T
Travler
Hello all:
The words of encouragement I have received has meant so much to me. As I read the many posts of pre and post-op experiences I was able to get a better understanding of what I face. Also, I was able to make a list of questions, some of which I would never have thought of on my own.
Wednesday, my wife and I drove down to Atlanta To Emory University Hospital for pre-op and to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Joe Craver. What a friendly group of people, and so willing to take time to answer all our questions.
I found out that Dr Craver has performed over 5000 valve surgeries and is a professor. He specializes in valve repair. He said there was about a 60% chance of repair on my Mitral Valve.
But we discussed replacement in the event repair was not possible. We felt that if needed a mechanical vlave would be the best alternative for me.
He uses the St Jude or another one, the name of which I have forgotten.
He said that even though I did not know I had this problem until a month or so ago, I have had it for several years and it has only gotten worse. So now is the time to fix it! He said after I recover, I should feel better than I have in the past couple of years, and that is great news!
My wife and I felt very comfortable with Dr Craver and have confidence he will do a great job. They put me in the 98% success bracket.
So the surgery is just a week away and I am ready for it.
We have friends all over the world and emails have been coming in from them to say they are praying for us. What an awsome thing to have people around the globe caring about your health and well being.
So I have peace and faith that we are looking at a much brighter future.
Thanks to all of you.
John
The words of encouragement I have received has meant so much to me. As I read the many posts of pre and post-op experiences I was able to get a better understanding of what I face. Also, I was able to make a list of questions, some of which I would never have thought of on my own.
Wednesday, my wife and I drove down to Atlanta To Emory University Hospital for pre-op and to meet with the surgeon, Dr. Joe Craver. What a friendly group of people, and so willing to take time to answer all our questions.
I found out that Dr Craver has performed over 5000 valve surgeries and is a professor. He specializes in valve repair. He said there was about a 60% chance of repair on my Mitral Valve.
But we discussed replacement in the event repair was not possible. We felt that if needed a mechanical vlave would be the best alternative for me.
He uses the St Jude or another one, the name of which I have forgotten.
He said that even though I did not know I had this problem until a month or so ago, I have had it for several years and it has only gotten worse. So now is the time to fix it! He said after I recover, I should feel better than I have in the past couple of years, and that is great news!
My wife and I felt very comfortable with Dr Craver and have confidence he will do a great job. They put me in the 98% success bracket.
So the surgery is just a week away and I am ready for it.
We have friends all over the world and emails have been coming in from them to say they are praying for us. What an awsome thing to have people around the globe caring about your health and well being.
So I have peace and faith that we are looking at a much brighter future.
Thanks to all of you.
John