Intro and E.F. question

[kingpeta]

Hi, I'm new here and just started reading a few days ago. I'm facing an aortic valve replacement sometime in the next month or so. Just saw the surgeon today. I was dreading this but now I almost feel happy that it will be done soon. I was really getting tired of worrying about it.

I'm 45 and have a bicuspid valve that I've known about for 20 years or so. I don't have any symptoms (yet!) so the docs say it's best to do it now. My ejection fraction is around 30 and has not improved over the past 6 months on Coreg. My question is if others here saw any kind of improvement in their EF numbers after valve replacement. My surgeon said he could not guarantee any improvement, but there was a chance it may get better. He said having this surgery was to try to prevent any further damage or degradation.

I'm sure most of you know what state I'm in. I'm just trying to stay positive and realize that no matter what, God has me covered. Thanks!

Pete

 

[JimL]

Welcome, Pete. My EF was about the same as yours before surgery, and after surgery was near the top of the scale. However, the EF is usually measured during an echocardiagram, and is not terribly accurate. Don't be too concerned about the number.

 

[Georgia]

My EF was 45 prior to surgery; after one year it improved to 70. It took that long for my left ventricle to decrease back to normal, also.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Welcome Pete !

We were ALL afraid, concerned, worried, etc before our surgeries so I expect your feelings are right in line with the NORMAL reaction to being told you need OHS.

That said, I am a strong believer that SOONER is BETTER when it comes to having corrective surgery to prevent further damage to the heart and maximize the surgical benefit.

You may find the Valve Selection FORUM to be of interest if you haven't already perused it.

Best wishes,

'AL Capshaw'

 

[kingpeta]

Welcome Pete !

We were ALL afraid, concerned, worried, etc before our surgeries so I expect your feelings are right in line with the NORMAL reaction to being told you need OHS.

That said, I am a strong believer that SOONER is BETTER when it comes to having corrective surgery to prevent further damage to the heart and maximize the surgical benefit.

You may find the Valve Selection FORUM to be of interest if you haven't already perused it.

Best wishes,

'AL Capshaw'

Thanks, Al. I'm in the information gathering phase! Lot's of reading ot do.

 

[kingpeta]

My EF was 45 prior to surgery; after one year it improved to 70. It took that long for my left ventricle to decrease back to normal, also.

thanks - that sounds encouraging. The surgeon I spoke with kept emphasizing the point that this type of surgery was not "fixing" a problem; only preventing further damage. I keep wondering how could it not help improve that EF number if the valve leakage is stopped. Maybe he was just trying to state facts and I do appreciate that.

 

[kingpeta]

Welcome, Pete. My EF was about the same as yours before surgery, and after surgery was near the top of the scale. However, the EF is usually measured during an echocardiagram, and is not terribly accurate. Don't be too concerned about the number.

Thanks, Jim. I've read similar advice about not putting too much stock in EF measurements. But being an engineer, I tend to think in terms of measurements and metrics (how things are monitored/measured). It seems that my cardiologist and this surgeon rely on the measurement. Perhaps it's just the best indicator they have at this time.

 

[Ross]

Thanks, Jim. I've read similar advice about not putting too much stock in EF measurements. But being an engineer, I tend to think in terms of measurements and metrics (how things are monitored/measured). It seems that my cardiologist and this surgeon rely on the measurement. Perhaps it's just the best indicator they have at this time.

Honestly, that is it in a nutshell. Their measurements and specifications are no where even remotely precise as you, as an engineer, would have them.