Scared Newbie

[JAJ99]

CP,
I didn't have minimally invasive, although I had a thoracotomy. They went in between my ribs, just below my right breast. My incision is about 6 inches long and it starts almost at the sternum. I really didn't have any pain. It's still a bit tender which makes wearing bras a bit uncomfortable, but that's about it. My cardio did tell me that it's usually more painful though. I have nothing to compare it too so if this is less painful, a sternectomy would feel like nothing (which I"m sure isn't that case). Please feel free to keep asking questions. I know how helpful they can be.
Jean

 

[Ross]

Do any of you guys that are on warfin take vitamins? I have avoid because of the Vitamin K issue.

Boy is it good to have someone to ask all these questions. I used to watch a lot of football but the Atlanta Falcons cured me of that. I now spend a lot of time reading all the new posts on HV forum.

God Bless

CP

Some of us do take vitamins. Your Coumadin can be adjusted for it if need be. Don't get trapped denying yourself things when it's not necessary. Coumadin well, come around the anticoagulation forums and we can discuss.

 

[cp172]

Marie....Glad to hear I am not the only person freaking out on the details. I have been off the past week and I think I really need to go to work.

Danny ....Good to hear from a fellow Georgian. Columbus is a great city. Been there often with kids to sports events.My surgeon (in Macon) told me that if I prefered someone other than him to handle the procedure he would recommend St Josephs in Atlanta. We have decided to let him handle the surgery since he says he has been doing valves for 10 years, does over 100 a year and comes highly recommended by a friend who is a surgeon.I hope my ablation & repair goes as well as yours.

Jean..Glad to hear another success story.It sure helps hearing how well others have done.

Thanks.

CP

 

[cp172]

Hi Guys,

I found out a lot of answers today. Both my left ventricle and atrium are dilated. The ventricle is expected to return to normal once my MV is repaired. The surgeon plans to give my atrium a "dart" procedure (not a medical term..like whats done when someone takes in pants) to reduce the size of the atrium. I have had lengthy conversation with a friend who is a heart surgeon and am now at peace about all my decisions. It is now up to the surgeon's hands and God's will. I still can not believe they can do all this in such a small incision. My friend told me to stop worrying about those details since that is what they get paid for.

I got a copy of my echo and am unsure what diastole 6.9cm, systole 4.0cm, septum 1cm, posterior wall 1cm and estimated LVEF 65% mean. Anyone want to explain?

Really enjoyed Sunday's chat!

Thanks for being there,

CP

 

[Adrienne]

Hi Guys,

I found out a lot of answers today. Both my left ventricle and atrium are dilated. The ventricle is expected to return to normal once my MV is repaired. The surgeon plans to give my atrium a "dart" procedure (not a medical term..like whats done when someone takes in pants) to reduce the size of the atrium. I have had lengthy conversation with a friend who is a heart surgeon and am now at peace about all my decisions. It is now up to the surgeon's hands and God's will. I still can not believe they can do all this in such a small incision. My friend told me to stop worrying about those details since that is what they get paid for.

I got a copy of my echo and am unsure what diastole 6.9cm, systole 4.0cm, septum 1cm, posterior wall 1cm and estimated LVEF 65% mean. Anyone want to explain?

Really enjoyed Sunday's chat!

Thanks for being there,

CP

diastole 6.9 cm - When your left ventricle is filled with blood right before it pumps, is 6.9 cm - too dilated.

systole 4.0 cm - When your left ventricle has just pumped out the blood, it is 4.0 cm. - too dilated.

septem and posterior wall of 1 cm - normal

LVEF (left ventricle ejection fraction) 65% - very normal

 

[cp172]

Adrienne,

Thanks for the translation!


CP

 

[rgmcguire]

Hi CP. In October I had my mitral valve replaced with the ON-X Prosthetic Heart Valve. I chose this valve because of it's longevity over a tissue valve. I didn't chose repair because there was no guaranty that it would hold up over the long run. My surgeon told me that he has had excellent results with the ON-X valve. Although I'm on Warfarin it's really not a big deal. I'm just thankful to God that He has given me new life and another chance. I know that you'll be fine. I wish you well. Have a great day.

Bob

 

[cp172]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the info. Its really reassuring to hear from VR members that have had successful surgeries. I hope by this time next month I will be recovering. I have not been given a date yet. They told me to call Monday. I assume it will be the first week of February.
My surgeon thinks a lot of the ON-X valve but thinks he can repair mine. We will see. At this point if I wake up and its a matter of pain managment I will be one happy puppy.

God Bless,

CP from Midle Ga.

 

[njean]

The only supplements I take are Calcium & Magnesium. I asked my cardio if I could take like "Centrium Silver" & he said "NO" because it contained Vit K.

I always check w/my doctor first before taking any over the counter meds or supplements or I search the net for drug interactions.

 

[cp172]

Hi Norma,

Thanks.I may look into taking some suppliments.What is the advantages of magnesium? I hope all is well with you.


CP

 

[njean]

Hi Norma,

Thanks.I may look into taking some suppliments.What is the advantages of magnesium? I hope all is well with you.


CP

The doctor put me on magnesium after my last EKG -- there were a lot of "peaks" & he said that the magnesium helps regulate your heart rhythm. Believe me it works! He did another EKG about a month after I started the magnesium & the peaks were virtually gone!

 

[cp172]

Norma,

I will have to look into magnesium. I found out today that I will be seeing my cardio. Janaury 29th at which time my heart cath and OHS will be scheduled.I really hope this will all be over sometime in early Feb.

I am told I will have the heart cath and if all is well get a two day load of heprin followed by OHS which will include an ablation, nip/tuck on the atrium and mitral valve repair (or replacement if necessary).

I am trying to spend 30-40 minutes a day in the gym to get ready. I don't smoke,drink or chase women so I don't have a bad habit to give up before surgery. I do need to lose about 50 pounds and am trying to drop a few pounds (not too succesful so far).

Thanks to all you guys for being there and letting us newbies know what to expect. You really makes a difference.


CP

 

[DebbyA]

CP,

I don't think I've posted anything to you yet, kept seeing your posts, and intending to.

Just want to send best wishes from another valver edging toward the door of the waiting room!

Debby

 

[cp172]

Hi Debby,

Thanks! I see where you are having surgery on Janaury 30th. Thats my birthday.I will add you to my prayers and look forward to hearing of your having a smooth recovery.

CP