B
Bigheartedgal
I've been consulting with a few cardiothoracic surgeons as I have rheumatic heart disease and it is to the point now that I need to have it replaced. I've had two opinions one the minimally invasive port access and the other doc recommends the sternum route. My preference is to have the minimally invasive port access surgery - I'm also in the middle of breast reconstruction surgery due to a bi-lateral mastectomy in July - so I'm trying to avoid any more scars - not trying to be vane but geez a gal can only take so much! I'm relatively youg 49 - pretty active. So my questions are following:
1. Thoughts on minimally invasive for mitral valve replacement or sternum - I know the docs pros and cons - I hope to hear the patient's experience.
2. Does anyone know of a surgeon that does a ton of the minimally port access route for replacements and maze in the Milwaukee or Chicago area? I heard there is someone at Northwestern but I've called and I must be speaking another language.
3. Has anyone been through a valve replacement in the middle of breast reconstruction? What was your experience?
4.The valve choices - I'm on coumadin now and read about the Onyx Valve and the possibility that I might not have to take coumadin. I'm struggling having to take coumadin for the rest of my life - how does that really effect a body long term? I'm also struggling with having to have this surgery again when I'm older and not as healthy potentially. Does anyone have any advise or experiences with this?
I'm really feel that I'm very fortunate and have guardian angels watching/taking care of me. It's been quite the journey so far. I find that this part of the journey finding the right surgeon and making the decision on what to do is the hardest part, in my opinion. I truly welcome your comments and have found great comfort in reading this forum/blog and educating myself.
1. Thoughts on minimally invasive for mitral valve replacement or sternum - I know the docs pros and cons - I hope to hear the patient's experience.
2. Does anyone know of a surgeon that does a ton of the minimally port access route for replacements and maze in the Milwaukee or Chicago area? I heard there is someone at Northwestern but I've called and I must be speaking another language.
3. Has anyone been through a valve replacement in the middle of breast reconstruction? What was your experience?
4.The valve choices - I'm on coumadin now and read about the Onyx Valve and the possibility that I might not have to take coumadin. I'm struggling having to take coumadin for the rest of my life - how does that really effect a body long term? I'm also struggling with having to have this surgery again when I'm older and not as healthy potentially. Does anyone have any advise or experiences with this?
I'm really feel that I'm very fortunate and have guardian angels watching/taking care of me. It's been quite the journey so far. I find that this part of the journey finding the right surgeon and making the decision on what to do is the hardest part, in my opinion. I truly welcome your comments and have found great comfort in reading this forum/blog and educating myself.