C
Chris37
In September I will have two valves replaced. Prior to this operation I have never had any major problems with my health. I've never even broken a bone.
What has really shocked me about this process is the incredible lack of information I have received about my situation from my cardiologist and surgeon. 90% of what I know about this process, I've learned from this and other websites. If I hadn't taken the time to do the research I would be virtually in the dark about what was going on.
For some time I was planning to get a mechanical valve until I learned (from the web) that I would have to take coumadin for the rest of my life. Since this drug requires a major lifestyle change for me that I'm not comfortable with I have decided to go with a tissue valve. My doctors never brought this up. I would probably never would have found out about it from them until after the surgery.
When I met with my surgeon he conducted the appointment in the lobby of the hospital with five other patients lined up behind me. I realize these are busy professionals, but I haven't even gotten so much as a pamplet from them. The doctors have told me that the operation is no big deal. They treat this as if I'm getting rid a cold. I understand that after 30 years this is routine to them, but for pete's sake give me something to go on.
Since my condition was found through a routine medical exam (that I initiated), there has never been a reason for me to suspect any problems, so how would I know what questions to ask?
It just boggles my mind and has caused me to lose some faith in the medical community, and it makes me feel really alone.
What has really shocked me about this process is the incredible lack of information I have received about my situation from my cardiologist and surgeon. 90% of what I know about this process, I've learned from this and other websites. If I hadn't taken the time to do the research I would be virtually in the dark about what was going on.
For some time I was planning to get a mechanical valve until I learned (from the web) that I would have to take coumadin for the rest of my life. Since this drug requires a major lifestyle change for me that I'm not comfortable with I have decided to go with a tissue valve. My doctors never brought this up. I would probably never would have found out about it from them until after the surgery.
When I met with my surgeon he conducted the appointment in the lobby of the hospital with five other patients lined up behind me. I realize these are busy professionals, but I haven't even gotten so much as a pamplet from them. The doctors have told me that the operation is no big deal. They treat this as if I'm getting rid a cold. I understand that after 30 years this is routine to them, but for pete's sake give me something to go on.
Since my condition was found through a routine medical exam (that I initiated), there has never been a reason for me to suspect any problems, so how would I know what questions to ask?
It just boggles my mind and has caused me to lose some faith in the medical community, and it makes me feel really alone.