New test results...

[jax3172]

So I just got my CT scan test results back, and in combo with the echo, here's the scoop: fusiform aneurysm of the ascending aorta with AP and transverse diameters of 5.0 and 5.2 cm; extensive calcification within the aortic valve; BAD with approx. 1.4 cm2 opening; mild regurgitation; left ventricle is beginning to thicken; some other stuff (e.g., (mild) mitral regurg., etc). And I am somewhat symptomatic. I have my first appointment with the aortic surgery specialist at U of Penna bright and early Tuesday AM, 7/5. From everything you great folks have taught me, it looks like I might be joining your club sooner rather than later.

I am not ashamed to say I am officially a bit nervous. Comments (and more importantly, encouragement) welcome.

Jack

 

[perrybucsdad]

It's Okay to be nerveous Jack. Just keep a positive attitude and know you will get through all of this with all your friends here are VR.com and your family at home.

- John

 

[Mary]

I am not ashamed to say I am officially a bit nervous. Comments (and more importantly, encouragement) welcome.

Jack

Jack,
If you aren't nervous, then you're probably in a comma! Actually before your surgery date rolls around, you might wish you were completely out of it to stop the anxiety.
However, the good news is you will do just great. You have a condition that can and will be fixed, so just hold on for the ride. I'm 24 days postop, and I feel really good.

Let us know how the appointment on Tuesday goes.

 

[jax3172]

Thankx!

Thankx!

Thank you Mary and John. Funny you should mention being out of it. I got a little nervous a few minutes ago and almost hit my percocet stash for the calming effect. I still may do that (but only a half)!

 

[Phyllis]

Best wishes Jack, you will come through this fine and will be posting and helping others before you know it. Let us know how the surgeon visit goes and try to put it all out of your mind and enjoy the weekend if you can.

 

[jax3172]

Questions for surgeon

Questions for surgeon

Thankx Dick. You guys lift everone up, here. Keep those cards and letters coming. From my research, it appears I'm "over the line" for an AVR with addl work on the aorta, does that seem correct to you all? I have so many questions for the surgeon that my head is spinning. This is happening pretty fast. What would be your top one or two questions?

 

[Phyllis]

Hi Jack,
Although Dick is the patient, I,Phyllis, am the addicted VR member. Dick is too busy, practicing law (a bit), playing tennis, golf and generally just enjoying life after AVR, so I print everything of interest out for him!
From your test results, it sounds to me like you will be discussing when, not if, with the surgeon, so I would think the main issures on your mind would be, the type of valve, he suggests, what type of incision (minimally invasive or regular), scheduling for the operation plus cath if you haven't already had one, and last but not least, how many of these operations he does. You will want a good explanation of all the test results from him and don't let him rush you or be afraid to ask any and all questions. I strongly suggest that you write your questions out as we tend to forget them when we get before the doctor. It's also a good idea to take someone with you if you can, as we also tend not to "hear" everything when we are nervous. Good luck and we look forward to hearing how it all went.

 

[jax3172]

Thankx Phyllis

Thankx Phyllis

I'll ask all those questions and more. I'll keep you posted. I'm fairly certain this guy does more of these than anyone in Philly. He's on all the who's who and best doctor lists for aortic surgery so I guess (and hope) he know's what he's doing. Thankx!

 

[tobagotwo]

You probably wouldn't merit OHS for just the aortic surgery right yet, but the aneurism puts you squarely in the club. Of course, the aortic valve will get fixed while they're in there.

You're darn right you're nervous. Good thing, too. Otherwise we'd have to think you were psychotic. We have all done some shaking in our boots over this. Fortunately, it all works out very well in a very high percentage of patients.

The question wll be what they think about the mitral valve. It has sprung only a minor leak. They may feel that it will subside once the aortic has been replaced, or they may want to do something with it.

It's quite an emotional tumble, so be prepared for some mental "shock" to set in now and again. But you'll get through it.

Best wishes,

 

[jax3172]

Thankx Bob

Thankx Bob

Thankx Bob for the encouragement. I'm a bit nervous over walking around with the aneurysm and I wouldn't be upset if he wanted to check me in right then and there Tuesday. I'll even bring a can opener, a circular saw, and a dirty pen knife with me just in case.

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Jack:

I have a hard time thinking of what to say to someone who is at the place I am so scared to go...so, please read-in support to my inadequate, "good luck!" Also, I realize you are probably looking at the short-term, but you might ask if you should be on some drug for blood pressure control--even if it's not high for normal people, we fragile-tissued aneurysm owners need special consideration in that department.

All the best,

P. J.

 

[T-Money]

Hi Jack.
Try to keep your cool the best you can. Once you make your picks on surgeon and hospital, you have to put it on autopilot because there is little you can do until you being your recovery. I've only had one of these surgeries, but I can tell you that it is not nearly as bad as everyone plays it up to be. The worst part is the post surgery hassles, problems, etc. that will encounter at least once. Again, these things become small in retrospect. The most important thing, especially in your case, is that you will feel better once you have recovered. I was one of the folks that ran around here saying how asymptomatic I was and how much of a surprise the whole surgery thing was given my excellent condition. That was a load. Now that I have recovered I feel soooooooooooo much better and have about a billion times more energy. You will be OK. Remember that you have a bunch of us praying for you and thinking about you. Again, try to keep your cool.

 

[jax3172]

Thankx T-Money, PJMom, et al

Thankx T-Money, PJMom, et al

Thank you all for the encouragement. The visit went as I expected. My AV looks mega calcified and the Ascending is 5.2 cm. I'm scheduled for surgery on 8/10: Dr. Bavaria at U of P will replace my AV and Ascending Aorta. I am in high anxiety mode. Not because I am facing the operation but because I'm walking around with the aneurysm until then. I wish it were 8/9 (enter hospital for pre-op stuff, including cardiac cath). I know what happened to Ross. The problem is that Dr. Bavaria is busy until 8/3 (he will be out of town on 8/4 and 8/5, so I chose 8/10 in case some sort of short term follow-up is needed). PJMom, I heard what you said about the blood pressure meds and I may call and ask them about this. Mine is usually fairly low anyway (112 over 70) but I want to look into it. I may also ask for something to calm my nerves, or perhaps I will push for a quicker operation.

 

[Fburns]

I sympathise as I had the very same frustration and concerns waiting for postponed surgery - six years ago. I suspect many have the same experience. Take it day by day; it will come and go, and hopefully you'll soon be looking back with satisfaction and joy at your little adventure. Good Luck.

Frank

Thank you all for the encouragement.

 

[Phyllis]

Glad you have a date and will put you on the calendar for 8/10. Stay calm, summer always flys by much too fast and August will be here before you know it.
Phyllis