Kimberly's Journal

Aaron Bader  I'm sorry to hear these first few weeks back home post-surgery have been so tough, Kim.  I had a few nosebleeds myself early on (also was on blood thinners), and that's definitely unnerving.  What I do know - your strength and the support of your family will get you through this tough patch and continuing on your recovery.

Pulling hard for you and cheering you on.  You got this!

Richard Munson  Seems like a urine and stool test for blood loss makes sense. Maybe tell them you want it. Urine test can detect blood very quickly. Just stay strong hvs step daughter and take charge. 

Richard Munson  Believe it or not we just had a plane crash on the highway pretty close to our neighborhood. Both occupants perished. Not sure why a small plane would take off in a noreaster but people take risks i guess. It was so bad we decided not to walk shadow. 

Marie Myers  It took about 8 weeks for my blood count to come up. Just how low is your hemoglobin/hematocrit? Are you feeling dizzy or excessively weak? I was put on iron right out of the hospital, and was advised to add whey protein to my overnight oats or smoothies. And i am curious, do you know what your blood count was before surgery?

John Cook  It sounds like your anemia issues are much worse than mine.  With iron supplements, taking them with something acidic & high in Vitamin C helps absorption a lot.  That’s why they specifically recommend taking it with orange juice.

If I have the time, I try to take my supplement an hour before I eat and take my other pills, especially naproxen and Pepcid because they both inhibit iron absorption.

I see my rheumatologist Thursday again about my anemia.  Right now I’m inclined to believe it’s the arthritis medication he gave me causing mine.

Rose Madura  Kimberly, I'm surprised they didn't give you one at the hospital.  They gave me one that I liked but I can't find anything online that looks like it.  Just make sure it is front closure, adjustable straps (and wide straps). Mine looked almost like a vest.  I wish I could find it. If I do, I'll post it.

Yumiko Ishida  I was given a neoprene vest specifically designed for women. It provided a lot of compression, I think to keep the sternum together, but it probably will help with swelling, too. Look for something with a lot of stretch.

David Buchanan  Im the same . Not sure we can do more than keep it elevated with a pillow .

It’s 12 days now for me and it is improving !

Janet Gaffney  You’re home - how WONDERFUL! Obviously, I’ve no experience YET with surgery but my sister in law just had double bypass and they gave her 4 bras at Mount Sinai and she sent this picture. Here is a link to their website: https://www.mastheadpink.com 

Deena Z  A  technically  competent ICU nurse is great and one that is additionally compassionate is extraordinary.  - can make or break your hardest moments.  (I had both.).  Did you get her to sign your heart pillow with a magic marker?!

Aaron Bader  You're looking great Kimberly! Wonderful to see!
And could not agree more about those amazing nurses - a special, special group of people.

Melinda Donahue  Hi !!! So happy to see you.  You will get better a little each day. The ccu nurses are the very best.  Sending ❤️ 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  "Face is the mirror of the soul" is said and you look great, Kim,  I'm glad you are improving every day after surgery.

Rose Madura  Great picture. I had terrific nurses.  Some more outstanding than others but all great.  My fav was Andy who would make my pillow fort for me whenever I got out of bed.  Adam is right, slow and steady wins this race. 👍❤️‍🩹

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you everyone. Definitely good hours and not so good ones, but figuring out right med routine is tricky. I'll be going home later today. My amazing mother has been here with me the whole time! She's such a trooper! For everyone in waiting room like I was for 9 years, please know there is so much great care and outcomes now, you will get through it as I am👍💪

Rebecca Vaughan   Wonderful to hear you are getting better day by day. So nice to be on the recovery side. Congratulations! 

Grace Mason   You look great Kim. Welcome to the other side!!
You have a lot of wonderful people taking good care of you.

Pamela Gregory  Soooo happy to see you looking so well! I'm sure it has been tough but you look amazing. So proud of you

George Gardopee  You look amazing. You remind me of the disaster recovery service whose advertising slogan is “Like it never even happened”.

