Melinda's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 25, 2014

Send Melinda a Note

My Posts

Melinda Hacker posted a photo
10 years ago (October 22, 2015)
Well, here I am one year later. Bovine valve ticking along. I'm happy to answer any questions for those of you with surgery in the future.
What made you choose Bovine over mechanical? Just curious...:)
Melinda Hacker posted an update
10 years ago (October 21, 2015)
Woo hoo!!!! One year ago today, I got my new bovine valve. I will say that this has been a great year! I feel great and don't even feel like there was ever anything wrong with me. I feel as normal as normal can be. I'm married, work full time... Read more.
👍 Someone, Russ Ferrara and reacted to this
Congrats Melinda! You were a huge inspiration going before me...and a great support. Hope to meet you one day! blessings.
Your journal is great! My MVR & AVR is Friday, 10/23/15, and your after surgery entries are really helpful for my nervous loved ones. Thank you & congrats on your fantastic progress!
Hello Selena I have an appointment with the surgerant on Nov 4,2015 said he looked at my test and saw 3-valves leaking but mild but want to repair all 3-valves have very bad family history on the hear mines is generational I have had heart murmur since birth but had... Read more.
HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY, MELINDA!! I'm so happy to hear you're still doing so well! We were both so blessed to have Dr. Accola and team to fix our hearts. Thank you again, my heart sister, for helping me to know what to expect and to calm my fears. I know... Read more.
Great News Melinda and great to hear you have completed one year. I am just in day 11 of post-surgery and feeing great:-)
Congrats! I'm in mo. 10, around 9 mo. is where I turned the corner and everything changed for the best. So I will say this to all post op valve patients, don't give up you will feel better than you have in years, it just takes time. :-)
Melinda Hacker posted a photo
11 years ago (April 25, 2015)
I'm 45 and had AVR surgery 6 months ago at Florida Hospital by the fabulous Dr. Kevin Accola. This morning I ran a 5k on the runway at Tampa International Airport. Me and my cow ️valve did great!
Awesome Melinda!!!! Congratulations!!!
Hi Melinda. I have that same darned inspirometer (I am 12 days post). I do love your photo from Philippians: that is a great and comforting verse. Myself I hope to be surfing in Santa Cruz six months after my AVR. You are an inspiration! Tom

Upcoming Surgeries

Jane Schappell
Aortic Stenosis
May 13, 2026
Margaret Devenney
Aortic Stenosis
May 14, 2026
Chris Freyer
Mitral Regurgitation
May 15, 2026

Surgeon Finder

Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.