Kimberly's Journal

Bradley Dunn  Likely not what you want, however, I was diagnosed with Tricuspid valve with regurgitation and treated for it for 20 years. They didn't know I was bicuspid until they opened me up! If you have questions for someone like me, I will do my best to answer.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Bradley;
So they thought it was your tricuspid for 20 years before surgery?
I also have aortic aneurysm about 4.0-4.1. I go to a cardiologist at Northwestern in Chicago. They have a good heart valve program. Last 3 years I go once a year for an echo and to see the cardiologist and they're taking a wait and watch approach .
I am 54 now, but had some mitral valve issues in my 20s, which leaks just minimally now. It's mainly my tricuspid that they are saying regurgitates moderately. My life Cal cardiologist called it severe , but an in depth echo showed moderate when I went to Northwestern in Chicago.
It's tough sometimes because my youngest son is only 14 and I am a single mom (which was def. not my choice!) and have my 74 year old mother living with me. She has RA and some edema now.
I have to say, you've inspired me to walk more and be more active in my daily life.
Look forward to keeping in touch with some people who can understand anxieties about heart valve disease.
Thank you for sharing💖

Bradley Dunn  That is correct. My valve defect was detected when I was about 20 years old. From then until they opened me up, I was treated as a tricuspid. Even for my surgery, I planned on having a repair which is the reason I went to Cleveland. I had to choose a backup valve which I changed at the last minute. So, inside of me I now have an On-X.

I think my aneurysm had expanded to over 4.5cm. If you have questions, please ask.

It isn't fun - especially when you think you feel okay. I remember cutting grass planning open heart surgery while it was 100+ outside.

Good luck.