Have an appt with the Surgeon

[ottagal]

Well...I had the cardio appt. today and it was pretty short and sweet . Basically, the cardiologist said that he has booked an appt. for me to meet with the surgeon next Tuesday. His words based on this echo results are "the valve is tight and the gradients are high". Now is the time...

So, you were all right and it was as I had suspected. In some ways, I am feeling a bit relieved. At least I don't have to drive myself nuts trying to figure out what a symptom is and what a symptom is not!

They are hoping to get me into surgery by mid next month and absolutely no exercise other than walking now! That is going to be a hard one.

Thank you everyone for all your support and input. You are the best! I guess I will be as Bina said 'jumping in the pool to join other VR ppl soon'.

 

[Bina]

I'm glad that your cardio has taken action, valves can start to degrade quickly, and there is no point in delaying any longer. Also, the restriction to only walking is a wise one. Try not to worry, we all have so much experience to share with you. We won't let you down.
Don't you look forward to posing in a Tawdry silk shirt??

 

[escargome]

Well it is a relief to hear that you are finally going to get your heart fixed. I know you have been in limbo for a while. Please keep us posted as time and energy permits.

 

[Eva]

OH! what a relief, Ottawagal! So, whatever your were complaining from were real symptoms not imaginary and this by itself is a big relief!! Will continue praying for you, friend, and we look forward to a 'silky tawdry shirt', as Bina said.

 

[zipper2]

Oh great you will sail the ship we did and you won't regret this
one bit,the sooner the better cus it only gets you feelin worse
if not looked after,Glad you have an appt and things are getting
looked after for you quickly.God Bless

zipper2 (DEB)

 

[netmiff]

wow, that is quick! good luck with surgeon! sounds like you could be in, done and out by the time I get my cast off lol

 

[ottagal]

Thanks everyone and a quick coagucheck question

Thanks everyone and a quick coagucheck question

Thanks so much everyone for the vote of confidence. I am feeling a little shell-shocked as well. I wasn't expecting the surgical appt. to have been pre-booked! But, as you said, better to get the show on the road.

I did ask the cardio about home testing (in case I choose mechanical) and he does not have any patients who do this. The hospital has a coagulation clinic that patients go to. Anyhow, he seemed somewhat open to discussion around home testing.

What do you suggest I do to ensure that I would be able to go this route if I choose a mechanical valve and want home testing? Seeing that I will no longer be seeing the cardiologist until post-op, do I bring it up with my GP or the surgeon next week? By the way, the surgeon is going to decide whether I get an angiogram or CT.

Thanks so much!!! Appreciate you all!

 

[Bina]

Re: Coaguchek
I know for sure that there is someone in Ottawa doing it, another in Kingston, and a few others (including me).
You could easily call the sales rep in Montreal, I think I gave you the 1-800 number, and they will tell you who else has the monitor in your area.
Actually I will PM you with some additonal info.
In my case, my GP wrote out the prescription for the monitor, then I called the pharmacy to order it.
Within 2 weeks I had the monitor, pharmacist showed me how it works, and that was it.

Angio/CT----even though I was young and with no cholesterol issues, I had an angiogram 10 days before surgery.
It confirmed that my arteries were good, but my aorta root was dialating.

 

[Cris N]

Glad to hear that you now have a date - I'm sure you'll be happy to get this behind you and get on the road to recovery.

 

[Freddie]

You have a date!
So, from now till then relax. Remember one day at a time. You be just fine.

BTW, I have a pretty good feeling you will have no problems getting a home monitor. Know your stuff and be confident......that's what I did this morning and got over my first hurdle.
Take care and be good to yourself okay?

 

[COLLEEN S]

Make sure you go in with a list of questions. Take someone with you to hear what you miss. Write down the answers. Come back and let us know what the surgeon says.

 

[Megan]

yay! and not along time til surgery either so you are on your way to putting this all behind you. so glad for you.

 

[MissMelis]

Glad that you will not have to be in the waiting room anymore! It's scary, but we're all here to help and support. You'll make it through fine.

 

[ponytaila1a]

Glad to hear the waiting is nearly over. I second the motion to take a tablet and pen with you. Have a list of questions for the surgeons and anyone else you see. As everyone here will tell you ..waiting is the worst part.

 

[ottagal]

I can't thank you all enough for the support!