Repair life

[pellicle]

Pellicle, my third post was not directed to you at all.

my mistake

pardon me

WRT

Yes, i know it is probably unnecessary to state it, because it is a forum for patients, but anyway…

it is sort of QED, but I understand that it harkens back to some no longer active members who (any time someone disagreed with their opinions) would pull out the old "well none of us are doctors here" nonsense.

as if any cardiac surgeon would be contributing here and doing so by their credentials.

 

[Geofd]

well I certainly didn't say that, what I said after I found it was phenobarbital was (bolding only in this):



this should not be understated, next



this pre-supposes you are self managing (as I do) and depending on the lab who manages you it might indeed be a big deal.

Sorry if you thought I meant you said that, it was a general statement from the forum,before I had updated my bio so no one knew my med or other medical conditions

 

[pellicle]

Sorry if you thought I meant you said that, it was a general statement from the forum,before I had updated my bio so no one knew my med or other medical conditions

I recommend reading it again, carefully and in context. Its nothing to do with your age (you age guides other selection criteria)

https://www.valvereplacement.org/th...-regulating-blood-thinners.888165/post-909057

 

[pellicle]

@Geofd
in case my above post appears to be rude its not meant to be, but its very (critically) important for you to not "glance over things" in this phase of learning; especially if you don't have a history of reading and learning like this.

Think of it more like reading a contract at a construction gig, you can't just skim it over or you may find the builder has shafted you.

with your decision (as I see it) you need to decide on

1. a repair or a replacement
2. if a replacement then a tissue prosthetic or a mechanical

in the decision for a mechanical probably THE MOST significant issue is your ability to take Anti Coagulation Therapy (which is warfarin). In my post above I identify what are the challenges you face with warfarin and your seizure medication. I personally think its do-able but make no mistake that is not a 100% certainty for a few reasons (not least will be the mandates and dictates of your insurance.

Next it may be new language to you (like P450) and if you don't understand that that is the you should ask or look it up. Science (and discussions about it) often requires learning a few new words and meanings.

You need to understand those points (and ask more questions here generally or of me if I say something you don't get) and (as I mentioned) look the surgeon in the eye and ask hard questions about management.

I'm just trying to be clear and responsible for information I give you and that you fully understand it.

Best Wishes

 

[Geofd]

@Geofd
in case my above post appears to be rude its not meant to be, but its very (critically) important for you to not "glance over things" in this phase of learning; especially if you don't have a history of reading and learning like this.

Think of it more like reading a contract at a construction gig, you can't just skim it over or you may find the builder has shafted you.

with your decision (as I see it) you need to decide on

1. a repair or a replacement
2. if a replacement then a tissue prosthetic or a mechanical

in the decision for a mechanical probably THE MOST significant issue is your ability to take Anti Coagulation Therapy (which is warfarin). In my post above I identify what are the challenges you face with warfarin and your seizure medication. I personally think its do-able but make no mistake that is not a 100% certainty for a few reasons (not least will be the mandates and dictates of your insurance.

You need to understand those points (and ask more questions here or of me) and (as I mentioned) look the surgeon in the eye and ask hard questions about management.

I'm just trying to be clear and responsible for information I give you and that you fully understand it.

Best Wishes

No I know, I'm new,probably not staying things properly,overloaded with info,just sent my primary care Dr msg about my seizure meds and blood thinners I'm here to learn,I know you and everyone here is here to help thank you,and everyone else for input,I'd be more lost with out it,I do need direction because this is new

 

[cldlhd]

So I've had my surgical consultation, Dr says there a 95% chance he can repair my mitral valve, my question ,after thinking about it,was great,no more surgeries, but is it a forever surgery, they said basically yes but by chance there were issues down the road there are less evasive
Surgeries that can be done. Why don't they just replace the valve with mechanical if you are a candidate I understand the blood thinner end of it just doesn't make sense if the mechanical valve is forever......I'm ok with the tougher surgery and longer recovery time and am a candidate for both valves and the repair I'm very new to all of this so
Must be missing something

Well I had my aortic valve repaired but that's a lot different from what I understand. I think they've been doing mitral valve repairs for a long time. Repair is more complicated than replacement, I know that much, so the surgeon and the center are even more important.

 

[cldlhd]

Dr, and nurse practitioner said I should not need another surgery....... However if I did it would be many years later many years later I could be in my 70s-90s that is what I'm getting hung up on

I totally get that, when I had my aortic valve repaired I was pushing for them to just replace it but my valve wasn't really cause for my surgery It was my aneurysm so they just tweaked it while they were in there. The point is when you're in your '70s to '90s you could need another surgery, and another one regarding your heart, regardless. Hopefully not but there's no guarantee either way, the best you could do is educate yourself using reliable sources, choose the best surgeon and center you can and go with it.

 

[Geofd]

Gonna have it done in mass general hospital in Boston, and the Dr, is who everyone wants for their mitral valve issues

 

[pellicle]

Gonna have it done in mass general hospital in Boston, and the Dr, is who everyone wants for their mitral valve issues

Sounds good, once you are clear about your decision then the anxiety can be replaced with planning

Best Wishes

 

[Geofd]

Well, basically made my decision,I'm gonna have it repaired talked to alot of drs,retired drs,and my Dr,they all say like some on this forum that original equipment is best to work with,and it's very likely that there won't be a follow up surgery,
So thanks everyone for support and input I've learned alot in a short time surgery is Sept 27

 

[pellicle]

my fingers crossed for you for an uneventful recovery and a good duration.

Best Wishes

 

[cldlhd]

Well, basically made my decision,I'm gonna have it repaired talked to alot of drs,retired drs,and my Dr,they all say like some on this forum that original equipment is best to work with,and it's very likely that there won't be a follow up surgery,
So thanks everyone for support and input I've learned alot in a short time surgery is Sept 27

Be keeping an eye out for your post surgery/ recovery updates. Best wishes

 

[Midpack]

Good luck with your upcoming surgery! You will be fine!

 

[Eva]

Wishing you good luck and the best outcome and a speedy recovery. Happy for you about your decision, as this was tougher on me than the surgery!
Relax now and leave it in the hands of your trusted cardios and surgeon.