Kimberly Eisenhut - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Kimberly Eisenhutposted an update

322 days ago

Deena Elani, Phyllis Petersen reacted to this

Hello, I have been reading a lot of patient stories and it helps me to stay positive about when it is my time for surgery. I just had my yearly echo in April ...Read more

Hello, I have been reading a lot of patient stories and it helps me to stay positive about when it is my time for surgery. I just had my yearly echo in April and my tricuspid is now almost severe and my aneurytic aortic artery has gone from 3.9 to 4.1 in the past 2 years. I also have mild regurgitation in mitral valve and slightly enlarged right side of heart because of leakage. I do feel much more winded and have difficulty doing things I did not have such difficulty doing a year ago. I have decided to schedule an apt with a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern University Hospital, Dr. Malaisrie, who Adam has interviewed several times. I want to ask him what my options will be as well as at exactly what point I will become a candidate for surgery. I have read that mortality rate with early intervention with the tricuspid valve is much better, so would like to be sure I am not waiting too long. I would really appreciate anyone who has similar diagnosis to cotact me or communicate with me, so I do not feel so alone through this. Thank you to everyone, and especially Adam Pick for making this website and this community possible.

Deena Elani Hi Kim, you're doing the best thing ever by seeing a surgeon now. If you are more winded and your r ... Read more

Deena Elani Hi Kim, you're doing the best thing ever by seeing a surgeon now. If you are more winded and your right Ventricle ? is enlarged, per my cardiologist's and surgeon's discussions with me, you would wise to have surgery very soon. I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired this past March, which was impacting the left side of my heart, so different from you in impact, but I can say that getting the surgery sooner than later is a wise decision. Plus, Northwestern Univ. Hospital has an excellent reputation for cardiac surgery. Godspeed with your decision. We will help you along the way. Peace and love.

Kimberly Eisenhut Dr. Malaisrie told me yesterday in my telehealth visit, that after looking at my tests, he does not r ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Dr. Malaisrie told me yesterday in my telehealth visit, that after looking at my tests, he does not reccomend surgery yet. He indicated that with the tricuspid valve they go by symptoms not by severity of leakage. If I begin to have swelling in legs and feet, dizziness, need to sleep with several pillows, etc. He also wants me to have another echo in November, which makes me feel better, since my cardiologist was telling me it was ok to have it once a year instead of every 6 months, which Ive seen is the norm when it gets to this point. He made me feel much better about how I am doing right now, and also said I am a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery from what he sees.
Good day :)
I will update in November !
Thank you and best wishes

stephanie arnold i am just catching your pists now, after my catch up this week( nov4,) you are good that you have tim ... Read more

stephanie arnold i am just catching your pists now, after my catch up this week( nov4,) you are good that you have time and good docs. i had emergency aortic valve replacement( bovine) mitral valve repair, and patched up or whatever it is, my ascending thoracic aorta which was pretty enlarged. so thats what the gang r

stephanie arnold the gang referred to about my tough time. its been weird,alright.