Results

Goodmorning...spoke with the surgeon this morning...5% chance of dying with no surgery...5-8% with surgery ( graft on the aeorta), I am absolutly terrified. We and the doctor decided to hold off for now on the surgery...the tear has not gotten worse but definalty could or even (probably),develop and anuresym over time. They were worried about the chest pain but said though its not good at least his body gives him a signal when to stop...most dont get that signal.There is just no easy answer....we all thought waiting  at this point is the best option for now. Longer we wait more chance of developing scar tissue...he will definatly need surgery eventually but Im not ready to loose him...they have to stop the blood to his brain and he can stroke or die or anything, its not good. So thats it...I just got to pray real hard thats all I can do...that and cry...its just not fair.

Hi Kim, hugs to you and Steve. Did the doctor advise waiting for surgery? Or did he/she let you two make the decision and then went along with whatever you wanted to do? I don't understand why the chances of dying with the surgery are greater than the chances of dying without the surgery.  Of course, there is the complications factor so I suppose that must be what this is about. It seems the risk factor percentages are pretty low - I think even our WLSies were at around the 2%-8% chance of dying, and look at all of us thriving more than 5 years later! I wish you both healing and health and the courage to work through this together. Please keep us posted. Love to you, Maureen

Hi Reenie...the decision was mainly Bill's....he would reather take the 5% then raise it to maybe 8%...he said he would reather live like this then to risk living with a stroke or worse...the doctor agreed and said  youve got to live your life, be careful dont overdue it, moniter you BP  anything above 130/70 is criticial for you, they want it between 105-115 over 50-65, he's on all kinds of BP meds right now and seems so tired but I know thats him adjusting to it all, and he shuffles like a little old man its heartbreaking but I try not to show it. The surgeon says by waiting  to operate it makes the chance for developing scar tissue and he said like a glue like barrier between the artery walls might develop as well in two of the areas but not the third area which gave me the impression it would be better to operate with that then how he is now. But then also he can develop an anuresym, which he probably will if this isnt done eventually. Its hard to explain...but we all agreed waiting is the least of two evils though not much for now...but he will need the operation eventually, he said as for time frame we have no clue, we just got to moniter him closely with monthly cat scans and watch the BP like a hawk and NO STRESS. I thought they would just open his chest but the doctor said they would cut all around his back, across his groin then up his chest, they would graft the top area of his artery where its ripped and not the lower tear( the top cause the dont want it to reach his heart), he said it was a  very risky operation that they would have to lower his body temp and then stop the blood flow to his brain. Im scared to death...I know Bill is worried too but he doesnt show it but he's got to be...he has never even been in the hospital before, not a day in his life, and now this. I just dont know..I keep telling myself one day at a time...its all I can do.

Gosh, why do I keep calling your husband Steve?  I'm telling you, I think I've got early onset of Alzheimer's... Take it one day at a time, both of you - be good to yourselves and take care of each other. Try to carve out some simple joyful moments each day, snuggle in bed for a few extra minutes, have the kids jump up and join you! Back rubs, a cup of tea or coffee in the morning on the deck or patio - put on some great jazz or classical music for a half an hour, sit on the sofa together reading a book or magazine - simple pleasures. One day at a time, Kim. Relax, rest, heal... my strongest prayers for you and your family - and for BILL.  Take care, Maureen

Hany in there!! is all I can say at this point, as well!! You have so much to deal with
I sure understand why it is soooo stressful. I agree with Reenie enjoy each other a little
each day to help heal & get that rest together.
Hugs & Prayers to you both!!

i don't know what to say other than i'm sorry.
praying everyday things improve.

Thank you both for the kinds words....we'll make it