I found out about 15 years ago that I have Rheumatic Heart Disease stemming from an illness when I was young that was unknown to me or my parents. It mainly affects the heart valves, but as the disease progresses other things can happen, such as atrial fibrillation, which I now have. This means taking a blood thinner daily and frequently checking the INR to ensure that the blood is neither too thick nor too thin.
The symptoms were not too bad for a long time, but lately I have become more fatigued and more easily out of breath. Time for surgery to replace the bad valves, which are the aortic, mitral and tricuspid.
My cardiologist gave me a list of some heart surgeons capable of doing triple valve surgery. I began doing research on the surgeons and the hospitals, making spreadsheets to keep things straight.
I met with Dr. Eric Sarin at Inova Fairfax, which is only a few miles from where I live, and was impressed with him and what he said about the surgery that would be required.
However, I felt the need to talk to at least one other surgeon, and settled on Dr. Craig R. Smith at Columbia New York Presbyterian. I am driving to NYC tomorrow with my trusty companions, Jane Began and Peg McCarty, so that I have good support and more ears to take in what Dr. Smith says. The meeting will be at 9:30 AM on Thursday the 23rd.
Roland Park Medium 
I’ll be thinking of you, Conk…..
I hope he will be very helpful…I think it’s so impirtant to get different well respected opinions.
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Thanks Maria!
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Always feel totally free to use whatever medical expertise I retain from years of practice to ask for advice……
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That is great to know Kathryn! Thanks so much!
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So glad you have a great support team with you! There’s no way one person can keep track of everything. It’s a dizzying experiences wading through complex medical and surgical issues. Looking forward to hearing how it all goes, and of course, I am hoping (and wishing real hard) for the best possible outcome for you!
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Thank you Tara! I think I will try to relax now during the short wait.
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Thank you for this Blog, Kath! Now I can more easily keep up with your goings-on (which is a challenge for me). You are often in my thoughts and forever in my heart, cousin. Love you so so much ❤
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Thank you cousin! 💕🌸
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Good luck with your surgery! My partner had his aortic valve replaced a few years ago. It was certainly an anxious time for us but he is totally fine now, without the shortness of breath that he had been experiencing. He’s going to the gym 3 times a week now! From all that you have reported, it sounds like you are in excellent hands! We are thinking about you and will be glad to get the updates. Warm wishes, Ellen
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Thanks so much Ellen. Good to hear positive stories about others who have had valve replacements.
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