Kimberly's Journal

Valerie Allen  Kimberly, I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with so much. It sounds like your surgeon has done a lot of tricuspid valve surgery, is that correct? This is very good. We’ll wait to hear more from you. Prayers going up 🙏

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you Valerie. After re reading my post, it sounds like I said my tricuspid has 1 leaflet, but it does have 3, it is just the one that he thinks needs to be repaired.  Dr Davidson has done over 100 transcatheter tricuspid procedures, as it has only ben done for a few years and is much more rare to have just primary tricuspid done. There are studies, but insurance is always, unfortunately a hurdle. I will also meet with Dr Malaisrie to discuss replacement through surgical approach, but it seems to be contradictory to have open heart surgery if it is not needed and can be done less invasively. I am praying these newer ones get approved quickly and by end of summer this year.

Richard Munson  Sounds like you are making some progress. Just be aware of the lasix list of potential side effects so if you have any, you will recognize them. Frequent urination was the one that most impacted me, especially during the ride home after my surgery during covid with most rest areas closed. 

Grace Mason   Glad you got some feedback after your testing, Kim. It sounds positive that Dr D. feels confident it will be a repair and an "easy" fix with surgery. Hope the meds help in the interim. 🤞🏼 you don't have too much trouble with insurance.🙏🏻

Rose Madura  Kimberly, this sounds positive and it seems like you've found a great surgeon.  I don't know how Medicaid works but is there something you can do to plead your case so minimally invasive would be approved?  Just asking.  Praying for you. 🙏

Robert Miller  I guess his suggestion is pretty reasonable. Of course, at best that will only give some relief on the pressure, assuming you have fluid overflow. But it won't do anything for repairing the issue. 
Now since lasix can help because the stress on the valve can be reduced, I wonder if something like metoprolol could help. It lowers you heart rate and blood pressure, possibly further reducing the stress on the valve. Maybe discuss this with the cardiologist.
In any case, as the doctor said, frequent tests should be done. You don't want to get heart failure because the issue getting worse. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Hi, Kimberly.You don't worry very much with the difference between old and new procedures. In my oppinion, the really important is the expertise of the surgeons in the procedure, being this old or new. I don't know which you are meaning with the approval by the summer. I guess that by FDA perhaps?

Pamela Gregory  Kimberly, you have everyone's support no matter what! Hopefully lasix will buy you some time for insurance to change but if not it sounds like they know what they are dealing with and confident about fixing you up

Richard Munson  Happy easter to my hvs step daughter, who has a beautiful heart and a beautiful face. And makes a great keychain to boot. 

Robert Miller  I think it's good you looked at it early. It means you can come up with a list of questions before you meet the doctor. I am not familiar with your condition but check out the learning center here. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Dorothea Jenkins  I also have a hole in heart which was like you from having a TEE done with saline salution. My doctor said it was nothing to worry about. Hate to hear you have the other problem and I'm sure they will fix you up good. You look to be very young. I had the TAVR done at 87 which was a success. Northwestern is suppose to be a top hospital. 

Rose Madura  Robert is correct. Do some research and compile a list of questions.  Try copying and pasting the information in an AI app and say, "help me understand this" then paste it. That may help you get a better understanding. Knowledge is power and will help you better understand and discuss with the doctor.

Grace Mason   Kim, I found out I have a PFO after my surgery. Never knew about it before.
My cardiologist also said it didn't need to be addressed. 
Have the other findings changed for you since your last testing? Sending well wishes your way🙏🏻

Ana Brusso  Totally agree with Robert and Rose. By the way I had a PFO closure done way before they discovered my valve issues. Still closed. Blessings and keep us posted. 🙏❤️

Robert Miller  Btw, I love my second surgeon. I came in with a piece of paper where I wrote down all my questions. I wrote them down in a word document and left some space between each question so I can put notes below the question. The surgeon, me and my wife mostly had an open discussion which lead to all kinds of other information. At the end, the surgeon asked me if he could look at my document and make sure all my questions are addressed. So we went down the whole list. If your surgeon doesn't do it, make sure you go down the list yourself. If you have a partner, have him/her jot down answers. And after you leave the office, before driving/riding off, write everything down.  

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you for your advise and good wishes. I do not have an apt with Cardiologist or a surgeon. I am waiting to see what my Cardiologist, Dr Rigolin, says about my results and then I am guessing she will be setting up a meating with the valve team. I just thought it was more at the moderate stage, not at the severe stage yet.
Dorothea, I am 59, going to be 60 on July 16th, so not that young

Deena Z  Hi Kimberly, I totally get why the report was unsettling to you, given your tricuspid Valve went from moderate regurgitation to severe. Is it possible for you to call your cardiologist's office to explain your recent TEE results were upsetting, and as such you would like to speak to the doctor briefly over the phone or get the doctor's assessment in writing ASAP. I have done this several times before my eventual surgery and I usually ended up speaking with a NP or PA, before my office visit. It can not hurt to try. Also, one other thing, in terms of writing questions down as suggested, please ask why your aorta is stated as "dilated". The reference is to the aorta root?
Please tell us how it goes. In the meantime, godspeed.

