I am a two-time mitral valve repair patient. I have been married for 26 years, and my children (4) are all grown and I enjoy being a grandma.
My focus is on preparing patients and families for heart surgery - through education, counseling and teaching. I have a two-hour video course on preparing for heart surgery (www.cardiacconnections.net) and work with individuals and families one-on-one.
I believe in the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of heart surgery prior to surgery, so that patients and families can be adequately prepared on what to expect both pre- and post-surgery and how to deal with the fear, stress, anxiety, depression and general ups and downs that can accompany heart surgery.