Hello Terry! Did Dr. Adams manage to get a 100% seal of leaflets this time? Did you discuss possibilitiy of another surgery in the future? Thanks for the info. ...Read more
Hello Terry! Did Dr. Adams manage to get a 100% seal of leaflets this time? Did you discuss possibilitiy of another surgery in the future? Thanks for the info.
Terry Tannenbaum I sure hope so. I don't recall any mention of another surgery. My cardiologist is ordering an echo in ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum I sure hope so. I don't recall any mention of another surgery. My cardiologist is ordering an echo in March just to have a baseline.
Terry, I am so glad you are fine and re repair was successful. Since re-repairs are very rare, would you mind providing us with more details about your mitral ...Read more
Terry, I am so glad you are fine and re repair was successful. Since re-repairs are very rare, would you mind providing us with more details about your mitral valve? What was the problem first time (just posterior prolaps or more complex? how was it fixed the first time exactly? When did it start failing?...), and what exactly failed the second time? I am sorry if I am bothering you, it's just that re-repairs are rarely done and statisticly I am facing one myself in the future. (Although my surgeon already told me that it will likely be a mechanical valve rather then re-repair).
I would appreciate the more details the better. Wishing you all the best, double heart warrior!
Thank you so very much!
Terry Tannenbaum Sure, the valve was repaired in December 2010 using the DaVinci robot although it was not sealed and ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Sure, the valve was repaired in December 2010 using the DaVinci robot although it was not sealed and continued to leak mild to moderate until last winter when it was discovered via an echo that it was severe. Although I had no noticeable symptoms, it was suggested i get the re-repair. Dr. Adams was able to re-reair the valve and also tune up the tricuspid which I guess is par for the course, once they get in there and see exactly what's going on. Hopefully this repair will last because I can't fathom another OHS at anytime point in time.
Klara Čičić Oh, I believe you... Was the second reapir also robotically done? Do you know details about your leaf ... Read more
Klara Čičić Oh, I believe you... Was the second reapir also robotically done? Do you know details about your leaflets, both of them prolapsed?
Greg Lewis You know, Terry, sometimes you see guys that think their tough, and you'd just once like to say " you ... Read more
Greg Lewis You know, Terry, sometimes you see guys that think their tough, and you'd just once like to say " you aint seen nothing, try heart surgery" (of course, then they would punch me in the chest, and i would be dead! ) but you, and everyone here that have been to surgery more than once, or multiple times... now THATS tough!! 💪👏👏🦸♂️
Ana Brusso Totally understand what you are saying. You are now fixed, you will be fine and no more OHS, continue ... Read more
Ana Brusso Totally understand what you are saying. You are now fixed, you will be fine and no more OHS, continued good recovery and God bless you
Terry Tannenbaum I'm 6.5 weeks post op and aside from mild to moderate chest pain which is neither constant or consist ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum I'm 6.5 weeks post op and aside from mild to moderate chest pain which is neither constant or consistant, I feel fine. I went back to work 3 weeks ago and I have plenty of energy! My appetite is pretty good too:)
How have you been doing, as it looks like you have been in re-recovery for a little while? Hope all is well!
Terry Tannenbaum Thak you for asking! I'm back home in Fla. and since I can't drive for another two weeks I'm bored ou ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Thak you for asking! I'm back home in Fla. and since I can't drive for another two weeks I'm bored out of my mind. Can't wait to return to work. All the best-Terry
Dear Terry, I've read your Journal from the start...the first surgery...all the updates... It is inspiring and I somehow feel the same future waits for me, ...Read more
Dear Terry, I've read your Journal from the start...the first surgery...all the updates... It is inspiring and I somehow feel the same future waits for me, too. Acctually, I would be very happy with 10 years...after which statistically there is significant chance of a re-repair for my case. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story and I wish you a successful re-repair!
Terry Tannenbaum Thank you Klara, and I hope you are doing well! Please keep me updated with your progress.
Thinking of you, Terry. Hope that your feeling much better now and walking the unit and beginning to smile that it is over and your life is onward.
Terry Tannenbaum Thank you Deena for reaching out and supporting me, but unfortunately the surgery was postponed and w ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Thank you Deena for reaching out and supporting me, but unfortunately the surgery was postponed and will need to be rescheduled. Its OK becaause I'll be ready when the time comes. Hope you are doing well!
