First meeting with surgeon

[Coach Kilby]

OK, I've got my first meeting scheduled with the surgeon in two weeks

As of my last test, I had ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm of 4.5cm, Aortic Valve Area .9cm[SUP]2[/SUP], Peak Gradient 40mmHg, Mean Gradient 24 mmHg.

Besides the obvious question of "When do I get this done?", what other questions should I be asking at this time.

 

[The Thief]

would you like an audio recording of my first meeting with my surgeon? You could get some questions from it, and some comparative info from my surgeon. if so, what's you email?

 

[river-wear]

Be sure to check out the "sticky" thread in the pre-surgery forum.
http://www.valvereplacement.org/for...68-Pre-surgery-consultation-list-of-questions

 

[tom in MO]

I asked him his failure rate. He laughed and said he did not know, but he does about 100+ a year and only lost one patient due to complications and age (90+).

Ask him all your questions about tissue vs. mechanical. How many weeks he will authorize you to be off work. What brand of valve does he use and why.

 

[traveler]

I'd ask questions about expected stay & if my wife is welcome in the ICU after surgery. Also does he answer email questions and can you use your blood. How does he feel about valve repair in your case.

 

[ski girl]

Ask if you get the urinary catheter shoved in before or after they knock you out. That's what I was most worried about!

 

[Coach Kilby]

Met with my surgeon on Friday.

It was a very positive meeting and many of my questions were answered.

I will have to have aortic valve replaced and ascending aorta replaced with dacron graft - but not yet. Numbers don't indicate its time for surgery yet. So, I will have a CT scan done in May, monitor my BP and prepare for another football season.

The best outcome of the meeting is that I am very confident in my surgeon. That has put my mind at ease alot.

Thanks to everyone for your help. I am sure I will have more questions down the road.