Ellen's Journal

Hi all, I’ve been on here for a bit reading your stories and appreciate the loving and caring community you all have, so here’s my story…
I’ve been followed by a cardiologist for over five years. This past year I’ve been feeling more SOB and fatigued. I have PVCs, so my cardiologist sent me to a EP doctor, and I had a loop recorder implanted. She also sent me for a battery of tests (e.g., TTE, TEE, Echo Stress Test). The TTE showed mild mitral regurgitation and trace tricuspid regurgitation. The TEE, however, showed moderate MR, with mitral annular disjunction, and severe TR. My cardiologist sent me to a surgeon, who wanted to double check things, so I had a second TEE a few months later, which confirmed my severe TR.
For a few months we were in “watchful waiting” mode, with a few more tests done (e.g., CPET, repeat TTE).
When I saw my cardiologist a few months ago, I said that “watchful waiting” was extremely stressful for me and that I would like to revisit a surgical option. It seemed to me that we were just waiting for me to be older and in worse shape. She agreed.
She sent me to see a second (more senior) cardiologist, who knew my case, and after discussion, she basically said, there are no meds which will help this, it will not get better on its own, surgery is the only option, and better sooner rather than later for a better outcome.
I saw my surgeon, Dr. Stephanie Mick a few weeks ago, to discuss options and timing. I went for a few more tests to see if I’m a good candidate for minimally invasive robotic surgery, but they still weren’t conclusive. So, I’m scheduled for tricuspid and mitral valve repair, not sure how we’re going to do it.
My surgery was set for February 26, but something came up and it had to be rescheduled for March 6th. The change in timing really threw me for a loop (family had to change travel arrangements, and I was mentally ready for Feb. 26th), but I’m feeling okay about it now. Getting mentally and physically ready, as best I can, for March 6th