Aortic Valve regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm 2

[michael A]

hi ,
I am a new member.

I woke up tonight shaking for no reason. I didn't want to wake anyone so I decided to read some comments on this sight I found.

When I read Ricks post I thought he sounded like me. I just got back my CT scan and am a 4.8 cm with a Bicuspid aorta.
39 years and 2 girls.

My doctor said he would start thinking about options. I am somewhat freaked out about it. I guess we all have to face reality?
I am not doing so good at staying calm.
Rick your not alone. I can relate to how your feeling.
I have known about my valve problem a long time but nobody ever mentioned the dilation roulette thing until just recently.

Are you suppose to go with the doctor you know?Does anyone have any insight on that?

Mike from NewOrleans

 

[Ross]

Hi Mike and welcome aboard

Find a good Cardiologist and a great surgeon.

You'll need a surgeon who specializes in surgery of the ascending aorta. The main thing is to find one who has done lots of surgeries and has lots of experience in his field. Ask for some recommendations from your Doctor and go from there. You guys are certainly in danger for rupture, though yours isn't quite so bad. I hesitate to say that because yours is about the size mine was when it ruptured. I was 33 at the time, so this stuff knows no age limitations.

Read around and ask questions. We are here to help.

Again welcome aboard.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Mike-

welcome to the site.

You aren't alone with the anxiety. evereyone here understands what you mean when you say you're nervous about things.

It's a tough thing to have to face. But you have a whole site made up of folks who have had heart surgery, are facing it, or have loved ones who are in this situation.

My husband has had 3 valve surgeries, plus 2 lung surgeries.

If you do lots of reading on the site, you will find that your fears will start to diminish. It's a little tough at first, but gradually as you become accustoned to all the jargon and learn more about things, you will start to relax.

We're all here to help you, you're among friends. And every so often we have a little fun. There are light-hearted posts in the Small Talk section too.

Hope to see you here often.

 

[michael A]

Thankyou Ross and Nancy for your reply.

I never thought i would need support like this until the reality hits you.
One good thing, that I know, is the success rate is close to 93% and the surgeon that I am seeing has been doing this a long time.
He is sure the St. Jude valve is for me. and I think that is the conservative way to go. Should someone challenge this? I guess I always hoped for some new operation with no risk involved. but It looks like this could be sooner than i thought.

I worry about being to nervous before the operation. As, maybe that mind frame could somehow make it more difficult than it would be.

I want to get mentally ready for what may soon come.

Thanks

Mike

 

[Ross]

Mike you'll get varying opinions on what valve is best. I prefer mechanical because you really don't want to be doing this operation over and over again. Some folks regardless, want a tissue valve. Sometimes that can be done, sometimes not. You kind of have to look at all the things that you do and what you may be willing to adjust to. Each selection has it's pro's and con's, so the only wrong choice is to do nothing about the problem.

As far as mental anxiety. My friend I hate to say this, but your going to worry all the way up to operation day. The best thing you can do is to learn as much as you can about what's happening to you and why. This will ease your fears some. Just remember that there are all of us that have gone before you and there will be others after also. I would say the success rate is closer to 97% but what they've told you is reasonable. If worrying becomes an obsession, ask your Doctor for help. The hard part is accepting that you have no control over this and it's our nature to want to be in control. Once you let the control go and realize there isn't anything you can do to change it, you'll start to feel more at peace. Hope this helps some.

 

[Karlynn]

Mike,
Welcome! You've found your new best friend by finding this forum. There's comfort in surrounding yourself with people who know what your are speaking of because they have been through it, or are going through it. Don't hesisate to ask questions. There are many people that know a whole lot and have done their research.

God Bless,
Karlynn

 

[michael A]

Thanks for the advice Ross.

I do have trouble accepting that this is reality and only faith can bring us to peace. I do need to give the control to the professionals.

 

[DANIEL]

AVR - AAA

AVR - AAA

Had aortic valve replaced and ascending aneurysm taken care of this last July. The procedure is called Bental Procedure. 3 1/2 months later, I am doing better than ever. This procedure requries a skilled surgeon who has experience with this specific operation. Get info re all aspects - presurgery - surgery - post surgery and ask questions. Ask lots of questions - this forum is a great place to ask. I found the best way to remain focused and calm was to have as much knowledge as possible. You will do just fine.

 

[Arlyss]

Hi Michael,
Under Rick's thread I shared some information and links that may be helpful to you. I was so glad to read Daniel's post just now regarding his successful experience. I completely agree with his advice. There seem to be only a few "centers of excellence" in aortic surgery - and from what Daniel wrote, I suspect his care was provided by one of them. These centers take a comprehensive approach to this condition and are expert in its treatment. Best wishes in your search for help.
Arlyss

 

[DANIEL]

Success rate

Success rate

I was quoted by my cardiologist and the surgeon less than 2% failure rate for someone my age, just turned 50, and in otherwise good health.

 

[michael A]

Thanks for the information,

Question? If a surgeon has been around a long time and has alot of experience. Should I check anything or be concerned with the facility ( hospital ) he is affiliated with or just the surgeon himself.

This probably sounds like a stupid question. But I want to make a good decision on where I am operated on if needed.


Mike

 

[Ross]

Mike be concerned with both the surgeon and the hospital. One is only as good as the other. You can have a great surgeon and a really crappie hospital, things will not be good. Samething the other way around. I'm not saying that a smaller less known hospital is a bad thing, but some simply haven't kept up with newer technology which can affect your surgery as well as recovery. Scope them both out till you feel confident.

 

[michael A]

Thanks Ross,

You might not know what to tell me ? but how would i find out if the hospital has a good record. Maybe, it could be good for cardio.

I guess I could ask if anyone has had any experience in the New Orleans area?

 

[Ross]

You can check limited info at www.healthgrades.com There is another source, but it's a fee based report service, I don't think that's necessary.