another trans thoracic echo. Two days later he sent me to the valve center at UPMC in Pittsburgh. A TEE and a stress echo have happened between then and now. I have severe mitral regurgitation. Now have an appointment with a thoracic cardio surgeon on the 13th. I am a 63 year old retired nurse, worked 40 plus years in the field, soon to be 64 and love life. Love to hike, kayak, garden, photography and fishing. I have 3 married children and 3 grand children. I also am the primary care giver of my 89 year father. I have been married 43 years to the love of my life. I am frightened but also not willing to give up my active life style. I still am having trouble wrapping my mind around it all since I do not really have any symptoms, other than an irregular heart beat, a flutter, but not sure how much that is related.This is really happening fast. Making my head spin.