Surgery Time ( maybe)

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Harmony

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 10, 2005
Messages
145
Location
New York, NY
After being on this site for almost 4 years it is time to repair( I hope) my severly leaking Mitral Valve and other things are also going wrong such as high pulmonary hypertention, and irregular heart beats. I have seen Dr Stelzer at Mt. Sinai and Dr. Galloway at NYU. Both seem competent but either I am scared to death or they have flaws. I know Dr. Stelzer does primarily the Ross procedure and that is not for me. However my Cardio has assured me he also repairs Mitral Valves. Dr. Galloway does mostly Mitral Vales, I believe. Both surgeons assured me it would be a repair, however we all now that can change. If anyone has used either of these surgeons what was your opinion or do you know anyone who used them. I do have a date for Nov 14 not sure I want surgery on a Friday may change the date
 
Last edited:
Harmony,..........all the best to you and keep us

updated on a date for your surgery when able,case

you change the Friday date.


zipper2 (DEB)
 
Harmony, I put you on the calendar for Nov. 14th- we can always change it if you decide on another date. In the meantime, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
 
I have no information for you but want to send my best wishes. I'm sure someone will be along who has info with which to help you.
 
Harmony -

I'm with you about having Surgery on a Friday.
Earlier in the week is better for several reasons.

To find more information on Dr. Stelzer,
go to the Members List (see the Blue Line at the Top of the page), look up "StretchL", and read his signature line.

He did extensive research on Ross Procedure Surgeons and selected Dr. Stelzer as a/the "Best of the Best".

He also did a Photo Journal of his surgery which is referenced in his signature line (I hope it's still there) with a Link to the website.

That said, the 'usual' recommendation on VR.com is to find a Surgeon with Lots of Experience doing the procedure YOU will need.

Best Wishes making this difficult choice.

'AL Capshaw'
 
Thank you Al for the answer about Dr. I know he is supposed to be a expert on the Ross procedure. However I need to have my Mitral Valve fixed as it has severe regurg. I also have Pulmonary Hyp. I had irregular heartbeats 3 weeks ago for the first time. Dr. Stelzer does not I believe have a lot of experience fixing Mitral Valves. His experience is mostlly with the Ross which I think is the Aorta. For someone with a very severe leaky valve +4, calcium deposits on MV,LV enlarged to 6.1. I have very few symptoms. Sometimes a few palps never SOB. What kind of symptoms did you have that made you have surgery. I had a angiogram which shows 40% artery blockage which my doctors say is nothing . I am really curious if anyone knows Dr. Galloway as I think he might turn out to be my surgeon. Thank you for any help
 
Hey Harmony... I think sometimes the fear of the procedure can be worse than the procedure itself! I'm sure you'll be in good hands and hope you'll feel much better once it's all done.

Sending lots of well wishes your way.


A : )
 
Hi, I am having a mitral valve repair operation in December at Mount Sinai with Dr. Adams who appears to have performed the most mitral valve repairs in NY of all the cardiac surgeons---based on stats that NY keeps on heart surgeries. Someone sent those stats to me in response to a post I have on this site--if you want to search it. I also visited Dr. Galloway. I liked both places--I especially liked the nurses and staff in Dr. Galloway's office when I was there for my consultation. However Dr. Galloway said he would do the surgery from the side and Dr. Adams said he would do it from the chest. After struggling with whether to choose the thoracotomy (side) approach or the sternectomy (chest) approach (also the subject of a post of mine on this site) I chose the chest approach with Dr. Adams. I bet you won't go wrong with choosing Dr. Galloway if that is where you are leaning. If you have time you might also consider making an appointment at Weill-Cornell with Dr. Girardi or Krieger for your MV repair. They have done a lot of them as well and I've heard great things about their surgical expertise and cardiac care department. Good luck!!
 
I'm in Canada so have no insights on the surgeons you are investigating. However, I did have a mitral valve repair performed by Dr. Tirone David in Toronto. I don't know the specifics of your valve condition, but he told me when I had my mitral valve repair that it was one of the most routine, and least complicated, heart surgery procedures (as OHS goes that is). Best wishes and good luck. I'm sure whoever you ultimate choose will be a good choice.
 
Sparklette 77 I saw Dr. Adams about 3 years ago. He wanted to do a sternectomy. I do not believe he does the side operation. I am curious as to why you would have the more evasive surgery. Dr. Adams also was not sure he could do a repair to my valve. Dr. Galloway was sure he could. HHowever just because they are sure does not mean that once they open me and see my valve they will be able to repair it. I know it is very calcified and that will be a challenge as one of the surgeons told me. I thought Dr. Adams was very nice. Dr. Galloway was also very nice. I have met 4 surgeons all of them were charming. Cuting through my breast bone scares me. Well having the surgery scares me more. I called Dr. Krieger as he is my neighbors doctor but he does not take my insurance. I would have to pay him a lot of money which I can not do. I am still nervous about doing or not doing the surgery.
 
Hi Harmony ~ Best wishes at deciding on which surgeon is right for you and you're in my prayers for a successful surgery and recovery. Dawn-Marie
 
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