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David Pearlposted a journal

589 days ago

Hello Everyone from Bangkok/Thailand,

For the 1st time ever I have a time estimate of when I'll need surgery to replace my calcified aortic tricuspid valve.

I am currently 59--estimate is 2 years for the surgery. So new valve at 61.

I am pretty freaked out as the diagnosis says severe AS yet he thinks I have two more years until I need surgery (?)

I am getting echos every 6 months althought the next one is in 8 months.

He is thinking that I can go for a biological valve becuase he doesn't want to have me on blood thinners.

I never discussed my concerns of blood thinners or ticking BTW.

Estimate is 10,870 USD to 27.180 USD here at a top University hospital---more if I do it at private hospital.

I am 100% on the hook for the bill as insurance will not cover pre existing.

Other option is go back to the states, do it for free in LA/Califorinia where I think can get reinsured for free..

I can do an Air Bnb and then bounce back to Thailand in a month or so (reasonable?)

I've included my echo test results.

Is two years a realistic window given the recent echo ?

Further thoughts ?

Thank you) David Pearl

Brady Busch Hello David.Who can perfectly predict the future?That's why the echo-cardiograms are done.I like the ... Read more

Brady Busch Hello David.Who can perfectly predict the future?That's why the echo-cardiograms are done.I like the idea of getting the work done in California,if that's available.

David Pearl Ok...

Arthur Schoeller Hi David. I am 67 and have been tracking my aortic valve, aneurysm, plus mitral valve issues for a LO ... Read more

Arthur Schoeller Hi David. I am 67 and have been tracking my aortic valve, aneurysm, plus mitral valve issues for a LONG time with, like you, semi-annual echo's and occasional MRI's. Aortic aneurysm has been a stable size over 10 or more years. It's not clear to me how they have done the "future math" for you! My last exam noted a decrease in my ejection fraction which was sufficient for my cardiologist to finally go get the surgery done. Not that I am an expert, but trending of ejection fraction is a key indicator on valve health and over time decline. So maybe give that a check. I have seen articles that say normal range is 50% to 70%. My last one was 52%, but it was the rate of decline since my last exam that has triggered my cardiologist recommendation for surgery. Since I have the aneurysm PLUS bad family history may all add up for a more assertive approach than JUST the ejection fraction. Hope this helps. I am going to have a MRI to tune up the echo finding, then possibly start surgeon interviews.

David Pearl Arthur totally understood at all levels..I just came into the severe category although I am not sure ... Read more

David Pearl Arthur totally understood at all levels..I just came into the severe category although I am not sure how this is derived as by most measurements the valve seems to be ok..I am getting a 2nd opinion today and maybe a 3rd and 4th as well as potentially seeing my doctor again....

Arthur Schoeller Hi David - let us know how the second opinions pan out, including any deeper insights into the ejecti ... Read more

Arthur Schoeller Hi David - let us know how the second opinions pan out, including any deeper insights into the ejection fraction metric to determine severity.

David Pearlposted a photo

1119 days ago

Cat Shelter Bangkok

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1119 days ago

David Pearlposted a photo

1152 days ago

Last Echo

David Pearlposted a photo

1159 days ago

Asia where I live

David Pearlposted a photo

1262 days ago

Steven Methot, Rose Madura, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

This is me doing an acting job for a Thai television series in Bangkok last Friday. I move to Thailand three years ago at age 54 dropped everything to move here)