Pamela Gregory  You made it Kimberly! Definitely stay ahead of the pain. My husband and daughter would write the time down and start bugging them about 15-20 mins before time so that it didn't get too long. One time it was too long and the only time I remember being in distress. After that we were on it. You are doing great and soooooo happy to see you on the other side

susan harris  Such a long time coming-you did it!   Such awesome news to hear when i signed on this morning!  Keep up the good work!

John Cook  You’re looking great and if you remember the first two days, you’re off to a better start than I was.

Kate Watson  Yay there she is! Definitely true what others have said is to try to make sure to stay ahead of the pain and don’t hesitate to bug the nurses if your pain isn’t well controlled. They can always give you something else and adjust dosing as needed. Iv Fentanyl worked the best for me fyi. 

Robert Miller  My medical team said don't try to be a hero and suffer pain. They said we won't give you meds unless you need it but ask if you need them. Nobody will judge you. I actually didn't have to take them beyond the one day when they give it to you without asking. But really, take them if you think it makes it easier for you. My biggest pain was from a stiff back and neck after surgery. My mom gave me those cherry pillows they made like 50 years ago so you are warm when going to bed in winter. Those actually helped for stiff necks, backs, etc. 

Robert Miller  It looks like she was ready/relaxed for the surgery. The surgery is easy. Recovery is harder. Make sure you help her with everyday tasks for the first few weeks. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you Melinda! Yes Robert I will def help her with whatever she needs. She's my best friend! 💖 

Janet Gaffney  You’ll be on your way to a much healthier YOU. You’re being a great mom by taking care of yourself! ❤️

Robert Miller  I am confident you will be doing fine. Judging by your comment, I think the biggest thing the surgery will do is refocusing your life. Family is everything and even for people who do not have family, make every moment count. And after surgery, your heart will be a lot stronger to enjoy all those moments. 

Paras Arora  You’re in good hands. Sending you strength for tomorrow and hope for a brighter, healthier journey after.

Kimberly Eisenhut  Aaron, how did you feel about Northwestern when you stayed? Did Dr. Malaisrie check up on you afterwards? Any tips for after surgery?

Deena Z  Hi Kimberly, you have so many heart warriors thinking of you, rooting you on and saying prayers.  Almost there! Soon to be over and in recovery. ❤️‍🩹

Aaron Bader  You are in such great hands at Northwestern!  The best.  The best.  I was checked in and checked on every day - by Dr. Malaisrie himself, by his fellow surgeons, by his PAs - someone was letting me know how I was doing and motivating me every day.  The nurses throughout, but in the CTICU in particular, are incredible.  I'm glad I practiced remembering all their names so I could and can properly thank them.  Next level - that's the best way I can describe how good Northwestern has been to me.

I hope you have your walking socks ready to go too!  You'll be up and in motion very quickly, which feels wonderful. 

Sue Maize  Oh Kimberly, I have not been on  here in a very long time, so I’m so happy I didn’t miss the chance to post a message to you before your surgery! I pray all goes well tmrw and knowing a little about Dr. Malaisrie’s reputation, I’d say you re in excellent hands for this. I’m so glad you don’t have to wait any longer, you’ve really been patient in the “waiting room”. Rest and relax as much as you can, there’s nothing more for you to do except that and I look forward to getting an update when you’re up to it. Praying for you! 🙏🏻❤️

George Gardopee  Kimberly - good luck tomorrow. I’ll bet you find that after the years of anticipation and fear you have experienced, the relief you will feel when you wake up and you realize it is behind you will be astonishing.  I think for most of us the recovery, although frustrating at times, is not nearly as bad as we imagined. The very capable and professional staff at these excellent surgical centers are very, very good at keeping you comfortable. We are all looking forward to hearing from you soon. 

