Teegan's Profile

I am a 37 yr old active woman who just got engaged and I’m ready to keep living my life to its fullest. I’ve had a leaky valve since I was a kid (8yrs old). Never had any symptoms and still don’t. Aside from the anxiety and shortness of breath that I attribute to the upcoming surgery. I finally went back in for a routine echo in February 2022 where I was told I needed surgery. The first dr (Kaiser) said I was in need of a repair. Naturally, I wanted a second opinion. The second dr (Hoag) told me he didn’t think repair was possible and that replacement was needed. That is when I decided to go to the best and get their opinion (Cleveland Clinic). So here we are, still kind of in the same boat I guess. Still unsure if they are able to do a repair, so replacement may be the route. I guess I won’t know until I wake up. They said they will be doing a “traditional” approach. (Open heart through sternotomy) That is the shock I am still dealing with on a daily basis. I’m shocked I am not a candidate for robotic or minimally invasive. I am shocked I don’t have a clear answer whether it’s repairable or needs replacement. I have however scheduled the surgery because I know I need it fixed. I am here to connect with others in my shoes and to get some support through this absolutely insane rollercoaster I just signed up to ride.