Husband recently diagnosed with BAV/Aneurysm

[Chrystal]

Hello folks, found this site looking for info on DH's condition. He found out about this about 1 month ago. He has BAV and an ascending aortic aneurysm-5.6 cm. Had the echo, 2 CT's, a heart cath(no blockage), and a TEE to check the valve to verify if it was BAV. I'm pretty nervous about this surgery. But mainly b/c we've never been in this position. We are 37 and he has never had surgery. Thanks to the info on this site, I've been able to learn alot. Thanks so much!

 

[kfay]

Hi Crystal and welcome. When is your husband's surgery? Where is he having it done? Is his surgeon someone who is experienced in repairing aneurysms and valves? Do you know how many he has done? At 37, your husband should do well. With a 5.6 cm aneurysm, the most important thing is getting it fixed, sooner rather than later. If you have any questions, ask away.

Kim

 

[dick0236]

Hi Chrystal and welcome. This site will give you, and your husbanc, a wealth of useful info and a lot of support. Like your husband, I was a young man and had never had surgery for anything. This surgery is a big deal, but it is not "life altering". You will read many posts by people who were confused and frightened prior to the surgery and who post from their hospital room, post op, that it is not nearly as bad as they thought.

 

[Chrystal]

Hi, his surgery is the 29th, so a week away. He is having it at University of TN Heart Hospital Knoxville. His surgeon has done about 100 of these I think. He said he would use a mechanical valve. After the heart cath last Thursday, he required an overnight stay d/t alot of nausea and a vaso-vago whatever problem. They said it was a reaction to the anesthesia. Several of the nurses there had very good things to say about the surgeon and the Cardiologist that did the cath did too. Also, our neighbor is an OR surgical nurse and had very good things to say about the surgeon also. I'm a little nervous about the whole thing of course, but I'm hoping for the best.

 

[kfay]

I think we had another member who had her surgery there about 2 years ago. Can anyone remember her name???? She was a lady, maybe 50 ish, I want to say Jane maybe... I'll have to do a search for you. I think she had a good experience there. Here is her profile...she goes by designlady on here. You might send her a pm if you'd like to talk to her about her experiences and see if she'll answer. She hasn't been on in a while it seems. http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/member.php?4381-designlady

You wouldn't be normal if you weren't nervous. I'm sure it's just as hard, if not harder, on the spouse as it is on the patient.

By the way, my husband is from Knoxville and we will be there in a couple of days for T-giving (we actually met at UT)

 

[Chrystal]

Hi kfay, I looked her up, she lives no far away. She saw a different Dr there. That's interesting your husband is from here. I also have a coworker that had ablation surgery for wolfe parkinson. She's doing well. Hope you have safe travels. We won't be going far for Thanksgiving.

 

[MarkG87]

Chrystal,

I'm in Cookeville, had my AVR surgery here last Friday. Still in the hospital. Very pleased with my Drs', Nurses',and everyine here. Ut has a great rep as well so I'm sure he'll do fine. I a bit older than him, 51, I went with a natural valve. Good Luck to him next week.

 

[Greg a]

WELCOME we are all OHS Brothers and Sisters here ... nothing professional BUT a wealth of knowledge and empathy so pack up your questions and concerns and ask away,,,,,,,,

I have added your Husband to the calendar so we will be there as a family​

Hello folks, found this site looking for info on DH's condition. He found out about this about 1 month ago. He has BAV and an ascending aortic aneurysm-5.6 cm. Had the echo, 2 CT's, a heart cath(no blockage), and a TEE to check the valve to verify if it was BAV. I'm pretty nervous about this surgery. But mainly b/c we've never been in this position. We are 37 and he has never had surgery. Thanks to the info on this site, I've been able to learn alot. Thanks so much!

Hi kfay, I looked her up, she lives no far away. She saw a different Dr there. That's interesting your husband is from here. I also have a coworker that had ablation surgery for wolfe parkinson. She's doing well. Hope you have safe travels. We won't be going far for Thanksgiving.

Chrystal,

I'm in Cookeville, had my AVR surgery here last Friday. Still in the hospital. Very pleased with my Drs', Nurses',and everyine here. Ut has a great rep as well so I'm sure he'll do fine. I a bit older than him, 51, I went with a natural valve. Good Luck to him next week.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Crystal -

When you say the surgeon has done "100 of these" do you mean Valve Replacements or Valve Replacements AND repair of the Aorta.
FYI, the TOP Surgeons at Major Heart Hospitals have probably performed many hundreds (dare I say thousand?) of Valve Replacements.

It would be wise to also ask if this surgeon knows how to recognize signs of Connective Tissue Disorder(s) which are often associated with genetic BAV patients, and how to deal with such tissue and how many of These Kinds of Surgeries he has performed.

Surgery of the Aorta is a another step up in complexity compared with 'routine' Valve Replacement, especially in patients with a Connective Tissue Disorder (see the BAV and CTD Forum for more info on these related issues).

You may want to ask other surgeons at Major Heart Hospitals (such as Vanderbilt or Duke or Cleveland Clinic) about their experience with AVR in BAV patients with aneurysms. Dr. Svensson is head of the Connective Tissue Disorder group at the Cleveland Clinic (#1 rated Heart Hospital). It would be interesting to know his numbers.

'AL C'

 

[Chrystal]

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome! It's so great to talk with others in the same position. What did we ever do before the internet?

Al-I appreciate the info and will look up the connective tissue disorder.

We see the surgeon today for pre surgery consult and pre surgery labs and the like. Hopefully I will have more info then. Have a great day!

 

[Cooker]

Welcome to our family ... we will have you both in our thoughts and prayers...

 

[Chrystal]

Saw the surgeon today and felt pretty good overall about everything. One thing we really like about this dr is his is very patient and answers all our questions and concerns. So, surgery is still on Monday. It's amazing how quickly the last few weeks have gone.

 

[drivetopless]

Good luck! Keep us posted.

 

[Chrystal]

Doing pretty well!

Doing pretty well!

My husband had his surgery yesterday and it lasted about 6.5 hrs. The surgeon came out and said everything went well. He is doing well today. To be mOved to a room on the floor shortly and out of ICU. Will update more later.
I'm thankful to have this site to refer to. It has already helped me to know what to expect and be aware of.

 

[Lynlw]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear things are going well.

 

[Greg a]

Prayers continue for a bump free ride

 

[Superbob]

That's wonderful news, Chrystal! Will be praying for a continued smooth recovery for your hubby and strength for you.

I had a similar problem (BAV, aneurysm) taken care of at age 63, so I am confident your husband will do well.

Knoxville is a great place. GO VOLS! (I developed orange blood in my veins rooting for them with my Dad way back in the days of single-wing football.)

 

[nngbwh]

That is great news. Praying for a smooth recovery. Thanks for the update.

 

[watson524]

Glad to hear all is going well!