It's decision week!

[dwfreck]

Everyone,

In case you're wondering, here's a brief update on my condition and schedule:

1) Had a three-year follow-up colonoscopy one week ago today. The doc found and removed a polyp. I didn't get the details about the polyp, but expect to hear them and the results of a biopsy on it this week.

2) I've been waiting around for the radiology department at one of the local hospitals to get some new software up and running that will allow them to do MRIs on hearts and heart valves. The ideas was they would be able to determine whether my pulmonary valve was tricuspid or bicuspid (and, therefore, suitable for the Ross Procedure), and that they would be able to measure the size of my aotric annulus (so they know how big a replacement valve to order). The software was supposed to be ready last week, but wasn't, so now I'm scheduled for an echocardiogram on Wednesday, January 28, to try to get the same information. This information will factor into my valve selection decision.

3) I've scheduled another visit with my regular cardiologist (boy, won't HE be surprised! He was exepcting me to have the surgery in January!). My wife and I want to talk to him agian about valve selection, based on what we've learned over the last few months and what we've decided about the relative merits of various lifestyle changes. We see the cardiologist on Thursday, January 20.

4) I'm finally sick and tired of having the Sword of Damaclese (SP?) hanging over my head (cue music, "...that ain't no crime!"). I've promised myself I'm going to make a valve selection decision shortly after we've talked to my cardiologist, and definitely by February 2, so I can get this darn thing scheduled, apply for my and my wife's respective medical leaves, vacations, sick time and disability periods, and then sit back and worry my a** off! Umm... I mean sit back, reflect on my life and compose myself for the change for the better. We're still hoping for a surgery date in February, after Presiden't Day (Feb. 16).

In the meantime, I'm having a blast working on the list of "Things I want to do before surgery..." I'm about halfway through them, and I'll post a quick update on that by the end of the week. Wish me luck!

 

[tommy]

Dale,

Good luck.

Don't forget to make of list of things that you want to do after the surgery.

 

[Kenny F]

Glad to hear you are approaching your date with destiny! Isn't it great to be able to sit around and over-analyze the whole situation for weeks on end... not! The guy at rehab may have been on to something - he had a "I know nothing" atitude.

BTW - my actual final valve selection happened in anesthesia prep, and then got changed during surgery

Tom - it will be a short list, at least for a few weeks!

 

[Nancy]

I wish you luck, Dale. Nice to be able to see the end of the tunnel approaching.

 

[dwfreck]

Tom,

Not to worry, the list of things I want to do after surgery (at least eventually) goes on for pages and pages and pages. Everything from "mow the lawn without chest pains" to "spoil my (grand)children rotten" to "become the first valve replacement patient to climb Mount Everest!" (not that I've EVER been in good enough shape to attempt the climb, even to the Mt. Everest base camp, but I saw that darn IMAX film a few years ago, and got this strange longing in my heart too see it for myself! And to think I've been rambling on in another thread about managing risks throughout your lifetime; talk about RISK! Maybe I'll start with climbing Mt. Adams (one of the "seven hills" that Cincinnati is built on)).

Nancy,

Oddly enough, now that you mention it, I don't see the whole thing as a tunnel, as much as a crossroads. At least now I'm in sight of the intersection! Where's that darn truck?

 

[Marge]

Dale --

You wrote: <<I've promised myself I'm going to make a valve selection decision shortly after we've talked to my cardiologist, and definitely by February 2, so I can get this darn thing scheduled, apply for my and my wife's respective medical leaves, vacations, sick time and disability periods, and then sit back and worry my a** off! .... >> I have found that I have worried a lot LESS since I've had definite dates. I wonder if that is just me, or does this happen to a lot of people? This does not mean that I don't think about specific aspects of the hospital stay, or of the recovery, but I find I am not worrying any more (or hardly) about the surgery itself.

Anyway: welcome to the February group.

 

[fisher6476]

Marge and Dale,
At least for me I too quit "worrying" once I had a date. Doesn't mean i did not think about, but to me the date made it "real" and also made it possible for me to "see" past the surgery to the other side.
Dale, with as much thought as you have put in the valve choice matter I believe you will resolve the issue shortly and your decision will be the right one for you.
I wish you both the best.
Steve

 

[dwfreck]

Tom,

Steve just reminded me: I forgot one of the things to do after surgery:

"Hold a VR.com reunion at an Ohio State football tailgate party."

 

[Bryan B]

I agree, knowing this thing is going to happen but not knowing when has been very difficult for me. I think that by setting a date, at least you know the waiting will end eventually. I hope I'm not too far behind you Dale!

