Melinda's Guestbook

Hi Melinda, I can understand your being nervous, even scared, but I can tell you from my own experience (mitral valve repaired, aortic valve replaced in one, "full cut" operation) that there's nothing to be scared about. The mortality rate is a whopping TWO PERCENT (and even less, according to some sources). And those were invariably older patients with other major health problems. As for your angiogram, you'll be in a twilight state. if not knocked out completely. One of those, "When are we going to get started on this?"--when it's already been done! The biggest "pain" (no, it doesn't hurt) is that afterwards, you have to lie very still for about 4-6 hours so the entry point (a main artery) can clot over. Same thing with the TEE if you have to have that done too. That's where they stick a camera down your throat. I said, "No way, I'll gag." But sure enough, another "When are they going to get started on this?"--and it was already a done deal. They'd knocked me out completely. Here's one more example. After my operation, there was fluid in or around my lungs for several days. They tried diuretics (pills) to get it out, but no luck. Finally they said, "We're going to tap it out." I said, "What's that?" They said they were going to stick a long needle between my ribs and into the lung area and tap the fluid out. Naturally I thought, this is going to be horrible--probably just what you're thinking about the things you're facing yourself now. So I'm leaning over in my bed (that's where they do it) and the technician says, "I'm going to put some lidocaine (anesthetic) in first." I feel a slight injection, and I think, "Yeah, lot of good that'll do." After all, they're going to stick a long needle between my ribs and into my lungs! So I'm waiting and gritting my teeth and holding on to something for dear life against that needle. A couple of minutes go by, and the technician says, "I'm done." I say, "WHAT???" I look around at him and he's holding this big jar of really ugly-looking fluid. And when he came in the next day to do the same thing with my other lung, I just yawned and said, "Go for it." I'm telling you, they've got these things down pat (including your and my operation themselves). And you're going, as I'm sure you know, to one of the very highest rated hospitals in the country. You are going to do FINE. Are you having it done minimally invasively rather than full-cut? Then you'll do even finer. Let me know. A big Heart Hug to you! Artie P.S. - I used to live in North Carolina (Asheville). I wish they'd change that license plate, "First in Flight." They've had it forever! I wrote the Department of Licensing and strongly suggested they change it to "Birthplace of Ava Gardner," but I never heard back.