Doc from Philly called!!

[nebtargh]

Hey everyone,

I just got a call from the heart surgeon from Philly. He looked over my echo that my cardiologist sent him and told me himself that I can't wait till Jan. to get my TEE. He wants to see me right away because the regurgitation is quite severe. I don't understand because I have no symptoms. Well it looks like I'm off to see the Wizard next week. I 'll keep you guys posted. Take care everyone.

Al

 

[Sandy SHields]

Good luck next week I WILL keep you in my prayers and hope things go grood for you

 

[Marty]

Hey everyone,

I just got a call from the heart surgeon from Philly. He looked over my echo that my cardiologist sent him and told me himself that I can't wait till Jan. to get my TEE. He wants to see me right away because the regurgitation is quite severe. I don't understand because I have no symptoms. Well it looks like I'm off to see the Wizard next week. I 'll keep you guys posted. Take care everyone.

Al

Mitrals are very sneaky. If you wait till you get symptoms the heart may be so badly damaged that valve replacement doesn't help much. Another reason to operate early is to increase the chance for repair.

 

[afraidofsurgery]

symptoms, schmimptoms

symptoms, schmimptoms

The presence or absence of symptoms is only one of the many issues that go into deciding whether or not replacing the valve is necessary.

Severe regurgitation translated means the valve is 'wide open' and not functioning. Your heart may be getting by OK for the short term, but in the long term replacing the valve before heart muscle damage occurs is essential - or, the valve gets replaced but the heart is already 'kaput'.

A friend of mine had an infection of his aortic valve but wasn't aware of it until 2 years later when his heart rate accelerated to 172 bpm, then the valve damage was discovered. In the meantime, his heart muscle was damaged and although his valve was repaired (he's in Germany), he is not altogether healthy and perhaps will never be.

Don't worry, sounds like you're catching your problem early and can take corrective action (ie, surgery).

Patty

 

[Adrienne]

I had severe mitral regurgitation with no symptoms. I am very lucky that it was able to be repaired (although it was more complicated than most repairs). With 20/20 hindsight and having read a lot on the Internet, I say get it done NOW.

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you have a surgeon that is on top of this and will get you fixed before you have symptoms and more damage- sending best wishes your way for your appointment with the surgeon!

 

[Katlee]

Doc from Philly called

Doc from Philly called

I wish you luck with your visit to Philly; no symptoms, lucky you.

 

[susieq14]

Al,
Sorry for the scary phone call. Good luck with your surgeon appointment next week. I'll be watching to see what is decided for you as I have a leaky mitral valve as well without any symptoms and my cardio is a little nonchalent about it.

Take Care!
Susie