Putting off surgery

[csabrina]

Had MVP for many years and now experiencing problems with elevated svt, moderate regurg 3/4. My cardiologist wanted me to have repair within the next few months and I told her no as currently helping my husband battle end stage brain cancer plus continue to work at current job to keep health insurance so she gave me 8-12 months to wait.
Has anyone put a surgery off like this, is mod regurg that critical? I cant imagine having any surgery right now nor even after my husband passes I feel my grief is and will be to strong to heal from surgery.

Sabrina

 

[Cris N]

Sabrina, I'm so sorry you're going through all this. I can certainly understand your not wanting to go through surgery yourself at this time. I don't have any experience with waiting - I'm sure others will chime in with their own stories. But I will just say that sometimes we just have to do what seems right in our own lives. The only suggestion I have is to make sure all your doctors understand your current situation and to make sure that you're offered any medications that will help you and your body get through this difficult time. I wish you peace.

 

[EireCara]

Sabrina, I am sorry for what you are going through, you sure have a lot on your plate. I have MVP and moderate regurg. I also have svt, a.fib and lots of chest pain, almost daily. Surgery has never been suggested to me, but that may be just how it is here in Ireland.

I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. (((((HUGS))))))

 

[Jkm7]

So very sorry for all you are experiencing right now. You certainly have a full load.
As to delaying your surgery, it seems the best answer is that if you trust your cardiologist and have a good relationship, you probably are safe taking her reccommendation. If you feel she gives you competent care and is treating you with appropriate medications to keep you in the best shape possible, you will probably be safe. Awful choices for anyone to have to make.

Sending you the very best wishes and hopes that anytime you feel the need to vent or have any questions, please come here. This is a kind, knowledgeable community and generous in helping wherever possible.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I sympathize with you over your situation and difficult choices.

I'm thinking you may want to discuss your situation with one or more Surgeons.
IMO, the Surgeons have a better 'feel' for the Benefit / Risk evaluation.

Best Wishes to you and your husband.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[carolinemc]

I also am sorry for what you are going through. It is a stressfull time for you and family, and nothing wrong with putting the surgery off as long as your health is not comprised. Just keep us apraised of your situation. Take care and your family are in our prayers in my house.

 

[csabrina]

Thank you

Thank you

Wow, thank you everyone for fast reply and your prayers, , much appreciated. This heals my heart more than anything.
Jacqui your message really encouraged me, what meds do you take? I just picked up digoxin supposed to take daily but not so sure on it. Did a little research and would rather have something to take as needed when it becomes uncomfortable so maybe just stick with xanax.

Sabrina

 

[pikacat]

i'm so sorry to hear about all that you're going through and i wish you and everyone your life touches the best.

i agree with those that said you should talk to a surgeon because they have a better understanding of how long you can wait and what can be done. my situation wasn't nearly like yours, but i did want to wait due to external circumstances and the cardiologists could "express no opinion" on whether i could wait at all, so they sent me to the surgeon who would be doing my replacements. he gave me a plan of action and i got 3 more months or so out of it

fwiw, i take digoxin and atacand, and without it my symptoms are far worse (if i forget a dose). i also think they prolong the time you're able to avoid surgery. i had severe regurgitation for one valve (aortic) and moderate in another (mitral) for 11 years and was prescribed those meds for those entire 11 years because they were supposed to prolong my time, not just alleviate symptoms as i was asymptomatic until december of 09. from my understanding, they lessen the stress on the valves so they can last a bit longer.

 

[BarbJean]

Sabrina, I am sending prayers and hugs your way. You are going through such a rough time. I have not been on this board for my own problems, but those of my son. I did have a bout of SVT that landed me in the hospital about 10 years ago, and I also have MVP, but very mild, with no regurg. I was on Digoxin for awhile, but hated the side effects. I was then put on a beta blocker for about 8 years to reduce the SVT. I came off it a couple of years ago and luckily, it has not returned. Do you take a beta blocker now?

