Joshua's Journal

Gerald Poulton  It does sound strange that their opinions were so different . If it was me I would get a third. All the best 

Klara Čičić  This must be frustrating. I know things can differ between TEE and TTE. TEE is more accurate. I guess as Gerald said, look for third opinion of an experienced cardiologist. 

Ana Brusso  Hi Joshua, sorry you are getting confused. Agree with Gerald and Klara, try to get a third opinion. Hope you find the right answers. God bless you 

J Alexander Lassally  Definitely get more eyes on the subject. 3rd or 4th opinion, if necessary. Are you aware of the Mitral Reference Centers - around 24 hospitals - many of which will do consults remotely?    Did you have thoracotomy or sternotomy back in 2021? 

Robert Miller  You should expect some difference but not as much as what you reported. However, why did you get another TEE? Was there some indication that triggered to get a TEE? 

In any case, I would trust the TEE more than a regular echo. Maybe you need another TEE but before you get it make sure the doctor's office checks with the insurance  company that they cover it (minus deductibles, etc). 

Not trying to discouraging you but in my case I had severe regurgitation just a few months after surgery. I didn't feel a thing but multiple opinions told me otherwise. So try to get to the bottom of this. 

Joshua Rosenfeld  Thanks for the comments. I’m on an every six month follow up schedule so my tte was scheduled and based on the findings needed tte. I’m getting a third opinion so will see how this evolves. 

Iggy I  Hi Joshua, I just read your journal entry about a re-op. I had a mitral valve repair a few years ago that failed in less than a year almost completely and I had to have a redo shortly after. I got a re-repair and I'm due for my annual echo next month. To your first question, I didn't have much time to decide and doctors said the sooner the better. You need someone with high volumes with that specific valve. Cant stress this enough!, if they do 400 total surgeries, only 50 to repair mitral valve, that not what you need. Be careful looking up doctors online because a lot of these results are sponsored. There is Mount Sinai in NY, with Dr. Adams. Adams' team do about 300+ mitral valve surgeries a year alone. Good luck!

Deena Z  Hear ya, Iggy! Joshua, I had Dr Adams perform my mitral valve repair (a complex one) this past March. All went really really well.
I remember him telling me that every week he performs quite a few re-repairs if others’ work. Godspeed to ya.

Joshua Rosenfeld  Thanks for your comments. I’ve already spoken to Adam’s but I was wondering if there’s anyone else. He does seem to be the superstar.