Atrial Myxoma

[Helene Smith]

Has anyone had the operation for Atrial Myxoma?? I have a tumor in my left ventricle which has to be removed. The doctor told me that these tumors are 95% benign. I would like to hear from someone who has had this operation. I have a lot of anxiety. I also would like to know if it is removed by laser or by cutting it out and how long the operation takes.

Thanks

 

[Nancy]

Hi Helene-

Welcome to this terrific site. Helene is a friend of my family. She's got an unusual condition, but it fits right in with the type of procedures this site deals with.

You'll love all the wonderful caring people here, Helene. I'm not sure how many others here have had this problem or know anyone who has, but we'll all be there for you to help and support you through your pre op, surgery and post op phases.

If you have any information on your condition and it's surgical resolution, maybe you can share it and we can learn from you as well.

I hope you take some time to look around this site and read some of the personal stories and many of the posts. There are many, many brave people represented here. They've all come out winners and so will you.

Hope to see you here often.

 

[Nancy]

I found this description of cardiac myxoma, for those who'd like to read about it.

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic186.htm

 

[hensylee]

Welcome, Helene. I have not heard of this before. Sounds ominous, doesn't it. But you say it is benign and that's good. We are here to support so you just wander around the site, get to know us. We're a pretty good bunch of people. God bless

 

[ALCapshaw]

Hello Helene,

While your heart ailment is different from most of ours, I expect the pre-op anxiety and the post-op recovery are pretty much the same.

First, know that the success rates for heart surgery are very high and that there are many thousands of survivors leading healthy and productive lives.

Second, I recommend you brouse through the Personal Stories section of this site as well as the Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery sections of the Forum to see how others have felt and coped with their surgeries.

Best wishes,

'AL'

 

[Nancy]

Hi Helene-

Just wondered how you found out about your tumor. Did you have any symptoms prior to the discovery? And do you now?

Are any tests scheduled for you?

When you get a surgical date, let me know and I'll put it on the calendar so we can keep track of it.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi helene!
welcome to this site. everyone here is so wonderfully supportive.
i'm sorry i can't help with your atrial myxoma, but i'm sure others will come along and know more.
you must be very frightened. many of us have been in a similar position, so we can truly relate to
how you must be feeling.
i, too, would be interested in finding out how you discovered this? what tests have you had?
what do the docs say?
please let us know.
stay well, sylvia