Update from my Dr. at Mayo

[kfay]

Well, my card at mayo presented my case today. My surgeon was in the room as well. The majority agreement was that I should have my tricuspid valve replaced and my asd closed at the same time. There was some discussion that I could just have the asd closed now, however there is concern if they did that I could be back in 3-6 months in bad shapedue to the pressure that could build up from my tricuspid valve deformity, so they will do the valve at the same time. My surgeon has just gotten back from South America where he learned new techniques that are supposed to make almost all valves 100% salvagable, but mine still doesn't fit into that, so I'll have a pig valve. At this time they have no plans to put a shunt in, however, if once surgery is underway and he feels that my right side of my heart is too weak or they have problems weaning me off the heart/lung machine, they will then do a Glenn shunt. This is the part that my card really does not want to have happen. So, then for the time of surgery. I asked would I be stupid to postpone my surgery date from Jan. 9 to the first week in June. They said they felt ok with that as long as I let them know immediately if I felt any changes. They could use the extra time to figure out what's going on with my rhythm issues. They are getting my records from Duke which is where I had my first OHS for WPW and will then decide if I need another electrophysiology study or not. Now for the fun part. They want me to wear a monitor going forward. Tomorrow I will call and get on the surgery schedule for the first week of June when my kids are gone to camp.

Kim

 

[Phyllis]

Kim, it sounds like the best have put their heads together and come up with a good plan for you. Be sure to let them know if you experience any changes and best wishes going forward.

 

[Gnusgal]

It's good to have a plan at least. I know it's not really what you wanted to hear, but in the long run I'm sure it will be the best decision you've made. I'm confident that you'll be feeling tons better after surgery. It's amazing what a little more oxygen will do!

Good luck with the waiting, the EP study, monitor, and the rhythm issues. I have had 4 pacemakers and 2 ICDs, so I'm well aware of rhythm problems and the monitoring they involve. I think it's a good thing you're going to have time to work on that issue before going in for surgery. That way they might be able to "fix" that at the same time.

Take care of yourself and let us know how you're doing. The wait is truly the hardest part!

 

[WayneGM]

Sounds like your surgery is well planned out. Let them know if you experience any changes. While it may be convenient to postpone your surgery to June while the kids are at camp, your health comes first. Best wishes.