My Story:
About 2 years ago, Dr. Grandganette noticed a heart murmur during a routine physical. He recommended that I see a cardiologist for additional testing. I made an appointment with Dr. Christenson, who confirmed my diagnosis. My first echocardiogram showed that my aortic valve was leaking and that my heart was somewhat enlarged. He proscribed Procardia, and scheduled regular echos every 6 months to monitor any changes in my heart. Since that time, I have known that heart surgery might be in my future - years down the road...
My most recent echo was August 28, 2009. It showed that my aortic regurgitation was severe, and that my hart had enlarged significantly since my last echo, six months earlier. Dr. Christenson recommended a TEE and a heart catherization to get clearer pictures. These tests were done by Dr. Dotoni at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. They confirmed Dr. Christenson's diagnosis. My heart function is approximately 40 to 45% and declining. It's time...
Dr. Christenson & Dr. Dotoni refered me to Dr. Probahkar at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Mary and I consulted with him on September 22 - the day before my 56th birthday.
We found Dr. Probahkar to be very professional and impressive. He was very thorough and patient about laying out all the options with the corresponding advantages, disadvantages, and risk factors. There doesn't seem to be a "perfect solution."
So... we have another appointment with Dr. Probahkar next Tuesday. I will need to make several decisions between now and then. My biggest decision will be whether to have a mechanical valve or a tissue valve. Either way, it's a frightening prospect...
We expect to schedule my valve replacement surgery sometime in mid or late October. I'll update as we go.....
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