Markos's Posts

It is ok to be scared and nervous but it will go well. I was really scared. I had my surgery aortic valve replaced 1,5 years ago waiting 4 week in hospital 2 in London, 2 in Gothenburg since they did not dare to send me home. I am back in scape as good as new :-) almost. 55 years young now

I have to slightly disagree with Richard as it's not a piece of cake. If you have OHS (Open Hear Surgery), it's a pain for the first few week. But it is a very safe procedure. And in Richard's defense, once you look back it wasn't that bad (I think that is what he tried to convey). I have said this multiple times on this forum but I never felt more safe than going into surgery. You have so many professionals footsteps away. You can't be at a better place when it comes to health. The food is terrible, though.

@Richard, I was confused by that liver removal comment because it sounded unbelievable. But then I heard news that a surgeon indeed removed the liver instead of the spleen. How is this even possible. Blows my mind. But you are more likely to be hit lightening than anything close to that happening. So @Markos, these are about the worst things you can hear. You will do just fine for your upcoming surgery. Check out the learning center as it gives you some good information. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Any surgical intervention has some risk, but on valve replacement in general it´s very low. In repairing that´s very low as well, provided you look for a very experienced surgeon where you are living, which is not always easy. Here in this special HVW site you´ll find information and heart valve personal stories that sure will be very useful for you.👍

My surgeon supposedly is the "god" of mitral valve repair. Everyone I talk to knows him. But 10 months later, I needed a second surgery. Go figure. And he charged me again for discussing what went wrong and how to fix it. He casually threw his legs on the table laying back in his chair...

@J Alexander Lassally, since the second surgery was the same year, I already maxed out on my deductible. So basically I got "buy one open heart surgery, get one free" 😊 Though the maze procedure didn't work long so I needed another procedure a couple of months ago. Now I maxed out on my deductible again so everything else for the rest of the year is free😉

I am sorry, Robert, you had this terrible experience of needing to go around twice in a year. Horrible. I am coming up on my next echo in a month - so holding my breath. If this looks good and my RV is okay, I can probably let guard down for a good amount of time !!

Not what I wished for but it's ok. My electrophysiologist says I am a hopeless case (not exactly his words but it summarizes it). I now go travel, visit my parents, etc. I hope your echo will show good results. Point is, make every day as if it was your last one. In some way, heart surgery was a good thing as it refocuses you to what is important.

He is a surgeon from Mount Sinai, I am waiting for the cost of the surgery, if I am able to pay it, which I hope, I will update in "My Valve Story" the date and the surgeon in charge. Thanks for your comments and for sharing your stories which gave us HOPE and don't let FEAR drive us nuts!

Hi Markos - Number one rule if aiming for repair is to go to a high volume center where the surgeon is specialized. Be willing to travel and move mountains to get that to happen. Also, gather a few opinions about the approach so you are getting consistent stories. I sympathize with your view of how disruptive this is to ones life ! Ask away ...

It’s a process. Be gentle with yourself as you seek out all the information your can! It’s like going to school as you research and gain knowledge and understanding of the heart repair options. This is a great site for information and encouragement! I will be praying for you and your medical team as you make decisions. May Gods peace and guidance surround you!

PS Markos again - Around 60 cases of mitral valve per year is considered a lot in the US. Under 40 or so would be cause for alarm. If surgeon does a lot of aorta, TAVR and others, they are less focused so this is a negative. So ask their aorta volume and their TAVR volume, too. Ask other cardiologists about his qualitative reputation... Get more than one answer. Ask SPECIFIC questions !

Agreeing with which has been told by the fellows- going to a high volumen center with as much experience as were possible in repairing. That´s cruzial, because is a high level surgery which needs a great skill by the surgeon. If not were the case, the choice of a valve mechanical or biological will depend on several factors among which your age is not a minor one. Ask the doctors for advice. Godspeed in your choice!

Markos - 60 patient cases per year by one surgeon is a lot of cases. That is what I meant. Anything below 30 or 40 would not be a lot. Example, say the surgeon does 30 mitral cases and 80 TAVR and aorta. Then, they are not really a mitral specialist.

ok, undestood, 60 repaired cases of my specific injury per year is the number. ( I think I am in deep trouble). Wednesday I will have a Zoom meeting with a mitral valve surgeon from Mount Sinai, maybe they will give me a positive forecast of my case. Thanks for you data, I will post the output of the meeting.

It can come as a shock when one learns about heart issues and requiring surgery. However, you are most likely not in deep trouble as long as you take care of the issue. Valve repairs/replacements are performed a lot and it is a very safe procedure unless you have other serious health issues. There is a lot information on this page, especially also about valve repair vs valve replacement. A good surgeon will first try to do a repair and only if that fails to a replacement. If a replacement is necessary, you have to decide between an mechanical valve and a tissue valve. The decision on that depends a lot on your age. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php