Susan Lynn  That's the smile and thumbs up we'll be waiting to see in your next post!  You'll be joining the recovery club, tomorrow!  All the best, Kimberly! 

Pamela Gregory  I always have my keychain too!!! Sending my best to you Soon you will be on the other side of this

Kate Watson  Thinking of you and wishing you all the best. We’re looking forward to hearing your updates on the other side!

Kimberly Eisenhut  I'll post when I can and appreciate all the wonderful support from each one of you. Richard, you're the best HVS stepdad I could ask for 🥰🫶

Kate Watson  It's true, you can't ever be really ready but you're doing everything you can! Sounds like a great way to spend the day. Please update or have family update us afterwards here when they can. You do have this! Stay strong. 

Susan Lynn  Kimberly - Sounds like you're doing all the right things.   Remember,  waiting is the hardest part.  It gets easier.  You can do it! 

Robert Miller  I like salmon, too. And the comment from @Richard Munson about swimming upstream seems so fitting. You will face an upstream battle, aka recovery. But it's a lot better once you are up there. And if you are anxious about the surgery, you will be in the best hands. There are doctors and nurses around you 24/7. If the slightest thing happens, they are footsteps from you. 

Pamela Gregory  Sending my very best wishes and prayers to you Kimberly!!! We will all be anxiously awaiting to hear from you

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you to every one of you!!! Sending love to you all❤️ I will be posting to keep myself busy, I'm sure. Maybe not in ICU, but asap. Pray for no complications or AFib, I know it's a lot to ask but if you don't ask, you don't get right? Richard, I'll be swimming as hard as I can the whole time🫶👍

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you Richard :) Yes, I guess you are her step husband also, not sure how Nancy will feel about that, LOL!

Kimberly Eisenhut  Oh boy, granddaughters fever is now 102.5! She's going to Dr tomorrow, hope it's not strep or covid! Talk about bad timing 🥺

Susan Lynn  Kimberly- Stay positive!   You'll become our newest rock star on the 26th!  Happy Birthday to your Mom!  You know you'll have the best post-op care! 

Richard Munson  Nancy will never know. Our secret. And 1000 other people on this site. The real wife is the last to know. Nancy turning 81 on sept. 8th would mean my new step wife is the younger woman. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Haha! Love my HVS stepdad I am still looking for a witty joke for when they wheel me in to surgery to make my mom smile. I was always the goofy, silly one in the family. Liked to shock my sister and mom with silly things and acting like a goof. I think thats why I always get along with little kids so well, lol

Kimberly Eisenhut  I am going to make my sister take some video and picts of me before and after surgery to see if I say or do anything goofy too. I have seen some pretty funny stuff when people are on pain meds and just cracks me up because it is completely uncensored.

Kate Watson  Sorry your granddaughter is sick. Hope she gets better quickly and that you stay well! 🤞🙏 PS I don’t know if you saw I wrote back to you (an extremely long answer) on that question you had for me. It probably broke the site cause it was so long. 😃 Hope you are keeping your spirits up as you get closer.  

Robert Miller  You seem to have the right attitude. I tried to 'fight' the meds. I didn't succeed, luckily. As far as I know, I didn't say or do anything funny. As for your gran daughter, I hope she will get better soon but also make sure you don't catch her cough. After open heart surgery, your biggest 'enemy' is coughs and sneezes. Make sure they give you a heart hugger. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I can only see 2 when scrolling down on right side, then it kind of jumps to the "See Hospital Map" I know there are more than 2 upcoming surgeries up aren't there?

John Cook  Good luck!

I had a similar problem. I caught strep throat three weeks before my original surgery date.  The antibiotics were able to kill it in time for that date but I ended up getting rescheduled two weeks later for someone else’s emergency procedure.

