Surgery Date Set!

[readsforfun]

Met with my surgeon first time today. I liked him alot! Not at all pretentious and seemed extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. He has done some valve replacements here in Sarasota with the DaVinci Robot and I asked if I was a possible candidate for that. He said "NO" only Mitral valves; not aortics at this point. He did say he was pretty sure he could do a minimally invasive, which of course, I was happy about. I also made sure to feel his hands (as suggested by a member here) and they felt great! Still not happy about having to have this done at all, BUT - - -. Date is Tuesday, 2/13/07.

He was quite sure that I should go with mechanical valve and truthfully, I had been feeling the same way! However, I do experience nosebleeds from time to time and when we discussed that, he seemed to think that perhaps tissue might possibly be a better way to go simply because the nosebleeds could be a real "hassle". But, since he feels my heart/heart valve is going to be quite small, he thinks the mechanical would be a better "fit". We left it that he would see when he "gets in there" and will do what he thinks will work best! Since I am confident in his ability, I'm OK with that.

Needless to say, I'm still extremely scared and my insides seem to be shaking all the time. But, at least the date is now set and it's like a "fait accompli".

If anyone has any experience with nosebleeds and coumadin, it would be very welcome. Thanks.

Jan

 

[StretchL]

Hi, Jan. Congratulations on setting a date.

What I'm going to tell you is going to sound impossible to accomplish, but... try not to worry. It sounds like you and your surgeon are of one accord on valve preference, and the fact that he's open minded enough do what he thinks best once he gets in there is great.

You're going to be fine. Really.

You'll be more healthy two weeks after surgery than you were a day before.

All the very best-

 

[Karlynn]

Congratulations! I'm glad you don't have long to wait. I'm also glad you are please with your surgeon. That's always very reassuring.

Do you know why you tend to get nose bleeds? Is there a weak vessel in your nose or sinuses? I'm just wondering if there is something that can be cauterized or done to eleviate the nose bleeds?

 

[Karlynn]

Oops - meant to ask if you've had a dental check-up. If not - it's wise to get one done prior to your surgery. You don't want to have to deal with an abscessed tooth or some such thing cropping up during recovery.

Best wishes!

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Jan -

You'll have lots of things to organize between now and then but it's kind of a relief to have a date set, isn't it? Take care!

 

[Guest]

Jan,

Congratulations on setting the date! Good luck!

And, of course, thoughts/prayers coming your way....



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
PICS:lego.HO.model.MCinfo.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"We got mountains to climb" ... Rod Stewart ... 'Broken Arrow'

 

[lynn]

Jan, glad you and your surgeon hit it off! These couple of weeks will fly by and you'll probably be so busy getting ready that your fears will fly away too!

 

[WayneGM]

Congratulation on setting the date. All the best for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.

 

[Phyllis]

Congratulations on setting the date and the great meeting with the surgeon. You will be fine. I put you on the calendar for 2/13.

 

[NascarfanMary]

Jan,

I'm sending all my prayers and support your way. My dr. discussed pig valve and mechanical with my family. I went with mechanical after they stated that it would be better in the long run for my condition. I was terrified to go on coumadin. (So may people telling you horrible stories) but I have learned so much about my valve replacement and coumadin. When I found this website, It was my lifeline. I have lived longer because of the replacement. Our prayers are with you and Best wishes!!! Take care!

 

[CathyK.]

Jan - Congratulations on setting the date. Traveler and Myself are right before you on the 9th. I think once the date is set the wait is even more difficult. You will do fine. Take an deep breath and figure out what you need to get accomplished in the next couple of weeks. I will be praying for you! Godspeed!

 

[MrP]

You may find some very good information concerning nosebleeds at the HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia) Foundation website.

www.hht.org

Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!

 

[ruth]

Congratulations on getting a date set. Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery.

I know what you mean about liking your surgeon. I thought mine was absolutely fantastic from the moment I met her. I could just tell that I'd be OK in her hands (which were long & slender by the way . And, she was able to do a minimally invasive thorocotomy incision which was really nice for me.

Sending positive thoughts, wishes and prayers your way. You'll do great!

All my best,
Ruth

 

[tprice54]

congratulations

congratulations

Congrats on setting the date. Writing after just 5 days on the other side of this mountain...it was well worth the struggle. Listen at all the procedures you may have beforehand....

 

[readsforfun]

Thank you, one and all, for the very kind and encouraging words. The people on this site are absolutely awesome. Without you I would have been a complete basketcase by now!!

Karlynn: I went to an ENT about the nosebleeds and even had a CT scan, but nothing showed up. Will most likely be doing quite a bit more research into this matter!!

Mr. P: Will definitely check out the site you sent! Cannot thank you enough!!

jan