Stephanie's Posts

Had my consult at Northwestern last week - what a wonderful experience! Started the day with another echocardiogram and then had the pleasure of meeting both Dr. Thomas and Dr. McCarthy and their staff. The best news of the day was that my mitral valve is almost certainly repairable - which had been my hope and prayer. And - they both felt that I can likely still wait a bit before doing surgery! They ordered a stress echo which I completed that afternoon. The nurse called to say I did very well and aside from the valve (which was no worse under stress than at rest), my heart and lung function was normal. Still a couple more tests to do but it's looking like I will be back to "watching and waiting" for awhile longer. No complaints on that of course - just need to get comfortable with it again. I can't say enough about everyone I encountered at Northwestern - everyone from the technicians to the nurses and of course the doctors were so wonderful. I feel so blessed to know exactly where I am going when the time comes and have such peace of mind knowing I'm in great hands. I wish the same comfort and peace of mind for everyone on this journey!

Received a call back from Northwestern today and they have given me appointments with a cardiologist and Dr. McCarthy on the 29th. I'm so grateful to be able to see them so quickly. I've read posts by other patients on this site who have been treated there and these testimonials are so comforting to me right now...thanks to all who have shared! I'm looking forward to hearing Dr. McCarthy's opinion, learning about the options and just knowing what I need to do so I can move forward.