Valerie Allen  I had an infected tooth when I went in to have my dental clearance! It seems these things happen with some regularity to people! My tooth was pulled and went in antibiotics and was well by surgery. Best wishes to you, Kim! 💕

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Fortunately antibiotics can solve infections but I have not clear how many days of antibiotics are necessary taken every 8 hours in case of a dental procedure, teeth cleaning or an extraction for instance. I think that every dentist have a different way to make It. By the other hand an excess of antibiotics can develop a bacteria resistance along the time. Can someone have an oppinion on this subject?

Rose Madura  Kimberly, you are in good hands at Northwestern.  My advice would be to prepare and freeze meals for easy reheating when you come home. I'm assuming you'll have some help but a shower chair may be a good investment as well.  Dry shampoo can be a good friend.  Button up shirts and a lot of times I wore a huge t-shirt. Ask the hospital for a surgical bra. Your insurance will cover it.  And I was given a heart hugger rather than a pillow and it was great.  Also, my surgery was at the end of May so I made sure all bills for June were paid so I didn't have to worry about it.  Praying for peace for you...👍🙏💕

Kimberly Eisenhut  Rose, thank you so much for the tips and prayers. My mother will be with me after I get home and even though she turns 80 on Sept 21st, she is pretty active and know I will have help. my youngest son will also probably stay home for the first week or two I am back and he is wonderful at helping out. All bills have already been paid or scheduled to be paid, good tip!
I am a planner, so am very happy the nurse sent me my full schedule and instructions already today. I guess one of the main reasons they want me in two days prior to surgery is to make sure I get as much fluid off as possible before and to do some more pre testing. I think they are taking extra precautions to have the best outcome. I am very blessed Now I can start getting things ready.
I am visiting with my daughter for a couple weeks in Wisconsin and will get to take my granddaughter to her first day of high school next week, go to a movie this weekend, go take some walks by the river and go to the botanic garden here.
I am wondering if I need to bring any clothing to the hospital, such as robe, pjs, socks, slippers, etc. I have never had surgery before, although I have helped my mother a few times with her several surgeries in the past so have a bit of an idea. She never had anything like this though. I am going to go out and find some more button up shirts and pjs. I will also pick up a small shower stool. I did just get nice power rocker/recliner that swivels. It was my treat to myself and know it will be helpful. The rocker/recliner I have now is manual and I know that would be difficult.

Rose Madura  Sounds like you have everything under control. The only clothing I brought was something loose fitting to wear home - definitely button up blouse. I went bra-less for several weeks unless someone was visiting or I went out. Then I wore my surgical bra.  

Deena Z  Ask your cardiologist and/or surgeon about increasing your protein intake now to help with recovery. 
Godspeed!

Susan Lynn  Best of luck,  Kimberly.   It's a quick, painless test, but that contrast dye creates a very weird feeling.  Hoping for a clear path for you! 

Suzette Schear  Kimberly, Hope you get to talk to surgeon.  End of September-Okay progress.  I’m going to keep the prayers going so you get some solace. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Date is set to Sept 26th. Melinda, the Ct is ok, the contrast just males you feel warm for a minute, its going to be fine :) Dont worry

Richard Munson  Your hvs step dad says go with the more experienced surgeon. Monday is better unless said surgeon got drunk sunday at a family bash. 

Rose Madura  Hi Kimberly, there is no right or wrong decision. Whatever you decide will be the right decision for you.  I wouldn't worry about the day of the week for surgery. Cardiac units will always have enough staff to care for you. I will say a prayer that you will arrive at the best decision and not fret too much over it.  🙏❤️‍🩹

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you all for the advice.
Richard, I do think I'll be going with Dr Malaisrie, just have to wait longer, which they think is ok for me unless symptoms get worse quickly, which they do not foresee. I'll ask his nurse tomorrow if he's planning a family party Sunday before I confirm my Monday, October 27th date. 👍

Kate Watson  Ultimately I felt I had to go based on my intuition in addition to the expertise of the surgeon. I had a complex surgery so I needed someone who had the confidence and experience to do it, but I also wanted to go to someone who cared about me as a person. I don't regret my choice. It's such a personal decision for each person I think.  How soon do they feel you need your surgery as in how urgent is it? 

