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Linda's Posts

Diagnosis: Mitral Stenosis, Tricuspid Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: February 27, 2014

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Linda Stephenson posted an update

11 months ago (May 16, 2025)

My St Jude mechanical mitral valve is coming up on its 44th birthday. Itâ€™s been with me a long time. On my last echo they saw a small amount of stenosis from that artificial valve. I didnâ€™t know that could happen. My doctor said they would just monitor it at... Read more.

Richard Munson

Wow, thats great. Thats a lot of ticks. Hope you have a birthday party for it and invite a few other valves. Many more years of success.

Marie Myers

Yes, this can happen. Sometimes tissue grows around the valve (pannus formation), and sometimes small areas of blood can clot around the valve itself. Both can restrict the blood flow which is the cause of the stenosis. Sounds like monitoring this is a good plan, and hopefully it doesnâ€™t progress.

Kimberly Eisenhut

Linda, wow! that valve has sure served you well! Congrats on all those wonderful years with your amazing valve and hope it is just a small issue that stays the same going forward and will have you in my prayers tonight as with all others here🙏

Susan Lynn

Congratulations on 44 years with your valve! That's amazing! I don't think I would worry about a small amount of stenosis. If it progresses, then you'll do what you need to do. Don't let tomorrow's worries rob you of today's happiness! Enjoy your life!

Linda Stephenson posted an update

1 year ago (June 1, 2024)

I am thrilled to share that the Evoque Tricuspid replacement valve by Edwards has recently been approved to be used commercially to the public. This was the clinical trial that I participated in and it was approved by the FDA in record time. The results of the trial were amazing!

🥰 Deena Z, Valerie Allen and reacted to this

Kimberly Eisenhut

Linda, did you get the valve? I have tricuspid regurgitation wihich is moderate to severe at this point and am being monitored every 6 months. I have never met anyone with same thing and would love to connect with you! What was the deciding factor for them to o.k you... Read more.

Linda Stephenson

Hi Kimberly! I do have this new valve. I got it through the clinical trial. I had very severe ( massive to torrential) tricuspid regurgitation. They donâ€™t like to wait to this point to replace but until this valve was approved, the only way to get the Tricuspid valve replaced... Read more.

Kimberly Eisenhut

Thank you, I will be asking my cardiologist about it when I go in July. Please keep me posted on your experience and recovery. I look forward to having another person to speek to about this journey with tricuspid valve, since there really are not any other people I have... Read more.

Brenda Juniel

I will be getting the Edwards Aortic Valve!