Yumiko Ishida  Sorry you are in so much pain. I suggest you leave a message with the doctor that did the TEE (so they know how the procedure has affected you), and probably your PCP (to see if they have a remedy). I remember it being uncomfortable enough that all I wanted to have was soft food, but pain is not how I would describe my experience. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  I had two TEE scans and the second one did cause irritation, which disappeared after a few days. Now I only have normal ECG every year . Hope you get better Kim.

Marie Myers  Wow, I had a totally different experience. I slept through mine, and had no coughing or sore throat. Only thing I can think of is maybe the sedation you got was not adequate for a smooth procedure, and the saliva you produced made a LOT of suctioning necessary.  I am sorry you had such a rough experience. Gargling with salt water (1 teaspoon/ quart) might help with the irritation. There is also a product called viscous xylocaine with can help if the soreness persists. 

Sue Maize  Oh Kim, how unpleasant for you! I had a TEE years ago and was given only a sedative—I don’t remember the pain so much as the gagging. A nurse was on either side of me holding me upright. It was awful. 
Last June when I had my surgery, I could see from the notes, that they also performed a TEE—probably why, in addition to the intubation, that my throat was so raw post-op. Small sips of room temp water and a constant supply of lozenges helped a bit. It eventually went away and that was the best feeling ever! 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Marie, my glands are swollen under my jawbone especially on the right side. I can talk at least this morning, but painful swollowing and sore jaw bones. 

Marie Myers  Wow, sounds like it was really a rough procedure!  The sore jaw bones are probably from anesthesia personnel holding your airway open. That is commonly done during this type of procedure. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Doing much better tonight :) Just going to take a bit for it to heal. I do think maybe they were a little rough, but it is done and I am happy. Thank you everyone for the responses and info.

Robert Miller  I was the last guy that day and my cardiologist had like half a dozen "kids" around me to practice/witness. They knocked me out pretty good. When I woke up, it felt like a bad soar throat. My throat felt swollen and it was kind of hard to swallow. After a day or so it improved a lot. The first 1-2 days might be painful and you might feel uncomfortable for 2-3 days. 

Grace Mason   Wow! You do have a busy week. Hope those will provide you some solutions. Prayers for good things 🙏🏻

Sue Maize  Full week indeed Kimberly! God bless you with his peace as you take each step towards your surgery—do you have a date or are they not at that stage yet? ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Kimberly Eisenhut  Sue, they are not at that stage, that is why we are doing the TEE now, to see exactly what is going on and if it is time.

Darrell Malone  Thanks for sharing this.  It is nice to read good news. So much stuff overshadows moments like that. Things are much better then it appears. All the best. 

Rose Madura  That is great to hear.  It must have been so reassuring for you.  A God ordained moment for sure.  Just what you needed. 👍❤️‍🩹

Susan Lynn  What a lovely story,  Kimberly!   You certainly provided hope and inspiration at a time when this couple probably needed it.  Well done!! 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I know I am being repetative today, but I really need to say again how much this community means to me and every single person who is going through these difficult situations needs to know how amazing, strong and inspirational you are. Love you all so much!
To those of you going through these things without a spouse or significant other, I know you know how it feels and wish us the strength it takes to do these things and try to push through and stay srong. I must admit, I am getting worn down and struggling at the moment.

Marie Myers  Sounds like my own ocular migraines. I have had them since I was a teenager, and they lessened with time. Fast forward to my own heart surgery at age 63, when I experienced dozens and dozens of them after surgery. They once again lessened with time, and are now just occasional. I attribute mine to the stress of surgery, and possibly the heart-lung machine. 

Yumiko Ishida  Insurance companies tend to take vision concerns seriously, in my experience, so hopefully they will come through in time so you only have to make one trip. Vision issues can be scary. Sending you prayers, Kimberly!

Susan Lynn  Kimberly- I'm sorry to hear you're continuing to have problems with your eyes. I've had many with mine, too. I was seeing half moon flashes in my eyes and went through a battery of tests with three ophthalmologists only to find nothing wrong. Take it one step at a time and see what further evaluation reveals. I agree with Marie, I think some of my issues are related to bypass and my history of migraines, too. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Valerie Allen  Kimberly, your description does sound a lot like my ocular migraines. Like Marie, I started getting them as a teen and have gone through times when I get them often and times when I get them rarely. I do get a dull headache after the vision effects but fortunately Tylenol does the trick for me. I did not have an increase after heart surgery but many have. I guess I’m saying try not to panic, it could be something like this you are dealing with. I also notice I get them when I have been stressed and am starting to settle down, if that helps.

Yumiko Ishida  If this is something relatively new to you, I think it warrants a thorough investigation. Everybody reacts to stress differently. Last fall, a friend of mine started throwing up on a Wednesday, and everybody assumed it was a serious case of election flu, but that is not how she usually reacts to anxiety. It turns out it was a supplement she was taking before and increased its dose that Tuesday, but it took a while to figure that out. Stress makes everything worse, but usually there is some underlying issue. I have many conditions that are triggered by stress, but until you know what’s going on, well, that is stress inducing… Hope you get the tests you need and find some answers!

Rita Savelis  Please don't feel bad about posting your troubles. Being honest is the only way you can be. Someone else might relate to your troubles, even if it is only one person. Sharing is healing. So sorry you are going through this.

Pamela Gregory  Kimberly, I hope they can figure this out asap for you. I also got the ocular migraines after surgery and still get them once in a while but yours sounds more severe. So glad you are going to such a good hospital to figure it out!