You too Terry? Sorry you also have to wait, but glad to hear you have a great attitude and as you sai ... Read more
You too Terry? Sorry you also have to wait, but glad to hear you have a great attitude and as you said you will be ready when the time comes. Blessings
Deena Z Hi Terry, thanks for the update. It is an emotional roller- coaster ride when you get yourself all p ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Terry, thanks for the update. It is an emotional roller- coaster ride when you get yourself all psyched-up and then there is a delay. But then the last thing you want is a the ICU and cardiac step-down to be "overbooked", when you have your surgery. I also made sure my surgery was not on a Friday for the same staffing issue, re: weekend.
Terry Tannenbaum Mine was scheduled for Monday and who really wants to work on Monday morning? lol I would have had to ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Mine was scheduled for Monday and who really wants to work on Monday morning? lol I would have had to check in on Saturday. Talk about anticipation anxiety...
Klara Čičić Haha my surgery is on Monday 🙈🙈🙈 not really happy about that, but what can man do except hop ... Read more
Klara Čičić Haha my surgery is on Monday 🙈🙈🙈 not really happy about that, but what can man do except hope for the best! :)
Terry Tannenbaum Out of curiosity, how many of you followed up your echo with a TEE? Is it necessary or is the echo en ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Out of curiosity, how many of you followed up your echo with a TEE? Is it necessary or is the echo enough when it comes to detection and degree of mitral valve leakage?
Deena Z I got both several times, but my surgeon said an echo is enough. The thing with the TEE is that the ... Read more
Deena Z I got both several times, but my surgeon said an echo is enough. The thing with the TEE is that they need to keep your BP the same as when you are not sedated to be accurate. Regardless, once my ventricle was mildly dilated that drove the need for mitral surgery.
Klara Čičić I had yearly echos, and as my heart measurments started to be concerning (LA diation, LV dysfunction) ... Read more
Klara Čičić I had yearly echos, and as my heart measurments started to be concerning (LA diation, LV dysfunction) and surgery started being an option - that's when TEEs started occuring, I've had three or four by now. It's better view of a mitral valve, that's for sure.
Terry Tannenbaum I had the repairs done Friday and recovery is no picnic but at least there is a recovery. I'm gratefu ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum I had the repairs done Friday and recovery is no picnic but at least there is a recovery. I'm grateful but impatient and bored here at the hospital. Doctors were confident I'll be discharged Thursday. I'm hoping!
Klara Čičić Terry, you had your re-repair??? How was it? It was successful re- repair? I am sorry if you said it ... Read more
Klara Čičić Terry, you had your re-repair??? How was it? It was successful re- repair? I am sorry if you said it somewhere on this site and I missed it ... Could you please write as much as you can, I am very interested. Wishing you all the best!!!
Terry Tannenbaum Yes, they repaired the MV and also fixed the tri or bicuspid valve but had no idea that even needed a ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Yes, they repaired the MV and also fixed the tri or bicuspid valve but had no idea that even needed a repair prior to going in. The IV's are all out now plus the wires. Waiting for the tubes to be removed tomorrow.
Deena Z Terry, If you are bored in the hospital, then you are recovery really well. I had my tricuspid valve ... Read more
Deena Z Terry, If you are bored in the hospital, then you are recovery really well. I had my tricuspid valve also repaired, once I was “opened up”. This is one advantage of OHS via the sternum. —, though if I had been given the choice for minimally invasive I wld have taken it.😂. As you may know, tricuspid surgery is riskier, so good to get it done while the surgeon is there😎. Happy discharge!
Hi Terry, I just got diagnosed with severe MR. I am in a similiar situation, age 55, athletic and no symptoms. After reading your story, would you ...Read more
Hi Terry, I just got diagnosed with severe MR. I am in a similiar situation, age 55, athletic and no symptoms. After reading your story, would you have gotten a replacement if you could go back in time? Lars
Richard Munson There are also a ton of repair recipients that are doing great.
Susan Lynn Lars - We're all cheering for Terry as he approaches his second surgery, but more than 90% of mitra... Read more
Susan Lynn Lars - We're all cheering for Terry as he approaches his second surgery, but more than 90% of mitral valves are repaired. Surgeons do their best to repair to avoid the post-op restrictions that go with replacements. You always want a repair if that is an option.
