Advise and suggestions please.

[BionicBob]

One More Thought

One More Thought

Bon,

Good luck with your surgeon's visit tomorrow. I had an added thought: My cardiologist, who has followed my condition very closely, thought the time for surgery for me had come a year ago, just before Christmas. But the surgeon said no let's follow it closely for a while longer; the time is not quite yet. When I went back for a follow-up echo this December, the cardiologist was more certain than ever. The surgeon was initially cautious again. But then I had a catherization a few days later, and the two agreed that I should go ahead with the operation. The leaky valve had become considerably leakier, and there was further enlargement of the root.

I'd advise you to ask lots of questions. I forget if you mentioned this, but have they scheduled you for a cath? That's not a lot of fun but it's not too bad and it gives a clearer picture of what's going on.

I know, the waiting is agony. But we are blessed to have a lot of people thinking of us and praying for us and offering lots of first-hand insights.

Bob

 

[Bionic Man]

I didn't have symptoms but needed surgery

I didn't have symptoms but needed surgery

I had nothing really to report to the doc except that my activity level was gradually decreasing.

I thought sugery would be a waste since I couldn't imagine feeling any better. Boy, was I wrong!

I've had sugery now and I feel great! I dislike my mechanical valve but I have to say I feel a world of difference. Not to mention that my doctor said that my valve was infinitely worse than what the echo's had shown. Basically I could have died at any time.

I had an AVR and aortic root replacement (significant portion). I had a great experience. Surgery wasn't as bad as what I thought and I find myself missing the pampering I got in the hospital.

My only wish is that I had had this done last year before my heart muscle started to decline in function.

David C