Cardiac Surgeon Consult today

[KathyH]

I finally took the advice of some of the members here- Ross & Al about seeing a surgeon sooner rather than later. My Cardio told me that no one would do surgery on me until my ascending aortic aneurysm was 5.5-6 cm and my aortic valve should last another 5 years.
My husband and I went to see Dr Cohn at Brigham & Womens in Boston to see what he had to say. He says I need surgery within the next 3 months. He said he may be able to fix my valve and he said I should have it done before I have permament damage to my heart. He said it is not an emergency, but I should not wait more that 3 months.
The Dr was said that the risk of surgery is 2% and the line of thinking to wait until 6 is the old way. He seemed quite upset that I was told that. He also noted that my stress test showed some changes on the EKG that indicate my coronary artery may not be getting enough blood when I exercise and it could lead to a heart attack!
If I hadn't found this site, I would have just gone along with what I was told. Thank you Hank for founding this site and thanks to Ross for butting the fear of having my aorta rupture.
I am still in shock about all of this.
Kathy H

 

[Nancy]

Good for you Kathy. You won't be having this thing hanging over your head any longer. Glad you made the big step.

 

[Bill Hall]

Kathy - I think you made a good decision. Not all cardiologists are that great and sometimes you find out a lot by getting an additional opinion. Good luck with the surgery. It is not really that bad, but definitely keeps your attention until you get past it.

 

[Heather Fisher]

Kathy,

I think you are on the right track now. Surgery is better sooner than later. We are all behind you! I know you are in shock. Many of us were too. I'm so glad I went ahead with mine. I probably could have waited longer, but I think I did much better just getting it done. Let us know your plans....

Heather

 

[Tom F.]

Its good you went to see someone else for another opinion. The sooner you get it fixed the more likely it is that perhaps they can repair your aortic valve, rather than replace it. An aneurysm in the ascending position pulls the value opening, making it larger, with the result that the value itself cannot work correctly. The longer this goes on the more soft tissue damage is done. If caught sooner it is more likely that a durable repair can be done.

 

[Kathy]

Kathy,

I needed surgery much sooner than my family physician had implied. Like you, I was shocked. Once I got used to the idea I was relieved that it was to be done sooner. I would be on the road to recovery that much sooner.

Brigham & Womens is a great hospital. My uncle had a quadruple bypass there in the 60's and they were considered cutting edge.

 

[tommy]

and he said I should have it done before I have permament damage to my heart. He said it is not an emergency, but I should not wait more that 3 months.

........is exactly what I was told. I was in surgery 5 weeks later. It was the right thing for me. Hope it goes well for you.

Brigham and Women's is #3 in the listing recently released by US Nesw an World as posted by extremlee just 2 days ago. Here it is again. http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/hosptl/rankings/specihqcard.htm

Possibly a repair? That's good news.

Keep your chin up.

 

[KathyH]

I am getting over the shock. Now I have just been crying all day. Thanks all your support.
Kathy H

 

[tommy]

Kathy,

Oh dear. That crying stuff is natural. Thanks for sharing. Keep on keepin' on.

 

[Nancy]

We're all here for you, Kathy. Keep coming on in and posting. The shock will wear off a little. Just keep thinking about feeling better and project ahead beyond your surgery and imagine yourself doing things you haven't been abe to do.

 

[catwoman]

Kathy:

The crying is perfectly normal. And you're doing the right thing about going to a 2nd cardio.
I walked out of the cardiologist's office, got into my car and started bawling. Then called my husband (he had originally planned to go with me, but I thought it unnecessary). Next, two friends in California. Told one that I didn't have time to have surgery, I had far too many things going on at the time.
She said I'd better have the surgery so I could keep things going on.
It took a couple of days for it to sink in. Remember telling my husband that I thought this was all a nightmare and that I'd wake up one morning and everything would be back to normal, like before.
I got through that, and the surgery.

And you will too.

 

[fisher6476]

BRAVO !
Congratulations on having enough courgage and intelligence to take responsibilty for your health. You will get through this and get past it BEFORE any more damage is done. You know we will be with you the rest of the way!
Steve

 

[KathyH]

I was surprised to hear they may be able to do a repair. I asked him how long a repair will last, and he said if it don't last my lifetime, he won't repair it, he will replace it. Geez, I really though I would be in the waiting room for a long time yet . I think I will call tomorrow to tell him I want it done, I don't want this hanging over my head. I know it will take awhile to get everything in place. I have my 6month check up already scheduled for next month. My husband and I are leaving for Fl for 2weeks. I think maybe if I call before I leave, they can give me some idea when they would do it, then I won't constantly be thinking about it.
We are taking our 3 year old grand daugher to Disney
I have an dental appt already scheduled so that will work out good.
Kathy H

 

[mamsram]

good

good

Kathy, just take it one step at a time. It will all go like clockwork and be behind you. B+W is a great hospital in my book.

I will have you in my thoughts.

 

[bvdr]

Kathy,

I'm glad that you are going to soon get this behind you. Have a wonderful trip to Florida with your family. I have a grandson that is 3 and that is such a wonder-full age.

 

[Debrinha GT]

I too thank Hank for the site. A comfort to all in need.

 

[sassycat]

Reply to KathyH Cardiac Surgeon

Reply to KathyH Cardiac Surgeon

KathyH,
I am a brand new member of this wonderful forum and my first
post will be to tell you that I am 3 weeks Post-op from Mitral Valve
Repair w/ Cosgrove Ring performed by Dr. Lawrence Cohn at Brigham & Women's Hospital. If Dr. Cohn is making these recommendations-I'd listen. He is truly the best surgeon and you couldn't be in better hands. I was lucky enough that my Cardiologist pulled some strings and made the referral for Dr. Cohn.
Best Wishes.

 

[Nancy]

Hi sassycat-

Just wanted to welcome you to the site. It's a great place. You'll love it here.

Hope to see you posting often.