Bill Ball's Valve Job
10-26-2009, 10:17 AM
#121
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Update:
I did 15 quick laps of the unit at 4 am. I was bored. You are supposed to to do 6 laps in the last 24 hours prior to discharge.
I'm going to try to get out of here today, but I don't think I'll be out until tomorrow.
Biggest problem is sleeping related to anemia and some bowel bloating making it hard to breath while lying down. I'm about 7 lbs over my pre-surgical weight, with about a pound of that making it's way into my *******, so the crack about the 5 pound lifting limit and trying to pee is a pound closer to reality.
I've had my ups and downs, but today I feel super. I don't think I got any post-op pain medication, although they slipped me a couple of Percocet thinking it would make my breathing therapy easier, but all it did was make drowsy. So despite an 11-in incision through my sternum and a lot of internal cutting and sewing, it's stunning how little discomfort I have had.
So, I'll probably be here at Stanford University Hospital today if anyone wants to call or come by. I had a nice visit from Dave Benson, his wife and Nicole yesterday.
I did 15 quick laps of the unit at 4 am. I was bored. You are supposed to to do 6 laps in the last 24 hours prior to discharge.
I'm going to try to get out of here today, but I don't think I'll be out until tomorrow.
Biggest problem is sleeping related to anemia and some bowel bloating making it hard to breath while lying down. I'm about 7 lbs over my pre-surgical weight, with about a pound of that making it's way into my *******, so the crack about the 5 pound lifting limit and trying to pee is a pound closer to reality.
I've had my ups and downs, but today I feel super. I don't think I got any post-op pain medication, although they slipped me a couple of Percocet thinking it would make my breathing therapy easier, but all it did was make drowsy. So despite an 11-in incision through my sternum and a lot of internal cutting and sewing, it's stunning how little discomfort I have had.
So, I'll probably be here at Stanford University Hospital today if anyone wants to call or come by. I had a nice visit from Dave Benson, his wife and Nicole yesterday.
10-26-2009, 10:36 AM
#124
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I was thinking that I should have my inquinal hernias repaired and my deviated septum fixed at the same time. Stan would recommend it, but the thought of all those guys fighting over which part to fix first didn'tsound like a good idea.
10-26-2009, 10:55 AM
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bigs: The guy I went to practically wrote the manual of difficult valve and aorta surgery. D. Craig Miller, Chief Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University. He's got credentials. Interesting story on why I went to him and the whole course of events. In the end I dodged a huge bullet that was just about to hit me.
10-26-2009, 11:07 AM
#126
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10-26-2009, 11:21 AM
#127
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In the end I dodged a huge bullet that was just about to hit me
This comment plus an 8+ hour surgery = arch aneurysm involving the aortic root? That's high-stakes scary stuff. You're smart to have been at Stanford, that's not stuff your local CT surgeon-in-the-box does on a regular basis....
10-26-2009, 11:41 AM
#128
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I just have to say how good some of the car valve job analogies are. Funny stuff, you guys.
The valve I chose should outlast me. The whole area of choice of valve replacement hardware and procedure is very confusing. The basic guideline is that below age 65 you should get a mechanical valve, because there is a higher likelihood the alternative biologic valves will require replacement as they don't last very long. But the exact length of time and the relationship to age has not been well-studied. It's been studied a lot, but all the analyses are flawed. Dr. Miller was willing to put in whatever I wanted, but he strongly recommended a mechanical valve because I am "young" and otherwise healthy. Despite this, I spent a month trying to convince myself a biologic valve would work out better. They are more normal in operation, don't chew up red cells and don't require lifelong anticoagulation, which is not without complications. Finally, about 20 minutes before Dr. Miller called me the night prior to surgery, I read a new paper that was a metanalysis of all previous trials and that came to the conclusion that age itself is not a predictor of survival after valve replacement - over all health is. So, no matter if you are 50, 65 or 75, if you are otherwise healthy, survival favors the mechanical valve. If you have other lifelimiting illnesses, like coronary artery disease, kidney diease, and many other disorders, go ahead and get a biologic valve because you aren't likely to outlive it. That's what Dr. Miller was trying to tell me, but there are centers that favor biologic valves in younger patients. Anyway, after reading the metanalysis, the choice was clear and when Dr. Miller called he was happy to hear it. Turns out, my aorta was a funkier mess than the CAT scan showed, and using the biologic valve would have not produced the needed repair. So, I should have just listened to Dr. Miller and let him do what he recommended, but you know how I am, always looking for shortcuts.
The valve I chose should outlast me. The whole area of choice of valve replacement hardware and procedure is very confusing. The basic guideline is that below age 65 you should get a mechanical valve, because there is a higher likelihood the alternative biologic valves will require replacement as they don't last very long. But the exact length of time and the relationship to age has not been well-studied. It's been studied a lot, but all the analyses are flawed. Dr. Miller was willing to put in whatever I wanted, but he strongly recommended a mechanical valve because I am "young" and otherwise healthy. Despite this, I spent a month trying to convince myself a biologic valve would work out better. They are more normal in operation, don't chew up red cells and don't require lifelong anticoagulation, which is not without complications. Finally, about 20 minutes before Dr. Miller called me the night prior to surgery, I read a new paper that was a metanalysis of all previous trials and that came to the conclusion that age itself is not a predictor of survival after valve replacement - over all health is. So, no matter if you are 50, 65 or 75, if you are otherwise healthy, survival favors the mechanical valve. If you have other lifelimiting illnesses, like coronary artery disease, kidney diease, and many other disorders, go ahead and get a biologic valve because you aren't likely to outlive it. That's what Dr. Miller was trying to tell me, but there are centers that favor biologic valves in younger patients. Anyway, after reading the metanalysis, the choice was clear and when Dr. Miller called he was happy to hear it. Turns out, my aorta was a funkier mess than the CAT scan showed, and using the biologic valve would have not produced the needed repair. So, I should have just listened to Dr. Miller and let him do what he recommended, but you know how I am, always looking for shortcuts.
