Final results from Dr Pettersson.

[Hot Rod Harry]

I went in for my pre op test results. The condensed: I have a mild enlargement of the heart, that is is expected to return to normal after recovery. My mitral valve is "moderately severe" 3-4, closer to 4. The RN in layman terms, says the mitral valve is leaking very bad.

Dr Pettersson states the same thing, but threw a twist into the discussion. I listened to his opinion, that the condition is a genetic weakness of the valve, which may have been worsened by age or sickness. He asked what I would like him to do, I said fix me..

I was already, and still am set on getting a mechanical valve, however Dr Pettersson says that he would like the option to repair the "repair" which was done 3 years ago. That took me back for a moment.. How do I tell the best surgeon no?

I made it clear that my first choice is to replace with a mechanical, but that I respect him enough to give him the option to choose what he feels is best, and longer lasting than 3 years.. He said "I wont know until I get in there, and you wont know until you wake up". I had to laugh.

He stated that he would do the mechanical valve if I was firmly set on that. I may change my mind on that, because I dont want to go through this ever again. I really would like to hear some opinions on that. I think I'd be less stressed knowing that it was done right with the mechanical, and peace of mind for the next 30 years. I'm trying to stay open minded, but I cant help but have fears.

We did decide that my valve of choice would be the OnX valve. I'll put up a different post in the valve section.

Opinions appreciated on the repair or replace debate. Surgery date is Mon June 15th, so, only 4 days.

 

[Tbone]

I hope all goes well for you. I wish for you to have a smooth surgery & a fast recovery. Good luck & God Bless.

 

[ponytaila1a]

Harry....I had "no decision" my surgeon told me up front a repair was the most likely....but I see what you are saying about the "over and done with".......did Pettersson say why the repair may work this time, but did not work last time?

 

[escargome]

Harry,
My vote would be to go for the mechanical. No guarantee on how long the repair might last and then back to surgery you go? No Thank You. I think your way of thinking would be peace of mind for you. In any case, good luck to you on the 15th.

 

[WayneGM]

I left it up the my surgeon and he repaired it. No complaints 2.5 years out. Do what you are comfortable with. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Whatever you decide best wishes and good luck.

 

[Superbob]

I can't offer you an answer but I do offer best wishes and prayers. I am sure you and your great surgeon will come up with the best plan. Godspeed!

 

[Philip B]

Choice

Choice

Hi Harry,

From what you said, it sounds like your surgeon gave you a choice. You did say something about his comment to respect your choice if you preferred a new valve over another repair job.

If you feel better about having the valve replaced, you need to express this to your surgeon. There's nothing wrong with advocating for yourself and it sounds like you've got a surgeon who will listen to you. Have a conversation with him!

-Philip

 

[Taysgrama]

Hi Harry - glad to hear that you have a surgeon that listens to you. I was not given the choice of a repair or replacement so I can't answer regarding that. But, after having OHS once, I would probably go for the replacement so I had less of a chance of having it repaired again.

Good luck with your decision and make sure you or someone else lets us know that you came through surgery ok, please?!

 

[Eva]

Harry....I had "no decision" my surgeon told me up front a repair was the most likely....but I see what you are saying about the "over and done with".......did Pettersson say why the repair may work this time, but did not work last time?

I would ask him the same question as above just out of curiousity and for peace of mind to help you make a better decision. If you go with a repair, have plan B on mind clear between the two of you.

Good luck.

 

[Bear72]

I think the key here is you don't want to go through this again. We all know the surgeon understands leaps and bounds more than us, but can he guarantee the repair will last? IMO, go with your gut.

 

[Hot Rod Harry]

I would ask him the same question as above just out of curiousity and for peace of mind to help you make a better decision. If you go with a repair, have plan B on mind clear between the two of you.

Good luck.

Dr Pettersson did not say that he thought a repair would be successful, he just wanted the option to judge, once he got in there, weather a repair was a possibility, then the plan B would be the OnX.

I've spoken with 3 dr's while there at the CC, and all of them were astonished that I was was returning for a re op after only 3 years. They all asked if the first was done there at the CC. I've gotten a CLEAR indication that the first surgeon botched the job, and should have had a plan B then. 2 dr's stated that I should have came there to the CC the first time, with one dr flat out saying the first surgeon screwed it up, both on the repair and by not having a plan B to go to when he "discovered" that the valve damage was "worse" than he thought. I'm not going to linger on that, as it doesn't help the present situation.

Back on track... I'm discussing this with my family, and friends. They know the worry wart that I have become, living the last 3 years knowing that my valve was still leaking, and that I would once again, soon need another repair or replacement. This has put such a grip on my life, I've had to limit my activities, to the point where my quality of has been hindered. If my family & friends can see this, without my being vocal about it, then I'm lead to believe that my feelings about the situation are real, and not perceived.

I'm speaking today with some medical professionals, who are also friends. I'll listen to their opinion, and make a decision.

I can tell you that I know a "repair" cant guarantee that I would not have to go in again in another 3 years, or even 10 years. My gut instinct, is to go with the mechanical, and have peace of mind that I wont have that valve leaking, and I wont have to go through that again.