Guestbook of Ellen Gershman

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Ellen Gershmangot a new guestbook post

1106 days ago

Janelle Hurst posted a note for Ellen that says:

Thinking of you, hoping your surgery went well!

Ellen Gershmangot a new guestbook post

1120 days ago

Janelle Hurst posted a note for Ellen that says:

Hi Ellen! I too have mitral regurgitation but am waiting for my initial surgical consult. I saw you also had tricuspid regurgitation, how bad was it, and ...Read more

Hi Ellen! I too have mitral regurgitation but am waiting for my initial surgical consult. I saw you also had tricuspid regurgitation, how bad was it, and do you have degenerative mitral valve disease? I just have mild tricuspid regurgitation but have read that with degenerative disease it’s sometimes better to also fix the tricuspid even if it’s not bad. I see your surgery is coming up soon! Any advice for someone who is still waiting on their initial consult?

Ellen Gershman Hi Janelle -
Oh boy I hate to give advice on this stuff cuz I am pretty freaked out myself! I can te ... Read more

Ellen Gershman Hi Janelle -
Oh boy I hate to give advice on this stuff cuz I am pretty freaked out myself! I can tell you that if you are youngish and fairly healthy otherwise they will most likely recommend that you do both valves - that is the advice I have been given, even though I am an 'oldster' . My tricuspid regurgitation is 'moderate' I believe. Not sure what 'degenerative mitral valve disease' is - I have had mitral valve prolapse forever, which has gotten worse, so sounds like it might fit that description.

Janelle Hurst Yeah, it's nerve-wracking! The first two weeks after finding out I needed surgery I was an emotional ... Read more

Janelle Hurst Yeah, it's nerve-wracking! The first two weeks after finding out I needed surgery I was an emotional mess. Now I feel a little more settled but very eager to get some consults, will probably be another 3-4 weeks before my first consult. I'm sure I will have a new round of anxiety once I have the consults and then again in the weeks leading up to the surgery date. I imagine I won't have surgery until after the new year. Do you have family/friends supporting you through this process? Sounds like you have degenerative valve disease (Degenerative MR, also called primary MR, is caused by damage to the mitral valve apparatus with prolapse or flail of the leaflets. It can be related to age, a birth defect, or underlying heart disease. Functional MR, also called secondary MR, is caused by enlargement of the heart due to heart attack or heart failure). I wish you calming thoughts and peace in these next couple weeks. :)