Hello Everyone

[fisher6476]

Greetings everyone. Here is an update. I am scheduled to see surgeon on Nov. 6th. I assume it is then that I will get first real "feel" for what this particular surgeon is going to suggest in terms of type of valve and give me more detail as to the proceedure. Kathy H had asked about the size of my anyuerism and if I understood correctly it is 4.5 cm. I understand that at 5 cm you have a real time bomb? The doctors at Mid Ohio Heart Clinic have given me the ok to go back to work as long as I am not doing any heavy lifting and I use my head. I am the general manager of a Recreational Vehicle Dealership in Galion Ohio and being able to be back at work certainly helps. I have spent some time on this site and it is wonderful. Any advice I can get prior to my first visit with the surgeon would be appreciated. Also I have not seen much on the site about the financial implications of this situation ( how to deal with insurance,etc.) and any helpful hints would be appreciated. I feel like I have comne to grips with the fact that I am going to have to go through this. I am kind of in limbo right now, not really fearful or overly worried, but I also think that after my visit with the surgeon and getting a date to do the proceedure that the "reality" will hit home and the way I feel will probably change.
The big surprise to me as I have gone through a lot of the threads here is the number of people who have opted not to have a mechanical valve, knowing that they probably will have to go through this trauma again in the future! If am undestand correctly most people make that decision based on having to be on blood thinners. Some feedback here would be helpful.
Thank you all for caring! It has meant a lot to me so far, and I have the suspicion you all will mean a lot more to me in the upcoming weeks
By the way, my screen is fisher 6476. My real name is Steve.
I look foreward to reading your thoughts

 

[Ross]

Hi Steve

I'll be the first to tell you that while you may be able to go through this surgery more then once, I certainly would not recommend it. I'd say go with mechanical, hope it's the only one you'll ever need and don't let the mythology about Coumadin sway your decision. That's my opinion, but some people want to have a tissue valve. They're guaranteed another surgery done the road. To me, that's unwise as each surgery is going to get riskier and riskier.

As for your insurance, what do you have and what do you need help with?

 

[Kathy]

Also I have not seen much on the site about the financial implications of this situation ( how to deal with insurance,etc.) and any helpful hints would be appreciated.

I always call and verify that any procedure has been approved by the insurance. They probably think I'm a pest. Oh, well...

 

[bvdr]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the update. Factor into your decision making that before long there is probably going to be a drug that replaces coumadin with the effectiveness of coumadin but without some of the hassles of close monitoring.

I have been on coumadin for several months now and my level is now staying in range and things have become rather routine. I have a mechanical valve and like the feeling that I may never need another heart surgery (although in life there are no guarantees). There is no guarantee however that if you get a tissue valve that you will not end up still needing coumadin.

Valve choice is a very personal matter and fortunately we live in a time where there are choices that can be made. I wish you well as you consider what choices are out there for you.

 

[hensylee]

The doctor's office should have checked into your insurnce by now and know what the insurance will pay - ask them. The hospital always verifies that you have coverage, too. Check with them, too before your procedures to be sure all is covered. I never even got a bill from anyone - others in here have, tho. They'll be along soon to tell you.

 

[Bob]

Coumadin is a non problem. No more so than taking an aspirin every day. My hobby is wood carving and I stab myself at least twice a week. No problem with bleeding. Financial? Check and recheck with your insurance company the DR. and Hospital. It is such a confusing mess it is hard to understand. So far (10 months) the only surprise was a $170 bill. Probably my fault for not checking with my cardio as to his coverage. Just climb over the mountain and you will be fine.