dsouter
Well-known member
OK, Christmas went well and I had my appointment with Dr.Lam today.
He wants me to have a CAT scan in the next few weeks to see how calcified my Homograph root is. This will determine whether a tissue valve is even an option.
We talked about the On-X valve as an option and he is following the On-X study with optimism.
He explained that even if I have a tissue valve this time, next time will require a graph and valve as the calcification will definitely require removing the remaining Homograph.
This complicates the surgery and raises the risk for the next surgery.
We talked about the Crohn's and Colitis that my brother and sister have and he said developing these in my 40's would be rare as they tend to appear in the late teens to mid 30's . This took the main concern over ACT off the table.
We discussed the options of Mechanical now or in 10-15 years when I am 50-55.
I don't have to make a decision until after the CAT when we find out whether I have an option.
The doctor was very nice and intuitive about what we wanted to know and explained everything really well.
I asked about Kryptonite Glue and his response was "How did you hear about that?" and then told me they have a supply on hand and would use it for me.
My GF/Wife Jodi felt better after the meeting and liked the DR as well.
So, waiting for a CAT Scan appointment and then we schedule the Surgery and Pre-admitting.
Likely mid February. Only drawback is that it will probably occur when both sets of my parents are in Florida and they are threatening to cancel vacations. I told them not to but...
Will keep you all informed as I find out more.
Dugald
He wants me to have a CAT scan in the next few weeks to see how calcified my Homograph root is. This will determine whether a tissue valve is even an option.
We talked about the On-X valve as an option and he is following the On-X study with optimism.
He explained that even if I have a tissue valve this time, next time will require a graph and valve as the calcification will definitely require removing the remaining Homograph.
This complicates the surgery and raises the risk for the next surgery.
We talked about the Crohn's and Colitis that my brother and sister have and he said developing these in my 40's would be rare as they tend to appear in the late teens to mid 30's . This took the main concern over ACT off the table.
We discussed the options of Mechanical now or in 10-15 years when I am 50-55.
I don't have to make a decision until after the CAT when we find out whether I have an option.
The doctor was very nice and intuitive about what we wanted to know and explained everything really well.
I asked about Kryptonite Glue and his response was "How did you hear about that?" and then told me they have a supply on hand and would use it for me.
My GF/Wife Jodi felt better after the meeting and liked the DR as well.
So, waiting for a CAT Scan appointment and then we schedule the Surgery and Pre-admitting.
Likely mid February. Only drawback is that it will probably occur when both sets of my parents are in Florida and they are threatening to cancel vacations. I told them not to but...
Will keep you all informed as I find out more.
Dugald