Klara Čičić Dear Lars, my mitral valve repair surgery is approaching and although chance of re-repair somewhere i ... Read more
Klara Čičić Dear Lars, my mitral valve repair surgery is approaching and although chance of re-repair somewhere in the future is according to statistical data for my case highly likely (due to complexity of my mitral valve disease (Mb.Barlow it is called) and due to my young age), I definitely choose repair as a first option because of its perks over biological/mechanical valves...
Richard Munson Plus, the advancements in repair and re repair will only improve the outcomes in coming years. which ... Read more
Richard Munson Plus, the advancements in repair and re repair will only improve the outcomes in coming years. which are excellent even now. You have to think cup half full not half empty.
Thomas Brusstar Terry, it looks like David Adams is your doctor. You can't do better than Adams. I understand that ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Terry, it looks like David Adams is your doctor. You can't do better than Adams. I understand that repair is basically always a superior approach unless the existing valve cannot be salvaged for whatever reason. Each patient's native tissue will be more resilient, last longer as opposed to the bovine/porcine tissues which may degrade, and won't have rejection issues. And obviously mechanical valves create the need for blood thinners, which bear a cumulating stroke/ bleeding risk. I don't think it's worth second-guessing the decision to go with repair. Even though re-repair may be necessary eventually, it won't be as soon as it would have with a barnyard valve.
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Lars, you look great in the photo! What's next for you, any plans? How do you feel? As far as if I ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Lars, you look great in the photo! What's next for you, any plans? How do you feel? As far as if I could go back in time...hmmm...I chose convenience and had the Davinci, a fairly new innovationn at the time. I didn't need a replacement but I think I may have strongly considered the conventional route with sternotomy. I think it could have been done right the first time. This itme though, I have no choice since no one is willing to do a re-repair using the robot.
Good morning Terry. I’m not sure when your surgery is but I’ve been thinking about you. I know this is your second go round and I have only done ...Read more
Good morning Terry. I’m not sure when your surgery is but I’ve been thinking about you. I know this is your second go round and I have only done this once. If it helps I will tell you my recovery has been a piece of cake. I am 4 weeks and some change post-op, and I feel really good. A few aches and slight discomfort but good. I am sleeping well as of this week. I am walking about a mile a day and tomorrow I will be setting up my cardiac rehab. I am truly amazed at how quickly I have bounced back, almost to the point of feeling guilty about it. I had it my head that this was going to be a horrible experience and it has been anything but that. The day after surgery is a blur, but the rest of my hospital stay wasn’t even that bad. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Hi Terry, I understand ur worry but don't be, only God plans everything, us worrying doesn't help. Just pray and tell urself they are millions of worriors,... Read more
Hi Terry, I understand ur worry but don't be, only God plans everything, us worrying doesn't help. Just pray and tell urself they are millions of worriors, and ur among them. Enjoy your time and leave everything to God. Ur surgeon will take excellent care of you. All the best
Well said Fathiya. Terry, you will also be in our prayers. God speed
Hey Terry-I had my first aortic valve in 2005 and it lasted 12 years and leaflets tore loose and had to get open heart again to replace it. I took a lot of ...Read more
Hey Terry-I had my first aortic valve in 2005 and it lasted 12 years and leaflets tore loose and had to get open heart again to replace it. I took a lot of will power and mental strength to face the surgery again (2016) knowing it would be more difficult than the first. My faith and family were my support and they were with me throughout the whole process. I also have had tricuspid repair, 14 cardiac stents,3 bipasses and 2 heart attacks,prostate cancer and lymphoma. —i am still playing golf and fishing so you have a big future ahead of you. I concentrated on getting by one hour at a time knowin I would feel better each hour,and I followed doctors order to the tee- including rehab. Good luck to you ,I am confident you will do well.
