Have a surgery date

[carista]

Well I've gotten a date for December 20th and was a little suprised by it. I thought I wouldn't be having surgery for another year or two but my valve gradient doubled in just six months so the surgeon said it would be best to operate. I'm waiting for that relief to come like everyone else says I guess I am a little relieved but I'm extremely nervous about it also. There is a chance I will be moving the surgery up a week or two but haven't decided yet. I'll know for sure by monday. He told me he could get me in as early as next week, which my husband and mom are trying to get me to do, but I want a little more time than that at least to prepare. So it looks like i'll be recovering for my birthday and christmas...oh well I'll be relieved at least hopefully, as long as everything goes well.

I've been having the hardest time in the world making up my mind about tissue or mechanical and have changed my mind at least 10 times, but I think I've finally decided on tissue because of the fact that I haven't had children yet. This way I'll at least still hopefully be able to have children. I'm already NOT looking forward to a guaranteed second operaton though! Sheesh - why can't there just be a perfect valve??

One more thing - has anyone had surgery by Dr. Sundt at Mayo Clinic? I know there are quite a few people here who've has surgery at Mayo so it would be nice if I could find someone that had Dr. Sundt and their experiences.

Thank you all so much for listening and especially for being here so that I've had the chance to learn as much as I have. I'm sure I would be freaking out even more if not for finding you guys! You guys are all the best!

Carista

 

[geebee]

Carista,

Of course you have to feel you're ready for surgery and no one can decide that but you. That being said, I tend to lean with your family about getting it over with ASAP. If you have surgery before December, you will be far enough from surgery to enjoy Christmas and even your birthday.

The other thing is you might find you are "prepared" much earlier than you expect and want surgery before Dec. 20th and it might be too late to reschedule. Then you have to deal with the waiting game which can be much, much harder than thinking you are rushed.

Just a couple of thoughts from an "old pro".

I also agree with you about the tissue valve since children are still a consideration for you.

Whatever you decide, I wish you well.

 

[hensylee]

you won't be our first member to have it at Christmastime. Mayhap that's a good time because most don't elect at that time of the year because of all the busyness. Everybody wants to be home. To me, it's maybe the best time because the hosp staff won't be as hurried as usual. Good luck and keep us posted.

Bet your mom is a good cook and will make you a fab Christmas dinner.

 

[Mary]

Carista,
I'm glad you've got a date even though it was a surprise.
I'm like Gina; I'd prefer to get it over and not go through the waiting, but I'm not the one having the surgery--thank Goodness!
No matter when it is done, we'll all be here waiting to hear the good news when it's over.

 

[susieq14]

Hello Carista,

We've never officially met - I've been lurking for a long time - but I wanted to offer you my warmest thoughts and prayers as you begin to get ready for your surgery. Good luck making a decision whether to move it up. I wish you peace as you deal with all that you need to do.

 

[KristiinSD]

Good luck with the waiting...

Good luck with the waiting...

and the surgery. I think going tissue is a great idea for you because of the child-bearing issues and the fact that heart surgery is a rapidly changing area. Who knows how they will be doing it when you need a replacement? I think cracked sternums are quickly becoming a thing of the past; at least that's my read of the literature.

Kristi
mr
surgery 11/30

 

[carista]

Thank you all very much for the well wishes. I need 'em right now. I definately think I'll be moving my surgery date up cause I don't think I can stand this for a month! I will be calling on Monday to change the date and I'll let everyone know what the new date will be.

Thank you all!
Carista

 

[Karlynn]

I had a similar experience 14 years ago. I went in to see the surgeon and he said he could do it the next week. Or I could wait a while. I chose the early date. I was so busy getting things prepared at home that I didn't have much time to think and stew about it.

Carista, if you do it soon, then your birthday and Christmas should be a little more enjoyable. You will be recovering, but you will also the hardest part of the recovery over with.

 

[Phyllis]

Wishing you the best of luck, Carista and I agree and hope that you are at peace with your decision soon.

