Connie B Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Hi Friends, Well, my appointment at the (Cardiac)Surgeon's yesterday went relatively well. Dr. Kenneth Liao is his name. Our friend KatieB (bless her heart) Goggled him and said he looks VERY GOOD ON PAPER! And has no complaints from patients. So having said that, I'm headed back for my 4th open heart (through the chest) surgery sometime in mid-December. My mitral valve needs to be replaced and he said he would do that with a Mechanical Valve rather then a Pig Valve. In my case the Mechanical Valve is the better choice for me. Then I have another blockage which he would also like to fix via by-pass, (IF time permits) while he is in there doing the valve. (If not, he said he can fix that at a later date down the road via stent) The main fixing issue is the Valve. The risk factor for me in doing this surgery isn't my heart, but rather it's my one lung. (my one lung has been very good to me over the last 12+ years, and I'm praying it will hold up one more time) He felt my heart tissue was strong, but my lung does have a lot of scaring and two small patches of emphysema that he was concerned about being the risk problems. He is going to talk with my Pulmonologist. He also is going to talk to the Surgeon at Mayo because he wants to better understand what the complications were that they had at my last surgery. He's still gathering data. He said this is a complicated case, but not one he would back down from. (most doc's would) Maurie asked him what my odds were and he said, 90/10. The 90 is FOR me and the 10 is Against. HE also said he doesn't like working with a 10% - factor. He usually works with 5 or less %. But, assured us this could/should be done. He also said, it had to be done for me to live longer. Non the less, we thought those were fantastic odds on my behalf! We were expecting 50/50 or 60/40 something like that, being I've been told over & over & over, I'm really not a good candidate for another surgery. (But this is not without risks) I will meet with him again in two weeks after he gets ALL the info he wants, then we will set up the surgery day within a few days after the next meeting. He appeared very confident in his decision to do this. And he gave me hope that this could be done and I am a strong young lady that has a good chance of pulling through this. The surgery would take about 6 hours he said. He does not want to keep me on the heart/lung machine for more then 2 hours during the surgery. So, he has a 2 hour window he needs to work within. He's hopeful to get the by-pass done as well. So, long story short and trying to explain this in laymen's terms, this is what the plan is at this time. My biggest concern was Maurie, being he is going to be the one to take care of me (AGAIN) Bless his HUGE, WONDERFUL HEART! Hand and Hand here we going again! We're okay with the plan. Like all surgeries, I wish this was behind me but, it will be fine and all will be fixed! HOOORAY!!!! And I'll be able to do all the normal things I use to do after this is fixed. I'll be able to BREATH AGAIN! (YIPPEE) I'll keep everyone in tune as to what will be next. Love & Hugs To All, Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Connie, the surgeon sounds very thorough and I'm sure you'll be fine. Let us know the date and time, and we'll be there cheering you on! Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Connie, I didn't know you had another surgery coming up. Sorry about that. Hope the surgeon can work fast enough to get everything done at one time. Let us know the date, etc. We'll send prayers, positive thoughs, whatever you'd like (not money, or expensive cars, however). Muriel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Wow Connie!!!! Your surgeon sounds like a wonderful guy! He sounds positive and very encouraging. You ARE a strong young woman.....I agree. I am so hopeful that your breathing will improve. Are you planning on wearing your party hat again???? I will wear one here in your honor. Can't wait to hear more details after your next appointment. Like always, there will be many prayers for the very best outcome. I rthink we need to have a pep rally right before.....what do you think???? ((((HUGS)))) ~ many more than usual. Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 I'm so sorry you have another surgery in your future but so glad that you seem to have found a wonderfully skilled and caring surgeon. We're all in your corner here. Please give Maurie a big thank you from me for always being there for you. Good luck with the surgery and heal quickly. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Best of Luck with everything Connie. We'll get started on the extra special prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hearrean Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 I'm so glad to hear the odds are so high on the + side for the procedure. I wish for you the very best & I'll definately send prayers your way. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Wow Connie. Mid December- that's only a few weeks away. Is he going to do it at the U of M? Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose1953 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Best of luck Connie! It sounds like you'll be in good hands. You'll be good as new before you know it. Rose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eileen4 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 I'll keep you in my thoghts and prayers Connie. Now what's this about a hat? Tell me what kind and I'll be happy to wear one in your honor too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted November 16, 2007 Share Posted November 16, 2007 Your doc sounds great!!! Prayers for complete success and a quick recovery!!!! XOXO Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley (MLC) Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Good luck Connie. It sounds like you have a wonderful Dr. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Shelley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Good luck, Connie. I hope this surgery is uneventful and you're breathing better really soon! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 The odds are in your favor, your doc sounds confident and you have Maurie at your back-- sounds good to me. Now heart surgery is no picnic so get yourself pumped up and ready so you're able to enjoy the holiday season. I am sending you good thoughts. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welthy Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 (((Connie))), I can't believe how much you have gone through and now another surgery! You are a rock star! I'm sending all my best wishes for great success that you'll be taking deep breaths again very soon. I know how troubling this has been for you. In my book, any Doc that calls you "a strong young lady" is a keeper! Hugs, Welthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Your doctor sounds wonderful and so does his plan. I love the way he is checking with your other doctors to get all of the information that he needs to make sure that you have a successful surgery. You will be starting the new year with renewed vitality and health. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Good luck with your surgery Connie. Your surgeon sounds like an ok guy. He has his game face on. I think 90% odds in your favor are good too. As I recall, the lung surgery odds are 95%. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Sounds like you have a very good dr, I shall be sending good thoughts and prayers your way so that you can breathe easier. Your Maurie is one in a million, he's a keeper! Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Connie, Have Maurie call me if he could use a hand while you are recovering. You both are in my thoughts and prayers, Wendy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted November 17, 2007 Share Posted November 17, 2007 Connie, The plan sounds good, the odds are high in your favor and the surgeon looks like a very experienced one. Let us know the date and we will all wear a healing hat. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted November 18, 2007 Author Share Posted November 18, 2007 One small problem....... I'm really scared on this one!!! My tummy is in knots. I know it will get better, but I really am scared this time around. My gut tells me I might not make it back here. But then if that happenes I go with my mom, dad, son, sister, grandpa, on the OTHER side. So I don't really have anything to lose. This too shall pass. Just having one of those moments. I'm going to wear my Party Hat into surgery, along with a Rose in my mouth and a HUGE SMILE on my face and say, "Lets go boys and girls, lets have a party and when we're done at the party, make sure someone brings the partier(that would be me) home! They all have to put there dancing shows on, and there magical fingers on for this one. I'm doing fine! It will be what it will be. I am going to decorate my house with Christmas decorations all over the house this year before I leave for surgery. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!! Talk to you all soon. Love & Hugs, Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 I am prayin my butt off for Ya Connie! Prayers go up and Blessings Rain down in abundance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nonni Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 My dear friend....so sorry to hear about another operation...dang!!!! but knowing you kiddo...you are an old hat at this...and don't you worry your lung will be good to you...and you will come thru with flying colors...hope they could get it done all at once...Your doc sounds great and has given you wonderful odds...but heck...we all know that BTW...my bother in law just had a mitro valve replacement and is doing wonderful...back to his old self after a few weeks and ornery as ever... Best of luck to you dear...you know my prayers will be with you as always... xoxoxox..hugs...nonni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leela Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 Connie, We are all rooting for you! Many hugs and prayers. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teriw Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 Thinking of you, Connie. Keep that amazing attitude of yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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