About Me (In My Own Words)
Hello all - I'm new to this site and wanted to give a brief introduction. I'm 62 and have known I had a mitral valve heart murmor/reguritation for about 10 years. The valve condition is likely a result from acromegaly, a rare condition I was diagosed with 12 years ago. Acromegaly floods the body with excess growth hormone generated by a pituitary tumor which can effect the heart valve tissue.
I recently changed cardiologists and an echo was ordered, followed by a TEE. When I followed up after the TEE I was told that it wasn't a matter of "if" I needed surgery only a matter of "when." My doc said within 1-3 years, but how is that determined? I have read of better outcomes of surgery when non-symptomatic. How does one assess the risk?
The TEE report stated: mitral valve prolapse "with especially large billowing of P1, without torn chordae and no flail" and regurgitation "very eccentric directed anteriormedially" graded visually as moderate. Aortic valve "central jet, moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency."
One question I have is the about visual grading - it appears to be a subjective opinion based on observation. The echo that preceeded the TEE rated the MV regurgitation as moderate-to-severe. Also, I cannot help myself trying to make sense of the various measurements from the echo and compare them to previous reports, but the abbreviations used are inconsistent. Are there any measurements that docs look to first to get a sense of the overall condition?
I have a stress echo scheduled in two weeks. After that test I'll get a second opinion. But I'm trying to come to terms with the prospect of having such a major surgery likely involving two valves. I'm trying to educate myself, but it is overwhelming at times. I'm pleased to have an outlet here, and look forward to participating.
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Newtown, PA
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My surgery date is:
September 26, 2019
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Mitral Regurgitation
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My hospital is:
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
