Hi, I'm new to the group. My name is Jim and I am a 44 year old
male and have Mitral Regurgitation (MR) moderate to severe, with a
severe Effective Regurgitant Orifice (ERO, measured at 0.5 cm2). I
was diagnosed with MR 2 years ago, and have had 3 echos, one Trans-
Esophigial Echo (TEE), and two stress tests during that time.
Fortunately the stress tests showed no blockages. Apart from some
minor infrequent chest pain, occasional palpitations, and minor
fatigue, I have not had any severe symptoms. For the first two years
the prognosis was that surgery was not likely unless the MR
progresses. During the last echo (done last week) my cardiologist
discovered the severe ERO, and is now saying surgery is likely at
some point. He has me scheduled for a stress echo in 6 months, to
test the left ventricle for signs of weakness. If this tells him
the left ventricle is not good, then we move to surgery sooner
rather than later.

I've been reading alot on the web and it seems there are all kinds
of different answers about the issue of mitral valve surgery. This
seems to be a very inexact thing. Also, I hear people say its
routine, but I don't consider heart surgery "routine". First, you've
got the debate of repair or replace, and how repair is better, but
its not clear until they go in what can really be done. I would
think you need blood thinner in most cases afterward anyway. Then
you also have all kinds of technical reports that talk about
mortality rates and such that gets pretty scary. And you also have
good stories of success and bad stories about problems with
coumadin, etc. Unfortunately I am a worrier with an overactive
imagination. I am pretty stressed and anxious about this. I would
appreciate any reassurances that anyone can give about my situation,
even if you talk about making it through bad spots, that's OK. I
just want to know I'm going to be OK through this. Also, those of
you who have had surgery, did you go for a second opinion before
proceeding, and did that change your mind about what to do? Thanks
for any answers,

Jim