Rose Madura  Kimberly, mine are like Marie and Valerie. Had them most of my life.  It increased after surgery and now is occasional. My opthalmologist says it is caused when the vitreous gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina thins as we age.  And don't feel bad about venting.  It's good therapy and we are all here for one another.

Michael Ponzio  Hang in there Kimberly. Good does not give us what we cannot handle. You are strong and will get through this. Have faith and we will continue to pray and be here for you. 

Kimberly Eisenhut 
Valerie, do you get the half moon whiteish loss of vision in lower half in one eye for a bit and it gradually shrinks in about 10 minutes?
Thank you all so much, I do feel a little better reading your experiences. I have not had surgety yet, so it is not related to that. I am under a lot of stress though.
Michael, Thank you and I pray for all of us nightly
Love this community very much!

Kimberly Eisenhut  Oh, also wearing a ZIO monitor today and tomorrow per my cardiologist suggestion because my HR was going down to 48-52 in early evenings. This thng is pretty cool! I used to wear the older ones with more sticky electrodes that would give me horrible hyves. This thing is so much nicer! Not red or itchy so far :)
Richard, hope you are having a great weekend and have some sunshine on your walks with you Shadow

Marie Myers  The half moon of white zig-saggy lines describes my ocular migraines (auras) perfectly. They shrink after 20-ish minutes. When i was younger, they were followed by a headache, nausea and vomiting. Classic migraine. Now, I rarely get a headache after the auras, and if I do, they are very mild…

Valerie Allen  My first inkling is when I am looking at something and a smallish portion of my sight is just kind of whited out. It could be called a half moon white perhaps, though I’ve called it more of a blob where it kind of whited out. Within a few minutes the zig-zagging lines which are multi-colored start for about 20 minutes. They take the place of the blob. It generally works its way from in the middle of my vision to the outer edge, then disappears. Slightly headache. Hope that helps!

mark williams  Hi Kimberly,

I have had similar occurrences twice where dark dots flowed across the vision of one eye and then the other, no pain only partial vision blockage for minute. On other occasions  which happen more frequently, my vision is "cracked" like you have taken a picture and torn it in half and then haphazardly put it back together. The first episodes were diagnosed as blood clots and the second as optical migraines. They seem to occur when I have had caffeine and  under stress. Hope this is helpful, mark

Rose Madura  Kimberly, I'm sorry you had this happen. I have been taking it for 7+ years with no side effects. Glad you are going to reach out to your cardiologist.  Please keep us posted.

Robert Miller  I am not familiar with that medicine but are you sure it's related to the medicine? Do you consistently feel it like 30-60 minutes after taking it? Is the time affected if you eat something before? Episodes of fast heart beats can happen, especially when taking a shower. Your heart can sometimes feel like it's pounding (or actually is pounding). For sure, you should discuss it with your cardiologist but it's not necessarily something I would go to ER for. 

Richard Munson  I take it daily with no issues so far. It has kept my blood pressure at 120/80 and it was prescribed after i stopped eliquis and when aneurism was discovered. As robert stated, maybe another cause? 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all for you input. I will update when I hear back from my Dr. I have been having so much fatigue, disoriented and just unable to concentrate or basically function daily. As I sit typing this, I am really struggling to just type. I know I am sleep deprived, but this is just not living at this point. I cannot even drive out to visit my daughter in Wisconsin and miss them so much! I used to go out there every weekend and it's been over a month now. My PCP is not much help nor is my nuerologist.   Just says to wait until I go get my MRI late next month of my head. I am just feeling so let down by my Drs at this point. I force myself to get my orders for my Etsy shop done and out every day, but anything more than that is really a struggle. I work from home, so am very grateful for that. I cannot even fathom how I would work even a part time job at this point. Just want my old life back, but maybe its just my new normal. 

Robert Miller  Considering the fact that, as you said, you are on a very low dose, see if your cardiologist is ok with stopping the medicine for a week. According to google, Amlodipine seems to have a half life of almost 2 days. So within 4 days you should be down to about 1/4 the dose (1/8 after 6 days). So if it is indeed the medicine, then within 4 days or so you should feel a significant difference. If you don't, then it might be something else than the medicine. 

Richard Munson  Nice to hear step hvs daughter. February is a good month, my birthday. Not good: 83. Good: still alive. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Richard, yes it is a good month :) It is also good to be 83! I will be 60 this July. Thank you Pamela and Rose. It would be so nice to meet everyone here some day. Like a weekend by a lake or something. Does anyone have a large lake house we can use, lol. I have so much love and am so very grateful for all of you on here. Blessings to everyone today

Robert Miller  That's the right thing to do. It gives you answers. I told them to knock me out. Besides the cardiologist, I had like half a dozen other "kids" around me. I think the cardiologist just wanted to show them how this is done. I heard the cardiologist saying something like give him this much and man that RAELLY put me under. 

Rose Madura  Kimberly, the next time we go to McHenry, I'll let you know. My husband is from there and my step-daughter lives there.  

