The Decision

[needinfo]

Well, after a trip to UAB and Dr Kirklin, the decision has been made. Heart valve surgery is not as "emergent" as thought (good!) but still needs to be addressed, so we have scheduled it for April 7. More good news, my BAV is in good shape via an echo, and Doc believes he can fix the root so no valve replacement is necessary but he wont know until he gets in there so plan B is a bio valve, he things a cadaver valve will fit perefectly. Strangely enough he recommended the bio. No plastics for me after much consideration.
Hardest thing I believe I have ever done is say cut open my chest, stop my heart, and slice it open when I feel fine and have none of the classic symptoms, but I know the risk of waiting so, away we go!
I am excited, psyched, and not looking back.
Thanks to all that have posted here in these forums I have gained a wealth of personal experience information.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

So does he currently plan to leave the BAV? I thought the BAV is what causes problems with the root? Wouldn't leaving you with a BAV cause future issues? This wasn't the problem I had, so I don't know anything but what I've heard here, and that is how I always interpreted it. I'm sure the doctor knows more than I do!

Good luck! It will feel so much better to be on the other side!

 

[TFBruce]

I think you may be surprised at you find you really did have symptoms, but over the years your body just adjusted.
Stay positive and know how many have been down the road before you, and doing just fine.
Best of luck,

 

[Ross]

So does he currently plan to leave the BAV? I thought the BAV is what causes problems with the root? Wouldn't leaving you with a BAV cause future issues? This wasn't the problem I had, so I don't know anything but what I've heard here, and that is how I always interpreted it. I'm sure the doctor knows more than I do!

Good luck! It will feel so much better to be on the other side!

Umm yeah, that's what I'm wondering too.

 

[Phyllis]

I put you on the calendar for April 7th. Now that the major decisions are out of the way,you have plenty of time to read all the threads on what to take to the hospital and how to prepare for homecoming.

 

[needinfo]

I asked the same question about the valve. Strangly enough I understood that the BAV will function properly if its healthy and the diameter of the aorta allows it to seal normally after every beat thus eliminating the regurgetation that is currently happening.EVERYTHING else must be perfect. As I said, more will be determined after he opens, and I have given him the go ahead if its not perfect, replace the valve. I have read that people live with a BAV if all else works and the heart is healthy. I will still have to have the annual check ups as I will always be a heart patient. None the less, if it will work lets do it, if it wont fix it where it will. Not having to replace the valve is an outside shot that I am willing to take, and the aortic repair w/BAV is not common but it happens. I am content with the decision and I am not dwelling on it, it is what it is. Although it weighs on my mind, I cant focus on it every hour of every day I would go nuts....make a decision and move on. I have put whatever happens in the hands of my Lord and I have asked that he bless those that will be doing the work. What more can I do?

 

[needinfo]

I put you on the calendar for April 7th. Now that the major decisions are out of the way,you have plenty of time to read all the threads on what to take to the hospital and how to prepare for homecoming.

Thanks and I appreciate everything.....

 

[needinfo]

So does he currently plan to leave the BAV? I thought the BAV is what causes problems with the root? Wouldn't leaving you with a BAV cause future issues? This wasn't the problem I had, so I don't know anything but what I've heard here, and that is how I always interpreted it. I'm sure the doctor knows more than I do!

Good luck! It will feel so much better to be on the other side!

Guess everyone is different in their own way, BAV affects 1-2% of the population so I guess there is a percentage of that number that is unique, my doctor always said I wasnt wired right...maybe its true!