Joanne's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation

Member Since: March 6, 2023

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Joanne Heckmann posted an update
1 year ago (March 1, 2025)
Despite a calcium score of 0 and a clear carotid ultrasound, a CCTA and abdominal CT were ordered as part of prep for mitral valve repair surgery. Got results from a OneOme RightMed genetic test in time to head off metoprolol (CYP3A4 variants) and use short acting propranolol and ivabadrine... Read more.
Joanne Heckmann posted an update
1 year ago (December 20, 2024)
So my heart failure cardiologist's photo was no longer displayed with her name in MyChart. My last visit with her, I had asked for her support before and after my mitral valve repair scheduled for March. Two messages later, turns out she's out on maternity leave until April. Have to... Read more.
... and just made that appt for Jan 15. Called Dr Gerdisch's office, they hadn't gotten the insurance authorization yet for the CTs, the person handling that is out until Monday. And of course my insurance is changing on Jan 1 to original Medicare + Plan N. At least my... Read more.
It has not been a good week for you. There is only up from now on. No class having a baby and axing your appointment. Its all about choices. Lol. I had to reschedule my first surgical consult due to his getting covid and i was upset. If he had... Read more.
Sorry to see you are having difficulty with scheduling, I sure can understand. Better days are ahead and just take it a day at a time. I'm learning myself to have a short list of calls, then just leave it rest of day and try to concentrate on the moment.... Read more.
Joanne Heckmann posted an update
1 year ago (October 10, 2024)
For those of you interested, a primer by a very knowledgeable herbalist re herbs for surgery. I will be bringing Rescue Remedy with me as well as arnica, at the very least. Herbs for Surgery — Green Path Herb School (https://www.greenpathherbschool.com/greenpathblog/herbs-for-surgery)
They usually ask you to stop herbal supplements for a while before surgery so everyone should check with their surgeon.
Some herbs are fine, as noted by this herbalist, who both had a young son who needed several surgeries, and who had a hip replacement herself. Most allopathic doctors are not taught about herbs and will knee-jerk deny them.
I would be concerned about blood thinning side effects so I’d want to discuss with the surgeon.
I agree with Valerie that this should be discussed with your cardiologist and/or surgeon.
All I can say is you will have so-so-so many drugs the day of surgery and after, that you will want to check with the surgeon and most importantly the anesthesiologist before hand...

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