Anna Rakowicz  Kimberly, do you have an order for the cpap already?  I assume you’ve had the sleep study done and need one. Is the insurance your only hold up?  Just curious as my sister is going through process now. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Anna, I was having a lot of trouble getting things going between my nuerologist, insurance and the cpcp company. They are so incompenent at times. I should npt have had to make at least a dozen calls to get this done. My ER visit the other night because of my eye disturbances speeded it up finally though! Also my sister not taking any excuses when she was calling them all several times from the hospital helped as well as the ER Dr calling the nuerologists office herself. I know my current insurance company was trying to put it off so my new insuramce company could pay for it next month when I switch, but I was not going to wait any longer, as I know it has been affecting my eyes because of how low my blood ox gets when I have apneas. Also can affect your heartm especially since it is my tricuspid. If your sister has good insurance she should have no problems, but if she does not get approval and machine within a week or 10 days, she needs to start making calls.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Yes, I got my cpap machine. It is tough getttin gused to and adjustring settings, but it is slowly helping. As for my MRI, I have to get another one with contrast, but it will be downtown Chicago at Northwestern because the Northwestern Hospitals here in the suburbs of Chicago will not do it because they are not equipped if I have a reaction to the dye. That will be in March. In the meantime, I will be having a laser eye procedure to open up a area in my eye that is not draining fluid and causing problems with glaucoma, so that is on Monday and should be interesting. Hope it helps with occular migraines. Oh ya, I also have to see a hemotologist next month because of some of my blood counts being off. Praying it is nothing serious. Ill keep you posted. A lot of stuff coming up, as well as cardioligist apt downtown on the 21st. Love my HVS family Big hugs and good wishes to you Suzette and of course Richard

Suzette Schear  I understand Kim when the doctors keep on testing and it’s one after another. Sometime the dye can have a reaction but not what you expect it made my  lower region want  some companionship - I kid you not.  Here I am in the worst shape and  that’s what had happened.  Glad the cpap is helping  -not having sleep  makes everything so worse as you know .  Eventually hopefully you’ll get used to it.  It’s hard getting hit in all directions but you’re tough.  I can tell.  Cutting holes in metals. I checked out your Etsy site and will be doing some ordering you’re very talented.  Sending love support and prayers.  

  Oh I can so relate!! Our health care systems can be so frustrating and aggravating!! Just wait till you get to be a senior trying to navigate. Too many times it can feel like the insurance companies, and sometimes health professionals,  would prefer you just give up & go away. Don’t give up & best wishes for timely positive outcomes only. This a great forum to vent I think. 

Richard Munson  Good luck hvs  step daughter. I sleep like a log and cannot imagine wearing a gas mask to bed but whatever works. Many use it including william shattner. Whats good enough for capt. Kirk is good enough for me. You need your beauty sleep. 

Susan Lynn  Glad they got to the bottom of it, Kimberly. It's brutal when you can't get a good night's sleep. There are a few options for apnea, now. I'm sure your doc will review them with you. All the best to you!

Kimberly Eisenhut  Susan, the Dr has not talked to me at all about options. I feel I have to advocate for every little thing with every Dr these days. They also did not put it through to the cpap company when they said they had and I had to call back yesterday to get them to make sure it was sent and today I am calling the cpap company to make sure they sent it to insurance. This has become a full time job, just getting things approved and making sure things are being done that I should not have to be worrying about. I should have had my appointment to get the machine already and instead I am still waiting for the apporval to go through. Same with my upcoming stress echo on the 19th. Someone called me this morning telling me insurance did not approve it, then she says, oh! I see now that they said they did not get Dr notes. O.K., well, how about sending the notes the first time you send for approval!? Sheesh! I understand human error, but lately, it is borderlining on neglectful. Sorry, I am just frustrated.

Susan Lynn  Kimberly- I'm so sorry you have to go through that with your doctor's office. Sadly, it appears to be a trend in healthcare. I suspect it's related to understaffing. If not, I have to accept that the possibility that physicians have lost their focus on patient care.
Before you go directly to the cpap machine as your chosen treatment, do a little research on some of the newer approaches. My father had terrible sleep apnea and found use of the cpap difficult and unwearable. He opted to sleep without it and endured the compromised sleep and incredible risk of his condition. Unfortunately, these newer options weren't available before he passed away. I echo your words, 'You have to be your own advocate.' Please keep us posted on your progress. Good luck to you.

Susan Lynn  Kimberly - Here's some information and there's also a new drug that has been developed. 
https://www.inspiresleep.com/en-us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=conversion_nonbrand&utm_content=text_home&utm_t

erm=key_treatmentsandalternatives&gad_source=1

Susan Lynn  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-medication-obstructive-sleep-apnea

Marie Myers  Good question! He has been through so much! Hoping he gets through this surgery without any complications…

Ana Brusso  Tyler and Mike, lifting you both in prayer fora successful and recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️❤️‍🩹

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you Deena and Mark. I spoke to my cardiac specialist and she is going to help me get any testing I may need done by end of December in case I cannot switch my insurance until its time for my renewal. She is so wonderful! 

Ana Brusso  Kimberly, please don’t stress over this. Call your State people to find out what are your options. 🙏❤️👍

Rose Madura  Kimberly, is this insurance through your job?  What a terrible thing to happen. You seem to be hit by a lot of things all at once.  Praying for you. 🙏

Margaret Fielden  Praying for you Kimberley. My surgery was to be private here in the UK but, because I took longer than expected to recover, my surgeon transferred me to the NHS. Miracles happen

Susan Lynn  Kimberly - Usually you have to wait until open enrollment to change plans. Communicate with your employer - they may not be aware that Northwestern isn't going to be participating in this plan. Chances are others will also be reporting it to the HR Department, too. Best of luck to you. Please keep us posted.

