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Diagnosis: Mitral Regurgitation, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: April 5, 2024

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Elaine Lucia posted an update

7 months ago (January 14, 2026)

I am having four procedures / surgery this coming Tuesday, January 20, with Dr. Joanna Chikwe of Cedars Sinai Smidt Cardiology center in Los Angeles. It's been a long, loooong saga to get here!!! My updated story is here: https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/mystory/elainelucia-1

Patient Story of Elaine Lucia

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/mystory/elainelucia-1

Learn about Elaine Lucia, patient diagnosed with Mitral Regurgitation, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

❤️ Adam Pick reacted to this

Elaine Lucia

7 months ago (January 14, 2026)

oops I didn't mean for my photo to be so big, yikes!! LOL

Adam Pick

7 months ago (January 14, 2026)

Hey Elaine, You are in the best of hands with Dr. Chikwe and her team at Cedars. I have been fortunate to know and work with Dr. Chikwe for over 10 years. She is amazing and her patients love her. Here is an example - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3cTenT9sY

Leila's Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery Success Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3cTenT9sY

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - Heart surgery patients, their families and friends are often confused about expectations for the recovery after a major...

Darrell Malone

7 months ago (January 14, 2026)

You have been through so much. Thanks for sharing. All the best with your procedures. BTW the pic is perfect. 👍🏻🙏

Patricia Miller

7 months ago (January 14, 2026)

Oh Elaine. I am so sorry for what you have been through. It is awful to be dismissed or ghosted in this medical journey. You have done an amazing job advocating for yourself. Have you been followed by an electrophysiologist for your AFIB? There have been patients in this HeartValve... Read more.

Grace Mason

7 months ago (January 16, 2026)

Sounds like you had a long difficult journey to this point, Elaine. I want to wish you well in your upcoming surgery with your new and surely better team. Hope you are feeling much better soon!

Elaine Lucia

7 months ago (January 16, 2026)

Thank you, Adam, for this wonderful community. It's been so helpful, especially when I was feeling completely isolated and without any support from Kaiser / cardiologist. And thank you Darrel, Patricia and Grace for your encouraging words. The video is super helpful, Adam, and my experience so far with Dr.... Read more.

Elaine Lucia posted an update

2 years ago (June 19, 2024)

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... Read more.

Rose Madura

2 years ago (June 19, 2024)

I think that would be a question for your doctor.

Elaine Lucia posted an update

2 years ago (June 18, 2024)

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.... Read more.

Rex Austin

2 years ago (June 18, 2024)

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... Read more.

J Alexander Lassally

2 years ago (June 18, 2024)

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... Read more.

Robert Miller

2 years ago (June 18, 2024)

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... Read more.

Elaine Lucia

2 years ago (June 19, 2024)

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.... Read more.

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