latest appt and surgery date

So I went to see another cardiac thoracic surgeon, as a second opinion. I met with Dr Kasirajan, at MCV/VCU. He is the Chairman of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery
Director, Heart Transplantation, Heart-Lung Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, so he is a pretty skilled surgeon and physician. But more than that... He listened and he answered all my questions and never one tried to shut me up or move me along.

Upon meeting him, and him reviewing my charts, films and videos of tests, it was immediately decided that this has to be done quickly. It has been discovered that I am suffering from atrial fibrillations, which explains so much, have moderate muscle damage and the leak has worsened, again, just in the last few weeks. Things are worse than I had thought or knew but I was in the right place. We took care of so much that day. I had an orientation to open heart surgery, did all the pre op appointments, lab work, chest x ray, ekg and met with the anesthesiologist.

My surgery is scheduled for April 13, at 730. I have to be there at 530. The dr will be repairing or replacing the mitral valve and doing what they have to do to correct the a-fibs. If that is not correctable, then he will install a defibrillator. I will be in the ICU for approximiately 2 days after surgery and in the hospital for no less than 7 days but up to about 10.

Nerves have set in. I have known for a few weeks that I was going to have to have this done but sitting there, in his office, and him pulling out his blackberry, saying "I can see you on April 13" just made it more real. And knowing that things are more severe than they were originally thought to be makes it all more real. As scared and nervous as I am, I am going into this full steam. This has to be one and I will make it through it.

My best friend for life will be there, with my mom, and will be updating those that want to know. I am sure she will be updating my status on Facebook too. But unfortunately, she isn't familiar with this site so I won't have anyone to post on here until I am out of ICU. Thanks to everyone who has written me or sent prayers and thoughts. They are very much appreciated.

Hugs!!

Wow Theresa this is super intense.   You have may thoughts and prayers.     Take it one day at a time.  God Bless !

You are in my thoughts and prayers for a safe surgery.  It will be okay.  The doctors are going to get your heart well.  This too shall pass.  :)

Theresa please take it easy and if you want you can have your mom call me and I will post on here for you. I am going to send you my cell number in a pm and it should be there in a few mintues.

Theresa, I am sooooo excited for you!!!!  How lucky we are to be living in an era with so much technology available.  Can you image the outcome had this happened 20, 30, 40 years ago?  There would have been no hope.  But look at you, girl...you have the best surgeon around who confidently chose a date for you.

Sweetie, me of all people TOTALLY understands your case of the nerves, but try not to hang onto that.  It's a negative.  Instead, while you still have time to goof off (lol), play around on the internet & look up everything.  One question I just thought of...did anyone in his office mention a support group for post-op patients?  If they have one that meets before your surgery, that may be a good thing for you to attend.

As for the possibility of a defib implant, that is totally cool too.  As I think you know already, I'm on my 4th device since 1994 & each new one is better & smarter than the last.  I'm actually wireless now!  I have a box in my office at home and anytime I feel kinda wonkie or think the doc needs to see what's going on, I press a button, the box interogates my device, then sends a complete report to him showing what was going on at the time.  This thing does everything but cook dinner!!

If I had a place to stay, I would sooooo be there with you to hold your hand.  But I know that you are going to be fine.  Yes, there will be some pain involved, but that's where good drugs come in handy.  This doctor of yours sounds like he really knows his stuff.  Hang on to that.  Before long, Theresa, this will all be but a memory that you can share with others.  Remember that people cross your path for a reason...you were MEANT to meet this doctor.

You will continue to be in my thoughts & if you wanna chat, I think you still have my number.  If not, PM me & I'll send it to you.  Try to remember that this is a time for rejoicing, sweetie.   It's all good.

 

Theresa,  sending many prayers to you, the family and surgeon!  Hoping the time goes by quickly so the nerves don't take over!  And, a speedy recovery!!   Lots of hugs!!

Theresa,

This sure sounds like a lot to deal with. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Just keep thinking how great you are going to feel when this is all over with.

Best wishes, Penny