Tussle

[Phil]

Hi,

It's been a while since I was last here. I stopped logging on when my surgeon indicated surgery wouldn't be as soon as he first anticipated (mid last year). I saw him yesterday and he has revised his thinking and has suggested it occur in the first half of next year. My cardiologist on the other hand wants me to wait longer. My surgeon feels if he operates sooner rather than later, I'll be in better shape, the surgery will be less complicated and it's not such an issue having the surgery a bit sooner as I'm opting for a mechanical valve this time around.

My question is - have others been in a situation where the surgeon seems to be at odds with the cardiologist and who usually wins the tussle?

Cheers.



Phil.

 

[Roberta]

I personally didn't experience this, but I do recall some members finding that their cardiologist wasn't as proactive as their surgeon. Hopefully, others will chime in to provide feedback. Personally, I feel that surgeons are better equipped to make this decision. Another thought is to go for a second opinion from either another surgeon of cardiologist.

All the best,

 

[Jkm7]

Fortunately, my surgeon and cardiologist agreed on timing for my second surgery.... my first was emergent.
While I have great respect and trust for both, I likely would have done as my surgeon suggested as he was the one who had to 'work' on my heart. He was the one who knew at what point, the surgery would become more tricky etc

JMO......

Sorry to hear your valve has gotten worse faster than you expected.
It is never a good time for that.

 

[Mom2izzy]

I agree with Jkm7. I am more inclined to side with the surgeon. I also sort of just wanted it done and over, so really didn't want to wait.

 

[Rachel]

My surgeon and cardiologist didn't agree on a couple of things (mostly timing, cardiologist wanted to wait and thought the valve should not be replaced), I had a 5.2cm aortic aneurysm and I have no idea what shape my valve was in.

I trusted what the surgeon said and did, I've never looked back. I believe that in my situation, trusting my surgeon was a lifesaving decision.

Rachel

 

[epstns]

This appears to be a "normal" sort of dissonance. Usually cardiologists like to watch and wait, medically treat where necessary while surgeons prefer to operate sooner. It is worthwhile to get both viewpoints, then make your own informed decision.

In my case, my cardio said that from tests alone he might have recommended surgery several years earlier than when I finally had it done. He said that although my numbers indicated that surgery would have been "any time now" from my exercise tolerance and general lifestyle he felt it better to wait. It is a calculated risk. In my case, we were willig to wait in order to have a better chance at longer valve life with a tissue valve. Waiting a couple of extra years made it more feasible to go that way. Had I needed surgery at a younger age (I was 63), they would have pushed me to choose a mechanical valve.

 

[TomAlbers]

Hi Phil, I agree with Steve in that each case is different. In my case my surgeon actually set up my surgery and then referred me to a cardiologist after the fact. I had an aneurysm that he fe felt couldn't wait, I agreed and since I changed hospitals I needed a new cardiologist. My surgeon set me up with my current cardio, however, it was my surgeon who's opinion I trusted the most and would still trust the most if he hadn't moved.

 

[Phil]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. My feeling is wait until I see my surgeon in February 2013 and take it from there. My learning from last year's experience was ... Don't get ahead of myself. So let's see.

Again thanks.


Phil.