leaving the waiting room

[bvdr]

Well I had my evaluation for mitral valvoplasty today and didn't pass. It seems that the associated mitral regurg has progressed from mild to moderate/severe in the last 6 months. Other things have progressed as well. Mean mitral gradient went from 5 to 10. The stenosis has worsened and pulmonary pressures are higher.

Tomorrow I start coumadin permamently for the atrial fib.
The evaluating cardiologist called back to Dr. Glower to put me on the surgery schedule for the beginning of Sept. At this point I'm not sure if it will be for just the mitral or if both the mitral and aortic will be replaced at that time. The doctor today said that the aortic usually deteriorates more slowly and even though it would mean an additional surgery in a few years I might want to go that route.

All in all, it was rather disappointing since I was hoping to feel better by next week. I read the wonderful posts about these long walks, runs, bike rides, and "working-out" that so many of you are doing and think how great it would be to walk across a parking lot without feeling winded. Well hopefully soon I can begin that road too.

Well Steve, if I really do get to leave the waiting room I know it will be left in good hands.

I'll let you all know when I have a set date. This forum has really prepared me for this whole process. Even being put on coumadin didn't throw me off balance today. My target INR range is 2.0 to 3.0 until surgery and then it gets upped to 2.5 to 3.5.

Thanks to all of you for being there!

Betty(bvdr)

 

[Nancy]

Well Betty--

This is a good news, bad news thing isn't it. Bad that this has progressed faster than you were hoping, and good that you will soon have your life back, and talking about doing things like walking and just normal everyday living.

After a little while of adjusting to the news, try to think beyond the surgery part and start focusing on all the things you want to do and haven't been able to. Look forward to the brighter future. It's coming soon.

God Bless,

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Betty

Hi Betty

Well, try to think of all the positive things. The weather should be cooler in Sept..Means you can get outside and do that important walking about 2 weeks post-surgery....It was so hot and humid today. However, I walked the dog around the park this morning..went down for a swim and just got back from a long walking the dog. His tongue was hanging out..but I am fine Coumadin has never been a problem for me. Always in range. Last week, I had 5 eleven year old boys for a long weekend. Tested this week..still 2.8.....Remember all that you have read here..get ready and you will be just fine.. Bonnie

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Betty

Sorry to hear about your surgery, but glad to hear it, too. I do think your drs. are right and they're telling you that it's becoming time. You will be fine, girlfriend, and even though you may not believe it, you will look back on this and know it was the right decision.

Tyce has been a year post op and is doing wonderfully. I vividly remember preop, and am much happier at this stage with everything going well. His afib was the "sign" that our cardio was apparently looking for.....he did say that he would have a sign. You, too have that sign, that along with the regurg, etc.

Seriously talk with your surgeons about the possiblilty of doing both valves at the same time. Ultimately it will be up to them, but let's be realistic, Do you want to undergo this surgery again, knowing what you know from this list????

I truly wish you the very best, girlfriend. You will be on my prayer list starting immediately and continuing until you walk through the door of your house, post op.

Evelyn

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Betty,

We will all be pullling for you! Hang in there. You will be feeling much better when your issues are solved!

Take care.

Ps. At what level would an individual be eligiable for valvoplasty? Just curious.

 

[Georgia]

Sorry, Betty

Sorry, Betty

It is surely to your advantage to get the valve(s) fixed/replaced before you get worse. But I'm sure you had that huge thumph in your stomach when the doc told you. Irrespective of how much you know and are prepared, it's a shock.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. And you know my philosophy: shop shop shop and treat yourself. Manicures, pedicures, massage, facials, recliner, pillows, lounge clothes, oh, with two months the possibilities are nearly endless!! And you deserve it all.

You're such a terrific person on the forum. A great help to all. We're glad you're with us.

Bummer for you, Steve.

 

[Bunny_Rabbit]

Hi Betty

I've had a Valvuloplasty, but I still feel like I'm waiting to get worse. You should be setting your thoughts to everything that you're going to be able to do after the surgery. AND how great everything is going to be.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Gina - I was eligible for a Valvuloplasty, but I'm not sure what you mean by "level".

 

[epstns]

Somehow. . .

Somehow. . .

Well, Betty, I'll manage the Waiting Room somehow. I'm sure we'll get another co-host here sometime soon -- we baby-boomers are a tough lot who all refuse to just wear out like our parents and grandparents did (well, some of them, anyway), and so we look for what we need to do to keep on keepin' on.

At this point my concern is for you -- that you have the opportunity to appreciate this summer and be emotionally ready for the next step. You know you'll do just fine, especially with Nancy, Bonnie, Ross and all the other experienced family members to keep you in line.

In the meantime, can I get you a pillow? A glass of tea? Maybe an ice cream?

Be here with us -- we're all here for you. You're in my prayers.