Meredith Bray  Hi Kimberly. I had a similar insurance issue about 3 months before surgery  - my dingbat cardiologist referred me to a surgeon who was no longer alive! Can you believe that? I contacted the Patient Advocate (a Humana employee with an office in my employer's headquarters) to help me find a surgeon that was in-network. The Advocate helped me get an appointment with the surgeon. I took with me a list of in-network cardiologists, and when I was checking out after my consultation, I talked with the front-office staff and asked them to circle some names on my list that they had good relationships with. I found myself a new cardiologist in the same building, and form there I found a new PCP also. All within 3 months of surgery. It was so frustrating, the processes moved so slow, and it seemed like nobody knew any answers. I remember one evening I was so dejected I about gave up. Like...I wanted to stop going to doctor appointments and just let whatever happen :(
Do you have insurance through your employer? Do they have a patient advocate you can talk to? Or maybe an EAP/employee assistance plan that can assign you to someone to help guide you through the next year? If not, can you reach out to someone at the insurance company (I know...good luck with that, right?) I found that people were so very helpful when I approached them asking for help.
Gosh I hope you can get this all sorted out, the last thing we need is insurance and scheduling stress. Please take care of yourself, get enough sleep and mild exercise and eat well. You'll get through this!

Meredith
Oak Ridge TN

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all for the advise and thoughts and prayers about my insurance. I was able to switch to Blue Cross, which my Drs and hospitals take, they just are not as good and need a lot more pre approvals, but I am so grateful to just have insurance. Please pray that we can keep the afffordable care act or similar so that people like myself can have and keep insurance. Being a single income household with a teenager makes it very difficult these days with such high rents and bills in general. My rent here in McHenry Illinois is incredibly high for a 2 bedroom 1200 square foot townhouse. I paid the $100 less 1 1/2 years ago for 2200 square feet, 3 bedroom with finished full basement and was a house with a fenced yard, 4 years ago with my mother that was just the next town over. Owner diceded to sell and had to find a new place ast year.

Ana Brusso  Hi Kimberly it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it. I started having blind spots and didn’t do anything about and about 15 years ago both eyes went blind for a few minutes, I drove home from work (not a good thing to do) and when got home I went to the ER and was diagnosed with a TIA. It has not happened since but it can be serious or not. Keep us posted. ❤️🙏

Kimberly Eisenhut  I have messaged my opthomoligist and cardiologist and will call them tomorrow also. I asked to have a CT scan of head and scan of carotid arteries. I will update when I found out anything. How long was it from blind spots to full on blind like you said?

Kimberly Eisenhut  I mean, the at work temporary blindness episode. What did they do for it?
Thank you for this tonight, I really needed some reassurance before I go to bed tonight :)

Beth Leonard  I’m not sure if this is at all what it could be but wanted to throw it out there as a less scary possibility. I occasionally get ocular migraines. They are not painful but I suddenly get blind spots or vibrating squiggles in my vision. Lasts for about 20-30 mins but then goes away and vision restored completely back to normal. Eye doc told me they don’t real know what causes Occular migraines. I think mine could be brought on by anxiety!  Hope that helps! 

Marie Myers  It could also be a retina problem, so best to check it checked out. I have ocular migraines myself, and they start with bright, zig zag squiggly lines that grow into a larger “blob” that will block vision in one area. They last about 30 minutes max for me. In my younger years, these visual disturbances were followed by a migraine headache. Thank God I grew out of that! Now I just get the ocular migraines, no headache.

Pamela Gregory  I started getting ocular migraines after my heart surgery. They are way less frequent now  but very strange for sure

Geoff Curtis  I also get ocular migraines, got them almost every day after my surgery for 3 weeks, slowly starting to go away.  Good luck 

Michele Renee  Hello All! I am dealing with ocular migraines and vertigo ever since surgery! I am seeing my primary today and have seen my optometrist twice now with no explanations! Its been almost a year since surgery!!! They have gotten a little bit better, but I do not like them! 

Suzette Schear  I have had the migraines up till last month.  10 months post op.  I still get vertigo, collapsed .  I have been searching for answers had every test and my neurologist had blood work and for me after searching I had a vitamin deficiency.  I can’t do escalators and the vertigo comes and goes.  

  I know this is an old post but just in case! I saw Patrick McCarthy initially at Northwestern Chicago last year. When I reached out to him regarding my need for mitral valve replacement, he put me in touch with his partner Kevin Hodges, also at Northwestern Chicago. 

He is featured in a video with Adam Pick “5 Warning Signs You May Need Heart Valve Surgery”. 

I had a virtual consult with him on 01/08/25 and was scheduled for surgery that same day. My surgery is scheduled for 02/11/05. 

From the video, the virtual consult and the fact that he is Dr. McCarthy’s partner have put my mind at ease all around. Total trust. 

Best wishes! Sorry if I comment a long time after initial posts. New here. 

I live in Lockport, IL, not so far from McHenry. Love taking the train downtown. Northwestern is about a mile down beautiful Michigan Avenue, across the river. I love Chicago!!

Kimberly Eisenhut  When I called, they just brushed me off. I will try again I guess. I am glad you were able to get to see him.

