Thank You Everyone

breakofdawn2000 · Aug 3, 2006

Thank You to you all regarding information on my subjective Heart Valve Replacement......As I had my Heart Cath Yesterday and lo and behold the Doctor who performed it and the Heart Surgeon acquantence of mine are in agreement that I do not need Valve Replacement now.
They are apparantly not that bad which is confusing as my Heart Echo and T.E.E. were showing severe Heart Valve condition and now after my Heart Cath they are saying it is moderate and can be treated with medication.???
So is my Cardioligist not very good or does she like to scare the living daylights out of me and have me look into a surgery that really is not necessary right now..?

I was under the assumption that these tests were fairly accurate but apparantly the Heart Cath test, where they shoot that Iodine through your artories, really is the only TRUE result test.

I reallly am thankful that I have found this site and everyone has been really nice, as I was really freaking out at the thought of Heart Surgery and not knowing anyone who has had this procedure done really makes the whole thing daunting. It is nice to know there are people out there who have had this done, who can realate to someone who is thinking about having to go through the same thing.

Thank You to all of your kind words and information......I am pretty sure this surgery will be in my future but after yesterdays test it looks like I can wait a while .....maybe 3,5 or 10 years hopefully, I guess I will have to wait and see.

Karlynn · Aug 3, 2006

Wow! I can understand the echo having pretty different results from the cath, but I've always understood the TEE to be a very good predictive test. It's quite a step to go from 2 severe valves to both being moderate in not need of anything. You may want to run the tests by another cardio/thoracic surgeon for a 2nd opinion to be on the safe side. If that dr. gives you the thumbs up for no repair or replacement at this time, then enjoy!

Ross · Aug 3, 2006

Sorry but if the TEE was bad, something is wrong here. I think you need to take your results and get a second opinion from another SURGEON.

MikeHeim · Aug 3, 2006

I agree with Karlynn in that these are very confusing developments. As I understand it, the TEE is the definative test as to determining the function of a heart valve. That is why the surgeon performs one during surgery after doing a repair or replacement and before they close you up - basically to check their work. When I was given a cath prior to surgery, I was told it was ONLY to determine if there were any blockages in my arteries. I don't believe that a heart cath has the ability to show ventricular enlargement or many other anomolies. I would seriously consider another opinion.

Regardless, congrats on the happy news.