When my cardiologist told me that I needed heart valve surgery, two things immediately happened. First, I didn't believe my doctor.
"There must be some mistake!" I thought to myself.
To be sure, I got a second opinion.
Dr. Chaikin gave me the same prognosis as Dr. Wyman.
I really did need an aortic valve replacement.
After learning that I had severe stenosis and regurgitation in my aortic valve, I experienced the common mental and emotional problems of cardiac surgery patients. I was confused. I was scared. I knew nothing about open heart surgery or heart valve surgery.
My family and I searched the Internet looking for answers. Ultimately, that chaotic search produced more anxiety and I began suffering from insomnia.
I do not want you or your loved one to experience that uncomfortable situation. That is why I took my research, my notes, my mom's notepads, my sister's emails, and my experience as a patient to create The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery.
Inside this comprehensive handbook, YOU gain direct access to the information needed to best proceed through heart valve surgery. If you, or someone you care, for is considering or recovering from heart valve repair or replacement, you may want to learn about my book today.
Questions Covered In The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery
Part I Questions - Learning About Heart Valve Surgery. These questions are typical of patients and caregivers as they learn about heart valve surgery, their options and the steps required to have the best medical experience.
Is heart valve surgery safe? What are the success rates?
How much will it cost to have heart valve surgery?
Will insurance cover my heart valve surgery?
How many people have heart valve surgery?
What are the symptoms of heart valve disorders?
What is the anatomy of my heart valves?
How can surgery fix my heart valve disorders?
What should I know about getting a second opinion?
What are heart valve leaflets?
What is heart valve regurgitation?
What happens in a leaking valve in a heart?
What is aortic stenosis?
What is mitral valve prolapse
What is heart valve calcification?
How will people react to my heart valve surgery?
How long does it take to recover from heart valve surgery?
Does heart surgery recovery occur in the hospital?
How does that patient recover from heart surgery at home?
When is surgery needed for mitral valve disease?
What are mitral valve repair mortality rates?
Can a second opinion help identify incorrect diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse?
What is the lifespan of mechanical heart valve?
What are the sounds of a mechanical heart valve?
What is the history of open heart surgery?
What happens during heart bypass surgery?
What is the the Ross Procedure?
Is Ross procedure recovery different from other aortic valve replacements?
What is the heart valve replacement age of patients?
What is bovine heart valve replacement?
Where are pictures on open heart surgery?
Part II Questions - Preparing For Heart Valve Surgery. These questions are typical of patients and caregivers as they prepare for their operation.
How can I find the right surgeon?
What are cardiothoracic surgeons?
What online resources can I use to find a cardiac surgeon?
Who are the best cardiothoracic surgeons?
What are the best cardiac medical centers in the United States?
Should I interview my surgeons? If so, how many?
What questions should I ask to confirm my condition and qualify the surgeon?
When should I schedule the surgery?
How much will heart valve surgery cost?
What are the major fees of heart valve surgery?
Why is your support group so critical?
How should you communicate with your support group?
Will I be completely self-sufficient following my operation?
Part III Questions - The Heart Valve Surgery Operation. These questions are typical of patients and caregivers as they enter the hospital for their operation.
What should I bring to the hospital with me?
What tests do I take before being admitted into the hospital?
Will I need to sign a consent for the surgery?
What happens the night before the surgery?
How long will I be in the hospital?
What is the intensive care unit (ICU)?
Will I have a nurse available at all times?
What will happen the day of the surgery?
What is the pre-operating room?
Will I have to shave before the surgery?
Are heart valve surgeries typically on schedule?
What do the anesthesiologist do?
Will I remember the surgery?
What is it like waking up in the ICU?
Will I be able to see my friends and family in the ICU?
What will happen during the first 24 hours after heart valve surgery?
Will the nurses make me get out of bed following surgery?
What type of pain will I experience after the surgery?
What is the chest tube?
What is a spirometer?
How many tubes will be sticking out of me following surgery?
What happens the day after surgery?
When will I be able to leave the ICU?
What are heart surgery replacement and repair complications?
How do I get rid of fluid in lungs after open heart surgery?
Are there special foods for people that had open heart surgery?
What is Peri-Colace? How will it help me?
What drugs will I be given for pain?
What happens to the sternum in open heart surgery?
What are the common side effects after open heart surgery?
Are seizures linked to heart valve problems?
Is there any research on smoking and heart valve problems?
Do heart valve problems cause skipped beats?
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Part IV Questions - Recovering From Heart Valve Surgery. These questions are typical of patients and caregivers as they recovery from heart valve surgery.
What are the post surgery patient complications?
What should I do when I get home from the hospital?
Are there any tricks I should know to make the recovery smoother?
What should I know about getting in and out of bed?
What should I know about the local pharmacies?
What exercise should I do immediately following surgery?
When should my support group help me?
When will I go for my follow-up cardiologist and surgeon visits?
What is Mederma?
Will I need nursing care after heart valve replacment?
Will metal detectors beep after open heart surgery?
What is cardiac depression?
What are the symptoms of cardiac depression?
Why does cardiac depression impact so many patients?
Should I get professional counseling following heart valve repair or replacement?
What is known about open heart surgery and depression?
What drugs will I take after open heart surgery?
What is the Ross Procedure patients home recovery?
Can I exercise after heart valve surgery?
When will I be able to return to work?
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
How long does the recovery take?
Is the recovery painful? How painful?
Should I be alone during the recovery?
How should I communicate my needs with my support group?
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