John Parsons - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2652 days ago

I am scheduled for replacement of my aortic valve on Jan 4. My surgeon will perform a mini-thoracotomy. I am hoping this will allow me to recover faster and ...Read more

I am scheduled for replacement of my aortic valve on Jan 4. My surgeon will perform a mini-thoracotomy. I am hoping this will allow me to recover faster and have less post operation pain. I am reading Adam's book and have watched several youtube videos where a mini-thoracotomy is being performed. And of course I have been all over this web site. I was originally going to have the operation on Dec 20 but reconsidered and put it off for two weeks because I wanted to enjoy the holidays. Big mistake! My wife keeps telling me to put the operation out of my mind for two weeks. The truth is that is like trying to ignore the elephant in the room. Anyway, I must live with my decisions. I haven't found as much on this web site as I would like from people who have had a mini-thoracotomy so I am going to try to relate my experiences after I get on the otherside of this thing. Until then wish me luck!

Anna Jones Best wishes for an easy surgery and fast and smooth recovery. I look forward to reading your reports ... Read more

Anna Jones Best wishes for an easy surgery and fast and smooth recovery. I look forward to reading your reports regarding your mini-thoracotomy

jackie Taylor Good luck. I am having surgery on January 4th also, but am having the traditional surgery.. I agree t ... Read more

jackie Taylor Good luck. I am having surgery on January 4th also, but am having the traditional surgery.. I agree the waiting is not pleasant. I wanted a pre holiday date and was advised against it.. but I also agree I wish I had taken the earlier date.. Best of good wishes to you and yours.

Rose Madura Best wishes. Try to enjoy the holidays. I know it's hard not to think about the upcoming surgery bu ... Read more

Rose Madura Best wishes. Try to enjoy the holidays. I know it's hard not to think about the upcoming surgery but it does help to surround yourself with family.

brian zelickson Best wishes. I also looked at both mini and full thoracotomy and talked to surgeons who suggested bo ... Read more

brian zelickson Best wishes. I also looked at both mini and full thoracotomy and talked to surgeons who suggested both. Either I am sure would be fine with a skilled surgeon. While the proposed advantage of a bit faster recovery with the mini was enticing I am opting for a full ( OHS in Feb) for two main reasons. 1) It is very important to have the right size valve, positioned correctly and sewn in well. Ask any surgeon and one of the key rules for doing surgery is being able to have great access and visualization during the procedure. A full thoracotomy is best for this. 2) For most surgeons, it is faster to do a full rather than a mini so less time on the pump, which is better for recovery. ( Also I don't mind a larger scar). Best