Sue Maize  So glad to hear Kimberley, and you actually answered a question for me—it was never made clear to me that the regurgitation of my tricuspid valve was connected to my liver enzymes. Thanks for all the details! I’d like to know what a bubble test is too? ❤️‍🩹

Richard Munson  Sounds like we all want to know what the bubble test is. I am bubbling over with anticipation. Car show saturday in wareham, home of my hvs friend and fellow mgh and same doctor kath. She and husband came last year before her surgery. Maybe this year post surgery. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  It tests for a hole in the heart. They use salt water solution, shake it up to create small bubbles, then inject it through an IV during the echo. It will show if there is a hole in the heart. I am going to make sure it is just the salt water and no actuall dye, as I am allergic to it, and wish I had never had Ct scans with dye. I had several when I was younger and now know how bad that stuff can be. Thank you all for your responses and of course to my HVS step dad; Haha! Yes, a glass of champagne would be much nicer than these tests.
Sue, my cardiologist said she just wants to be vigilant and be sure the regurgitation is not affecting my liver. 

Kathy Pate  We're here for you, Kimberly!  I've not been on here a long time; but, just knowing all of these sweet & kind people understand what we're going through means soj, so much!!  Welcome to HVS!!

Michelle Persson  I had emergency surgery the end of Oct. & everything went well. The staff watched everything very closely & I was in the hospital a little longer. Everything turned out well.

Dan Fouratt  I have not had one but in the last year my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, friend's wife and manager at the club have had one.  My DIL works for Striker medical in the replacement knee department. Only one person spent the night in the hospital but they have diabetes.  They were all up and walking (aided) the same day.  The first week is painful which lasted about 6 to 8 weeks on average.  Only one used an opioid.  I would say recovery from OHS is easier! My wife broke her heal 6 weeks ago.  Like with knee surgery you have limited mobility.  I was able to do more for myself the day after OHS then she can not after 6 weeks after heel surgery.  This mobility issue was true for the knee group, so you will need some help.

Ana Brusso  Agree with Dan. I had knee replacement surgery last December. I have had two OHS. Recovery from OHS is better. There is a lot care involved in recovery, ice machine and lots of ice several times a day. Sleeping is not pleasant. Pain is worse than OHS. But I had it done and now is bearable and almost normal. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all for your input and info. I know it took my mother months to really get back to somewhat "normal" getting around, but now she is so much better with walking long distances and just doing normal daily activities. Anna, you are amazing! I am so nervous about this and may try to wait until early next year if possible. I have to have help in place, and the next couple of months are not good for any of my family members to help. I am not in pain at the moment, but do have a hard time walking. Bone on bone in my right knee but since it is not terribly swollen or painful right now, I may try to wait a bit.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Dan, I hope your wifes foot is better soon and thabk you for the information. I really have gotten so many conflicting outcomes and advice about knee replacement. Some have terrible stories and some say it was not bad and they are so glad they did it.

Dan Fouratt  Funny we were out grocery shopping and a lady commented on Palma's boot and crutches. (Please note I have not past the fresh fruit inspection test according to my wife's standard.) She said she was going to be like that next week as she is having knee replacement. It will be her second one in two years. She said she knows it will hurt but is looking forward to it anyways as after recovery she will have far less pain.  It looks like the pain is worth it.  Good luck.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you everyone for the prayers, it is so appreciated

Here ar the findings;
CONCLUSIONS:
-Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed using standard views & projections with M-mode and Doppler (continuous, pulsed wave, spectral & color flow). Three-dimensional imaging was performed. Strain imaging was performed.
-The left ventricle is normal in size. There is no left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular systolic function is normal. EF = 62% (2D biplane) Global LV myocardial strain is normal at -18.10 %. Left ventricular diastolic function is normal.
-The right ventricle is normal in size. Right ventricular systolic function is normal. The estimated right ventricular systolic pressure is 23 mmHg. The right atrial pressure is 3 mmHg. Finding is consistent with normal pulmonary artery pressures. RV free wall longitidinal strain is normal at -20.23 %.
-There is trace, physiologic mitral valve regurgitation.
-There is trivial tricuspid valve regurgitation.
-There is trivial pulmonic valve regurgitation.
-Sinus of Valsalva 3.0 cm. Sinotubular junction 2.4 cm. Mid aortic arch 1.9 cm. Proximal ascending aorta 2.6 cm. Mid ascending aorta 2.8 cm. The visualized aorta is normal in size.

Kimberly Eisenhut  I love the way the Dr just called the other day and said everything is perfectly normal when it shows trivial reurgitation in 3 valves. That is how I started out 8 years ago and now my tricuspid is moderate to severe. I do not understand these Drs. Im not making a big deal of it with my son right now because he already has such terrible anxiety. It is so bad, his heart rate is always above 110 when he goes to see the Dr and his blood pressure is between 135-150/80-85 when he goes for tests or any Dr visit. High for an 18 year old. It goes down when we get home. He works out every day and is a healthy weight, if anything he is under weight. Drinks NO soda or sugary drinks, is very consious of what he eats too. No high sugar snacks or fast food (maybe once a month we go to a fast food place) I will be reaching out to my cardiologist to see if she can see him this summer and just look at his echo herself and give us some peace of mind.

Grace Mason   It is good you now have a baseline echo for your son and you are aware of what it says. 
I think doctors should discuss all the findings even if they won't be recommending any specific treatment at the current time, so it is good you are reading the results too and can ask further questions.

