Kelli's Journal

Richard Munson  I had a similar situation last summer although i am in my 70s and it was a mitral valve. For 10 years when the leak was first discovered i got an annual echo and every year it would get a little worse and same answer, see you in a year. I had no symptoms. Finally this summer after my annual echo and same response i spoke up and said “ are you waiting till i am too sick to have this done ?” I am in great shape now and eventually this will need to be fixed so why wait. My cardiologist and the surgeon consulted and decided to do it. By not waiting they were able to do minimally invasive and repaired the valve not replaced. Was i anxious to have OHS, of course not, but it was the right decision at this point. I had the surgery in january and knock on wood it has so far worked. Hope this helps

Kelli Belcastro  I’m so glad it worked out for you! My aortic aneurysm, aortic stenosis and calcification seem like a trifecta to me. But this “it’s not bad enough yet” mentality by both the cardiologist and PC is confusing

Tom Everson  Next appointment ask if there is a insurance coverage reason why they are waiting. You are in charge of your health, get a reason that makes sense to you or find another Doctor

Richard Munson  The person that knows your body the best is you. I always considered doctors just regular folks that dress in white and blue. Smarter than me yes, but not always considering what is best for me. I can say that my cardiologist and surgeon are 2 of the best that mass general in boston have to offer and yet i still had to plant the seed regarding surgery now don’t wait till i’m half dead. Mass general is number 5 in the heart hit parade. Yes, so far it has worked out for me at 79, but keep in mind i was a 5-10 mile a guy fast walker before the surgery and i am convinced that helped my recovery after the surgery. I saw some much younger folks than me in recovery that had a tougher time perhaps because they waited till the symptoms were over the top and recovery was more of a battle. Maybe yes, maybe no. A second opinion especially in the world of heart issues can also make a difference. A different set of eyes never hurts and i have found that the good doctors welcome it. Perhaps you have reached that crossroad. What you have sounds way worse than me but your heart is your heart so i personally would not just sit back and nod my head and accept what one person says. If 2 say the same thing, different story maybe. And by the way, my insurance company was also not wild about me having the surgery before i had one foot in the grave. In the end, i felt like i was taking control of my own health. I wish you the best. It sounds like because you are asking these questions, you are thinking in the right direction.

Deena Elani  All good points! The cardiologists and cardiac surgeon are following the approved guidelines for when surgery is needed vs elective vs just not needed yet. Insurance follows those guidelines. I waited 13 years and in many ways am glad, because the surgery has gotten so much safer. That said, my calcification on my mitral valve worsened so much that I could not have minimally invasive surgery as Richard astutely mentioned. So, it is a bit of dance as to when it is best.

Richard Munson  Wow, no one ever said i was astute before. I’ll show this to my wife the next time she calls me a dope. Lol.

Rose Madura  I'm an advocate for a second opinion in your case. The wait for symptoms is old school. A second opinion may put your mind at ease. Just a thought for you to consider.

  I agree with Rose. That was what she suggested to me when I was not sure I liked my first surgeon’s opinion and I took it to heart and found the surgeon that performed my surgery. Second and third opinions if needed. You need to feel confident in your cardiologist and surgeon. You might want to consider it. Let us know what you decided to do.

Richard Munson  I like that Ana, “ you took it to heart “. No pun intended. Sounds like everyone is on the second opinion train. Funny how people are quick to get one for remodeling the kitchen but balk at doing it for a health issue. I think when you deal with a doctor on an equal level and not put them on a pedestal, you will find most are just like you and me and welcome the opportunity to address your concerns. Who needs a know it all anyway.

Dylan Kempers  Kelli, I would get at least a second and third opinions from cardiologists (besides yours) and at least 2 opinions from surgeons.

  Richard is right. I have become more assertive with my doctors and find they are more willing to help. Richard, didn’t even think about the “no pun intended” in my post. 😊 hope you stay strong and witty, it will help you to recover faster. God bless you dear friend.

Richard Munson  Ana, you are a shining light i wish i had known prior to my surgery. Alas, i found this site after. Just had a ct scan on a lung nodule discovered during heart xrays. Very common over 70 they say but for me one more thing to stress me out. Easy for them to say when its my lung. Lol.

  Richard, thank you. You are right, it’s easy for them to say. Don’t stress, you are in my prayers and you will be just fine I have to see my ENT June 2 for him to tell me what they found on my sinuses after a scan. Then on June 3rd to my not so responsive Cardiologist so he can then order some sort of scan to check on my valve and aneurysm. I just put myself in God’s hands and wait to see what happens. Is always stressful going to see any of those guys.’ Hang in there. I will keep you posted. God bless you and your family 🙏❤️