10-26-2009, 11:55 AM
#129
Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Please do not hesitate to call me if there is anything I can do for you: I certainly owe you for all of the help you have given me wrenching on my car and would be more than happy to return your many favors.
Bob
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10-26-2009, 12:27 PM
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So, Bill, glad to hear you are doing so well! Got the Big valve and port cleanup? Man you should have some serious top-end now....
Too bad you can't hear it- everybody loves a lumpy idle.. haha!
Best Wishes!
Steve
Too bad you can't hear it- everybody loves a lumpy idle.. haha!
Best Wishes!
Steve
10-26-2009, 12:44 PM
#131
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I just have to say how good some of the car valve job analogies are. Funny stuff, you guys.
The valve I chose should outlast me. The whole area of choice of valve replacement hardware and procedure is very confusing. The basic guideline is that below age 65 you should get a mechanical valve, because there is a higher likelihood the alternative biologic valves will require replacement as they don't last very long. But the exact length of time and the relationship to age has not been well-studied. It's been studied a lot, but all the analyses are flawed. Dr. Miller was willing to put in whatever I wanted, but he strongly recommended a mechanical valve because I made "young" and otherwise healthy. Despite this, I spent a month trying to convince myself a biologic valve would work out better. They are more normal in operation, don't chew up red cells and don't require lifelong anticoagulation, which is not without complications. Finally, about 20 minutes before Dr. Miller called me the night prior to surgery, I read a new paper that was a metanalysis of all previous trials and that came to the conclusion that age itself is not a predictor of survival after valve replacement - over all health is. So, no matter if you are 50, 65 or 75, if you are otherwise healthy, survival favors the mechanical valve. If you have other lifelimiting illnesses, like coronary artery disease, kidney diease, and many other disorders, go ahead and get a biologic valve because you aren't likely to outlive it. That's what Dr. Miller was trying to tell me, but there are centers that favor biologic valves in younger patients. Anyway, after reading the metanalysis, the choice was clear and when Dr. Miller called he was happy to hear it. Turns out, my aorta was a funkier mess than the CAT scan showed, and using the biologic valve would have not produced the needed repair. So, I should have just listened to Dr. Miller and let him do what he recommended, but you know how I am, always looking for shortcuts.
The valve I chose should outlast me. The whole area of choice of valve replacement hardware and procedure is very confusing. The basic guideline is that below age 65 you should get a mechanical valve, because there is a higher likelihood the alternative biologic valves will require replacement as they don't last very long. But the exact length of time and the relationship to age has not been well-studied. It's been studied a lot, but all the analyses are flawed. Dr. Miller was willing to put in whatever I wanted, but he strongly recommended a mechanical valve because I made "young" and otherwise healthy. Despite this, I spent a month trying to convince myself a biologic valve would work out better. They are more normal in operation, don't chew up red cells and don't require lifelong anticoagulation, which is not without complications. Finally, about 20 minutes before Dr. Miller called me the night prior to surgery, I read a new paper that was a metanalysis of all previous trials and that came to the conclusion that age itself is not a predictor of survival after valve replacement - over all health is. So, no matter if you are 50, 65 or 75, if you are otherwise healthy, survival favors the mechanical valve. If you have other lifelimiting illnesses, like coronary artery disease, kidney diease, and many other disorders, go ahead and get a biologic valve because you aren't likely to outlive it. That's what Dr. Miller was trying to tell me, but there are centers that favor biologic valves in younger patients. Anyway, after reading the metanalysis, the choice was clear and when Dr. Miller called he was happy to hear it. Turns out, my aorta was a funkier mess than the CAT scan showed, and using the biologic valve would have not produced the needed repair. So, I should have just listened to Dr. Miller and let him do what he recommended, but you know how I am, always looking for shortcuts.
I am so pleased to see you posting again after going through something like that. It does sound like you are in great hands and you are in good spirits. With this combination I now know you will be better than ever real soon.
Take it easy and it will be great to know you will be posting from home soon!
Dave
10-26-2009, 01:01 PM
#133
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How did I miss this thread???
Good to hear you are doing good, I need to go back and read the thread to catch up a bit.
You will be changing out a water pump in no time
Good to hear you are doing good, I need to go back and read the thread to catch up a bit.
You will be changing out a water pump in no time
10-26-2009, 01:35 PM
#134
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Interesting information about the valve. I'm surprised they/he gave you the choice - nice to see you came to the same conclusion though.
The anti-coagulants could be an issue when working on a 928. I seem to skin a knuckle just about every time I touch one. An old boss was on a-c medication and the littlest scrape seems to take hours to stop bleeding. I guess you have to get a good pair of mechanics gloves and learn to use them.
Get well and get out of the hospital.
The anti-coagulants could be an issue when working on a 928. I seem to skin a knuckle just about every time I touch one. An old boss was on a-c medication and the littlest scrape seems to take hours to stop bleeding. I guess you have to get a good pair of mechanics gloves and learn to use them.
Get well and get out of the hospital.
10-26-2009, 02:35 PM
#135
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Bill
REALLY glad to hear you are doing well!!!
Wow with all of the choices on valve replacement I am glad you did not go W/ a Lasso rebuild.
Oh and I hope Nicole dropped off a pair of your favorite chino's for the ride home
REALLY glad to hear you are doing well!!!
Wow with all of the choices on valve replacement I am glad you did not go W/ a Lasso rebuild.
Oh and I hope Nicole dropped off a pair of your favorite chino's for the ride home