Betsy Davenport  If "trace" and "trivial" in this context mean what they do in the dictionary, it reads okay but I am not a doctor. I'd be wanting to know whether these terms have clinical significance, because even trace and trivial aren't observed and noted in every echo report.

Anna Ma  I have trivial and trace in other three valves too and the doctors said it is normal, most people have a little. I hope mine stay "trace". I don't want another open heart surgery!

Susan Lynn  Kim - I'm sorry you got this news, but I might consider getting some other opinions. Heart surgery is very specialized and there is likely a surgeon who can approach your procedure with skill and confidence. Also, as you said, there are tremendous advancements in heart repairs and replacements every year. Chances are there will be a great solution when the time comes for you. Stay positive! Whenever your big day comes, we'll be here to support you.

Richard Munson  I agree with susan that maybe its time for another opinion from someone who has experience with your valve. Seems odd to wait till your ankles swell before moving forward. Let us know how things go. Want my key chain lady to be upbeat not down in the dumps.

Richard Munson  I saw a few articles on bicuspid valve repair and read a couple. Cleveland clinic and mayo but there are others. Worth checking out. Good luck kim. 

Brady Busch  Kimberly,
Reading your comments here,has me interested in finding more about tricuspid valves and surgery.Mostly,because there isn't much communication on them.
The first thing I was reading,came from the Nation Institute of Health.One of the things they basically said was,waiting until the regurgitation is severe,is not a good idea.So,I agree with Richard,that holding off that long is concerning.
Here is a link to the whole paper.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559179/

Valerie Allen  Although the hospital you list is excellent perhaps, as others have stated, there are specialists at other hospitals for your valve. Glad you are asking questions.

Rose Madura  I totally agree to get a second opinion of third.  Waiting doesn't seem like a good option.  Please keep us posted.

Pamela Gregory  Douglas Johnston is the head of cardiac surgery at Northwestern and is excellent. He was at Cleveland Clinic and had great reviews. Maybe start right where you are with a 2nd opinion

Klara Čičić  I am puzzled with this since you first mentioned it a long time ago. Are your other valves top shape? Did you have a second opinion? Maybe someone more experienced? Stay optimistic and strong, your current situation is still under control :) 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I wrote a long response, but for some reason it would not post. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I will look into speaking to another surgeon soon. My 18 year old son needs to go in for an echo next week because Dr heard a murmur at his physical. Praying they find nothing wrong

Kimberly Eisenhut  Brady, I read that atricle and as it states, most surgeries are only done along with left sided heart surgery as the outcomes for only the tricuspid are not good. I do hope that the medical field does more research and speeds up studying tricuspid so I have a better chance at surviving and having less complications when my time comes. That is also another thing Dr Malaisrie told me when I spoke to him about surgery, that if they go in too early I will most likely have more problems than I do now. It is a very selective few that actually undergo primary tricuspid surgery.

Paul McKinlay  You might want to look at this - https://unityhealth.to/2023/10/evoque-tricuspid-valve-replacement/ 

Ana Brusso  Always praying for our heart warriors continued good health. God bless you Kimberly and my hvs brother Richard. 🙏❤️👍🤗

Kimberly Eisenhut 
Richard, you were there in spirit
Well, the tech said my anuerysm was same or a little less, which is good! (3.8-4.0) Need to wait for tricuspid results. My Dr always does her own measurements, so I will wait to see what she says. Still, I am happy :)
Thank you Greg, Grace, Ana and Kath.

Sherri Waineo  Hi there! I am 5 weeks post-op now. I have had several times when my heart seemed to flutter strangely when I changed position, then went into a fib. The episodes lasted from 1 3/4 hours to 33 hours! It is not a nice feeling especially when it goes up into the 140-170 bpm range. My doctors have said I will just have to endure this for a while until the heart is not unhappy. Hopefully that will be before too long! All testing showed things to be okay, so I am glad for that! I am glad to hear yours didn’t last very long!

Rose Madura  Always scary when there's a bump in the road. Glad you reached out to your cardiologist and he is taking action to make sure it's nothing serious. Please keep us posted.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Sherri, I cannot imagne going that long with hr that high. I am so sorry you are experiencing that. I hope your heart settles down and lets you get back to normal sooner rather than later!
Much love and calm heart ahead

Robert Miller  Diostolic was a bit high but not too bad, especially if it was just temporary. Was this a single incident or does that happen with some frequency? Do you have Afib. From my experience the blood pressure monitors don't work very well if you have Afib. I was wearing a heart rate monitor on my chest for a couple of weeks. I can tell you that either those monitors don't work well (despite me taking great care of them staying connected close to my chest) or the people/computer evaluating the data didn't do a good job.

Tracy Chang  Cannabis?  Just learned it last night from a CNN special report.   
Titled "Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Cannabis is having a senior moment"

Deena Z  Also, try Peter Attia MD’s website. —Renowned longevity physician that has chronic insomnia. He has some cocktail that he uses. 

