From Mitral Valve Prolapse to a Healthy Heart in Germany: Viorica Corobans Story

• Discovery of Her Diagnosis
• How Viorica Found Expertise in Germany
• Surgery
• Recovery That Felt Like a Honeymoon
• The Importance of Support and Organization
• Viorica's Return to a Full Life
• Message from Viorica

In this video, Viorica Coroban shares her story of recovery after being diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse. Her journey led her from Moldova to Germany, where she underwent successful surgery at Asklepios Klinikum Harburg under the care of Professor Weinmann and his team. With the support of Booking Health, Viorica navigated every stage of treatment with comfort. Her experience shows that, with the right doctors, compassionate organization, and determination, even the most unexpected diagnosis can lead to healing.

Discovery of Her Diagnosis

"I didn't have any symptoms. I felt healthy, full of energy, and had the best endurance during training," Viorica recalls. "That's why it was such a shock when I learned I needed heart surgery."

Her journey began in Moldova, during a routine check-up with a therapist. The doctor prescribed an ultrasound, which unexpectedly revealed a heart defect. Further testing confirmed congenital heart disease.

"As I later learned, the heart is a tricky organ. It doesn't always hurt – instead, it shows symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. But I didn't have any of those. The hardest part was accepting that I needed surgery when I felt perfectly fine."

The news came just before February 14. Despite the fear and disbelief, Viorica decided not to dwell on the diagnosis. "I looked for people who could help me solve the problem and recover. I didn't want to waste time in denial."

How Viorica Found Expertise in Germany

After consultations in Moldova confirmed the need for surgery, Viorica began searching for the best cardiac surgeons abroad. That search led her to Booking Health, who helped arrange her treatment at Asklepios Klinikum Harburg in Hamburg, Germany.

"I was lucky to meet Professor Weinmann and the Asklepios team," she says. "When I arrived in Germany, I also met Professor Popov – both are exceptional cardiac surgeons and incredibly kind people. They gave me confidence that everything would be fine."

When Viorica asked Professor Weinmann how urgent the operation was, his response was: "If you were my sister," he said, "I would operate tomorrow."

It was that honesty that helped her trust the process. "He even told me my beach vacation would be part of my recovery," she laughs. "That sense of reassurance made all the difference."

Surgery

Before the operation, Viorica found herself focusing less on the surgery itself and more on the recovery ahead. "You have to trust the people performing the procedure – you can't control that part. What I really wanted to know was: will I recover fully? Will I still be the active mother of two children that I am?"

"I felt like Sleeping Beauty pricked by an anesthesiologist's spindle in a special preoperative unit. That's all I remember before I woke up and saw my handsome prince – my husband."

Her fears dissolved as she experienced the warmth and professionalism of the medical staff. "Everyone smiled, everyone cared. The nurse who helped me stand up told me to look out the window and think about my children – that I would succeed. That kind of support means everything."

Recovery That Felt Like a Honeymoon

After the surgery, Viorica's rehabilitation took place in Hamburg. "The hospital was in a beautiful location – the view from my window was calming. Even the walls seemed to heal you," she says.

"A physiotherapist encouraged me to walk 200 meters outside. Those first steps were emotional. She told me, 'You're strong, you can do it.' And she was right."

Viorica celebrated her birthday during recovery and decided to make it special. "We went out to a restaurant by the Elbe River, visited the Elbphilharmonie, and enjoyed Hamburg's cuisine. My recovery felt more like a honeymoon than a hospital stay."

The Importance of Support and Organization

For Viorica, recovery was not just about medicine – it was about the people around her. "Having support and being around the right people is very important," she says. "I found that support with the Asklepios team, Professor Weinmann, and Booking Health."

She also expresses gratitude to the coordinators who made her journey stress-free:

"Yulia was the first to respond – kind, attentive, and caring. Then there was Maria, who handled everything with warmth. And Regina, my interpreter, who became my friend. She distracted and comforted me, handled appointments, and understood me even when words failed."

Through their combined efforts, Viorica says she never felt like "just a patient."

"They treated me as a person. They cared about my results, not just the schedule. They worried about me like family."

Viorica's Return to a Full Life

Now fully recovered, Viorica continues to live a healthy, active life. She takes preventive medication, sees her cardiologist for regular ultrasounds, and enjoys time with her children.

"When I had a follow-up ultrasound in Moldova, the doctor said she would never have guessed I'd had heart surgery. She told me, 'You can live, love, and play sports with peace of mind.' That was the best feeling in the world."

Her advice for others facing similar challenges is both practical and hopeful:

"Don't waste time worrying. Entrust your care to professionals who inspire confidence. Find motivation – something to look forward to after the surgery. Focus on recovery, surround yourself with those who care, and believe in yourself."

She smiles, recalling a quote that stayed with her: "We live so much while we fight – and we must fight."

Message from Viorica

"Booking Health became more than a company to me – they became a part of my story. I know I can call them anytime, and they'll answer and support me. Their work is emotional and demanding, but the greatest reward is seeing patients like me return to life. Thank you – truly."