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Randy Fecteau

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
59
Location
Windsor Ontario Canada
Not sure if I am allowed to pick my own surgeon or valve for that matter in Canada. And if so would like some input into which valve would be best for me being type 2 diabetic and 53 years old who loves Golfing bowling and exercising.
 
My cardiologist suggested a hospital for me in Montreal, where I met the chief of CT surgery and I really liked him.
At age 46 my choice of valve could go either way, tissue would pretty much guarantee me a second surgery,
whereas going with a mech valve I would have a lower chance of second surgery. My surgeon was using the newer
Regent valve and everything was kind of overwhelming so I just put my trust in him and have not regretted it.
Can your cardiologist guide you with your questions ?
We also have VR members from your area who will be along soon enough.
 
I would say ONX mechinical valve at your age, Im 62 and because of no re-op and many other reasons that is what I choose , It is a big decision so do your home work. P. S. the warfarin is no big deal!
 
Is there an issue with coumadin/warfarin and type 2 diabetes? If that is the case I would lean more toward tissue than. I'm sure someone will come along and clarify this. Even though coumadin/warfarin has been around for awhile and most tolerate very well, there are those that do not. I wish there could be some kind of test that can be done to measure the tolerance level of it from different aspects. At this point it seems like we just get surgery and hope we tolerate the drugs well, if not well???
 
Randy, as Bina indicated we do have motor city members the most recent being Bigsidster who went to London Health Sciences afterr his sister had the same or similar procedure done there I tried three cardiologists on for size before I found one I am extremely comfortable with here is a link to provincial wait times for the regional cardiac centers http://www.waittimes.net/surgerydi/en/Shortest_waits.aspx?View=0&Type=0&Modality=4&ModalityString=4&ModalityType=8&ModalityTypeString=8&LHIN=&city=&pc=&dist=0&hosptID=936&str=&period=0&IsServiceExits=0...our unit here in Kitchener (st Mary's) is 23 days half the provincial average of 49

bigsidster states here http://www.valvereplacement.org/forums/showthread.php?36906-A-Canadian-question-regarding-surgery-wait-time&p=479810#post479810 that he was diagnosed Oct 18 and operated Nov22
 
Randy, I am a 58 year old (THERE I SAID IT ) diabetic and have had a mitral valve repair (dacron ring) put on at St Marys while having CABG x 5 and if I needed a valve rreplacement I thing I would give up Canadian Back Bacon for a pig valve as my dad's lasted 23years and we here in Ontario are blessed withe the Trillium Health unit http://www.trilliumhealthcentre.org/cgi-bin/hse/HomepageSearchEngine.cgi?url=http://www.trilliumhealthcentre.org/programs_services/cardiac_services/mississauga/cardiacSurgery_beatingHeartSurgery.htm;geturl=d+highlightmatches+gotofirstmatch;terms=invasive;enc=invasive;utf8=on#firstmatch already setting benchmarks to lead thoratic surgery into the future after all the first one was done at NYU only 11 short years ago

That being said as a diabetic you are used to monitoring you blood and may be able to home manage your thinner

I dont envy you or anyone that has to make this very personal choice I just know that I will miss bacon if I have to face it
 
I'm a Type 2 diabetic, aytpical Type 2, but nonetheless I know that the thought of jiggling my diet even more if I had to go with warfarin and a mechanical valve would make things extra difficult. I'm 58 and due to have my aortic valve replaced in a year or so and I am going for a tissue valve. I'm hopeful that when the replacement needs replacing the new system of trasncatheter valve replacement will be the way to go.
 
I was type 2 dibetic after surgery, but warafin and metformin does not affect each other at all. The best thing is talk with the cardio and dietician, to see what is best on diet with the warafin. And stay as active as you can be. Be informed and educated, it will carry you far.
 
Hey Randy! Know the feeling, confused. Our OHIP system doesnt help much, free but what are we gonna get? I was lucky with my GP who I trust to find me the best care. My surgery was at Trillium Hospital Missauga, Dr Charels Cuttrara. I'm partial they did a great job. Had the beating heart proceedure thats in Gregs link. Talented people and top rated facility. Food was horrible! Bob Hankinson
 
Diabetes, type 1, here. It's an interesting issue for valve replacement patients. Consider first the mechanical valve scenario. On one hand, diabetics should be perfect candidates for ACT and home monitoring, being well versed in diet and blood testing. But, on the other hand, adding one more monitoring scenario to the mix might just make both less successful, depending on the commitment of the patient.

Diabetic complications overlap valve replacement issues also, things like stroke, kidney failure, and retinopathy. On one hand, perhaps a mechanical valve and ACT would not mix well with stroke and retinopathy risks. But, on the other hand, kidney failure wouldn't work too well with a tissue valve and additional surgeries.

My two cent opinion is that control of the diabetes is the most critical component, and doing so and minimizing the risks of diabetes will help take care of most problems for any valve selection. I would recommend meeting with key specialists (such as endocrinologist and ophthalmologist) prior to finalizing valve choice, though, just to make sure you have considered everything fully. For example, my surgeon brought up a general concern of ACT and retinopathy. However, my ophthalmologist told me that it was a non-issue since my diabetes was under good control, and I had no traces of developing retinopathy.
 
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