First Surgery July 20

[artsyfish]

My valve replacement has been scheduled for July 20. I'll be getting a bovine valve so no Coumadin.

The CT scan that showed I don't need the aorta repaired also showed a growth in one lung. So 6 weeks after the valve I get to go in for yet another surgery to remove that. Anybody had second surgeries soon after their valve replacement?

I wasn't real nervous about the valve (mostly because of what I've read here), but I am scared about the 2nd one.

I feel very, very lucky the growth was found so early and its so small, just nervous. Don't know if this is a post I should be making here since its not just about my heart. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[malibu82]

Joanne,

Good luck on both of your surgeries! Isn't it amazing how lucky you are that they caught the growth in your lung? My aneurysm in my ascending aorta was found on accident through a ct scan as well. I hope someone has more information for you! I am 6 weeks out of surgery, and I feel really good. I feel like I would be fine going through a surgery if it were necessary. I bet you will be too

Take Care

jackie

 

[Luana]

Well, I would want to know what the growth in the lung is. Have you had a biopsy? Some people feel just fine in 6 weeks after surgery, and some don't. I would want to know why it couldn't be removed during the heart surgery since they will be in the neighborhood. I would have a whole bunch of a lot of question for CT surgeon, and be wanting more definite answers.

 

[Ross]

I think it's best to do both while they're in there, but I can understand why they won't. It would make it extremely difficult to figure out what is happening should you have complications from heart surgery. Certainly isn't the ideal situation, but I wouldn't want to risk it until recovered from OHS.

 

[artsyfish]

malibu82: Thanks - the doctors think I will be fine having the 2nd surgery at 6 weeks. I'm glad to hear you are feeling well!

Luana: Having talked to both my surgeon and a pulmonary specialist, they both agree the growth doesn't look good. They also agree that no matter what it is it needs to come out. Since there is a swollen lymph node in the vicinity they are concerned. The surgeon doesn't want to do it at the same time as the valve because he doesn't want to compromise my lungs and recovery from the valve surgery. The lung operation is performed from a different location - not through the sternum. I trust his experience, and am sure if I'm not where I need to be at 6 weeks the date will be adjusted. I'm very lucky in that the growth is so tiny.

BTW, I love your avatar. How did you get your cat to wear the cape?

 

[Penny]

Hi Joanne, welcome
Sounds like you have some challenges ahead of you. I just wanted to say I have a very good friend of mine that has recently had a portion of his lung removed and he is doing well. He said it wasnt as bad as he thought it would be. I have not had my heart surgery yet but I have been assured that it is easier than most would imagine....Mine is on the 13th of this month so I will let ya know
Its great that you have trust in your doctors and it seems as if they have a solid plan in place to get you on that road to recovery. We are all here for each other so if you have any concerns just post them and someone will reach to you. take care

 

[Luana]

Hi Joanne,
1) My apologizes for not noticing your name nor welcoming you to the board. I just started off with bombarding you with questions, not really nice of me.
2) So your lung surgery will be a thoracotomy incision? I had that for my AVR and that's pretty pain-free after surgery, so wonder if anyone has suggested that maybe the lung surgery could be first? Unless you're really really critical on the valve, which is fairly uncommon, that could probably wait 6 - 8 weeks. Just my 2-and-a-half-cents' worth.
3) My kitty would never wear a cape. Lol. That kitty is a Zen master.
4) Welcome to the board. You'll learn a lot here and can ask anything.