Shifted to a faster track

[Mentu]

Until today, surgery has been something of an intellectual exercise that's likely to happen in the misty distant future. This past weekend I began having chest pain and more severe shortness of breath. As we had agreed, I reported it to my Cardiologist's nurse. Rather to my surprise, I got a call back thirty minutes later to say that I'm scheduled for a pre-surgery heart cath next week and, oh, by the way here is that name of the surgeon I recommend.

I've spent much of today shifting gears. I have found some information about the surgeon who was recently recruited by my Cardio's hospital from another hospital where he was chief of surgery. So I guess it's time to start rereading some of your posts and for real and begin preparing my own list of questions. How many operations? What kind of incision? What type of valve? ...... and to start putting together my own local support team. Without this forum, I would have been lost about now. I really want to thank you all for sharing your experiences. It has really helped today.

 

[hall]

There is a lot of information on the forum. Sounds like you are educating yourself and that is good. If you have questions, just ask. Best of luck on your cath.

 

[EireCara]

As everyone here says, ''the waiting is the hardest part'', so it looks like you will have this all over and done with in no time, and can then get on with living, and enjoying a healthy life. Everything else is a bonus once you have that. Wishing you the best of luck with you heart cath. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Have you had an EchoCardiogram recently?

If not, I'm a bit surprised that they are scheduling a Cath before they know what you need... (maybe I missed a previous discussion of your symptoms and tests...)

 

[netmiff]

I had two years between "sometime maybe" and "now" and it was still a shock to me - you must be flabbergasted! Take a deep breath (or a few!) and post any specific questions you might have. We're here to help.

 

[Mentu]

ALCapshaw2 asked about the Echo. The last echocardiogram was three weeks ago. If the measurements were accurate, then my AV has gone from 1.4 cm2 to .8 cm2 in less than a year. Dr K thinks that the portal may not be quite that small but with the beginning of chest pain that it is time for the AVR. He wants the heart cath to provide the surgeon with the best current information for planning the surgery.

Right now, it doesn't seem quite possible that I am going to feel good again. You all certainly need no reminding about waking each morning and not feeling like getting out of bed then going through the day with no energy. I keep half expecting a call that says "We made a mistake, it's not time yet." It is very comforting to know, however, that so many others have shared the same worries.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Many Surgeons and Cardiologists use an Effective Valve AREA of 0.8 sq cm (NOT diameter as mentioned in your member profile) as their 'Trigger' for recommending Aortic Valve Replacement, so YES, it's time to talk to a surgeon.

Have they checked to see if your Aortic Valve is BiCuspid?
If it is, then it would also be wise to check your Aorta for Aneurism(s) and /or signs of Connective Tissue Disorder. Surgery of the Aorta is another Step up the Ladder of Complexity and you would be best served by a Surgeon with Lots of Aorta Surgery Experience if you have those conditions. This would most likely be beyond the scope of expertise for your average ByPass (and occasional Valve) Surgeon. Be sure to ASK your surgeon about his experience with the procedure YOU will need.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[barb]

I too went from surgery being off in the distant future to "we need to do this in the next month or two". It is very hard to wrap your head around. I was just beginning to have symptoms or so I thought. I had dismissed certain feelings such as dizziness to other things but now realize that I may have had symptoms earlier than I had thought. My valve itself wasn't really at a "surgical " point ( I think 1.2) but it was the rapid growth of my aneurysm that made surgery urgent. When they got in there they did find that my valve was in much worse shape than tests had shown. My bicuspid only had one working leaflet and was very calcified.

It is a good thing that your body is telling you that it is time and it sounds like your doc is responsive as well. Good luck to you. This IS the hardest part. You will be through this and healing soon. Keeping you in my thoughts.

 

[skeptic49]

Sounds like you are indeed on the fast track. Best wishes for yur surgery.

Jim

 

[ALCapshaw2]

ALCapshaw2 asked about the Echo. The last echocardiogram was three weeks ago. If the measurements were accurate, then my AV has gone from 1.4 cm2 to .8 cm2 in less than a year. Dr K thinks that the portal may not be quite that small but with the beginning of chest pain that it is time for the AVR. He wants the heart cath to provide the surgeon with the best current information for planning the surgery.

Right now, it doesn't seem quite possible that I am going to feel good again. You all certainly need no reminding about waking each morning and not feeling like getting out of bed then going through the day with no energy. I keep half expecting a call that says "We made a mistake, it's not time yet." It is very comforting to know, however, that so many others have shared the same worries.

When you go for your Cath, be sure to ASK the Cardiologist to perform BOTH a Left Heart AND Right Heart Catheterization.

The Surgeon will want to see the Right Heart Cath Results to assess your pulmonary function, as well as the usual Coronary Artery images to check for signs of blockages.

'AL Capshaw'