Surgery May 9

[debster913]

Hi, all,

I'm not sure if many of you remember me. I had a mitral repair in June 2006 and will be having a replacement next Monday, May 9. I suppose you could say my 10-year extended warranty is up.

I'd been symptomatic for a while, and after several tests, my cardio decided that it was time to go ahead and consult with a surgeon. I look forward to feeling better and being back up and running soon!

 

[FredW]

Wishing you feeling better as well.

 

[Adrienne]

I remember you. That is a shame. What type of valve are you getting (I remember that you are young)? I have to say that I worry about myself too. Although I feel fine and my ejection fraction is very normal, my left atrium has gotten very enlarged. I am sure that one day I will also need a replacement.

 

[Capizzi]

I wish you good luck. I will be thinking positive thoughts for you.

I am sure you have a lot to do, but I am also curious about your symptoms and what triggered the recommendation to do a replacement. I assume you would have said re-repair if you were having that done. I think most of us who have had surgery are trying to deal with fears of needing another surgery. I would like to be more ready for that than I am now. I would appreciate any of your insights.

 

[ottagal]

Debster,
Will be thinking of you on May 9th and sending tons of positive thoughts and energy. I recall you and I comparing notes a few back about possible asthma due to a pulmonary function test.
I, too am interested to know what symptoms you have been experiencing. I presume the test results 'tipped' the scale towards surgery as well.
Nice time of the year to 'recover'.
Thinking of you,

 

[debster913]

Hi, all,

Surgery has been postponed last-minute due to a possible infection. Until I get the all-clear from my doctor, I cannot get back on the surgeon's schedule which is fair.

To answer your questions Capizzi and Ottagal, I originally had believed that my valve repair would last me a lifetime. My cardio burst that bubble about four years ago when he expressed concern about my valve function. I also have myxomatous MVP which is a factor. After "watchful observation," several yearly stress echoes, a consultation with a fine pulmonary hypertension specialist at Cedars-Sinai who undiagnosed me with asthma last year, and a third failed ablation last summer, my increasing shortness of breath and spotty exercise tolerance were enough. However, this January's stress echo revealed that my heart isn't pumping well (and I dropped 20% in my exercise tolerance) so my cardio ordered a 3-D TEE. He then referred me to a surgeon who determined that it was time to act. I really had blamed my symptoms on my age, work, everything BUT heart disease. My surgeon's nurse joked with me that I'm not the first to blame her symptoms on everything but the obvious!

In addition, my BNP revealed early warning signs of heart failure, and the TEE showed problems with left ventricular function.

I will post again once surgery is a go.

Thank you for all your well wishes!

Best,
Debi

 

[honeybunny]

Hope you're not disappointed with the delay. You seem to be in very good spirits which is a big plus. Positive thoughts continuing to be sent your way.

 

[ottagal]

Debster,
How are things? Did you get your infection cleared up? Do you have a new date? Thinking of you.