BTW, I know the valve you decide on will be the right valve for you.

 

[Perrster]

Best of Luck to You

Best of Luck to You

Dale,

Be sure to add to your list of things to do AFTER surgery is permanently log on to vr.com and drive Ross nuts! nyuk, nyuk

You are surely in a very lucky position so do this ["sit back, reflect on your life and compose yourself for the change for the better"].

I didn't know Jack going into surgery (still don't know him!) and I did not discover vr.com until at least 6 months afterwards. 4 years later and I'm doing fine and can't wait for spring and golf season to begin.

All the best to you!

BTW: I still have a snowblowing pic to send you. I can't post it. Send me an e-mail and I will reply with the attachment.
[email protected]

PS: careful what you say about Reunion organizing-you could find yourself being drafted into organizing a Reunion in Ohio where we'd all have a chance to meet Mr. Ross in person.

 

[Ross]

PS: careful what you say about Reunion organizing-you could find yourself being drafted into organizing a Reunion in Ohio where we'd all have a chance to meet Mr. Ross in person.

I keep telling you folks that you'd be highly disappointed, but you fail to hear what I say. The only difference between me on here and me in person is that I'm a bit more quiet in person. There, now you've all met me and we've put this to rest.

 

[Kathy]

Dale,

Once I made my decision about the valve I would chose, I felt a great sense of relief. Unfortunately, my husband felt he had to interrogate me ONE LAST time to be sure.

After that , we did not discuss it, nor did I discuss it with anyone else. That brought me some peace of mind.

 

[Georgia]

Good luck deciding, Dale; I'm one of those who had no notice, 10 days between diagnosis and surgery; and a repair that failed so the valve was put in and I had no input.

It was a shock; and I was NOT happy when I came to enough after surgery to finally figure out that "mechanical valve" meant more than "tick tick tick".

But I can honestly say I have no regrets and am not about to whine. I feel so fortunate that my valve held on for as long as it did so I can be the recipient of all the technological advances of the last 25 years that I can't be anything but grateful.

I certainly understand your dilemma vis-a-vie the colon cancer and colonoscopy issue.

But even if you end up with a mechanical (despite the best intentions it can happen if the surgeon makes that decision during surgery for whatever reason), valvers can and do have coloscopies and surgeries and all sorts of stuff - it's just more complicated.

Best of luck. And I LOVE your idea about a reunion at an osu game. It would be so much fun.

 

[Kathy]

I'll lead a Columbus shopping tour during the game. LOL

 

[Rich]

Dale,
Best of luck to you, I know making a valve decision isn't easy.
Good you found this forum, I'm sure it has been a big help.
OSU reunion sounds good to me.
You can't even imagine what it's like to be an OSU fan and live in Michigan !!

 

[dwfreck]

Rich,

I know it's not quite the same, but I HATE basketball and married a gal from Kentucky!

 

[Rich]

Dale,
I know where you are coming from.
Interesting fact is my father and his family are from Kentucky, somwhere around the Frankfort area.
And they also lived for some time in Hamilton which is probably just a stones throw from where you are.
So i'm a little familier with the area around there.
I also am getting very tired of pro sports, the Tigers are ready to sign a ballplayer for forty million over four years !!
Give me a break !

 

[George DiMundo]

Dale, I am another one of those who did not have much time between being told I needed surgery and the operation.
On January 5 the doctor told me I should have an AV replacement within a month and by January 15 it had been done. I am glad that I did not have much time to wait. I like to backpack in the Sierras (not quite Everest) for 7-10 days at a time and as a result my doctor recommended the biologic valve. I agreed and went that way. For a time right after my surgery I was not looking forward to having to go through the surgery again in 15 years or so but that feeling is quickly fading. Next time I will know what to expect. On the day I was discharged from the hospital I met a 70+ year-old man who was going home after his second AV replacement--his first lasted 14 years. I have also met people who are very happy with their mechanical valves and the coumadin regimen. It's a tough choice. I know you and your cardiologist will make the one that is right for you. Good luck!

 

[Marvin]

Dale

I thought I would have 3 wk to make my mind up on my valve choice and get a few odds and ends done at home before my date was sch. Well that was not to be. I am headed to the hospital next week. Pre op on Thrusday and surgery on Friday. I just talked with my cardiologist today about which valve I should have. After talking with him and doing alot of research and reading everyones post. I have decide to go with the Ross Proc. I do feel better now that a date has been set and I have made my decison. I hope you get your date soon.