Guestbook of Terry Tannenbaum

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Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

445 days ago

Klara Čičić posted a note for Terry that says:

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 Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

545 days ago

Klara Čičić posted a note for Terry that says:

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:)

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

545 days ago

Kenneth Southard posted a note for Terry that says:

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

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

586 days ago

Klara Čičić posted a note for Terry that says:

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.

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

607 days ago

Deena Elani posted a note for Terry that says:

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 Elani Hi Terry, thanks for the update. It is an emotional roller- coaster ride when you get yourself all p ... Read more

Deena Elani 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 Elani I got both several times, but my surgeon said an echo is enough. The thing with the TEE is that the ... Read more

Deena Elani 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 Elani Terry, If you are bored in the hospital, then you are recovery really well. I had my tricuspid valve ... Read more

Deena Elani 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!

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

612 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Terry that says:

Hi terry , wishing you good luck for your surgery tomorrow .

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

612 days ago

Patsy Stewart, Susan Lynn reacted to this

Lars Malmstrom posted a note for Terry that says:

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.

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

612 days ago

Cathy Byrne posted a note for Terry that says:

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.

Terry Tannenbaumgot a new guestbook post

613 days ago

Fathiya posted a note for Terry that says:

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