Newbie

[doubled]

We are new members to this forum but I have been "looking around" for a few months. In 2003, my husband was surprised to learn that he needed to have 5 bypasses. At the same time, they did a pericardectomy. It was known then that he had mitral valve problems but it wasn't severe enough to put him through that ordeal at the time. He had a remarkable recovery. About 18months ago, the cardiologist found that he had moderately severe (3+) mitral valve regurgitation but no significant symptoms. We were put on that dreaded "watch" every six months. In April we met with a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic to get another opinion and they felt that we should wait until the winter to have this "somewhat elective" surgery. In August, he passed out while eating dinner and after numerous tests, he had a defibrillator inplanted. We are now waiting to hear from a surgeon at Cleveland Clinic for a consult.

I have encouraged my husband to read the forum and communicate with all of you. He is a very positive and happy man but. of course, has many fears of the unknown. This forum seems to be very supportive and I believe he will gain a lot of knowledge and support from all of you.

We have many questions, but we'll take one step at a time. In your experience, how long does it take from the consult with the surgeon to the actual surgery? We are gong to meet with Dr. Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic and they have told us it will take 7 to 10 days just to hear about scheduling the appointment.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Phyllis]

I'm glad you found us and I am sure you will get many of your questions answered here by other member who have gone to the Cleveland Clinic- there are many of them! In the meantime, know that if he came through the 5 bypasses so well, I am sure he will do well with the mvr as well. I don't know about Cleveland, but Dick had about a 3 week wait between his consultation and surgery at Brigham. We met with the cardio the day before Thanksgiving that year and when we got home, there was a message on the machine that he had a surgery date of December 18th.

 

[Marguerite53]

I'm sorry I cannot answer your questions, but I certainly wanted to chime in and wish you a "hearty" welcome to our community.

I hope that you can convince your husband to join us, too. I had to wait 3 years for my "elective" surgery and the long wait was emotionally possible because of all the support and care I got here.

He has already been through major heart surgery, so I'm sure he is not looking forward to more! Perhaps he will be able to help others here, and so feel more a part of our group. Many, here, have had multiple surgeries.

Best wishes and again, welcome!!

Marguerite

 

[geebee]

Welcome.

I think the time from the surgical consult to the surgery depends on how the surgeon analyzes your case. If he deems it very serious you could be looking at a few days. If not, could be a few weeks or months depending on the surgeon's availability.

The only concern I would have in waiting until winter is it makes walking for recovery a little more difficult in bad weather. Just my opinion tho.

Best of luck to you and please let us know how we can help.

 

[Susan BAV]

"Elective" surgery, in the case of valve replacement, can be a deceptive term. You definitely wouldn't choose to have valve replacement be "emergency" surgery though, as some here can vouch for.

My cardio, after he did my last angiogram, said that I needed my valve replaced "in weeks, not months," and the surgeon scheduled it for a little over a week later and my insurance called it "elective" surgery .

Welcome to the site; glad you found it. Hope all goes well. Take care and post again.

 

[Freddie]

geebee is right! And I should have made it a quote.

In my case I saw both the cardio and the surgeon the same day, but not at the same time (that would be unheard of). Cardio wanted me done within two weeks, surgeon said it would be all done by May.
Seven days later (much to my surprise) I was in the OR for my MVR. So I guess I was considered an emergency case.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to the VR Community. Sorry for the circumstances but glad you've found us. It's normal to have many fears but you've come to the right place for information, advice, support, and inspiration. I was absolutely floored when I was told I needed OHS. I had never been really sick or injured a day in my life, and I had no symptoms that I was aware of. I feared the worse. In the end, it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared, and now a year and a half post op I'm feeling great. Best wishes to you both.

 

[Mary]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[shellyb]

Welcome to the site! There's lots of wonderful info here. I'm also a wife. My husband is interested in the information. He just lets me do the reading! My husband is having his surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Oct. 3rd. He overnighted his records to them on a Friday. We heard back the following Wednesday. Surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. We've been very impressed by Cleveland Clinic so far.

shellyb

 

[doubled]

newbie

newbie

Thanks so much for the information. After reading many posts it seems like waiting for the surgery and not knowing what can be done to correct the problem is the hardest. We have had experience with Doctor's not responding or loosing records and I want to stay on top of this without being a pain in the rear to the Doc's office staff.

Your encouraging words and advice will make this so much easier.

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks so much for the information. After reading many posts it seems like waiting for the surgery and not knowing what can be done to correct the problem is the hardest. We have had experience with Doctor's not responding or loosing records and I want to stay on top of this without being a pain in the rear to the Doc's office staff.

Your encouraging words and advice will make this so much easier.

Don't ever fear staying on top of things- you are your husband's biggest and best advocate and need to do "whatever it takes"!

 

[pamela]

Thanks so much for the information. After reading many posts it seems like waiting for the surgery and not knowing what can be done to correct the problem is the hardest. We have had experience with Doctor's not responding or loosing records and I want to stay on top of this without being a pain in the rear to the Doc's office staff.

Your encouraging words and advice will make this so much easier.

It's wonderful that you've found this site. Having a support community with a shared experience can only help you find the information you need.

Please don't imagine that you'll be a pain in the rear to the staff. You are a customer and as a customer, you have the right to ask for and receive the best service (clerical and hospital) and product (surgery and care) they can provide.

If you're not in the OR right now, take comfort in the fact that you're healthier than the person who is. It is difficult and upsetting to wait, but you will only wait as long as you can.

Take heart...
pamela