She goes into Austin Heart tomorrow at 5:30AM. They will do an echogram (TEE) first in order to help ascertain whether repair or replacement is in order. Then surgery. Big time chest invasion.

She has good outlook and a great understanding of process. She was once a cardiac cath RN starting in the 80s in Houston. Same hospital where Debakey practiced. Saw some great advancements in technology.

Sort of ironic. Also, no heart disease, just a murmer. Then in her 60s, developed afib and flutter. Meds, ablations and eventually after retirement, a pacer.

Now mitral valve failure is serious enough to warrent action. She seems ok although I know there is anxiety. Scares hell outta me.

Best wishes for her.

Will definitely keep you both in our prayers.

Prayer sent for you both and her caregivers.

Told wife. She appreciates the prayers. Says one can never have too many prayers, good wishes, hugs or too much chocolate!

Thanks all.

I'd offer hugs but no doubt prayers and best wishes are far more appropriate!

Prayers for your wife.

My flight instructor was dr debakey’s pilot.

Best wishes. Massive invasion but not nearly as much as they used to.

I had an aunt have valve replacement and her chest wasn't split apart as I understand. A couple of days and they kicked her out of the hospital. This was in USCF.

Maxdog, twenty years ago I had open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve. Two months later I was back in tae kwon do classes, as I have been for the past 20 years. (I went to class tonight, just back.)

I know how scary open heart surgery is. I've been there. But it is even much better now in the 20 years that have passed since I went through it.

She will be fine. Try to stay rested and strong for her sake. She obviously has a very loving husband, and that is a huge plus.

My email is in my profile. If you wish, email me. I have good friends in Houston at Methodist in the CV world.

Best of luck to both of you.

RMD

Sending strength to both of you. And prayers for her and her recovery.

You’re both in my prayers.

Best of luck to your wife. I will be in the same boat at some point in my life. I have a bad valve in my heart and have been told it is just a matter of time before a repair/replacement is necessary. I will be praying for ya’ll.

Stay strong. Hoping for the best.

Prayers for your wife & you.I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve with tissue valve in Oct 2007 then had to be opened up again in Oct 2011 to replace that with a mechanical valve,God has Blessed & brought me through every bit of it.

Best to her.

Thanks again to all. Re invasiveness, was advised if repair possible, rather than replacement, they can go in through the left side under and down from the armpit thereby avoiding the need to split the sternum. Les invasive and faster recovery.

Medical science in amazing.

Prayers offered for a successful procedure and a quick recovery!

Maxdog, prayers for your wife for the best possible results and quick healing...also for you and family during this stressful time.

Cardiologists can perform amazing surgeries these days. Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Please send updates.