roundsgirl said:
Thank you all sooooooo much. I just got back from getting all my hair cut off. Man, I am freaking out, I am not a short hair person. After considering how long I will be layed up in ICU and the hospital, I didn't want to be laying in a rat's nest. I keep telling myself it will grow back, but I already miss my hair. My family is going to be in shock when they walk in the door. Now what else do I need to be doing to prepare. I've got the robe and bedroom shoes for when they get me up to walk, but my head is spinning so fast right now.
I just wanted to thank all of you again. I will keep you updated. I will probably post right through this nervous breakdown I think I'm having. Ha Ha
Much love and best wishes to you all
Roundsgirl,
Lisa
Lisa, WHY the RUSH to Surgery?
Personally, I am conflicted and confused about your Rush to Surgery. While it appears that your valve does need to be replaced, I did not get the impression that it was so urgent that it needed to be done within the week.
I fully expect to be admonished by some for what I am about to say.
You just described your state of mind as "freaking out" and then asked what else you needed to do to prepare.
To MY mind, the Most Important aspect of your preparation should be INFORMED CONCENT.
MY definition of Informed Concent is where the patient
1- Understands his/her condition
2- Knows the Options
3- Understands the RISKS of each Option
4- Understands the Prognosis of each Option
My impression is that You are Not There Yet which is quite understandable since you don't yet know what (mechanical) valve the surgeon recommends implanting.
Frankly, I am concerned about his recommendation that you get a mechanical valve and then, when your diverticulatis flares up, simply go OFF the Coumadin (anti-coagulation medication) that is needed to Prevent CLOT formation.
Clot Formation a known risk for Stroke or Embolism with mechanical valves, especially second generation mechanical valves such as those made by ATS, Carbomedics, St. Jude, and the single leaflet Medtronics-Hall Valve that seems to have fallen out of favor with most surgeons. Third Generation mechanical valves (made by On-X and another company) have greatly reduced Clot Risk.
I just finished reading Lewis Grizzard's book "I Took a Lickin' and Kept on Tickin'" which chronicles his Third Open Heart Surgery.
On the last page of that book, his surgeon tells him of another patient with 2 mechanical valves who "came back in awful shape". They had to replace BOTH valves because the patient had Stopped taking his Coumadin.
The MAIN advantage of mechanical valves is their durability and the HOPE that they will not need to be replaced, which is usually the case IF the patient takes anti-coagulation medication Every Day for the rest of his life.
The Third Generation On-X Valve is the ONLY mechanical valve that has been approved by the FDA for Studies to evaluate use with Low and NO Anti-coagulation medication. Unless your surgeon already has a supply of On-X valves, it is highly unlikely he could be prepared to implant one of them on This Coming Thursday, January 3.
IF you are interested in receiving a Third Generation Mechanical Valve you will need to First determine IF your local surgeon is willing to implant one of those valves (and get educated on the unique sizing and implanting techniques) and Second, most likely RESCHEDULE your Surgery Date (or find another surgeon who uses the newer valves).
The alternatives are to receive a Tissue Valve which GUARANTEES the need for a future replacement, or take the risk of Clot Formation and possible STROKE with the older (second generation) mechanical valves.
I am sorry to be the "Bearer of Bad News", but this issue is 'dear to me' as I have a Standard (second generation) St. Jude Mechanical Valve and will need to 'Go OFF Coumadin' for future invasive procedures and / or surgery. When the time comes to replace MY second valve, I hope to receive an On-X.
This could be the Most Important Decision of your Future Life Lisa. It needs to be made with understanding and Informed Concent. You CAN elect to take the time it takes to reach that decision.
Of course this 'warning' could all be for naught IF your surgeon is already planning on using a third generation valve. We (and you) just don't know yet.
My hope is that you will arrive at a Decision you are comfortable with and find Peaceful Acceptance as you go into surgery.
'AL Capshaw'
