Got a call from my surgeon today about my heart muscle condition

[DavidC]

Got a call today from my surgeon. He let me know that I'll need surgery within the month. I had seen another surgeon previously but felt like I needed to see this guy. He seems better not only in qualifications but seems humble and willing to explain every last detail. Today he called to tell me that I need to pick a date this month.

I had already been aiming for Jan 4 with the last surgeon I saw but now I feel like it can't come soon enough.

The doc told me my heart muscle is wearing out due to the severity of the leak. I didn't press him on how much. He said with the replacement it should stop degrading and may even get a little better. I guess that's where my recent symptoms are coming from is not the leak or the aorta but my heart muscle wearing down. (was asymptomatic with 4.6 aorta and moderate/severe leak)

Basically I wish now I'd had the op last year when I was feeling great.

Anyway so my date with destiny will probably be Jan 4 or Jan 6. Doc will call me back tomorrow to hear what I've decided.

He normally likes to put in St Judes but I'd hoped to get the better shaped graft that has the "sinus" area like the real thing. Also hoped to get the On-X valve but now I bet there won't be time.

For some reason the news about my heart muscle seems almost as bad as the original news about needing surgery.

Any thoughts?

David

 

[Debrinha GT]

New Year approaching!

New Year approaching!

Hi there David, it will be new year in just over an hour here in Brazil and the weather is lovely. I just thought I'd write to tell you I'll be praying for you and also wish you a very happy New Year with your new valve whatever choice you make. Take care and God bless!
Débora from Brazil

 

[KathyH]

David,
Often, when you have a bad valve the heart enlarges from the increased workload of the heart. Many times after surgery, the heart goes back to it's normal size - this may be what your Dr was talking about. Do your homework on the valves and ask to talk to your Surgeon before your surgery date. Everyone has their opinion on what is best for them and you need to be happy with what you get. Good Luck with your surgery, keep us posted on how you are doing.
Kathy H.

 

[gijanet]

David, sorry about the news............

David, sorry about the news............

but, as Kathy said, the heart muscle might not be permanently damaged, so try not to worry about the unknown - easier said than done, I know! We have been doing monthly echoes (well, we took a break Dec.) since Katie's repair went south on us to monitor for signs of enlargement. We go back Jan. 2oth to see if we can buy another couple of months before replacement.

You know I have been following your posts since we are sort of in the same boat with the carbomedics/on-x controversy. Please let us know how you are doing and when your surgery will be. Sending hugs and prayers.

 

[Granbonny]

David

David

When is your surgery? Today, is the 4th and thursday the 6th...Let us know..Bonnie

 

[kimmychesh_1]

Dr. Doty

Dr. Doty

Based on your geography, I'd recommend a consult with Dr. Don Doty, one of the most respected and experienced heart surgeons in the country.He is in Salt Lake City at LDS Hospital.

Hello Adonis -

Sounds like you know your valves. I would be interested to know Dr. Doty's name so I can look him up and will probably be researching vavle types in the near future. Thanks for the tip.

David C. -

Today is the 13th. If you have had your surgery I hope all went well. I'll check on the Post Surgery thread for your results if any. God bless.

Kim Cheshire
in SLC