Surgical consult

[dej72]

Looks like I will have a surgical consultation very soon. I just spoke with my cardiologist again this morning.

1. She said the only reason she had been advising me to wait is that since my left ventricle is still in great shape (not showing any signs of degradation from the severe insufficiency), maybe we could wait longer and see if any technological advances happen in the next few years which might lead to a better long-term outcome for me.

2. I will definitely need surgery in the near future

3. I am keeping my appointment for the follow-up echocardiagram in May.

4. She is giving me a referral to a couple of surgeons in San Francisco.

5. She thinks that the most likely form of valve and aorta I would get would be from a human cadaver, but this depends on the surgeon, and also what they see once they get in.

Can someone please tell me what goes on during a consultation with a surgeon?

Me: Aortic root diameter 4.6 cm, severe regurgitation, Bicuspid aortic valve, everything else is normal in my heart. 33 years old. 6'1", 190lbs"

 

[tantekay]

my experience - for what it's worth

my experience - for what it's worth

To be honest - I'm not sure this will help at all, my only experience with surgery is my son's surgeries and when we scheduled those his ped. cardio. forwarded all the info to the surgeon and he relayed back what his plans were, and since there were no other real options for us at the time -- couldn't wait for 2nd and 3rd opinions -- just wanted 1 suregeon to study his heart defects and do the best he could. But when we did have our pre-op visit, he did go over what his plans were again to make sure we knew exactly what he had planned. He told us exactly what to expect and how seriously ill our son would be post-op. He quoted us success rates for the type of procedures that were being done. Asked us if we had any questions. Most of all he made sure we were well informed and knew what to expect before, during and after the surgery. I would imagine that any other consult would relay the same info. The only difference I can think of would be that since you have time - you could check out the surgeon, listen to his plans, and then if you didn't feel comfortable with that surgeon, you could then seek a second opinion from a different suregeon, or maybe even "surgeon shop" if you will.

I'm sure that there are many others on here that can offer you some better advise and maybe answer your question better than I. So good luck and I wish you the best.

 

[dej72]

thanks

thanks

Thanks for the information. My cardiologist did mention that she would give me the names of two different surgeons with whom to speak.

I have 3 children and 1 on the way. (thankfully, nothing out of the ordinary noticed on them yet). I was wondering, when young children get valves replaced, is it expected that they will need a second valve replacement when they grow?

 

[aussigal]

Hey Derek...
I know young Chloe has an Onx valve which her and her mama are hoping lasts for the longest time ever...
I have also heard of them doing those valvotomy (sp?) on some kids and the Ross procedure too....its an entirely different situation when it comes to the kids...mine dont need surgery yet though I do know my youngest and his BAV and annie (3.5) are closer to the limit than I would like.
6 foot 1 and 190 pounds...thats pretty tall and lanky isnt it? have you ever checked out a Marfan site?
there are other mums on here too...lets see if we cant attract their attention for those answers

keep in touch...I have lots I'd like to discuss with you!...you handsome fella!

 

[Ross]

I was wondering, when young children get valves replaced, is it expected that they will need a second valve replacement when they grow?

Most certainly yes. Unless they are given homografts that will grow with them, they will outgrow what artificial valve they have.

 

[Ross]

During the consult, the surgeon reviews all the tests you've had, perhaps orders a couple more if necessary, discusses your options with you, then makes a date for surgery. It is a great time for you to take a notepad with every question that comes to your mind to ask him. It's surprising how dumb we become when were nervous.

Your the same age I was when my aneurysm ruptured and the whole heart thing began for me. Unlike yourself, I'm short and stocky. I would ask to be tested for Marfans if I were you. You may be predisposed to weakening walls in your arteries if you have it. You fit the profile somewhat, so please check into it.

 

[TomS]

I was told by a major surgeon that he wanted to put a homograph in me. When I met with other surgeons and understood the real numbers on how long that they typically last, it was clear to me that a homograft was the worse choice that I could make. The enlargement of your aortic root needs to be carefully watched, and is likely a bi-product of the problem with the valve.