Richard Munson  Kim , wishing you the best in your quest for a good nights sleep. It must be awful . I sleep like a log so cannot imagine what you go thru. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all. I have tried melatonin and magnesium, no luck. I may look into CBD gummies if Dr says it is o.k.
Love you all and so glad I have this site, to be a part of a community of such wonderful human beings

Klara Čičić  I struggle with insomnia for a long time, since high school. Try get into root of the problem. Cognitive bihevioral therapy helped me in that sense. Done by pychologist trained for treating insomnia. Besides that, after the surgery I started using diazepam in a small dosage (2 mg or 5mg) every now and then when I can't sleep. I know how you feel, it is so frustrating. Keep looking for a solution! Good luck!

Valerie Allen  Kimberly just a note in case you haven’t read to take melatonin at least an hour before bed for it to work.

GARY STANKO  How much melatonin do you take?  I take 10mg to 20mg every night.  I also take magnesium for restless leg.  The melatonin seems to work fairly well though I wake up a couple of times a night but get back to sleep.

Robert Miller  This is a forum about heart issue. Do you believe your insomnia might be related to hear problems? If so, can you elaborate? If it's a general question then it's hard to tell as there are so many causes. I hear you because I sometime I also have a hard time falling asleep (again). My two solutions are just getting me really tired (exercise more than usual) and count sheep (ok, not counting sheep but just concentrating on my breathing trying to phase out anything else that is going on in my brain, easier said than done).

Valerie Allen  I use the Calm app on my phone. It has Sleep stories, music, meditations, and more. Started using when very sick 6 years ago.

Cathleen Weed  250mg of magnesium citrate 30 minutes before bed Relaxes the cardiovascular and central nervous system. Very calming and I sleep 7 hours. Couldn't sleep more than a few hours anymore before I started taking it.

Klara Čičić  Dear Kimberly, I think going for a second opinion wouldn't be a bad idea, maybe some other surggeon/cardiologist would give you other perspective. Although it is rare as a primary issue, it is common as a parallel problem with another valve isuue, and it is commonly taken care of as a repair or replacement... So I don't see how it is still experimental when it is done daily. Sorry for my English not being better :) I hope you can find strength in amazing science and bright future of cardiac surgery which is improving rapidly during your wait

Ana Brusso  Hello Kimberly, I remember you battling with loneliness. Klara’s suggestion of a second or third opinion is valid. I and I’m sure Rose will also agree. Please don’t feel lonely or isolated, we are here to support each other. Klara, you don’t have to apologize, your English is perfect. God bless you all 🙏❤️😍

Rose Madura  Yes, I do agree!  It's always a good idea.  And although your condition may be common, know and believe that these doctors know what to do and are very good at it.  Do some research online. You have chosen a good hospital. My sister-in-law lives in Woodstock.... My husband is from Crystal Lake. You are not alone here.  Godspeed.

Rita Savelis  I'm sorry that you have to go through this. It's hard to have a valve problem that is not the standard aortic. I had my tricuspid valve repaired at the same time that I had my aortic and mitral valves replaced. If you search  under tricuspid you can find some information on this site. 

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2023/03/22/tricuspid-forgotten-ailawadi-gorav-md/

Annette Sterzel  Kimberly 4 months ago I had a mitral valve replacement and tricuspid regurgitation repaired. Feeling much better now. I saw 4 surgeons before I made up my mind. I have no doubt I chose the right surgeon and hospital for me. Best of luck! Let us know how it goes. 💕🙏

Robert Miller  Did you check the learning center at https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

including 
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/tricuspid-regurgitation.php

and
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/tricuspid-stenosis.php

Richard Munson  I am the knee cortisone injection kid. I have lost count especially my left knee after 4 surgeries for meniscus tears. 2 in right. Just had one last month. No side effects thankfully. I now have bone on bone and arthritis on top of it. I have fought knee replacement surgery. They did however try a gel a few years ago and i did suffer a huge side effect. We are all different regarding our bodies reactions to medications

Susan Lynn  Kimberly - I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. I think you might have had a reaction to the epinephrine in the cortisone shot. Many people experience heart racing when they receive injections at the dentist due to the epinephrine contained within the lidocaine numbing anesthetic. I have my chart noted because I had a similar reaction years ago.

I agree with you about the after visit summary. Some of my doctors are very conscientious about explaining everything while others simply add it to the documentation.
We need to remain our own advocates long after heart surgery. Be well!

Ana Brusso  I, like Richard, have become the knee cortisone injection kid. Will get one on each knee next week. So sorry you had such bad reaction Kimberly. Look at my little Angel Susan Lynn explained what’s in those shots. We all know that not all doctors are conscientious. Hope you are feeling better. Richard’, how is Shadow and Nancy?

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all for your responses. I did not know about the stuff in the lidocaine ingredients, makes sense too. Spoke to the Dr and his nurse today, and he apologized for rushing me through the appointment and made a note in my chart.
Richard, I am so glad I asked on here, because he was also so pushy about the gel injections, now I will not get them! I asked for PT and will do the best I can to manage it myself for the time being. My niece is a registerred personal trainer in Indiana, and I plan on talking to her about sending me the best things to do to strengthen the muscles above my knee, as I read that can really help.
Hope you are all doing well today, and big hugs and lots of love sent to you all!

Klara Čičić  Kimberly I am sorry about your experience. I guess no matter what part of the world or what healthcare system you have, problems are always the same - the people. You have to be conceous and professional every time. He wasn't. I am glad you are seeking other options. The strengthening of upper knee muscles sounds good. Keep excersizing carefully. Keep us posted, warrior and good luck!