2001 Honda Accord Check Engine Computer Code: 1491

I have had no problems with my 2001 Honda Accord EX-V6 until 2 weeks ago when the "Engine Check" and oddly the "TCS" warning lights came on. I have always had my oil changed(5W-20 as recommended in the owner's manual) every 3,000 miles. When I called one Honda Specialist he told me that recently he had about 10 customers in the last 8 days that complained of the same "Engine Check" light, slight or medium rough idling of the engine when waiting at a stop light or in a parked position. He asked me if I felt a slight vibration on the brake pedal when I was sitting still and my answer was "yes "and that I could hear the engine's rough idling from behind the steering wheel. The engine sounds normal(smooth) when I am standing outside the car. He contributed to myself and the others as somehow getting "bad fuel" in the past few weeks. He recommended that I put some "Gumout" or other valve cleaner in my gas tank and blow/run it out until the valves clears. He said that it should be a minor engine problem. I tried the "Gumout" and my car idles a little better at times but the problem is still there. I went to a mechanic I knew(he basically works on American made cars mostly, and he was the person who ran the diagnostic and the "Engine Code was 1491: EGR compression lifting at 50% or something to the such". He took off the EGR valve and ran a large "tie strap/blew air through the right opening and his son said that he could feel the air expelling from the exhaust pipe. When my mechanic ran the "tie strap" through the right opening he said that he could not get it all the way through because of the way the compartment curves, but he did feel the air coming out of the "add engine oil" opening as well as the Air Filter. He reset the computer and I drove home about 15 miles with a smoother ride and no rough idling. After stopping at a store for about 15 minutes and upon leaving the engine light came on again and the rough idling returned. I called him back and my mechanic's son told me that he will order a new EGR Valve for me and that I could come in one day next week(they are really busy at this time) for them to put on the new one. I just want your opinion on if this could be the problem or if this particular problem will damage my engine. I am a divorced mother of a young daughter and I have very limited funds during this economic crisis. I am very scared because a few years ago I spent over $4800 having a low mileage engine put in a Honda Prelude SI after the former engine threw a rod-- only to have the replacement engine do the same after 2 years. I do not have the funds for any major repair(s), but I am planning on having the "timing belt, fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs" changed in February 2008 after I hopefully get a tax refund. I would rather trade this car in(I still owe $5000) for a new vehicle if you think there is anything major going on here(although I'd rather be free of car payments soon) than to waste money on a future diaster. Now, you may understand my fear of the unknown. Should I be fearful or not? I would greatly appreciate any professional mechanical advice regarding my current engine problem and the least expensive way to resolve it. I value second opinions.

Thanks..........