I found Dr. Adams to be extremely upfront and forthright, explaining what he proposed to do and answering all my wife's and my questions in a caring and patient manner. My cardiologist told me that in any other place they probably would have done a replacement instead of a repair when they found I needed both mitral valve leaflets repaired after I was opened up. To that I am very grateful.

Up until July 2009, I was the picture of good health with no medical problems and at age 54 I considered that pretty good. So it was somewhat disconcerting last July to find that my heart was starting to beat irregularly from time to time but the occasions were happening with more frequency. I seemed to be tired most of the time but that I chalked up to working nights, having 2 jobs and chasing after my 2 small children. Anyway, I made an appointment with a local cardiologist and hoped to get a "magic pill" to make my heart beat normally again, Boy, was I in for a surprise.

I was told that I needed surgery and would need it pretty quickly as I had a very severe mitral valve regurgitation. Dr. Buckley, my cardiologist, had taken the liberty of contacting Dr. Adams at Mt. Sinai and had discussed my case with him already. He told me that Dr. Adams was the best at valve repair and that Mt. Sinai was one of the leading hospitals in the field of cardiac care.

I found that advice to be 100% correct. Dr. Adams met with my wife and I very quickly. We both found him to be extremely pleasant, patient and answered all our questions without hesitation. He told me what he would have to do regarding surgery and how, with what he could see on my echocardiogram. Any question or concern that we had, he was able to address. As a result we felt completely comfortable with him and I made the appointment for Mitral Valve repair that day.

I can truthfully say that from start to finish I did not have any unpleasant experiences throughout my surgery. From the admitting staff , to the cardiac cath lab staff, to the OR staff, CSICU staff (though I don't remember much of that aspect of my stay) and to floor staff, everyone was first rate and took an interest in my case.

It is now 6 months since I had my surgery, I feel great. I'm back to my 2 jobs and chasing my kids around but now I can catch them. I thank Dr. Adams for giving them a father for a long time.