my luck is so good

LEN · Jan 23, 2007

went to pre op clinic today.was going good till i saw pre op doctor.3 weeks ago was in hospital with blood clot in left lung.it was a different hospital told everybody that i was up for valve replacement surgery.they said all my paperwork would be sent over.was put on warfarin.asked every doctor what would happen for my surgery.when my surgeon office phoned for pre op i mentioned it again,she said she got information.she thought they would bring me in early and watch my blood.my doctors said they thought the same.pre op doctor said he going to recommend a 90 day delay.even if i was on the urgent list.he said i would probaby here in 2-3 weeks. i need the thoughts of my brothers and sisters on valve replacement.com.want the waiting to be over.thanks read ever story so far.

Nancy · Jan 23, 2007

I am sure your surgeon was concerned about the clotting in your lung, and wants to make very, very sure that this is a stable condition.

The heart and lungs are so intertwined medically, that if one is compromised, the other will suffer too.

It would be a bad thing to go into heart valve surgery, come out fine from that and then have complications from an old lung problem afterwards.

So be glad that you have a careful doctor, who is really looking out for your best interests.

It will happen when the time is right, I promise.

LEN · Jan 23, 2007

Thanks Nancy

Thanks Nancy

I Know They Will Do Whats Best For Me.just Talking To Doctors Before Pre Op Clinic Thought My Surgery Was Still On.i Sure Surgeon Will Have Final Say Onsurgery Date,months Of Pain That I Thought Was Valve Related Wasn't.i Glad The Emergency Doctor Saw Something Wrong Even If Good Vital Signs Like Some Didn't.sometimes I Look Back On Health Story And Think It Would A Great Book.it Would Have To Be In The Fiction Area.i Know I'm Very Lucky,i Feel Not Bad.stress Free Because Of People Like You.when I Need A Kind Word.i Come Here No Matter How Dumb My Comment Are.i Hope You Are Doing Well How To Here From You Again,len

hensylee · Jan 24, 2007

Len, no question is dumb unless you don't ask it. I am glad Nancy came in and said what she did. She's got books of information in her head and heart. I wish you all the best and agree that your doctors are handling you with careful gloves. As she said it will happen when they are sure it is the right time. Blessins.....

Marguerite53 · Jan 24, 2007

Hello Len. Yes, please come to us any time with any question or concern or need. That is what makes this place so very special.

About your having to wait. It does make things more frustrating! I had a vaguely similar experience and it all turned out perfectly fine. For me, after waiting for 2 years for my "numbers" to be bad enough for AVR, I suddenly came home with a bad annual mammogram. Also being in my early 50's I'd procrastinated about a benchmark colonsocopy and had finally scheduled one. So suddenly I was faced with 3 things that needed attention. Mentally I was all set to have my AVR in January, so I went to see my PCP to help me iron out everything onto a manageable time table (manageable for ME, emotionally!). I ended up having my AVR in mid April (a 3 month wait). The surgical biopsy for the breast required that I be put under and my anesthesiologist was not happy having to deal with what he considered a "critically" stenotic patient. That did not help my confidence level, let me tell you. But once that was over, we gave things a 2 month rest, I scheduled my angiogram for March (my doctors seem to be different and require the angio quite a bit upfront of the surgery). I took a vacation with my husband, had a lovely spring break with my kids home from college, etc..

While no doctor told me to per se.....having read lots of info here at vr.com.....while I waited those 3 months I was very careful with myself. I did not lift any luggage on that trip, I did not go to any thriller type movies, I got completely off coffee and other caffeinated things. I did not want my blood pressure doing anything acrobatic for me while I waited. I really crawled into a little protective cocoon. I'm hoping you might see the sense of evaluating how you spend your waiting time, too.

So if you are going to have to wait, do try to make the best of it and fill it with memorable, life-loving moments for yourself. You can take those strengths into the operating room and they will serve you well.

Good luck and keep us posted, please!

Marguerite