Father's confusing pre-surgical course

[Jack's daughter]

Thanks to all the people who replied to my post about my father contemplating aortic arch aneurysm repair. It helped us both I think to gain confidence that surgery is the right choice. My dad has a surgery date of May 8th. Our current issue is that we just found out that his surgery will be done in 2 stages, which could possibly mean a second open repair within a 3 month time frame, with a complete nephrectomy in between. We are both feeling disappointed and a little overwhelmed with the thought of undergoing a second procedure. It is a lot to get a handle on. Has anyone here undergone a similiar procedure? His surgeon is Dr. Lars Svennson of the Cleveland Clinic. Thanks for any help. We were hoping by this point to have made a decision and to move forward in confidence (ie not researching any more), but this new information has thrown us for a loop!

 

[Phyllis]

I can't help you with your question except to say that your father is at one of the best facilities with one of the best doctors. I'm sure others will be along, but in the meantime, I put your Dad on the calendar.

 

[Philip B]

Stages

Stages

From your post, I don't know why your father is looking at a two stage type procedure.

One of the uncertainies I faced when I went into surgery involved how much of my aorta my surgeon would have to replace. His concern was that if the defective tissue associated with my aneurysm extended into the top of the arch he would have to change the procedures needed. This would have resulted in keeping me on the heart-lung machine for an extended period of time while his team waited to cool my blood enough to use an alternate procedure. Luck or fate played in my favor and he was able to use the intial procedure he had planned.

If your father hasn't asked his surgeon lots of questions, I would encourage him to do so. I would also encourage you to join him in this process if he is comfortable with you being there. OHS is a big deal. Having questions and concerns addressed by one's surgeon helps boost confidence for a positive outcome. My wife and I wrote a lengthy list of questions and took notes as my surgeon gave us the answers.

-Philip

 

[Curtsmum]

So sorry that you have to go through all that, sending hugs thoughts and prayers to you and your dad. Very best of luck

 

[MikeHeim]

I personally have never heard of this, but as Phyllis noted, Dr. Svennson is one of the most well-know surgeons in the country at the best heart facility in the country so I am inclined to believe there is a reason. Please call and try to get more information and try not to get discouraged if you have difficulties. As mentioned, you are going to one of the most in-demand surgeons in the US, and as such, you will probably have to sacrifice some of the personal touch that you would get at a smaller facility. You do, however, have a right to understand what is going on and have your questions answered.

 

[Ross]

Personally I think you should speak to the Dept Chairperson about it. I have no problem questioning even world reknowned surgeons on things like this.

 

[Jack's daughter]

Father's confusing pre-surgical course

Thanks for the input. Just wanted to let you know that finally after lots of confusing E-mails that didn't answer all our questions, I actually had a phone converstation with my father's Dr.'s coordinator. The operation is indeed in 2 stages--first elephant graft is done and then in 3 months or less a stent will be placed (hopefully if all goes as planned it will be in a less invasive manner than open surgery. If was very frustrating to have to break the news to my dad that it wasn't done all at once. However, I explained that the reason they do it in 2 stages is that in the mid 80's they attempted to do it in 1 stage, but it was way too risky--too many strokes, paralysis, death, etc., so they went back to 2 stages which has been much more successful. Obviously needing the 2 stages he has quite a bit of the aortic arch to be repaired. It is hard to feel that you're not pressing your luck to go through the 1st stage, total nephrectomy next, and finally the 2nd stage. I give him so much credit for facing this at 80 years old, but he says the risks of not doing anything are still the same--bad! I just hope that we can now readjust to this new surgical course and manage to get in a real positive frame of mind before surgery. He is an extremely active man--still working full time and traveling so he has a great outlook on life. Thanks for your help and wish us well! Julie

 

[Philip B]

Perspectives

Perspectives

My compliments to your father regarding his assessment of what he is facing. We often comment to new members here that the outcome of doing nothing is not positive. Your father has a good grasp of what is at stake. Hopefully, he'll come through this and do okay.

-Philip

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Nancy has mentioned on more than one ocassion how her husband Joe looked adversity square in the eye and took that "Leap of Faith", trusting his Doctor's to pull him through once again.

Through his own determination and Nancy's watchful eye and unbashful insistance, his Doctor's performed miracles time and time again.

Your father seems to have that same determination to do whatever it takes. Will your family members be there to keep the Doctor's and staff motivated to do their best throughout his ordeal as Nancy did for Joe?

I'm rooting for your dad. It sounds like he has his mind (and Heart - pun intended) in the right place.

Go For It !

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Jack's daughter]

father's upcoming surgery

father's upcoming surgery

Thanks again for your comments, and yes he is a pretty amazing man and is sure he'll be "clicking his heels" shortly after surgery. He has done well with any medical issues in the past(ie testicular cancer in 1979) and shocked Dr.'s with his quick recoveries. However, this will be a huge undertaking. Also, I will absolutely be with him throught this. I have been with him from the start (2 years ago in August) and have very much enjoyed the time with him, except for the circumstances of course. I'm actually a retired nurse-I have 6 children so I've been at home for about 15 years. My husband is wonderful as well as the kids so I will be free to be with my dad as long as I need to be. I also have 6 siblings, so we will definitely have a lot of support for my mom as well. I will go down to Cleveland on the 4th of May--pre-op tests, cardiac cath take place on 5th-7th, with surgery on the 8th. It's a tough week to come--at times scared to death, but also anxious to get this thing before it gets him. Thanks again for comments and support. Julie

 

[bbb]

Hi Julie,

Having had surgery with Dr. Svennson 5 months ago, I can say you are in the very, very best hands and putting total trust in the surgeon is a huge relief. I picked this surgeon because my partner's cousin is a retired heart surgeon who watched Dr. Svennson do a 13 hour heart surgery on a patient no on else would operate on years ago and the surgery was a great success. He said if he needed heart surgery, he would go straight to Dr. Svennson.

I also can tell considering your father's courage and strength, he will do very well with his recovery. A positive attitude in the patient, support from a loving family, a great surgeon and the patient and family's faith in the surgeon go a looooong way! All the best to your father, you and your family and keep us posted!

Betsy

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Julie - When I was reading this thread, I was thinking about Dr. Debakey's experience. There are a few threads here that discuss his experience. I think he was somewhere around 90 when he needed the OHS that he helped pioneer and here is one thread with information you and your dad may find encouraging: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24783&highlight=Debakey

Best wishes; hoping all goes well .

 

[Susan BAV]

Ooops. I was searching for another thread, specifically in regard to his heart surgery experience, and I saw that another member also thought to mention Dr. Debakey's experience to you in another thread.

But here's a different thread, originally posted well over a year ago, and primarily the one I was thinking of and well-worth the read: http://valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19129&highlight=Debakey