Surgery date set for Aug.

[Ozmercy]

I talked with Dr. Trento at Cedars Sinai today and he seemed to be a great guy. We discussed my case and he informed me of the options. He brought up the Ross procedure and wants to discuss that with the Cardiologist Dr Siegel. He wants to do AVR and Ascending Aorta replacement. He mentioned that even though my aorta is 5.3 cm he felt since I was not very symptomatic that it could wait a year or two if I wanted, but he recommended surgery now. It would be foolish to wait since I am off work. So we set a date of Aug. 11, he was booked through the rest of July. I was going to do the 4th but I have a few things going on that week and waiting another week seemed to be okay. I feel really good about this and have a great peace about moving ahead. Many of my concerns of late have been dispelled through you guys or an encouraging word from a friend and of course through prayer. We discussed a mechanical valve but because of my occupation he felt Coumadin would be a bad thing for a firefighter (I may not be able to go back to the firehouse anyways). I am going to start giving blood and I have an appt for another cat scan. I guess that is it. Oh yeah I bought a new imac. Talk about an impulse buy! It's a long story and I will spare you. I have been feeling a lot better, no transient pains or flutters today or yesterday. To cope with the waiting and the heat around here we are going to go to the mountains. Not too far from a hospital. Happy July 4th to you all. We are so blessed to live in a country like America.

one last thing I posted some new stuff to my blog. I wrote about Cindy Karnish. That really hit me hard.
http://web.mac.com/standthetest/iWeb/Site/Blog/Blog.html

 

[Ross]

Well no offense, but I think your Doctor is nuts if he thinks it could wait another year! 5.3 is very dangerous and I sure wouldn't want to walk around for another year wondering if today is the day I die or not.

Personally, I think August is too far away, but if you comfortable, ok.

I'll put you on the calendar. Good luck and I'll say some prayers for ya too!

 

[Phyllis]

August 11th is a good date- Dick's birthday- wishing you the best and a wonderful time in the mountains!

 

[Georgia]

I think taking positive action to take care of pressing issues always helps lighten the load and give you a lift. Congrats on getting a surgery date; glad they're going to do the aneuysm now.

Have a good vacation. Take care, enjoy the clear, cool air.

 

[Marguerite53]

I'm sure you are relieved to have a date.

You will be encountering many emotions as the day approaches. They are all normal and you should respect them, but not dwell in them if they are counter-productive to your success. When the doubts creep in, just let them go like a kite in the wind. Stay positive. It will be so helpful to your success! Greet each day with a smile in your heart and it will work for you when you most need it!

Keep us posted with any questions or concerns.

Marguerite

 

[musician2k]

Congrats on getting that all worked out, Oz. I have a 4.5cm aneuryism and the surgeons I spoke with sure didn't feel comfortable with me waiting as long as I *am* waiting, which was only a couple weeks! So I have a hard time understanding why he's say a couple YEARS? You might want to re-check on that. Otherwise, good luck man! And congrats on the iMac! I've been considering getting a Mac myself....

-m2k

 

[Mary]

Oz,

I'm glad you got a date.
The time will pass faster than you think, so get ready and hold on for the ride!

 

[Ozmercy]

a little more info

a little more info

I think the reason that the Drs. haven't been as anxious with me is that the 5.3 mesurement was caught on a scan 2 yrs. ago. The scan was ordered as part of my annual physical based on an anomoly in my stress test. The doctor that reviewed it didn't even tell me I had an aneurysm, he said I had some swelling in my aorta (which I didn't connect as an aneurysm, which I should have, being a paramedic) and that i should probably see a cardiologist, but not to worry it wasn't a big deal. On advice from someone at the firefighters union i chose to wait for a couple of years until I had more time on the books to see a cardiologist based on the no big deal statement. I know what you are thinking (what a dope, he almost got himself killed) but it was just bad thinking on my part based on bad advice from a doctor and a guy at the union. Well, it is still at 5.3 at its largest portion though it has grown at the root. I think because there hasn't been any really bad symptoms, plus the apparent stability of the aneurysm, they are somfortable with waiting. I am getting another scan next Monday and if something has changed I am sure they can move me up. Neither wanted to wait, they just pointed out that that was an option. Both cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon recommended surgery.

I took the extra week because of a class that I am taking that completes a series of 6 classes and gives me a certification that would be helpful if I am forced to retire early. Do you think this is a mistake. I am really trying hard to keep it low key and not do to much. It also works better for wife and daughter due to other circumstances.

I wrote about the appt. on my blog. let me know if i explained the Ross procedure wrong, and I would love any advice regarding whether to do it or not.
http://web.mac.com/standthetest

 

[Cynaburst]

Oz-

I sent you a private message a couple of days ago but maybe you haven't seen it. I am also in L.A. and am a longtime patient of Dr. Robert Siegel. I will also be having OHS (a septal myectomy - not a valve replacement) this August, but mine will be at the Mayo Clinic. After surgery, I will be returning to L.A. and following up with Dr. Siegel.

Please write if you want to compare notes.

[email protected]

 

[Ozmercy]

cynaburst

cynaburst

I just sent a short message i will write you via regular email tomorrow.