hello everyone, new member just registered. 44yo male, good health. living
in china (studying chinese).
the short history: local clinic found a murmur in 2001, echo at a v.a. hospital
was problematic, vegetation caused doctor to think i had a prosthetic valve
(with no external scar even). redid a transesophogeal echo, found moderate
vegetation, mild valvular stenosis, mild to moderate regurgitation, all aortic.
ef>60%. doc says will have to be replaced someday, but in the meantime no
special precautions. can continue cycling and running, any distance - even
marathons - as long as not competitive. up to this point no symptoms. only
med is simvistatin to control cholesterol.
recently: had another echo with a new doctor here in china. he has seen
no change in condition from the last echo, but prescribed beta blocker and
ace inhibitor. also recommends limiting running and cycling to max 30 minutes
2-3 times per week. do the echo annually, and we'll see. i still have no
symptoms, but running times are getting very slow, and tired after 1-2 miles.
ok, i'm getting older, there's more pollution, i'm at 6000 ft altititude. still no
weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath.
question: WHEN do you and your doctor usually make the determination to
have a valve replaced? i know it has to be done eventually, but should i
get it done now when i'm younger, and can better recuperate from major
surgery? or should i wait until the current valve is about to fall apart? is
there a standard formula for this? what are the decision criteria?
other notes: not having a career or even a real job, there is no health
insurance, other than traveller's insurance for overseas students. this of
course will cover major medical problems, excluding prior conditions and
expenses in japan or the united states. as the operation will be self-funded,
i'm looking into "medical tourism," having the procedure done in india or
malaysia. there seem to be some good options at recognized hospitals with
very qualified surgeons. oh, and the total cost (including airfare) would
be under US$10k. given my financial situation, and that i'm not sure about
getting into the v.a. for this, may be the way to go.
in china (studying chinese).
the short history: local clinic found a murmur in 2001, echo at a v.a. hospital
was problematic, vegetation caused doctor to think i had a prosthetic valve
(with no external scar even). redid a transesophogeal echo, found moderate
vegetation, mild valvular stenosis, mild to moderate regurgitation, all aortic.
ef>60%. doc says will have to be replaced someday, but in the meantime no
special precautions. can continue cycling and running, any distance - even
marathons - as long as not competitive. up to this point no symptoms. only
med is simvistatin to control cholesterol.
recently: had another echo with a new doctor here in china. he has seen
no change in condition from the last echo, but prescribed beta blocker and
ace inhibitor. also recommends limiting running and cycling to max 30 minutes
2-3 times per week. do the echo annually, and we'll see. i still have no
symptoms, but running times are getting very slow, and tired after 1-2 miles.
ok, i'm getting older, there's more pollution, i'm at 6000 ft altititude. still no
weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath.
question: WHEN do you and your doctor usually make the determination to
have a valve replaced? i know it has to be done eventually, but should i
get it done now when i'm younger, and can better recuperate from major
surgery? or should i wait until the current valve is about to fall apart? is
there a standard formula for this? what are the decision criteria?
other notes: not having a career or even a real job, there is no health
insurance, other than traveller's insurance for overseas students. this of
course will cover major medical problems, excluding prior conditions and
expenses in japan or the united states. as the operation will be self-funded,
i'm looking into "medical tourism," having the procedure done in india or
malaysia. there seem to be some good options at recognized hospitals with
very qualified surgeons. oh, and the total cost (including airfare) would
be under US$10k. given my financial situation, and that i'm not sure about
getting into the v.a. for this, may be the way to go.