Tammy's Profile

UPDATE: In early November I went to Cleveland Clinic for extensive testing and I had a second opinion a bit later with Dr. Marc Gerdisch both virtually and later in person. I was told that I needed a mitral valve repair/replacement, a tricuspid valve repair/replacement, and possibly an aortic valve replacement, as well as a coronary bypass, and possibly a "completion" of a mini-maze procedure that I'd had back in 2022 for afib. I turned 64 in September, I'm not overweight (ok maybe 5-7 lbs), and I exercise and try to live a healthy lifestyle. However, apparently I'm basically a mess on the inside. I'm currently pretty much asymptomatic. Needless to say, I'm wondering how/why all of this has happened and I'm pretty anxious about surgery and recovery. The waiting is difficult and I do have time to contemplate all of the outcomes. I'm not sure that's a good thing. Any words of wisdom/experience are appreciated. I would love to talk to others who had Dr. Gerdisch as their surgeon. ..................................................... I'm really just beginning my valve journey and praying for support and information with this group. My battle started on my 61st birthday (September 2021) almost 3 years ago. I was diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation and my heart rate was between 180-200 bpm at that time. I had an angiogram that showed 100% blocked right coronary artery with good collaterals, so no stents. Fast forward to April 2022; I had a Wolf Mini Maze at Houston Debakey Heart Center to correct the afib because I'd heard so many stories of failed ablations. I really wanted all this to be over. At the time of my surgery, the Mitral and Tricuspid valves were at a moderate regurge stage. I was told to monitor. After about 8 months I developed on and off aflutter which required an ablation after all. This was completed in March of 2024. I've felt pretty good until just recently and I had another echo only to find out today (on my portal, not from my cardiologist) that I now have a severe mitral valve and a moderate to severe tricuspid. Bottom line, I'm scared and I'm trying to do my research to see what I need to do next; repair, replace, best surgeons, etc. I am in the Tampa FL area but I'm willing to go where ever I need to go for the best surgeons. I just feel lost right now and a bit like a time bomb. I still exercise most every day and feel good. So confused.