Lilian Peña Our heart is a muscle that works 24/7.. My heart taught me a lot in my 2nd chance in life. An inspiri ... Read more
Lilian Peña Our heart is a muscle that works 24/7.. My heart taught me a lot in my 2nd chance in life. An inspiring story of yours @Bob, faith and family were definitely the reason why we wanted to live more🥰enjoy life💙
@Terry—good luck and God Bless on your surgery tomorrow. This too shall pass🙏God is good all the time😇
Hey Terry! Your upcoming surgery is gonna go great! They will take great care of you! So relax, just chill and let each day happen as it will. Its their job ...Read more
Hey Terry! Your upcoming surgery is gonna go great! They will take great care of you! So relax, just chill and let each day happen as it will. Its their job to make you better, and their job to know how. So let us know how you are doing. ( but not too soon. I called my boss when i was still in delerium. Haha! I dont recomend that! )
In 2011, I had a mitral valve repair in Boston. Soon after, my regurgitation returned and I knew I would need a re-repair. I did ...Read more
Hi Terry,
In 2011, I had a mitral valve repair in Boston. Soon after, my regurgitation returned and I knew I would need a re-repair. I did my homework this time and decided Dr. David Adams at Mt. Sinai was the best in this field. In 2016, Dr. Adams did a re-repair also including placement of a ring around my tricuspid valve and an ablation. I feel great. Knowing you selected Dr. Adams, I know you will be fine. He is the best! If you want to chat or ask questions, feel free to call me at 207-873-7479. Good luck.
Hey Terry: I hope things go smoothly for you. I had a robotic mitral repair at NYU in July 2019. It was never a success because I had moderate regurgitation ...Read more
Hey Terry: I hope things go smoothly for you. I had a robotic mitral repair at NYU in July 2019. It was never a success because I had moderate regurgitation right after the surgery. Because of all the Covid mess I was not anxious to have surgery again particularly since it can’t be robotic this time. So I am having a Re-repair done by Dr. Adams in October. I went for a second opinion to Cleveland Clinic but I felt the most comfortable with Dr. Adams. He and his team are supposedly the best at Re-repair. I will be following your posts. Best of luck.
Deena Z Terry and Fred, Dr Adams- awesome, he was my surgeon. I was thinking that your re-repairs should be ... Read more
Deena Z Terry and Fred, Dr Adams- awesome, he was my surgeon. I was thinking that your re-repairs should be somewhat smoother because the scar tissue for entry will be from a different place on your chest. Godspeed
Klara Čičić Thanks Fred for sharing your story! I appreciate hearing not-so-marvellous outcomes here on this webs ... Read more
Klara Čičić Thanks Fred for sharing your story! I appreciate hearing not-so-marvellous outcomes here on this website as those are also part of the statistics but I see them rarely here...I am sorry it didn't work as well as planned and I hope Dr. Adams will fix it for good :)))
I had mitral regurgitation and prolapse. I was lucky to have a repair two years ago. I had no symptoms and waited a full year before consenting ...Read more
Hi Terry,
I had mitral regurgitation and prolapse. I was lucky to have a repair two years ago. I had no symptoms and waited a full year before consenting to surgery. I think I was in denial. I'm a runner and run or swim most every day. It was about two and half months before returning to running after surgery. Been running ever since. I took three months off work to fully recover. I'm glad I did. I recommend rest and walking for weeks after your surgery. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.
Terry, You are in the best hands with Dr. Adams. He hand picks only the best clinicians for his operating room and for the ICU. The step down is ...Read more
Terry, You are in the best hands with Dr. Adams. He hand picks only the best clinicians for his operating room and for the ICU. The step down is also excellent; do suggest you bring ear plugs, because of the patients’ bells going off at night.
Miriam St.Clair I have heard so many amazing things about Dr. Adams, Deena, and I know you have personal experience t ... Read more
Miriam St.Clair I have heard so many amazing things about Dr. Adams, Deena, and I know you have personal experience to offer Terry.
Deena Z Hi Miriam, yep, he is amazing for mitral valve. The CC where you will be going is amazing for EVERYTH ... Read more
Deena Z Hi Miriam, yep, he is amazing for mitral valve. The CC where you will be going is amazing for EVERYTHING with cardiac care, particularly with their premier surgeons. I will be thinking of you often. Godspeed.
Dear Terry, I see you mentioned you had your "first MV reapir" in 2010. Does that mean you also had second? I also have ruptured chorda, severe regurgitation ...Read more
Dear Terry, I see you mentioned you had your "first MV reapir" in 2010. Does that mean you also had second? I also have ruptured chorda, severe regurgitation and a complex prolaps...they say longevity of a reapir is a bit shorter in my case and risk of reoperation later in life is higher...
