Re: 1st appt. with surgeon for aortic valve replacement

Posted By todd on January 07, 1999 at 09:28:44:

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!
Hi, I'm 33 and had my aortic valve spared (this is not an option for you) - however, I will give you some of my advice.  I would ask the surgeon to compare the risks of a second surgery ( say with a homograft 15-20 years) vs the risks of Coumadin therapy.  I am now a big advocate of doing your own research in surgical journals (Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery).  I still have my own valve because of my research, sparing my valve was not presented to me as an option by the first two surgeons (excellent surgeons from excellent heart hospitals). It took me about 3 months to get back to 100% (and playing hockey) - I'm young and was otherwise in good health - if your in pretty good health now, I hope your recovery is pretty fast like mine - Good Luck, the surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be.