Charlotte's Posts

I did a lot of research while waiting for my surgeons appt yesterday. When I told him there was a lot of info on aortic valve stenosis and mitral reguritation, but very little on mitral valve stenosis, reguritation and calcification. He said that is because we don't see a lot in the condition mine is. They keep wondering if I had rheumatic fever because they only usually see this damage in those cases. I don't remember being that sick and my mom did not believe in doctors, so she just waited for whatever to pass. I asked him what valve he was going to use. He said 'we have to choices'. I said 'can't be mechanical, I am too old so that leaves tissue - cow or pig. He asked which one I wanted. I answered 'pig' because research says they are better and they were one of my favorite pets growing up on a farm. He laughed and said 'good choice'. He did not have a computer there but had reviewed my case so knew my condition well. That was so refreshing and gave me confidence in him as my surgeon.

When doctors confuse you!! I had an appointment for the 14th with what I thought was the surgeon, but my cardiologist I saw on the 10th said he was not. He would referring me to the thoracic surgeon which I would need. He is the same surgeon I saw Aug 17th when in the hospital having the testing. What was confusing is the doctor on the 14th office coordinator kept telling me I needed to hear the options her doctor had to offer. I tried to tell her he already said he could not do both valves but she was certain he had alternatives. She called me Friday afternoon telling me she talked to my cardiologist when he was at the hospital that day. He explained that only open heart was what I needed due to my valve conditions, especially mitral. She looked at my scans and agreed. Finally she conceeded. Now I have to wait longer - the 30th to meet with the surgeon to hopefully explain more about what he will do, how long, recovery, etc. I also am going to see hopefully he uses the option of Rigid Sternal Fixation vs wire to hold the sternum. Every thing I have read and watch recovery is faster because it holds the sternum better.