Recent content by LouLou

I am back from the Cleveland Clinic where I had AVR, tricuspid repair and the MAZE procedure. So far, so good. Thank you all for your support when I needed it most! For those facing surgery, the wait is the hardest part! It was my 2nd OHS but as I have discovered - its come along way in 24...

I am feeling better since I spoke with Dr. Gillinov's office and was assured I would get a mechanical valve. While staying near home has real advantages, I feel comfortable going out of state. I have a good team at home for when I return. I have a big issue with AFIB and this is one of Dr...

Jayhawk - You make some good points. I have been focusing on success rates and/or mortality rates and was not taking in to consideration other important factors. Having family close by is important. Thank you for your reply. I had my 1st OHS at Emory 24 years ago and at that time it was ranked...

Hi to all of my Heart Valve Family - I need your advice and this may be a long post so I apologize ahead of time. I have my 2nd OHS scheduled for October 10th with Dr. Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic. I do not like that I can not speak with the surgeon before I make the long and expensive trip...

Hi Drew. I am scheduled for surgery at Cleveland Clinic on October 10th. Our paths may cross. I had my dental check up today...lol. Another 100 bucks...ca-ching. I called the nurse about the valve choice and she said the surgeon will go over all of the pros and cons of the choices prior to...

Definitely getting the toes done and the hair done:D I concur with Hank and others - Being on Coumadin beats having another surgery in my book. But I have to have another surgery anyway :(.

Shellbell - I will be right behind you with surgery scheduled for October 10th. Since I already have a mechanical mitral valve from a previous surgery, the valve choice is a non-issue. I believe it is a personal decision that you will be able to make after some research. I have been on...

I hope you are correct knotguilty. I do know my Aortic Valve is tricuspid and stenotic. I also know that I have moderate Tricuspid Valve regurgitation. I am fairly certainly I heard it right, unfortunately. Hey, the good news is - my pulmonary valve is normal! Thanks you guys - I am confident...

Hi everyone. I got the call today from Cleveland Clinic, my surgeon is going to be Dr. Gillinov. There was a lot of information given to me so I need to have a follow up call to ask some more questions but... the surgeon is recommending replacement of the Aortic and tricuspid (I think they...

Great to hear! Hope you continue with a speedy recovery:D

Guyswell - Thank you for the information. I am in agreement that the expense is worth the peace of mind. I am considering Dr. Gillinov for my surgery. Traveling for surgery is not the ideal way to go but I believe it to be the best option for me. My only concern is having issues after I get...

I have sent all of my records to the Cleveland Clinic for review, just awaiting their call. I also have an appointment at Emory with Dr. Chen for a consultation on September 10th. Wow, it is really happening. This will be my second OHS and way more nervous this time. I had MVR in 1989 and now...

Hi Tiger. I just had a TEE on Tuesday. It was the third one I have had over the years. The worse part is the stuff they spray in your throat - nasty. Don't really remember much after that. No worries and you should get the results right away. Just have someone else get the information b/c you...

I had MVR at Emory in 1989. It is a great hospital. I have been referred to Dr. Chen for upcoming AVR. I have not met him yet but I am trying to learn as much as I can about Minimally Invasive or Less Invasive Valve replacement surgery. The recovery time is much shorter than with a full...

I have SOB and AFIB. I know it is time but I am not ready. When I had my Mitral valve surgery I was very symptomatic. This time its for the Aortic valve. I will be having a TEE next week and I'll see what the results are. I am wondering why more people are not having the less invasive surgery...