The Pig Might be Spared

Slight change of plans -- I think I'm going to go a different way with my surgery on Monday. After a last-minute consultation with my surgeon, I'm opting for the Ross Procedure instead of the pig valve.

Throughout my research of the last six months, I've read about the Ross Procedure (moving my pulmonary valve to replace my aortic valve, then using a human donor valve to replace my pulmonary valve). Somehow it never clicked with me (I was never aware of the benefits for a patient my age) and I was stuck thinking "why replace two when I only need one?".

This week at St Joe's I was given a booklet about heart valve surgeries (explaining the variety of procedures, hospital stay, recovery, etc). Wednesday night I was idly flipping through just reading random snippets - confident I knew all I needed to know after months of research and consultations. For some reason I stopped and read the two quick paragraphs describing the Ross Procedure -- how the repair lasts longer than pig valve replacements, also does not require blood thinners after recovery, and is a very good choice for young, healthy patients expecting a smooth recovery. "Particularly women of child-bearing age requiring aortic valve replacement." Ding ding ding -- a bell started to ring, and I mulled over the Ross Procedure for the next 24 hours. Last night I mentioned it to Tony and we did some quick research to reinforce what we already suspected -- that this might be exactly the surgery for me!

Today I called my surgeon's office and asked if he considers me a candidate, does he recommend the procedure for me, and can we still plan it for Monday? Yes, yes, yes were the responses! No final decisions yet, however, he's going to see what's the best he can do for me come Monday morning.

Sure, I'm a little disappointed that he hadn't tried to sell me on the Ross Procedure originally, or that he hadn't made sure I understood the benefits before I dismissed it as a possibility. But I guess this is why it's important that patients do their own research - not to second guess the docs, but more to be fully knowledgeable of their condition and possibilities for treatment. I'm glad I've done my research.

The surgery is a little riskier due to the replacement of two valves instead of just the one. However, now that I've got my mind wrapped around the need to have the surgery, I'm not so concerned about the risks of what he does while he's in there. Honestly, my concerns are more general - having the surgery at all, and going on and coming off the bypass machine with no problems. Beyond that, once he's in I don't care what he does and if he spends another hour Monday morning which buys me ten years on a redo - I say go for it!

Here's a little bit of info about the Ross procedure:
http://www.cts.usc.edu/rossprocedure.html

So yes, the pig may be spared ("Whew!" says the piggy). I am leaving the final decision in the capable hands of my surgeon - I told him I want to try the Ross Procedure but to do whatever he thinks is best when the time comes.

In the meantime, I'd like to give an enthusiastic, appreciative shout out to all of the organ donors and those considering organ donation -- THANK YOU! I'm not even remotely able to wrap my mind around this one right now (receiving a donor organ). But I do appreciate the opportunity it provides me.

All About Monday

I had my pre-surgery physical today at St Joe's. I think they are a little excited to have someone under the age of 70 to work with. :-) Two Physician Assistants (one experienced, one in training) came in and asked me the usual (although extensive) battery of "have you ever had/experienced (fill-in-the-medical malady)?" questions. I maintained an almost steady shaking of the head "No. No. Uh uh. No." They looked a little surprised - in their usual course of work they probably run into people with any range of health conditions other than the heart condition for which they are being treated (face it, you live long enough you acquire a laundry list of "yes, I have/had _____". My summary to them today was "nope, just the pesky heart defect".

I do have a CAT scan scheduled tomorrow morning (that came up late this afternoon so I haven't had a chance to mention it to my boss -- but his wife reads my blog, so he might be just about to find out). The CAT scan just gives the surgeon a little more information about what he'll find Monday morning. I'm all about him getting all the info he needs before he gets in there!

We learned more about next week's hospital stay and what to expect during the procedure and recovery. Lots of valuable information and it's nice to know as much as you can ahead of time, but there's a point where you just say "yeah, yeah, yeah, let's just do it already and get it over with!"

I'll be in the intensive care unit for 24 hours after surgery, which means Tuesday morning I'll be moved (by wheelchair even, not by gurney) to a regular recovery room (private, thankfully). My total hospital stay (I'm expecting a swift, smooth recovery with no complications) should have me home Friday or Saturday. I'm shooting for Friday.

Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. Tony'll be pulling some long hours at my bedside so he would welcome some friendly faces, too, I'm sure. Here's where to find us:
http://www.sjmercyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=33

Wish us well and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Home stretch

Well, I'm in the home stretch leading up the my surgery and reality is setting in. Yesterday at home I started having what can only be described as sudden, violent mood swings. Poor Tony didn't know what was happening. I apologized and advised him that his best strategy for survival over the next week is to keep a very low profile and/or bow to my every whim. He seemed to understand and began obliging me.

Despite the aforementioned mood swings, it was actually a very nice weekend. We had friends over Friday for dinner and games. Saturday I met a dear friend in Ann Arbor for lunch, shopping, and catching up. The rest of the weekend was spent at home with Tony, watching tv and movies. Absolutely nothing was accomplished and I loved it!

