Elaine Lucia - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

411 days ago

I just got my confirmation of severe mitral regurgitation (with severe bi-atrial enlargement and permanent afib, both of which were diagnosed years ago). My ...Read more

I just got my confirmation of severe mitral regurgitation (with severe bi-atrial enlargement and permanent afib, both of which were diagnosed years ago). My QUESTION: I have a trip to Seattle next week, to a spiritual retreat, and I want to go so badly. But is it OK for me to fly with this diagnosis? The flight is only two hours...thank you!

Rose Madura I think that would be a question for your doctor.

Elaine Luciaposted an update

412 days ago

Yesterday I had a TransEsophogeal Echocardiogram and received the results today: "Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation with an eccentric jet." I also have ...Read more

Yesterday I had a TransEsophogeal Echocardiogram and received the results today: "Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation with an eccentric jet." I also have permanent afib (diagnosed 34 years ago) and severe biatrial enlargement with a likely "stretch" PFO, left bundle branch block and tricuspid regurgitation that is not well assessed. I haven't met with my doctor about the TEE results yet, but assume a surgery is in my future.

I am wondering about the "eccentric jet"...how that determines what type of valve repair...or replacement...will be required....

anyway, is there anyone on this thread who has similar to the above? especially the atrial enlargement and the afib IN ADDITION to the mitral regurgitation?

I'd love to hear from someone experiencing a similar long list of factors adding to the MR issue...thank you!!

Rex Austin Hi Elaine. I had surgery last year on May 16 for MVR. My left atrium was enlarged and the annulus w ... Read more

Rex Austin Hi Elaine. I had surgery last year on May 16 for MVR. My left atrium was enlarged and the annulus was out of shape. Dr Boulton repaired the valve, put a ring in the annulus, clipped my appendage and I believe he did a Cox Maze procedure on my heart for the afib. I'm still having some afib almost every day. Will be going back to the cardiologist soon. I'm not sure about the eccentric jet you mentioned, but I will say that all the tests leading up to the surgery was worse than the surgery itself. At least for me. Best wishes for you! All of us here know what you're going through!

J Alexander Lassally Eccentric means it directs the flow in an unusual way - not traditional. It is an artifact of the lea ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Eccentric means it directs the flow in an unusual way - not traditional. It is an artifact of the leakage phenomena. I had the same diagnosis. It just means your valve is doing its thing with a unique signature. All part of getting to the point where you need a surgery.

Robert Miller Your valve consists of the P1, P2 and P3 leaflet. They are interconnected. It could be that this inte ... Read more

Robert Miller Your valve consists of the P1, P2 and P3 leaflet. They are interconnected. It could be that this interconnection broke and that is where the blood is jetting out. If so, in case of a repair, the surgeon will have to tie the leaflets back together. Also, if your atrium is very much enlarged, check how they fix it. If they put in cords, check that the cords are appropriate sized, taking into consideration that your atrium might shrink considerably after a fix (which makes the cords too long and therefore causing a leak again and resulting in another surgery).

Elaine Lucia Thank you very much, everyone for your responses! Robert: both atria are severely enlarged (5.8cm for ... Read more

Elaine Lucia Thank you very much, everyone for your responses! Robert: both atria are severely enlarged (5.8cm for the LV). I had no idea that the atrium could shrink after a valve fix? I thought the enlargement was due to the life-long afib but this is something I will ask my doctor. It's been two days since my test results and haven't spoken to him yet.

Elaine Luciaposted an update

485 days ago

Hi there.... I am here to get some direction as I am not feeling confident in my cardiologist. And don't know how to move forward. If anyone is interested in ...Read more

Hi there.... I am here to get some direction as I am not feeling confident in my cardiologist. And don't know how to move forward. If anyone is interested in reading my Story and commenting I would be very appreciative. Thank you very much.

Jennifer Fuller I think the issue here is that you are not having your (very legitimate!) concerns and worries addres ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller I think the issue here is that you are not having your (very legitimate!) concerns and worries addressed by your doctor. It could be that you are still in a stage where valve surgery is not yet the best option. Or maybe you are. Either way, the situation has not been explained to you clearly. I would seek another opinion. I was told by my first cardiologist that I was years away from needing surgery. My stenosis continued to get worse and I was soon referred to a surgeon who felt I was ready for surgery immediately. Thoughts on the timing of intervention have changed over time, and you might find doctors trained at different times might have different opinions.

Jennifer Fuller Also, consider treating your apnea, even though it’s mild. You don’t need any extra stress on you ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller Also, consider treating your apnea, even though it’s mild. You don’t need any extra stress on your heart.

Rose Madura I always recommend a second opinion.