Richard Munson  Whoever and whenever you choose, your hvs step dad will be cheering you on. Its been a long road for you. 

Susan Lynn  Kimberly - I had a mini-thoracotomy on a Friday and was just fine.   I would choose the surgeon with the most experience if  i were you.   Waiting is difficult, but some surgeons are worth the wait. Good luck with your decision. 

Robert Miller  Iodine can be a bit harder on your thyroids. If you don't have any such issues with your thyroids, you should be fine. The radiation part is not an issue unless you had some accidental/excessive exposure before.

I am glad to hear your arteries are clear. That's a big factor.

As for the doctor, check if it's really the doctor "you subscribed to" that performs the surgery and not a "student" that is supervised by the expert. 

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Hi Kimberly, I'm very glad you put on the way your surgery "without Ni" and choose a surgeon in which you have confidence. The advice from Robert about the required experience of the surgeons is right in general, but has exceptions. For example I was operated by a resident in her last year of formation, under the supervisión of the head of the heart surgery service, with good results up to now. It's true that she (the surgeon) inspired me much confidence on the talkings I have with her before my surgery. Confidence in the doctor you choose is very important. Wish you the best. Keep informed!!

Richard Munson  Good news hvs step daughter. My daughter, grandson home from v/t, and callie her dog are driving up today from ct. saturday car show coming up in somerset mass. Fingers crossed on weather. Will be showing off my custom kim key ring. Shadow was at his very best last nite at dog training. I did a dna test on him for kicks. Got some offspring hits i am trying to hook up with. Interesting stuff. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Thank you Robert, Fidel and of course my HVS step dad Richard. I will be updating as I go along.
Have a wonderful time with your family Richard

Richard Munson  Its an honor to be chosen for that coveted position. Every time i use my keychain, my hvs step daughter comes to mind. I hope you finally can get some closure on your valve issue. Keep at it. The squeaky valve gets the oil. 

Adam Pick  Yes Kim! Great timing on this considering your anticipated surgery that might be performed by Dr. Malaisrie.  If anybody would like to join Kim and me for the webinar this Thursday, here are the details. Hope to see you live on the webinar. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2025/07/12/webinar-misconceptions/

Valerie Allen  Hi Kimberly. I see something new on the site, a purple rectangle to click to chat with Adam. Maybe you could try that for a quick response? Best wishes in finding Elizabeth. 💕

Anastasia B  Hi Kimberly, did you find that person? I will be doing isolated tricuspid valve repair too and would love to stay in touch 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Anastasia, I would love to stay in touch also! I did find her, but she is not active here, you would neeed to email her as I did. She lives in England and will be calling me sometime this week. When is your surgery and what type of repair/ replacement? I am going to surgeon on August 11th and having my CT of heart also that day and will find out my options then. I know now, since I am allergic to nitinol (nickel) in the transcatheter options, that I cannot go that route. I am beyond stressed and just want all of this over and be able to get on with life.
Elizabeths email is; lizdarwish@gmail.com if you'd like to reach out to her also. Maybe we can start our own Tricuspid group :) My email is; kimebecker@gmail.com
I look forward to supporting and staying in touch with you.

Anastasia B  Thank you, Kimberly! I’m still in discussion re surgery timeline. I don’t have symptoms but TR is severe. Some doctors recommend to do surgery now, some suggest to wait a bit more. I’m ideally looking for minimal invasive repair with a ring. Based on all tests the repair should be possible, which is apparently is the best option. Overall all surgeons are optimistic that it can be repaired ones and for lifetime so hopefully it is the case. Wishing you all the best with the surgery!  

