Debra's Guestbook

Debra Gann  Thank you very much Artie I needed to hear all that. I think I'm going to make an appointment with my surgeon and have a heart to heart! !
Happy leap to you too!
This is a leap no pun
Intended.

Debra Gann  It stuck in my mind what you said about research research research. I've been doing that but have noticed some frustration goes along with that. I have been researching the horse tissue and am fascinated with what is said about the low phospholipids in the tissue making it ideal for valves. Well nobody wants to listen. I am by nature a researcher. My pcp
said to me Why do you read all this stuff?
Well one I was a nurse for 23 years. Just want to say thank you. My surgery is March 23
Just wish I could have the horse tissue valve as a choice.

Wanda Mroz  Go with your gut is what I say. Minimally invasive was an option for me, but after speaking with the surgeon and having it all explained, something told me stick with the regular way. Glad I did. But go with your gut... it will lead you to what is right for you. Do some reasearch, ask LOTS of questions. Everyone on here has been through something and can answer any questions and help with concerns. Best of luck to you.

Debra Gann  Wanda I am researching and always keep an open mind. What are reasons for going regular way verse minimal invasive? Artie glad you said that. I thought I might be driving my cardiologist crazy with questions. Thanks for the insight.
I know they can definitely diagnose Bicuspid at surgery but knowing ahead can effect a decision. Like the equine tissue valve is contraindicated with Bicuspid. I've read the equine valve doesn't deteriorate as fast as other tissue valves. Research like you said Artie
to make informed decision. No turning back. Thank you!

Wanda Mroz  Well the surgeon explained the minimally invasive through the right side and was very honest about the fact that it is still the same invasion to your heart. He also told me there would be a groin incision for the heart/lung machine and that the surgery actually takes longer to complete so you are on bypass longer. There is also, albeit slight, greater chance of a stroke. If something were to go south then there is the chance of a sternotomy also on top of the other incisions. As it was my mitral valve had both leaflets needing repair which made the procedure trickier. I also asked the surgeon the golden question... Which way would he choose for himself or his family... He said sternotomy and be done with it. I gave it thought and listened to what my gut told me and went with that. As it turned out when my heart was restarted during surgery after fix the valve still leaked so the surgeon put me back on bypass and redid it differently. So it took over six hrs to complete. Had I chosen minimal it would have taken over 8 hrs. So my gut was right. That's why I chose the regular way.

Get all the facts, listen to that sixth sense and choose what is right for you. Whatever that may be. I don't suggest one over the other... But these were my reasons. I don't regret it... Either one is still a big invasion to the heart, will cause pain and will take time to heal although the minimal is supposed to be a little quicker recovery... Each patient's recovery is different and unique to them.

Your cardiologist won't be driven crazy... I had two appointments with the surgeon so I was clear on everything and then decided. He was most patient and explained in depth each visit. They understand that. You will make the right choice for you Debra... Hugs

Debra Gann  Thanks for the hugs Wanda that is comforting. I guess what happened to me last Friday may have hurt my confidence some. I know complications can occur. If you didn't know my coronary artery tore during cardiac catheterization. I had heart attack. It was repaired with three stints. Now I'm taking Plavix. Found out that this is very rare.

Wanda Mroz  I know I read that... I'm sorry that happened.... Hopefully you are now on the mend from that and can move on to the next step. Double hugs!

  Hi Debra, I had Dr. William Brinkman. He specializes in minimally invasive AVR. Another surgeon recommended to me was Dr. Kathryn Harrington. She has done research with folks at Cleveland Clinic and apparently is a dynamic surgeon (she was on maternity leave when I had my surgery). I had my surgery with Dr. Brinkman on 12/1 and received a scented bovine valve. He put in a valve on the larger end of my window so that I could have a TAVR for my next round. He said this is where the technology is heading. I have a three inch scar and while we had a minor clot scare with my valve on an echo, a CT scan revealed it looks great. From what I hear, there is sometimes leakage in the valve where they sew it in and mine doesn't have that (although there is some normal regurgitation). Very pleased overall. And the Heart Hospital is top notch!!!

Debra Gann  Thank you for all the insight. I'm just now getting back to reading posts because I've been recovering from hospital stay. Had an episode during heart cath procedure. My coronary tore and had to have three stents placed. Found this is a very rare occurrence. Suffered a mild heart attack. I' going with Dr Michael Mack. Thank you for the support and info. Thank you Laura. Picking a surgeon is a big decision. I was told that there will be 2 surgeons there during the surgery so that is comforting.

  So glad you are ok, but how scary! Dr. Mack is great too! I was power of attorney for my aunt who had alzheimer's and met with him about her heart valve issues last year. Great to have two surgeons too! Best wishes to you for a smooth surgery!

Debra Gann  Thank you Laura. Since I recently was put on Plavix do to the stints I'm concerned about the greater risks of going off the Plavix for some time for the valve surgery. You actually supposed to be on Plavix for a year. Has anyone had this decision to make . I started Plavix Jan 29th and having surgery March 23rd.