Chest pain & choosing a surgeon

[rutho]

Yesterday I went to the Cardiologist because I have been having chest pain that has become more intense and frequent. I am on anti-anxiety drugs because I'm a worry-wart, so it seems like worry isn't the culprit. I have bicuspid valve, moderate to severe regurgitation, and an aneurysm of 4.6 X 4.95 (as of October of last year). I sleep all the time - have no energy.

The Cardiologist suggested pushing up the CT Scan to next week. He talked with me about surgeons and asked if I have chosen a surgeon.

I told the Cardiologist that Dr. Michael Sweeney who is in Houston would be my surgeon. I've met with Dr. Sweeney, respect him and trust him.

We live in Austin (3.5 hour drive to Houston). I have two small chldren and a very sweet husband. My parents live in Houston. The Cardiologist suggested I investigate having the surgery in Austin because of recuperation time and personal service. He said I'd be at my parents house for at least two weeks. He also said St. Lukes is a teaching hospital, so I may get alot of interns instead of my real surgeon.

I'd like to know if those of you who've been "over the mountain" have any advice. Would I feel better recuperating at home, or would I be so drugged up I would't care? I know it would be much more difficult on my family if I were in Houston, but good health care is the ultimate #1 factor.

My final question is, did anyone have constant chest pain, only to be told it's probably not your heart? I feel like I'm a walking time-bomb (especially since my Grandmother and cousin both died of cardiac problems at 38). I'm 40 years old.

Thank you for your help! This website is is so helpful!

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Rutho -

There certainly are advantages to having your surgery closer to home. I was two hours away from my hospital and doctors and the same distance now is three hours away because of the increase in traffic. The travel post-op was a bit of a chore, and actually delayed my being treated for a post-op complication because I just didn't want to drive back up to LA again.

But this is your heart and you want the surgery done right. So you have to be confident in your surgeon, based on his experience and results and such and you want to be in a good hospital also.

I didn't have constant chest pain pre-op; in fact I really didn't have any pain in my chest that I recall. I did have a recurring feeling of fullness and some recurring trouble getting full breaths and angina upon exertion, among other symptoms. But also, just because a doctor tells a person that it can't be so, that doesn't mean it isn't so. However, it seems your cardio is taking your symptoms and tests seriously, although that seems a pretty large aneurysm to wait until February from an October test. I was 42 when I had my bicuspid replaced; I have two children also but they're grown so I wasn't worried about my mother-role and the obligations of caring for them.

You shouldn't be so "drugged up" that you won't care where you are post-op but you won't be up for dealing with any stress or chaos either; for me, there's no place like home.

Keep posting and asking your questions.

 

[joanne6]

I agree that you need to consider both options. It is important to find a surgeon you really trust. I had a wonderful surgeon but saw him for only about a minute a day after the surgery while I was in the hospital. The nursing care is just as important after you leave the OR.
I could not imagine having been anywhere but in my own home after being discharged. I had purchased a very comfortable recliner just for this occasion. I spent the first 3 nights and part of each day sleeping in it. I could not lie in the bed even with many pillows.
The one drawback to being home is that I had way too much company the first few days and ended up back in the hospital. Again when I had to go back, I was only 20minutes away.
I know there are lots of folks on this site who did travel for their surgery and I am sure they will post to give you their perspective.
Whatever you decide-Good Luck. We will all be here for you.

 

[michellep]

Roth,
I was also diagnosed with severe regurgitation with a quad aorta valve and I had frequent chest pain. My surgeon finally explained it as this (and I hope that I explain it correctly):
When you are stressed or exercising, more blood is pumping through your heart, however your leakage causes there to be a reduced flow out of your aorta and into your arteries. Those arteries are not filling up to the capacity that they need to work properly. Hence, the chest pain.
You have a difficult decision. Being closer to your hospital/surgeon means if there are complications after the surgery, you can go back to the office easily. However, you want the best care possible .
You absolutely want to take the help of your parents, either by staying with them or having them come to your house to care for your children. Either way, you will be grateful. You can't care for yourself those first few days home.
Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

 

[Phyllis]

Dick traveled two hours to Boston for his surgery and I know there are many members of the forum who have traveled much further- some across the country. We traveled home by car with stops every hour to let him stretch and walk a bit. The important thing is to be happy with your surgeon and the hospital. It would be possible for you to drive or fly home after surgery, could entail just spending a few days with your family before being released to travel or could even be directly from the hospital. You will need to arrange to be turned over to a local cardiologist on your return home and will need to go back for a final release from the surgeon- usually in about 6 weeks. Even though it is a teaching hospital, you can ask that your surgeon is the one to perform the operation (which is probably most likely anyhow) and besides, teaching hospitals usually have the best care. Sounds to me like your cardiologist is protecting his own turf! Best wishes to you, no matter what decision you make.
Phyllis

 

[the art den lady]

I had chest pains for about 10 years or so. I stopped lifting heavy weights and the chest pains stopped. I lift no more than 30# now. I'm not sure if that helps.

Also was told it wasn't my heart.

-------------------------------------------------------

1995 - TIAs (mini strokes) started after birth of my daughter, Aspirin started.
1996 - BAV w/mild stenosis diagnosed.
2003 - PFO (hole in heart) fixed w/Amplatzer. 3 catheters up the legs.
2003 - FVL (clotting disorder) diagnosed, 10 mg daily Coumadin started.
2/16/07 - Surgery for BAV w/severe stenosis, Mechanical Valve, Dr. Suri, Mayo Clinic.

Expect the best. Prepare for the worse.

I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

"Life is great, life is grand. Life is like a rubber band." - Jackie Beach