Daisy Tanner  So sorry for all you have to go through 😔 All the waiting is the worst. Hang in there. And early Happy Birthday wishes. 🥳 Praying for headache free day. 🙏🏼

Adam Pick  Hi Kim, I'm not currently seeing this issue. Are you on a desktop computer, laptop or tablet? Thanks, Adam

Adam Pick  Kim, Fidel, Richard, Marie, Robert - Great to hear you are not experiencing this issue anymore. Fyi, we have made many, many, many updates to the website over the past few months. I'm hopeful you will not experience that issue again. But, if you have any issues, please send me a Guestbook and I will look into it immediately. P.S. Robert, our programming team is looking into the picture issue you identified. Stay tuned!

Maureen Hoganson  Hi Kimberly - I am so sorry to hear about your allergies/sensitivies! That is good that they were able to check them! I have so many food allergies/chemical sensitivities, so understand how frustrating that can be! I just had the Ross Procedure done at Vanderbilt University (one month ago) -- and hoping I don't have any issues with the materials used! I think it is mostly titanium and steel though...  Hoping I won't need any more surgeries, but was told they could do TAVR for either the aortic or pulmonary valve -- but I will have to check into the nickel if it ever comes to that! Seems crazy that they would use that with the # of folks who have metal allergies. Praying you are able to find a suitable solution and that you get a good plan in place! My prosthetic valve was severaly compromised, so we had to move forward right away!
Continued prayers! And Happy Birthday to your son!

Melinda Donahue  Oh no!!! How did you find out you were allergic to nickel? Aren’t there any other metals that are used ?

Kimberly Eisenhut  Maureen,
 Most of the devices ar a nitinol (nickel/titanium). I am not allergic to titanium, but the nickel can possibly leach I guess. The manufaturer actually says if you read your specific device that ifyou have a nickel allergy it is contraindicated in using the device. You can look up the exact ingredients in your device to find out. I am just surprised that everyone is not tested for metal allergies before any inplanted device for anything, not just heart valves. The allergies to componants can cause adverse reactions and complications after, whether it shows up in a few days or months. Not to wory anyone, but it is just good practice for Drs and Surgeons to be proactive before implanting these things. I also know a lot of people allergic to nickel. I am glad I did not have the knee replacement they wanted me to have last year because when I looked into it, I realised that they also use a lot of the same things. My mother did great with her two knee replacements, but she has no skin allergies.
There really are not any other devices that can be used that are FDA approved or other trials at this time for nickel free options that I can find. I will find out Monday what they are thinking for my situation, maybe open heart repair? 
Melinda, 

"Patch Testing" is from either an allergist or dermotologist that does it, is how you find out things you are allegic to. I just had it done because I mentioned it in MyChart and saw the trial they wanted me to get into had a device with nitinol in it, so asked for testing.
I have known I had allergies to nickel from my teen years whenever I would wear costume jewelry or even higher end jewelry, as so many things contain nickel. I was not given any testing back then, but family Dr saifd that was what it was. Thosw were the days when your family Dr would diagnose you and not always send you to a million specialists. I had a platinum wedding ring when I was married (divorced for 14 years now) and have been able to find other jewelry like rings and make my own earrings from surgical steel hooks (even those can contain a little nickel, but I never wear earrings overnight). The surprising thing is that the testing found a much stronger allergy to gold (Goldsodiumthiosulfate, found in electronics, ceramics, dental and jewelry) and something called pottasium dicyanoaurate (found in dental fillings, jewelry and electronics) Most of the devices for valve replacements have some form of nickel, which I am less allergic to, but did show a mild reaction at one week follow up after patch testing (delayed reaction). 

Marie Myers  Because Nitinol (a titanium/nickel alloy) is used in medical devices due to its  shape memory and super-elasticity. This makes it useful for flexible and self expanding devices. I have been married to an engineer long enough to know “Never question the engineer”.. They always have a reason!

