Well, it looks like I have a surgery date. But here's the kicker, I MIGHT be having valve surgery while we're at it!
Yesterday when I visited with the surgeon we were expecting just a "simple" epicardial ICD lead discussion. However, the surgeon had some data about my pulmonary stenosis and he felt it might be in my best interest if we look to see if working on that could help me feel even better. I'm all for feeling better, of course, but another open heart surgery? That caught me by surprise!
He wants a TEE done to check on the status of that stenosis. But he also wants to get the ICD surgery done as soon as possible. I'm set for surgery on Monday, but the cardiologist can't do the TEE this week. So he's talking about having her do the TEE right before the surgery so that I would not have to be put out twice. So I'll be going to sleep on Monday with no idea what I'll be waking up to: a full chest split or just some spread ribs.
The surgery isn't what has me concerned. It's the recovery. I really don't relish the idea of being in pain. I was prepared for the pain of the epicardial lead placement. Now there's a possibility of more pain... Oh well. I guess it's worth it if it helps me feel better. Need to be in tip-top shape before those babies come!
Yesterday when I visited with the surgeon we were expecting just a "simple" epicardial ICD lead discussion. However, the surgeon had some data about my pulmonary stenosis and he felt it might be in my best interest if we look to see if working on that could help me feel even better. I'm all for feeling better, of course, but another open heart surgery? That caught me by surprise!
He wants a TEE done to check on the status of that stenosis. But he also wants to get the ICD surgery done as soon as possible. I'm set for surgery on Monday, but the cardiologist can't do the TEE this week. So he's talking about having her do the TEE right before the surgery so that I would not have to be put out twice. So I'll be going to sleep on Monday with no idea what I'll be waking up to: a full chest split or just some spread ribs.
The surgery isn't what has me concerned. It's the recovery. I really don't relish the idea of being in pain. I was prepared for the pain of the epicardial lead placement. Now there's a possibility of more pain... Oh well. I guess it's worth it if it helps me feel better. Need to be in tip-top shape before those babies come!