Second Thoughts?

[Kenny F]

Alright, now I'm going to sound like a weinie! I meet my surgeon Monday at 6:45pm. I am fully prepared to gather the facts, ask my questions and set a date, preferably mid-December.

All the tests (echo's, cath) indicate an inevitable need for AVR. I have described symptoms, although sometimes vague, that have got my cardios attention. I can feel and hear my heart at night. I had a really strange 'flutter' or 'flop' in my chest Friday - the first time I felt that! I cannot handle extended exertion (but neither can alot of 45 yo).

BUT - yesterday we were scheduled for a Fall Preview at the college my oldest daughter's going to next year (Middle Tennessee State - MTSU). This is a big school (22,000) on a large campus. Frankly, I was afraid of the trip because I knew we would be walking all day, which we did. And no one could keep up with me (I was excited - I never went away to college, and everything was sooo cool!). I have never felt better. I did not think about my heart all day - the first time in the last month. We saw it all, did the tailgate party, went to the game. A real fun day.

So my question is - have I been over-dramatizing my condition? Is it really too early? My cardio is waiting for me to tell him - with the caveat that 2-3 years is a mistake.

My only real fear is the immediate post-op and my business. I do not fear death or the long road to full recovery. I am afraid of putting my family thru something that isn't entirely needed right now.

Maybe somebody can help bring me back into focus? My wife freaked when I told her my second thoughts!

Again, sorry for the long post - I'm a bit wordy (I sell for a living). But I have seen so much positive response amongst this bunch, that I am sure somebody will slap me around and set me straight (lovingly, of course)

 

[Ross]

Do not be deceived oh Kenny. You can be symptom free and never feel anything is wrong until it's too late and permanent damage is done. I think your family would like to have you around for a long time to come, therefor I don't think you should sell yourself short here. I pretty much took mine to the limit before surgery. I have not recovered as well as I might have if I'd had it done sooner. BIG MISTAKE!

If it's the surgeons opinion that this be done soon, do not drag your feet, take him at his word. They are much more in tune to the heart then even a Cardiologist is. What I mean by that is, they'd rather fix it before it's really messed up, then to wait until damage starts.

 

[Lorraine]

Kenny, don't decieve yourself! I'm with Ross on this one. Get it done soon! While having CHF I know I had days when I was sympton free and felt normal. You probably had a day like that when you went to visit your daughters college. That does not mean the problem isn't still there. The last thing you want to do is wait until you've done irrepairable damage to your heart because you decided its not convenient at this time. Mid-Dec sounds like a good time to have it done and get it over with. Then you'll be on the road to recovery and can truly celebrate the New Year to better health!

 

[KathyH]

It's probably just your stage of denial that you are going thru. At least you only have one more day to wait until you see the surgeon. He will probably fill you in more. Best wishes, don't forget to let us know what the Dr says tomorrow.
Kathy

 

[hensylee]

Dear Mr very healthy Weinie - sorry, my dear Kenny - your doctor is going on factual data. That's just the way it is. So when you see him/her tomorrow you will know one way or the other. If it's a delay for 2-3 yrs we will all say yippeeeee! If not, we travel on toward the mountain. One way or the other, we all go along with you. And cheer all the way. So nice to know you feel so well. Means you will have a quick recovery, I hope. (whether soon or 2-3 yrs from now)

 

[Nancy]

Hi Kenny-

When you go to the surgeon's appt. on Monday, listen carefully to what he has to say. He will have no emotional baggage regarding whether you should or should not have the surgery. Most surgeons use scientific data to decide when it's the right time. And that is because the heart can overcompensatefor defects for a time, but this comes at a price, enlargement and then decreased function. So your test results will tell the tale.

If the surgeon says it's time, then it's time. No one will open you up without good cause.

i think everyone facing this surgery has these feelings.

Best wishes.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I echo all of the above.

My cardiologist thought he could get another few years out of my valve by changing my meds. 15 months later, it was nearly closed off and I believe I just made it to surgery in time. My recovery did NOT match those wonderful stories you read here on vr.com.

When the heart compensates for a closing valve, PERMANENT DAMAGE can be done to the heart muscles and walls. If your surgeon recommends proceeding soon, DO IT. Your recovery and long term capabilities will benefit from early intervention.

Note that some of our younger and very athletic contributors declined VERY RAPIDLY in only a few months prior to surgery and now face long term or permanent reduction in their exercise tolerance. When the SURGEON says it's time, IT's TIME.

SOONER IS BETTER !

'AL'

 

[Kenny F]

Thanks all! I knew I could count on you!

I did not appreciate how much the surgeon has to say - I figured I was going to him after the diagnoses is made. It makes more sense now (how many people deal with surgeons regularly?) that he is part of the team and will make his own assessment.

BUT I'll just tell him that the VR.com crew said to do it !

Seriously folks - this is the most valuable use of the internet I've seen yet. I hope I am in a position shortly to be a help and an inspiration to the next one coming down this road, as you have been to me.

 

[Karlynn]

Kenny,
Best wishes in your decision. The doctors, in hind sight, waited way too long to do my mitral valve replacement (my young age kept putting them off), but I was so debilitated by the time the surgery was done, I don't think I ever fully recovered 100%. Although I do feel good, I do have physical limitations that a lot of valvers don't seem to have as much of.

If I'd known then what I know now, I would have pushed for surgery much earlier.

Karlynn