Maureen Hoganson  Wow! Thank you so much for providing this information Kimberly! This is the kind of information that patients need to know. I understand how most doctors don't give this much thought -- I have a genetic chemical sensitivity, as well as to mold where my body cannot "detox" certain things. It is only in 5 to 7% of the population, so I have to explain that all of my medical practitioners. Most think it is strictly an allergy. Some will listen (The anesthesiologist I had at Vanderbilt was amazing!), but there was an ICU nurse who about had me in tears 2 hours after I woke up from surgery and said that information was not important and wouldn't listen to me. Thankfully, my husband was there to help back me up. I will definitely go look up all of my implants. I did find out that my plates are actually a radiolucent polymer (not titanium), but I will look up the screws and wires used.

Richard Munson  Those key chains must be non allergenic metal. My thermometer says 100 degrees. Just cancelled dog training tonight. Shadow is attached to the a.c. Vent. Too hot to drive my car. Yuck. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  I do not wear the keychains, so that is not an issue. There is some nickel alloy in the charms I use, but I am also not wearing them, just placing them on the keychains. I use surgical steel hooks for my earring wires so I can wear the ones I make without getting an allergic reaction, so that is nice. It cooled off a little today here, but the humidity is off the charts, so still feels like 95. It is supposed to be a very hot summer. Stay cool Shadow :)
So far my back is not tiching too much though, which is good! Wish I could take a pic of my back to show you how silly it looks, LOL!

pat masotti abernathy  Up-coming open heart aortic valve replacement.  How long in recovery process?  Will my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome add to recovery process?

Daisy Tanner  So sorry for what you're going through.😔 Sending you hugs and prayers. Please keep us updated.

Kimberly Eisenhut  I would like to thank Elizabeth Darwish for telling me her story with tricuspid. She has given me some hope, thank you so much

Valerie Allen  I’m sorry for the great amount of frustration you have gone through for a long time now. Adam, I hope you can help!

Rose Madura  Kimberly, you've had so much going on and I can't remember if you've asked your insurance company to let you get another opinion at a different hospital. It might be worth trying.  You're case is peculiar so maybe they'll go for it.  I think Northwestern is a good hospital. Are you going to Chicago or one of their other locations near McHenry?

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Hi Kimberly, the Edwards CLASP 11 is made from Nitinol (nickel titanium alloy) but covered with polyethylene, then Nitinol doesn´t touch human tissue. Therefore, as far I think, there is very low probability to develop an allergy. Anyway, Kimberly, try (I know it´s difficult) to explore all ways to address this subject. On the other side, NItinol (Ni@Ti) is an alloy widely used in medical devices in all surgical branches for decades. Cheers up, best wishes

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Nitinol has a lot of applications coming from its property of be able to change the shape depending on changes of temperature. The surgeon bends the implant at low temperature out of the patient so he can insert it into the catheter, and when comes to the tricuspide valve, release it, recovering the original shape and then holding the tricuspide wings. 

Kimberly Eisenhut  Rose, I go to chicago, yes, but cannot go anywhere else as I am unfortunatley on medicaid at this time. Fidel, the valve team themselves told me the components do have a nickel alloy, so thats why I have to have the patch testing by a dermotologist and if I have the allergy, they will need to figure out another way forward. Saying a lot of prayers and having hope My Etsy shop has been very busy for Fathers Day and I am grateful for that right now. My teenage son has been woderful helping me with orders and cooking, running errands and such, he is the most kind, loving young man, and I am not just saying that because he is my son It just hurts he has to be going through this with me as I am a single mom and it is just the 2 of us in the house.

Daisy Tanner  Sending you my deepest prayers and positive thoughts Kimberly! So sorry for all you're going through 😞

Fidel Martínez Ruiz  Hi Kim: I agree in trying a second opinion, as Deena says. On according with the Learning Center of this site and other web medical papers, there are several procedures to treat TC insufficiency, some clinical and other surgical and among last ones, some of them in open surgery in addition to other via catheter such as they have suggested to you. Regarding you Ni allergy , I think that is appropriate to take a test previously. Much encouragement!!!!