What do you think ...

[Phil]

Hi All,

I saw my local doctor yesterday where he read a letter from my cardiologist. The letter did not have numbers from my last echo in November 2011, however, it did state I had ... Mild to moderate regurgitation and significant stenosis. My surgeon suggested I would require AVR sometime in 2012, but my cardilogist thought perhaps I'd get a little longer (maybe an additional 12 months). My question is: what do others think? I feel pretty ordinary most of the time and am very much looking forward to the surgery (so I get better and can get on with my life (travel, etc).

Based on mild to moderate regurgitation and significant stenosis do you think the surgery will be this year, or longer?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers.


Phil.

 

[OldManEmu]

Phil
Without numbers it is hard to determine.

mild to moderate

this I wouldn't think would warrant surgery.

significant stenosis

could warrant surgery, however without numbers what is being classified as "significant"?
An AV pressure gradient of 45mm Hg is usually classified as severe stenosis and the trigger for surgery.

 

[Jkm7]

We really can't know the answer but it suggests to me mild to moderate is not ready for surgery. It shouldn't be taken quite that lightly to rush into it 'before it's time'. IMO

Certainly your doctors know and we do not but some people stay in the mild to moderate range for a great many years.

 

[Greg a]

I have to agree with OME ....he is another Aussie after all

 

[carolinemc]

Sound like another visit with the cardiologist in order. to talk over this possible surgery with no information to go on. You need more information before even thinking about surgery. If this cardiologist is not more forthcoming with more, clear information, perhaps if it is the case, you might have to find another cardiologist that will be more informative. You need to feel comfortable with the cardiologist. Try to get more information from him. Good luck. Information is power in health care. Hugs for today.

 

[Sarah_Louise]

I've lived for at least 6 years with moderate regurgatation and stenosis of my pulmonary valve, Only now it has become severe and i'm waiting for heart op number 6,
But currently i am living with severe pulmonary stenosis/RVOTO, mild-moderate tricuspid valve regurgatation and mild-moderate aortic regurgatation (only had this valve in 9 months!) but no work is needed on the tricuspid or aortic valves as yet
Some people live for many years as other have said, others it can decline rapidly,
Thinking of you
Love Sarah xxx

 

[Mentu]

Phil, the one thing you do know is that stenosis does not improve. Surgery is best done before the disease takes a toll on your heart and leaves you with a longer recovery. If you already have selected a surgeon and he advises surgery in the next few months, I think you should listen. I think it does seem to be true that surgeons want to move faster than cardiologists but no respectable surgeon is going to recommend this type of surgery unless it is needed. You can always get another opinion from an unrelated surgeon.

Larry

 

[Phil]

Hey Larry,

I agree and hope my surgeon is more on the money with the likely timeframe.

I really want the surgery to happen ASAP, as I'm not dreading it, rather I would have it done tomorrow if I could. I so want my valve issue dealt with so I can get on with my life. I also feel crap most of the time which is another reason to get it addressed.

Take care.


Phil.

 

[Allisoninoz]

Hi Phil,
I had my Ross Procedure almost a year ago (first anniversary is this Wednesday!). My aortic valve was actually unicuspid and very narros (about .6). Have you had a recent angiogram? I know what you mean about wanting it done. I'd been waiting for years for the surgery and am so glad it's over with. I saw Peter Skillington last week for my 12-month check and he was very happy with my progress.
I think you ask for some clearer timeline, which I know can be difficult for cardios, but you also need to be able to live your life happily.
Are you able to exercise etc without feeling exhausted or are you just really tired all the time? That's how I felt pre-surgery.
Take care, Alli

 

[Phil]

Hi Alli,

Congradulations for Wednesday. Regarding exercise - I've pretty much stopped apart from walking (which I can still manage pretty well, if the area is flat). No more jogging or doing the stairs at work (8 flights). I'm noticing it's harder going up Bourke Street, particularly if I'm eating an apple or talking at the same time. The ramp at Balaclava station is also a killer.

I know I have to be patient, but as you have stated it's hard, particularly, as I'm increasingly feeling symptomatic.


I was down for a Ross proceedure, but when Peter got inside there was an issue with my heart's plumbing, so it could not be done, and he replaced the valve with human tissue (10 years ago this March).

Thanks for responding.

All the best.


Phil.

 

[escargome]

Phil
From reading from your post all that you have had to stop doing because of your heart, it would seem in my opinion that you need to sit down a have a long talk with both your cardiologist and your prospective surgeon. Get numbers and make them explain their own reasoning. I truly believe that it is better to get fixed before you tax your body more than you already are. Since you do not seem to have a problem with having the surgery maybe sooner would be better than later. In any case, get some numbers for comparison sake, then make a decision. Best of Luck to you.

 

[Phil]

Hi Chris,

I agree. I have an appointment with both my cardilogist and surgeon and have an ECHO scheduled for late April. I'm hoping to hang out until then, but will bring these forward if I feel things are getting worst. I find it a bit of a balancing act - I don't want to be dramatic or dismiss what I'm feeling, yet I don't want to not act on issues if I feel they warrant earlier intervention.

Will keep you posted and thanks for responding.

Cheers.



Phil.