Dorothy's Guestbook

Dorothy Caldwell  Hello Elaine, Thanks for the note. My surgery is this Friday November 7. I have tried to update my story to reflect the date but it won't let me. My surgeon did not make a recommendation regarding the type of valve. After reading up on it, I decided on a tissue valve myself as I did not want to be on blood thinners the rest of my life and felt that when I do have to have the tissue valve replaced they will probably be able to do it through the femoral like my heart cath. My surgeon did agree with that, he also felt the surgery will be less invasive in the next few years. I am 61 years old and feel confident this is the way to go.
I am feeling anxious about the surgery, but can't stop the inevitable. I will keep you updated. Hoping for a quick recovery.

Dorothy Caldwell  Hello Elaine. Thanks for responding to my post. I saw the surgeon on October 07 and he said my surgery is a priority and will go to the top of the list, so I am assuming I will get short notice. He also wanted an updated echo, which I had done on October 10th. He advised I also have a ascending aorta that is thicker than it should be. Before he operates he needs a CT scan to show the dimensions. If it is too large I will need to have it replaced at the same time they do the valve replacement. I am just waiting now to hear when I will get the CT scan, apparently it can take up to two weeks and that is on a priority list. Waiting is the hard part, I just want it to be over. This site helps a great deal, I hardly had any questions for the surgeon as most of them are answered on this site. I agree with you, it helps to know what to expect.