Mayer Tackles Heart Challenges with Courage
search
Health & WellnessLocal

Mayer Tackles Heart Challenges with Courage

Robin Mayer documented her open-heart surgery journey to come out stronger on the other end. She recalls being shocked with lifesaving paddles.

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

Daughter Rachel came to Houston to provide bedside support.
Daughter Rachel came to Houston to provide bedside support.

Robin Friedlander Mayer recently found a groundswell of support when she documented on social media her open-heart surgery with compelling photos and updates. A native of Mobile, Ala., at birth, she was diagnosed with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), or heart murmur, with the knowledge that surgery was in the offing. She was monitored throughout childhood, but didn’t manifest any symptoms.

At age 30, during a routine cardiology appointment, a test showed concern. This led Mayer to the Mayo Clinic where she consulted with an adult congenital cardiologist who noted that the VSD closed on its own; however, an enlarged right ventricle, tricuspid regurgitation, and mitral valve prolapse were discovered. She then began seeing a congenital cardiologist at Emory where she was told that she would need open heart surgery in three to five years. She miraculously made it 15 years.

Facebook lit up with “likes” when Robin posted a photo of herself walking the halls.

Mayer explained, “A year before my first surgery, tests confirmed what I felt. My heart was twice the size and was working twice as hard as it should. I was always tired, unable to walk inclines without being winded, unable to sleep lying flat or bend over.”

The surgeon was able to repair her tricuspid valve. Unfortunately, he attempted to repair her ASD/unroofed coronary sinus, but the patch would not hold. Mayer added, “I needed to get off the bypass machine. Our hope was with some heart defects repaired, everything would be OK. Overall, I had an easy recovery. My big complaint was a racing-heart feeling which was actually extra beats. My heart rate at-rest was between 40 and 140.”

Four months later, she had a pacemaker inserted. The extra beats continued, and she had an ablation.

In the fall of 2022, she started having the same symptoms again. Her congenital cardiologist at Emory listened to her, explained test results, and planned for her to have the best quality of life possible, as he referred her to Texas Children’s Hospital. He felt confident that she would have a successful repair there. TCH is ranked No. 1 for adult congenital cardiology.

After her long journey, Robin Mayer reports that her heart is healthier than ever.

In Texas, she was on the adult congenital heart disease floor. The surgery took place on Rosh Hashanah, Oct. 3, 2024, and was successful. The surgeon, who Mayer described as “world-renowned, kind and brilliant,” was able to fix her unroofed coronary sinus.

Mayer related, “I was in the ICU 9/12 days. Twice a day, my team of cardiologists, surgeon, NP’s and nurses spent 25-plus minutes with me discussing how I felt, what tests needed to be run and results. I never felt rushed or like a burden. My recovery wasn’t as smooth as expected, but I had phenomenal care. I had several complications. The most traumatic was tachycardia where they called a “code,” and I was shocked with paddles (fully awake and asking if I was dying). My sweet mom was in the room with the chaplain by her side. My heart rate went from 70 to 254. I felt dizzy, hot, and had a headache. I was terrified!”

Robin Mayer pictured with husband, Adam Mayer.

The paddles temporarily slowed her heart rate, and she was treated with IV medicine, then her heart rate was outpaced with her pacemaker to bring it back down.

Mayer is still on several medications to keep the heart rate under control. She hopes to wean off the medicine this spring. She concluded, “I am grateful for the fantastic care, my pacemaker, and ultimately, for surviving. I am three months post-surgery. I feel really good! My heart is the healthiest it has ever been. I will continue to be monitored forever.”

Mayer described sharing her experience as cathartic. “It was also a great way to let my loved ones know about my progress. The ACHD Facebook support groups were helpful and supportive,” she said.

She updated traditional Facebook with ongoing “thumbs up” photos and especially the video of her walking out of the hospital. “Adam, Rachel, my parents and friends were amazing. I’m lucky to have them. My advice is to find a doctor you trust and rely on family and friends who offer to help and appreciate them.”

Robin and her husband, Adam, have been in Atlanta 25 years. Their daughter, Rachel, who was at her bedside in Houston, will graduate with a master’s degree in May. They are members of Temple Sinai where Adam is the immediate past president.

read more:
comments