 

[bvdr]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging replies. Gina, I'm not sure there is a set figure for the valvoplasty. I think it has pretty much the same parameters as for valve replacement. It only corrects the stenosis and not the regurg. In fact it can make the regurg worse and that is why he said I was no longer a good candidate. When I was referred for the valvoplasty it was based on the valve area being l.6,and mild regurg. The aortic and tri-cuspid also have moderate regurg. I think the a-fib and really enlarged left atrium tipped the scales. I don't know the valve area now other than he said it had significantly tightened and the regurg had gotten a lot worse. In the guidelines it mentions that with mixed or multiple valve disease they don't set guidelines as each case needs to be handled individually.

Betty(bvdr)

 

[bvdr]

I'm getting used to the idea now and its not so bad. In fact, I think this could be a good thing to just get it over. I think I understand what Bunny said about waiting for her valve to get worse--it would always be out there.

Several interns and residents (all very young and handsome) got the opportunity to listen to my heart today. One even got to listen a second time, since according to my doctor, he didn't fully appreciate what he was hearing. Everyone one today was very nice and so far I have had a very positive experience at Duke. As a Carolina fan I never ever ever expected those words to come out of my mouth but there they are!

You all have a good day.
God Bless!

Betty(bvdr)

 

[pillarpaul]

Betty,

Just a word of encouragement. I had my three-month post-op checkup today with my cardio. He asked how I was doing and I said, "I wish I had done this surgery years ago". When he asked why, I said "I haven't had this much energy in years (and years)." Also, he didn't even hear a trace of a leak, a significant contrast from my "loudest murmur I've heard in 30 years of practice".

September would be a good month. You'll be able to walk in a little cooler weather.

Poor Steve. He's going to think all of us former waiting roommates don't like him.

Paul

 

[hensylee]

Betty, I guess everybody has to take step two eventually. You will have some time to get used to this now that you have a target month. At least you can start planning for your hospital stay and recuperation - because you do have to plan - my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Be sure to come in and talk if you want to.

Steve will do well in the waiting room - he won't be alone long. Probably somebody's knocking on the door right now.

 

[Les]

Hi Betty,
The future looks bright and you'll do great! Your spirit and great attitude will get you through this. We're all here for the "rough spots" so let us know what's going on. In my thoughts....
________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[Jean]

Hey Betty...take a deep breath and march on...this is the scary part. The closer I got to my date, the calmer I got. You are in good hands and there is a higher power out there to watch over you. And then like most of us have reported, better things are ahead. You will be amazed at how much better you feel and how quickly. God bless and keep us posted.

 

[bvdr]

I have surgery date

I have surgery date

Dr. Glower's office called today and my surgery is scheduled for Monday August 25th. I think that still gives me enough time to get done what I would like to ahead of time. They are mailing me instructions on when to report. I need to take my last dose of coumadin on the 20th. It feels kind of weird since we haven't discussed my valve preference or anything. No problem though....I have Dr. Glower's e-mail address

Everybody have a good day.
Betty(bvdr)

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Betty

As Jean so aptly said, "take a deep breath and march on!!!" You truly will get calmer the closer you are to your due date. As you know, you are in my prayers. I know last year that I couldn't have gotten through this without this group's support---we will be here for you, too. We'll all be with you for as long as you wish us to.

Evelyn

 

[ccrawford]

Hi Betty - I guess this isn't bad news, its just different news. Just think about all the exercise you can do afterwards, knowing that you are getting better every time you do it. You have plenty of time to get the final stuff done, say farewell to all the gang in the waiting room, and get ready to join us on the other side of the mountain. You know that a lot of people will be with you all the way. Chris

 

[maxximom]

Hi Betty
I just got to read the boards. I know in a way it's a relief to get a date. You still have plenty of time to get things done and not a whole lot of time to wait and sweat for a long time
If there is anything that I can help you with as to "the Duke experience" and Dr. Glower.please call me if you no longer have my phone # please email me and I'll send it to you.We are moving on the 31st to Wake Forest and will have a different phone number.All the packing and lifting that I am doing right now wouldn't have been possible two years ago before my surgery..and as walking through a parking lot..forget it!! I know that you will feel much better after your surgery. Dr. Glower is very approachable and we discussed all my valve options before the surgery. I knew that there was a possibility (a very good one) of also having my Mitral valve replaced as well as the aortic and the triple bypass and that he wouldn't know what he would do until he actually eyeballed the Mitral during the surgery. I was very happy that he decided that he did not have to replace the mitral and was able just to clean off a lot of calcification
You will be in very good hands at Duke and with Dr Glower!
Joan

 

[nadi]

Just wanted to add my best wishes on your surgery.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers until you have made it over the mountain!

Take care,

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi betty!
i can imagine how shocked, scared, anxious and numb you must have felt upon getting this news.
i'm glad that you sound like it's sinking in some and you are getting more comfortable with it.
having the date is also a help (gives you an end in sight).
just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and we will keep you company while you await aug. 25th.
you will feel so much better_ as everyone says_ after this surgery, it's unbelievable.
stay well, sylvia