Big surgery coming up

[LondonAndy]

I didn't comment earlier because I "only" had a valve and one CABG done in 2013, but happy to say that, broadly, all went fine. I wasn't expecting the CABG but they decided to do it as there were signs that artery was going to need bypassing in the future, so decided "whilst we're in, let's do it". I am not knowledgeable enough to comment about whether risks of all-in-one surgery increases risks, but it does seem logical to me. The alternative is further surgery sessions, which come with their own repeated risks of course.

The caveat is that I had a complication that can happen to anyone having valve surgery on it's own even: I ended up needing a pacemaker as well. Apparently this affects less than 3% of people, and is why they put in a temporary external pacemaker anyway: just in case it does happen. Inserting the pacemaker was done a week later, and is very minor by comparison. Overall, post surgery I was in hospital 18 days. That was all 10 years ago now, and I am on my second pacemaker.

 

[Jase_101]

Jase - I don't know about your hospital. When I had my surgery at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, they sent some text msgs to my brother's cell phone during the surgery.

Thanks 3mm I will see if this is possible as I know some hospitals may have different rules regarding this but I will ask so my wife can be kept updated if its possible.

 

[Jase_101]

I didn't comment earlier because I "only" had a valve and one CABG done in 2013, but happy to say that, broadly, all went fine. I wasn't expecting the CABG but they decided to do it as there were signs that artery was going to need bypassing in the future, so decided "whilst we're in, let's do it". I am not knowledgeable enough to comment about whether risks of all-in-one surgery increases risks, but it does seem logical to me. The alternative is further surgery sessions, which come with their own repeated risks of course.

The caveat is that I had a complication that can happen to anyone having valve surgery on it's own even: I ended up needing a pacemaker as well. Apparently this affects less than 3% of people, and is why they put in a temporary external pacemaker anyway: just in case it does happen. Inserting the pacemaker was done a week later, and is very minor by comparison. Overall, post surgery I was in hospital 18 days. That was all 10 years ago now, and I am on my second pacemaker.

Thanks Andy, I will just put my faith in my surgeon who is to perform this lengthy operation, in the hope that I pop out the otherside. My Cardiologist say's I should just focus on the recovery part and try not to over think the surgery as this is out of my control.

Thanks

 

[pellicle]

. My Cardiologist say's I should just focus on the recovery part and try not to over think the surgery as this is out of my control.

Exactly, put your effort into your part, not someone else's part.

Enjoy the ride, its a privilege.

Best Wishes

 

[Chuck C]

My Cardiologist say's I should just focus on the recovery part and try not to over think the surgery as this is out of my control.

This is really good advice. The truth is, valve surgery is easy.............for the patient anyway. They give you something that will make you feel very relaxed and comfy and then the next thing you know, you wake up with a new valve. It could not be any easier from the patient side. Best to focus on the recovery when it's your turn to do your part, but for now just relax and let the incredibly skilled team do their thing.

 

[Lucker]

Jase_101​

Fixing the valve and aorta at the same time is really common. Adding CABG is less common, but still plenty. Best of luck to you.

 

[Jase_101]

Little over 48 Hours to go and my head is starting to go!

Surgery scheduled for early on 16th May looking like an 8am start I hope my surgeon gets a good night's sleep on 15th and is not our partying, hehe!

I am sure most feel on edge when it gets this close, I guess if you're not worried then you're not human.

Anyway I look at at it a CABG x 3, plus an aortic repair/replacement and an AVR is biggy for any well trained surgeon and I cant really see past Thursday's surgery, even though I keep trying to tell myself, stay positive.

I plan to post an update as soon as I know all the pre-surgical tests are ok which is 24 hours before and if I am lucky enough to get through this in one piece and update once I start recovery.

Thank you all so much for all your sage words of advice.

Thanks
Jase

 

[Seaton]

Greetings Jase
Just catching up on your posts.

Team Valve Replacement is always on call. Your updates will be most welcome when you're ready to post.

Sending good thoughts and calm winds your way for the days ahead.

 

[pellicle]

Team Valve Replacement is always on call.

like a Tag Team

as the earth rolls around the sun and the time in zones means we are in or out.

 

[keith drinkwater]

I am scheduled for a rather large amount of procedures during my OHS in the beginning of March 2024 and my surgeon has said its better to try and get it all done in one op, I guess his thinking is "one and done"

I read a lot on the Forums about people who have had valves replaced and aortic aneurysms repaired at the same time but has anyone had a multi CABG done as well during the same surgery. I have been advised by my surgeon that the plan is to fix the following:

1. Aortic aneurysm as my ascending aorta now measures 5.1cm (Dacron Graft)
2. Aortic Valve Replacement - with a mechanical valve
3. Triple Bypass (CABG) to fix LAD, Diagonal artery and proximal PDA
4. Concomitant cardioablation
5. occlusion of left atrial appendage with an Atriclip

Its a surgical to do shopping list and I appreciate that any of the top 3 listed are complex enough on their own but all 3 in the "same sitting" is concerning as more complexity = more risk!

Has anyone had a lengthy and extensive surgery similar to what I am about to undertake as it would be good to hear how it was. I am 58 and I have been advised no exercise due to the AAA, but have been dieting hard and lost 3.5Kg already and aiming to lose another 8-10kg before the surgery date. Whilst like most people who face OHS, I hope for the best but still worry about the sheer scale of what lies ahead.

Thanks
Jase

Hi Jase,
I don't have the long long list that awaits you. BY now you will have had your surgery - I do hope that went well!
Keith