 

[Christian]

Please take this all with a grain of salt, as it's only my opinion, but:

1. My wife had her surgery on November 1 and has essentially recovered fully from the ordeal (it's now November 20). Our Thanksgiving will hopefully be totally "normal," and that's a huge plus for all of us. You're even younger than Jill and will likely recover quickly; if you can schedule your surgery early enough to have a "normal" Christmas, I bet you and your family won't regret it.

2. If I had a choice between giving up my son or having one heart surgery per year for the next ten years and enduring the associated risks, I'd take my son. And I never had the slightest idea that I'd feel that way until I had a baby (I didn't even want kids at all until about three years ago). If you even think you *might* want to have a baby, go tissue. You'll thank yourself a billion times after that baby is in your arms.

 

[Curtsmum]

All the best of luck Paula x

 

[carista]

Ok, I changed my surgery date to December 8th. I had to stare at the phone for about 20 minutes before I did but, but at least it's done. I really didn't want to be in the hospital during Christmas. Plus I'm driving myself nuts. I can't think about anything else, I just want it over with.

Christian - Thats exactly what I'm thinking right now and why I'm going to go with tissue. I think chances are pretty good I am going to want a kid sometime, I'm just not ready yet. (By the way you guys are the cutest couple with the cutest kid ever!!) I'm happy everything went well for you guys.

Thank you so much everyone for your help and encouragement!

Carista

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you decided to get it over with before the holidays Carista and I put you on the calendar for December 8th. Also think you made a wise choice in going for a tissue valve. Wishing you the best and I know you will be home recuperating and having a Merry Christmas!

 

[Karlynn]

I think you'll be relieved to not have to wait past 12/8 by the time you get to that date.

Now take the opportunity to really spoil yourself before the surgery. It's the best excuse you'll ever have!

 

[Mary]

Yes, I agree there's no sense driving yourself crazy waiting once you know you have to have it done.
I about lost my mind during my wait, but of course, it didn't have too far to get lost.

 

[djexec]

Carista,
Best wishes to you for a quick and speedy recovery. I received my surgery date last week & unfortunately, my surgeon cannot do it until January 18. I had hoped to get it over with this year but apparently thats not going to happen. Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday & try to relax as much as possible. Also, regarding nutrition prior to surgery, I just ordered a couple cases of Novartis Impact, it is a nutritional drink that contains L-arginine, Omega 3 fatty acids & RNA. It is supposed to help prepare the body for surgery and aid in fighting infection. I read an article by a Dr. Alan Gaby... here is the link:

http://www.emersonecologics.com/Newswire.asp?id=58


Heres a Happy Turkey Day link for you as well...

http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/view.pd?i=382219626&m=1652&r

Take care & God Bless...
deane

 

[carista]

Carista,
Also, regarding nutrition prior to surgery, I just ordered a couple cases of Novartis Impact, it is a nutritional drink that contains L-arginine, Omega 3 fatty acids & RNA. It is supposed to help prepare the body for surgery and aid in fighting infection. I read an article by a Dr. Alan Gaby... here is the link:

http://www.emersonecologics.com/Newswire.asp?id=58


Heres a Happy Turkey Day link for you as well...

http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/view.pd?i=382219626&m=1652&r

Take care & God Bless...
deane

Hmm that's interesting I'll have to look into that Novartis Impact.

Thank you very much and I hope you all have a GREAT Turkey Day as well!

 

[MarkRose]

Good luck Carista!
I had my first AVR before Christmas, and left the hospital on Christmas Eve. Now I'm looking at my second surgery. I decided to wait until January, but I wish I had got it over with, too.
I've had my tissue valve for 14 years, no complaints. I have one son, 3 yrs old, and the pregnancy and birth were complication free. I'm a little stressed now because of the re-operation, but I wouldn't change the choice I made.
God bless and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Margaret

 

[Natanni]

Mayo

Mayo

Hi Carista!

Nathan had his aortic valve replaced at the Mayo in Sept, but not with Dr Sundt. If you have any questions at, feel free to PM!!!

Sorry to hear that your date crept up sooner than you thought, but once you make your valve decision, some of that weight will be lifted. Take care, and like I said, don't hesitate to ask questions!


Ann