Amy's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: August 8, 2017

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Amy Minto posted an update
1 year ago (February 7, 2025)
I wanted to give a heartfelt thank you and update for everyone who strongly encouraged me to head up to a better hospital for a third and fourth opinion. My family and I just returned from the Heart Hospital of Plano, which I believe is one of the top five... Read more.
❤️ Darrell Malone reacted to this
SO GLAD TO HEAR! you should be proud that you went the extra mile, put in the effort and didn’t stop! you got this!!!!!!
You are your best advocate. All the best on your heart journey.
Whoa, i take offense at any doctor who says 70 is a good lifespan. My repaired mitral valve would be raising my 82 year old, soon to be 83 blood pressure thru the roof.
Sounds like you really learned a lot. As Susan said, congrats for going the extra mile. You need to feel comfortable with your selection!
Another success story regarding a second opinion! 👍
Good for you getting additional opinions! It can be hard to make the initial step to do so, but so worth it once you do. Speaking with more than one surgeon and being able to compare and contrast feedback from them made me feel more confident about making the next... Read more.
Yay for options! I was told by one surgeon I would need to be on warfarin regardless of the valve type I chose because my heart itself was rheumatic, not just the valve, but that turned out not to be the case. So glad you decided to seek additional opinions!
Amy Minto posted an update
1 year ago (January 17, 2025)
Sitting in the doctor's office parking lot pretty upset. Could I get some weigh-ins about mechanical versus bio prosthetic? I've just been told by neurology that it's an acceptable risk to go with mechanical and be on Coumadin after finding microhemorrhages in my brain last year, that there won't be... Read more.
How small is your small frame size? I am 5’5” and weigh 108 lbs, and my surgeon was able to put in a size 23 Aortic valve. That is the smallest size possible that will accommodate at least one TAVR ( valve in valve) in the future when my current... Read more.
there is no right or wrong decision. that is probably why it’s so tough. and once you make it, you don’t know where the other path would have led. see what the surgeons in Plano say-baylor scott&white is a leading heart center. For us, it felt like we were spinning... Read more.
The valve choice is always a tough one. But I always tell people to do your diligence in research; ask lots of questions; get more than one opinion; make a decision and go with it. Don't look back and don't wonder what if this or what if that. Be confident... Read more.
You have a very difficult choice to make… After much debate, I went with a tissue valve at age 54 for my first OHS. Most likely I will need another OHS and then a trans-catheter replacement. I was already on warfarin after going into afib, throwing a clot, and having... Read more.
I think I would definitely seek additional opinions, if possible. I would be asking how long a bioprotheric valve could last as well as the option of TAVR after. It seems advancements in materials used in newer bioprotheric valves have extended the longevity to greater than the 6-7 that have... Read more.
I think being on any new drug is no fun and one has to go through a mourning period of wishing this weren't happening. And then you move forward. I had triple valve surgery almost 10 years ago when I was 53. Mechanical valves were recommended because my heart has... Read more.
Amy, As people say this is a tough decision. I had a similar tough decision about treating a brain tumor. I sought many opinions. During that journey one doctors said "there are no wrong decisions, but when you make one do not second guess yourself" That wisdom helped my both... Read more.
Amy Minto posted an update
1 year ago (January 13, 2025)
Good evening, everyone. The incredible community of beautiful people on this site was such a huge source of comfort and support nearly 7 years ago when I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair. I've even met one of the most precious people in the world to me on this site.... Read more.
you are amazing! please please please get yourself to a large valve center-a surgeon who does this everyday, all day. great suggestions in doctor finder on this site. some large centers may have very different view of tissue vs mechanical and path for your next 40 years. i realize you... Read more.
6-7 years sounds really low for anticipated life of biologic... I'd recheck this ... Are you having a mitral center of excellence do this re-repair. Sorry you have this failure at this point in your journey !
Amy, first of all, congratulations on your awards! 👍 That's quite an accomplishment! And I'm sorry your repair did not last. I am a broken record on this, but you really need a second opinion and I agree with others that you should go to a facility that is known... Read more.
Amy - Congratulations on your Taekwondo medals! Amazing accomplishment!! I'm sorry you're facing another surgery, but the perseverance and resilience that have gotten you through your past health challenges and surgeries will get you through this one. Stay positive. We'll be with you every step of the way. ❤️
Amy, Congratulations! Please get another opinion at a really good heart hospital. Biological valves for Aortic valve for someone your age last 10-15years on average. I am not positive, but I think the mitral valve is predicted to last longer because it does not work as hard as the aortic... Read more.
You are all so amazing and supportive! I was told the quote of 10-15 years for bioprosthetic is for someone older, that I will wear it out much sooner. I had chosen a local surgeon here, but now I am going to see if I can urgently get in to... Read more.

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Mitral Regurgitation
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