Back in the fall, I posted about my husband, John, who had been diagnosed with MVP/MVR, thanks (we think) to deceleration trauma suffered after an airbag deployed during a head-on car crash in December 2005.
While I flew to Chicago and then to Cleveland today, John had a follow-up echo. Cardio said it's definite he needs surgery, we just don't know if it's repair or replacement. The valve has deteriorated more.
He'll have a TEE on Feb. 1, then see cardiologist again Feb. 15 for the results. The cardio said that if it's repairable, then he'll get John into surgery ASAP.
John sounded much calmer than I was nearly 4 years ago when I was told I needed repair or replacement. I anguished that I am in Cleveland (hey! home of Cleveland Clinic!!) and he's back home in Fort Worth Texas.
We discussed praying for Plan A (repair) but having a Plan B (tissue or mechanical). He's 61 and may lean toward mechanical, since his dad went through 2 porcines in 10-11 years' time. (Yeah, I know porcines are better now, and then there are bovines.) He's also seen me get along just fine on warfarin and doing my own INR testing.
It sure feels funny, being both the patient and now the spouse of someone who will be going through the same surgery. I remember telling my husband and parents, "Think Repair!" as I was wheeled through the OR doors.
Will post an update after the TEE & subsequent appt on Feb. 15.
Maybe I can get John to drop in here sometime. (fingers crossed)
While I flew to Chicago and then to Cleveland today, John had a follow-up echo. Cardio said it's definite he needs surgery, we just don't know if it's repair or replacement. The valve has deteriorated more.
He'll have a TEE on Feb. 1, then see cardiologist again Feb. 15 for the results. The cardio said that if it's repairable, then he'll get John into surgery ASAP.
John sounded much calmer than I was nearly 4 years ago when I was told I needed repair or replacement. I anguished that I am in Cleveland (hey! home of Cleveland Clinic!!) and he's back home in Fort Worth Texas.
We discussed praying for Plan A (repair) but having a Plan B (tissue or mechanical). He's 61 and may lean toward mechanical, since his dad went through 2 porcines in 10-11 years' time. (Yeah, I know porcines are better now, and then there are bovines.) He's also seen me get along just fine on warfarin and doing my own INR testing.
It sure feels funny, being both the patient and now the spouse of someone who will be going through the same surgery. I remember telling my husband and parents, "Think Repair!" as I was wheeled through the OR doors.
Will post an update after the TEE & subsequent appt on Feb. 15.
Maybe I can get John to drop in here sometime. (fingers crossed)