Klara Čičić Yeah yeah, I know, thank you Rich, don't worry :) .. Guy from Croatia went all the way to CC and had ... Read more
Klara Čičić Yeah yeah, I know, thank you Rich, don't worry :) .. Guy from Croatia went all the way to CC and had to have reoperation (replacement this time) after 10 years...I know it could happen to me, especially considering my age, I am familiar with the statistics. I'm just curious on real people's experiences with repair reoperations, how it all went in their particular case, that's all...not predicting my own outcome based on that :))
Klara Čičić Haha... It would be interesting to hear someone who has had rerepair done, that's for sure
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Klara, I have not yet had a second repair. I am asymptomatic and want to hear from others who are ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Klara, I have not yet had a second repair. I am asymptomatic and want to hear from others who are in a similar situation before jumping in and having another surgery.
Hey Terry. I believe you had surgery a week before me at Mount Sinai. Was just wondering how you are doing. My recovery is going well.
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Cathy, glad to hear the good news about your recovery, It's encouraging! I was scheduled but chic ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Cathy, glad to hear the good news about your recovery, It's encouraging! I was scheduled but chickened out and rescheduled again. This is like the third time. My problem is in my head. I have no symptoms whatsoever and can't wrap my head aroud it. It's really weird but I was less fearful the first time in 2010 when I had my first repair.
Cathy Byrne Terry, trust me when I say my head did a number on me too. The night before I was wondering if I was ... Read more
Cathy Byrne Terry, trust me when I say my head did a number on me too. The night before I was wondering if I was doing the right thing since my symptoms were really mild. I can tell you I’m glad I did it. Recovery hasn’t been anywhere as bad as I anticipated. Let me know when your new date is. The Mount Sinai team really is awesome. I’ll be thinking about you.
Terry Tannenbaum Thank you Kathy, it means a lot to hear that. August 21 is the new date. I hope I can go through with ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Thank you Kathy, it means a lot to hear that. August 21 is the new date. I hope I can go through with it this time.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for posting on your 1 year anniversary - congratulations!. I have just completed three months of my recovery.
I grew up in a small community ...Read more
Hi Terry,
Thanks for posting on your 1 year anniversary - congratulations!. I have just completed three months of my recovery.
I grew up in a small community between Boynton Beach and Lantana, although I moved to Tennessee way back in 1970.
Best wishes for your next year.
John Lund
Terry,
My apologies and a thousand pardons. As far as where I am, I am in the multitude of things to get squared away before surgery portion of the ordeal. ...Read more
Terry,
My apologies and a thousand pardons. As far as where I am, I am in the multitude of things to get squared away before surgery portion of the ordeal. I have four wisdom teeth that I am going to discuss with an oral surgeon, then my heart cath, then surgery in September. I have decided to go to the Cleveland Clinic for my surgery. I have to have my aortic root repaired and a there is a 10% chance of having my aortic valve either repaired or replaced. Dr. Svensson said that if was sure he would not have to do the valve, then he would do the root through a small incision. Since he is not sure, then I get a full midline sternotomy. I guess I am okay with that. I would really like him to be able to see what he needs to see. It looks like the waiting is the worst. I still have about three months to wait. After Disney in August (the cool and breezy season) I will just about be there. I just hope I don\'t go bananas by then. Take care and thanks for reaching out again. God Bless.
Jim Davis
Terry I was wondering if you stayed in NYC for a while after the surgery or flew home. How did you arrive at the decision to go to NY as opposed to having ...Read more
Terry I was wondering if you stayed in NYC for a while after the surgery or flew home. How did you arrive at the decision to go to NY as opposed to having the surgery in Florida? I have to find a hospital and am having a difficult time in making a decision. Would you recommend the one you went to?
Terry Tannenbaum I ultimately chose Holy Cross in Ft. Lauderdale. It was not my 1st choice, Columbia was, however; I w ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum I ultimately chose Holy Cross in Ft. Lauderdale. It was not my 1st choice, Columbia was, however; I wanted to recover at home, in my own bed, and HC is only 25 minutes away while NYC approaching winter (this was back in December) posed challenges. My surgeon was very good. He had experience with valves having done 2000 surgeries plus about 150 robotic which is the one I chose. Did he fix my leak 100% no. But he fixed my problem and my symptoms and my cardiologist is extremely satisfied. I am not on any meds or any physical restrictions. Feel free to contact me directly with any additional questions you may have: ttzero@comcast.net