cherylchapa
Well-known member
Hi friends. Last week Chris went in for a catheterization to place a stent in the left pulmonary artery and maybe get a Melody valve. Well, he got the valve! We are so glad that it was the right time to do it.
We had a different cardiologist than we usually go to do it on our regular guys recommendation. We were a bit nervous because we weren't really all that familiar with this doctor. We knew he would do a good job, we just didn't have a rapport. But that all changed when we got to the cath lab and Our regular cardiologist was there to assist and observe. He cleared an entire day's schedule to be there for us!
So this doesn't mean he will never have another OHS. Because the Melody valve goes inside the ring of the old valve and this size is not going to cut it as he gets bigger, the next one will be OHS. But we can be fairly well assured that it won't be until he is fully grown. So we're looking at 6-8 years or so if the valve lasts that long. Of course, we don't know how long they last because they have only been around for about 3 years. BUT the valve itself is one that has been used in OHS replacements for many years and should hold out for at least 8-15 years.
Chris feels great heart-wise. He did catch a cold with a pretty nasty cough which prompted a chest x-ray and a trip to the cardiologist. But it was clear and he has been allowed to take cough meds for it.
Thanks for all the support along the way. So glad to have this forum!
We had a different cardiologist than we usually go to do it on our regular guys recommendation. We were a bit nervous because we weren't really all that familiar with this doctor. We knew he would do a good job, we just didn't have a rapport. But that all changed when we got to the cath lab and Our regular cardiologist was there to assist and observe. He cleared an entire day's schedule to be there for us!
So this doesn't mean he will never have another OHS. Because the Melody valve goes inside the ring of the old valve and this size is not going to cut it as he gets bigger, the next one will be OHS. But we can be fairly well assured that it won't be until he is fully grown. So we're looking at 6-8 years or so if the valve lasts that long. Of course, we don't know how long they last because they have only been around for about 3 years. BUT the valve itself is one that has been used in OHS replacements for many years and should hold out for at least 8-15 years.
Chris feels great heart-wise. He did catch a cold with a pretty nasty cough which prompted a chest x-ray and a trip to the cardiologist. But it was clear and he has been allowed to take cough meds for it.
Thanks for all the support along the way. So glad to have this forum!
