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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Re: 1st appt. with surgeon for aortic valve replacement
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Re: 1st appt. with surgeon for aortic valve replacement
by Cleveland Clinic, MD, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on January 06, 1999 at 17:44:16:
In Reply to: 1st appt. with surgeon for aortic valve replacement posted by Susan on January 05, 1999 at 20:41:04:
Happy New Year to anyone who reads! I have gotten lots of good information from this sight so now I have another question (I've had several along the way to where I am now!). I have my first appointment with the heart surgeon in a few days to discuss the replacement of my aortic valve (stenosis due to a congenital bicuspid valve). Cardiologist has been watching the valve, I have had echos and a heart cath. All is in fine shape except the valve which is only functioning at about 25%. I am a very active (work, some sports, activities, you name it) and youthful 51 year old, and live in a large metropolitan area. My question is what should I be discussing with the surgeon? What kind of questions should I ask? The surgeon comes very highly recommended. I have pretty much decided on a mechanical valve. I prefer coumadin over re-surgery. Also, how long after the surgery should I feel actually better than before. My neighbor had same surgery 2 years and says he is only just now geetting up to speed. He is probably a few years younger than me. Others have said 3-6 months. How much is truly physical and how much is attitude? Thanks for any wisdom you can provide!
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Dear Susan,
Thank you for your question.
Q: What should I be discussing with the surgeon? What kind of questions should I ask?
A: Good questions to discuss are risks of the operation, mortality rate, infection rates, average length of hospital stay and recover time.
Q: How long after the surgery should I feel actually better than before. My neighbor had same surgery 2 years and says he is only just now geetting up
to speed. He is probably a few years younger than me. Others have said 3-6 months. How much is truly physical and how much is attitude?
A: The time can range from 3 months to 2 years so both your neighbors are correct. Your surgeon can give a better time frame for you. I believe that mental attitude makes a tremendous difference in recovery time. Good luck.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
In Reply to: 1st appt. with surgeon for aortic valve replacement posted by Susan on January 05, 1999 at 20:41:04:
Happy New Year to anyone who reads! I have gotten lots of good information from this sight so now I have another question (I've had several along the way to where I am now!). I have my first appointment with the heart surgeon in a few days to discuss the replacement of my aortic valve (stenosis due to a congenital bicuspid valve). Cardiologist has been watching the valve, I have had echos and a heart cath. All is in fine shape except the valve which is only functioning at about 25%. I am a very active (work, some sports, activities, you name it) and youthful 51 year old, and live in a large metropolitan area. My question is what should I be discussing with the surgeon? What kind of questions should I ask? The surgeon comes very highly recommended. I have pretty much decided on a mechanical valve. I prefer coumadin over re-surgery. Also, how long after the surgery should I feel actually better than before. My neighbor had same surgery 2 years and says he is only just now geetting up to speed. He is probably a few years younger than me. Others have said 3-6 months. How much is truly physical and how much is attitude? Thanks for any wisdom you can provide!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your question.
Q: What should I be discussing with the surgeon? What kind of questions should I ask?
A: Good questions to discuss are risks of the operation, mortality rate, infection rates, average length of hospital stay and recover time.
Q: How long after the surgery should I feel actually better than before. My neighbor had same surgery 2 years and says he is only just now geetting up
to speed. He is probably a few years younger than me. Others have said 3-6 months. How much is truly physical and how much is attitude?
A: The time can range from 3 months to 2 years so both your neighbors are correct. Your surgeon can give a better time frame for you. I believe that mental attitude makes a tremendous difference in recovery time. Good luck.
I hope you find this information useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