 

[Glenda]

Sabrina, oh how I wish I was there to give you a big hug right now. Prayers are for sure coming your way, in fact you will be in my daily prayers. You have way too much on your plate right now. Remember you can always come on this forum for encougement and request for prayers. I'm sure you have heard that God won't give you more than you can handle. I've always really wondered about that. Maybe that's why I have such big shoulders. I've had to handle a lot in the past. Hang in there and remember we are always here!

 

[Marcia58]

Sabrina,

Wow! You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. If I were in your shoes, I would want every possible moment with my DH. I agree with others if your cardio and surg think you can wait, then do so cautiously. Be watchful, though, because a valve can "turn sour" suddenly and unexpectedly. Be careful.

BTW, I like Glenda's comment about God not giving us more than we can handle, but I like the quote that's supposedly from Mother Teresa even better:

"I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I wish His opinion of me wasn't quite so high!"

Praying for you in these difficult days,

Marcia

 

[buncle]

Just want you to know I am thinking about you and praying for the best.

 

[csabrina]

With reflection on all the very knowledgable replies I have decided to call next week and consult with the surgeon, this will be a good second opinion. In the meantime I will try the digoxin and if this doesn't help ask about the beta blocker.
I'm really trying to make this transition for my husband as peaceful and with as much grace and dignity as possible. We have fought for 15yrs, very hard. He has had 5 brain sx's and three years of chemo, radiation all
the while keeping his great sense of humor so if he can fight a battle like that I can certainly fight the one ahead of me.

Love the quote "I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I wish His opinion of me wasn't quite so high!" . This is perfect , it will now be my favorite thing to say.

Blessings to everyone,
Sabrina

 

[ejc61]

Hello Sabrina,
I had MVP with severe regurgitation for awhile. For at least a year for sure. I've been seeing the cardiologist for 4 years before surgery was done. In fact it wasn't until a few years before it was determined by TEE that the valve was torn. If your cardiologist says you can wait, you probably can. In the meantime, look into the different options of repair. If you are eligible for minimally invasive, the recovery time can be dramatically reduced. Talk to the cardiologist about your surgery options. Maybe start looking for surgeons. You will be less overwhelmed later. Of course do this around your other priority. Heartfelt prayers to you and your family.

 

[Orangebrittainy]

Sabrina,

I wish you the best with the time you have with your husband. I hope things work out for you.

 

[deano89]

sorry to hear of your situation , i put off surgery for over year in total from knowing i needed it .i had severe regurg and like yourself had mvp from age of 21 the cardiologist said i could possibly go another 5 years but it was best to get it done earlier ! and have truly elective surgery so as to get the best outcome , when i met the surgeon Mr Frank Wells about april time we agreed i would wait till after the summer hols and he didnt feel this would effect my chances of a repair which i had on oct 22nd 09 , glad your gonna discuss all options with your surgeon Asap and then make a decision that you are happy with ,if i new what i new now i would of got it done earlier as the waiting was truly the hardest part . good luck

 

[csabrina]

Your right Dean the waiting is the hardest part. First chance I get probably need to get it done and over with. One question I'm curious about is the fatigue. Has the surgery helped increase energy level?

 

[Bear72]

Sabrina,
I had my mitral valve repaired last September at the Cleveland Clinic after my regurgitation was severe for over a year. Not until my heart started to enlarge did the surgeons decide to operate. I was actually "moderate" for a few years prior, but everyone is different.

 

[hook]

You should get specific with your cardio, and ask him if waiting will cause any further damage. With MVR you have to be careful of two things, pulmonary pressure and dilation to your left atrium. The backwash of blood into the left atrium can cause it to dilate. The increased pulmonary pressure can cause all kinds of problems, to include damage to your lungs. I paid a small price for waiting, as my right atrium did expand in volume; I am hoping it will remodel.

Ask your cardio to measure the volume of your right atrium over the last few echos; you should also have him chart the left ventricle. If you allow your atrium to dilate too much it could affect your longevity, and also introduce arrhythmias.

I am sorry to hear of all your problems; your bravery in dealing with your husbands illness is remarkable. The surgery is nothing compared to that.

bless you

 

[Cooker]

Sorry you are going through this ... you are in my prayers...