M
mattmack
To introduce myself - my name is Matt and I had MVP surgery a little over three weeks ago. I'm doing well, and in spite of countless aches and pains, I feel a decent amount of energy already and life is ever so slightly returning to normal. I'm very happy to have found this forum, as it feels great to be amongst helpful and supportive folks who have had similar surgery.
But I do have some lingering questions that my docs (cardio-surgeon and GP) seem to have opposing opinions on..
Prior to surgery, my cardio-surgeon explained the different possibilities for my situation - metal replacement valve, or repair of the natural valve along with the advantages and disadvantages where applicable. Much to my surprise, he was able to repair my valve. I was told that this was ideal because it would now not require me to take life-long anti-coagulents. In recovery, I've been put on toprol and coudamin and told that it was temporary while I heal, and I should be off of both in a few weeks. Great!
About a week ago, I went to my regular GP doctor for a check up and he told me something completely different about the coudamin. I would have to be on it for a long time (a year at the very least) if not indefinitely even with a repair.
He told me that it had less to do with the type of repair/replacement done and more to do with the blood flow of the heart now that it has been altered(??) Hmmm...I was told something very different by the cardio-surgeon (off the coudamin in about 4-8 weeks according to him). Who do I believe?
If it comes to taking the coudamin, I'll take it for as long as I must, it sure beats the alternative! I'm just a tad puzzled though at having been told two different things.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, or perhaps can shed some light on why the two docs might have such a different stance?
But I do have some lingering questions that my docs (cardio-surgeon and GP) seem to have opposing opinions on..
Prior to surgery, my cardio-surgeon explained the different possibilities for my situation - metal replacement valve, or repair of the natural valve along with the advantages and disadvantages where applicable. Much to my surprise, he was able to repair my valve. I was told that this was ideal because it would now not require me to take life-long anti-coagulents. In recovery, I've been put on toprol and coudamin and told that it was temporary while I heal, and I should be off of both in a few weeks. Great!
About a week ago, I went to my regular GP doctor for a check up and he told me something completely different about the coudamin. I would have to be on it for a long time (a year at the very least) if not indefinitely even with a repair.
He told me that it had less to do with the type of repair/replacement done and more to do with the blood flow of the heart now that it has been altered(??) Hmmm...I was told something very different by the cardio-surgeon (off the coudamin in about 4-8 weeks according to him). Who do I believe?
If it comes to taking the coudamin, I'll take it for as long as I must, it sure beats the alternative! I'm just a tad puzzled though at having been told two different things.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, or perhaps can shed some light on why the two docs might have such a different stance?