jake
Well-known member
Almost a year ago, I went to the hospital with what I thought was extreme acid reflux. I’ve had it before but never where it caused pain in my neck and arms. Turns out I had a near total blockage of my RCA that needed to be stented. I have not been in the hospital in my live, I’m only 44 and have not had as much as a bee sting or broken bone. While being cathed, they discovered I had a bicuspid aortic heart valve and a 4.8cm ascending aortic aneurism. Man, my life has changed and nothing will ever be the same for me. Not necessarily a bad thing, but moving on.....................
For the last year, I have seen several thoracic surgeons some of whom say its time to operate, some who say I’m not even close. Some say keep the heart valve and change the aorta, some who say change to an artificial heart valve some who say keep the bi-cusped heart valve and just get an aorta because the old heart valve is in good shape.
The major problem is that I work with my hands and going on blood thinners and anti-platelet meds for the rest of my life is not an option.
Honestly, I am confused and depressed as to what to do! I have great insurance right now, but get laid off pretty regularly from my job. I am a craftsman, and cant do blood thinners, I am an active guy who loves to skate and play hockey. My cardiologist wants me to stop taking plavix so I can get a new aorta like right now, but the folks over at U of M are telling me to cool my jets, 4.8 cm is really not that bad. Their mindset is that I need to hand on to my original equipment as long as I can because I am not a candidate for a pig or cow valve because of my age, the only option for a valve replacement is an artificial mechanical valve. Everyone agrees that this is not a matter of "if" but "when."
My last visit to the cardiologist has me at ease with moving forward with an MRI to check the see if the aorta has enlarged, but again, he wants me to get a replacement ASAP regardless. The Thoracic surgeon is good with leaving the bicuspid valve saying it will likely last longer than a cow or pig valve and hope for better technology.
I’m not looking for sympathy or even for anyone to tell me what to do. I put all of that in Gods hands, but I guess I would love to hear from someone who is on the other side of this horrifying prospect of major surgery, and made it through and has a "normal" life.
I am thankful to be among so many survivors and just want to walk in with my head screwed on straight about what is happening me.
Thanks
For the last year, I have seen several thoracic surgeons some of whom say its time to operate, some who say I’m not even close. Some say keep the heart valve and change the aorta, some who say change to an artificial heart valve some who say keep the bi-cusped heart valve and just get an aorta because the old heart valve is in good shape.
The major problem is that I work with my hands and going on blood thinners and anti-platelet meds for the rest of my life is not an option.
Honestly, I am confused and depressed as to what to do! I have great insurance right now, but get laid off pretty regularly from my job. I am a craftsman, and cant do blood thinners, I am an active guy who loves to skate and play hockey. My cardiologist wants me to stop taking plavix so I can get a new aorta like right now, but the folks over at U of M are telling me to cool my jets, 4.8 cm is really not that bad. Their mindset is that I need to hand on to my original equipment as long as I can because I am not a candidate for a pig or cow valve because of my age, the only option for a valve replacement is an artificial mechanical valve. Everyone agrees that this is not a matter of "if" but "when."
My last visit to the cardiologist has me at ease with moving forward with an MRI to check the see if the aorta has enlarged, but again, he wants me to get a replacement ASAP regardless. The Thoracic surgeon is good with leaving the bicuspid valve saying it will likely last longer than a cow or pig valve and hope for better technology.
I’m not looking for sympathy or even for anyone to tell me what to do. I put all of that in Gods hands, but I guess I would love to hear from someone who is on the other side of this horrifying prospect of major surgery, and made it through and has a "normal" life.
I am thankful to be among so many survivors and just want to walk in with my head screwed on straight about what is happening me.
Thanks