Looking For Advice!

[ALCapshaw2]

Ana and AlCapshaw,

I had no idea that my sugery would be more complicated due to the radiation treatments. That makes me even more nervous about my situation. Thanks for the info.

The main issue is that Radiation creates a Lot of Scar Tissue. Any surgeon who has experience with re-do's should be able to handle scar tissue.

As Ana pointed out, there 'may' be some bleeding issues (takes longer to heal) and some issues with cardiomyopathy (stiff muscles) which can affect heartbeat timing (arrhythmias) which are fairly common, even in non-radiated patients.

GOOD EXPERIENCED Surgeons (such as those found at Major Heart Centers) know how to handle these things. As a Radiation Treatment Survivor, I would not want to use a surgeon who specializes in Bypass Surgery and only does 'a few valve jobs' every once in a while. Someone who does 100 to 200 Valve Surgeries per year (and some re-do's) should have the skills you need.

 

[TBurg18]

Same Boat Robin

Same Boat Robin

Robin, good luck to you! I am also in the "find a surgeon mode" with HMO constraints. However, I get 2 new valves! Yahoo. I appreciate the positive comments I have found from all of you. I have had an awesome post radiation/chemo life and hope my good health will allow for a successful valve replacement procedure and recovery. Thank you. Ted

 

[netmiff]

Robin, I was 521 when I had the valve replaced; I thought I was asymptomatic, but the shortness of breath, dizzy spells and chest tightness that I DID NOT HAVE all disappeared after surgery . Start shopping for that surgeon . . I had aortic aneurysm and a larger-than-average heart muscle to compensate for the teensy weensy opening left in the aorta. I also made a remarkable recovery, despite being a smoker (I really cut back prior to surgery) and overweight. I was also told not to lift anything heavier than 5 lbs, and not to over-exert myself - so, no cutting grass and that sort of thing .. and even to postpone bicycle rides. But if you are fitter, you can probably do more than I could.

 

[hall]

Hi Robin and welcome Glad you found us. Sorry to hear why though. I agree with everyone else, look for a surgeon and decide things you need to decide before surgery. Best of luck.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Robin,

It's been 6 weeks since we heard from you and I'm wondering how you are. Also wondering how the Surgeon Search is going. As I indicated before, if your Cardiologist is reluctant to refer you at this time, you can do a Self Referal. It really is best to "Be Prepared" by meeting with surgeon(s) before you become critical.

'AL Capshaw'