Christine's Posts

Christine- I had the left appendage ligation w/ my recent aortic aneurysm repair. I had robotic MVR 2 yrs ago so it couldn't be done at that time due to the robotic approach. I also had no history of afib/aflutter until post op both times. I too have hoped to get off Eliquis, but have pretty much resolved myself to it. Dealing w/ flutter and awaiting an ablation. I only had extremity swelling the first couple wks post heart surgeries. Have you been weighing yourself daily? I was told to watch for sudden wt gain of a couple lbs. Is your EF doing ok? I imagine the heat is not helpful. Give yourself breaks. You are doing great!

Dr. Joanna Chikwe performed my heart surgery to repair "significant mitral regurgitation" fifteen days ago at Cedars-Sinai. Today, I am well on my way to recovery, and I am more than amazed by the quick progress I have made. From day one, Dr. Chikwe has exuded confidence and professionalism which definitely comforted me in facing my surgery. Dr. Chikwe is clearly above "top drawer" and I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to this talented surgeon. I would also like to give a shout out to Nurse Practitioner, Vivian Burkhart, whose upbeat and informative nature added to my belief that my procedure would be the success that it is. I appreciate Nurse Burkhart so much. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the nurses, physical therapists and the entire staff at Cedars-Sinai. Their post surgery efforts and dedication were non-stop and simply could not be more accommodating, comforting and professional. Because of the efforts of Dr. Chikwe, the nurses, physical therapists and staff at Cedars-Sinai, I have never been more convinced that there are, indeed, angels among us.