At work this morning I sent my company-wide email informing everyone of my upcoming leave of absence. None of the gory details of why I was going to be gone -- I approached it strictly as the practical need to inform everyone of my absence. After the initial email, however, I sent some individual notes and responded to questions as they came. I definitely don't mind talking about my upcoming ordeal, but it seems so dramatic to just whip it out of the blue and say "oh, I won't be here Monday, I'm having open heart surgery".

This Wednesday I have my pre-surgery physical at my surgeon's office (he comes highly recommended, by the way - we've heard excellent things from other medical professionals, as well as former patients). After Wednesday, I'll have more information about my hospital stay. At that time I'll post information about visiting hours and directions, as I would LOVE to have visitors and see some friendly faces while I'm laid up.

Cow valve?! What the.....?

Tony and I went to St Joe's yesterday afternoon for office visits with my surgeon and my cardiologist. All went well - no new roadblocks, some questions answered, minimal poking and prodding, and no one made me feel like crying - generally good visits.

During the surgical consultation, my doctor asked what type of valve we are thinking about - I said a tissue/pig valve. Doc agreed with my reasoning in selecting the tissue over the mechanical valve at this time. Then he asked if I wanted a pig valve or a cow valve. Now, I was aware that cow valves are also in the pool of possible replacement parts, but most of the reading I've done was centered on pig valves. Apparently cow valves are equally popular as pig valves and offer a viable option.

Two things:
1 - My first thought was "Pig valve! It's gotta be the pig valve! Months worth of teasing and mockery have been endured with more to come -- we can't change tracks now!!"
2 - I can't imagine I'm going to notice the difference, and I have no criteria with which to make this decision (is one prettier than the other? does it clash with my aorta repair? which one is more slimming?).

I figure I'll leave the final decision to the doc, but here's hoping for the pig valve.

Missing!

My darling brother created this and presented me with a full-size copy (suitable for wall-hanging) at Christmas. It's very creative and a very entertaining read.

http://home.comcast.net/~gartrell/Arnold_is_Missing.pdf

There's nothing quite like a brother's love to help see you through.

Thanks, Rich.
:-)

Lists

The past month has found me drowning in lists of things to do. Mental lists and paper lists, it seems I've been just swimming in details.

List of things to do at work before holiday shutdown
List of things to do for work during holiday shutdown
List of Christmas gifts to buy and wrap
List of Christmas goodies to make
List of groceries to buy in order to make Christmas goodies
List of things to do over holiday shutdown (personal appts as well as yes, some recreation)
List of things to do for Tony Co (aka CompuLogic) before year-end
List of doctor appointments to schedule for January
List of things to do at work the first three weeks in January (closing out 2005, getting 2006 up and running, preparing for my leave of absence)
List of people I want to email - some I get around to, but too many I don't

Some of the lists are now completed, while others remain outstanding. As I work my way through them, I do feel the weight of all the details lessening a little; things start to come into sharper focus as the flow of To Do's subsides a little.

Luckily, it seems that one event has escaped the whirlwind detail frenzy that has been consuming me lately. New Year's Eve is tomorrow and Tony and I are planning our traditional New Year's Extravaganza(!!). Somehow, things are falling into place nicely without me sweating any of the details. I'm glad for this, as the last thing I need right now is another list. Maybe New Year's is going to be the oasis in the middle of these two chaotic months for me. I can definitely handle that!

Have a Happy New Year!!
:-)

Perfect Timing!

My Chocolate-Covered Caramel Corn arrived today!!!!!

:-)

(reference previous post "Chocolate-Covered Caramel Corn", 11/8/05)

D-Day 2006

Okay, not D-Day, more like HVR Day. I've scheduled my heart valve replacement for Monday, January 23. Bright and early - gotta be there at 5:45 and then surgery at 7:30. Tony's not going to like having to get up so early - that's the sort of thing which could really throw his day off. ;-)

Glad I don't have to stay over in the hospital the night before (creepy!) but it seems odd to go into this "cold" without the overnight monitoring (or whatever they'd be doing to me if I were there).

The doctors and staff all seem so casual about open heart surgery... like it's no big deal. Which, to them, it really isn't; they're professionals, this is what they do, and they know that the risks to the patient are low. I'm glad for this confidence, and it doesn't come off as arrogant at all, purely self-assurance in what they do. Which gives me peace of mind to put myself in their hands.

However, I did get the feeling that I was scheduling to take my car in for service -- "Drop her off first thing Monday morning, leave her with us a few days, we'll have her up and running and back on the road by Friday".

Alcohol + Surgery = ????

Two scenarios:

1 - Tony is NOT allowed to be at the bar while I'm in surgery. That's just a non-negotiable, no matter how much he begs.

2 - I will be on blood thinners (aka - no alcohol consumption) for three months after surgery.
Let's see.... surgery late-January, three months will take me to February, March, April....

Mark your calendars now for Cinco de Mayo - 2006!!
Better show up early; once I'm out of the gate, there's no telling how long I'll last.

Alas, my poor heart

I've always had a heart murmur. By definition, my congenital heart defects were present at birth. Chronologically, in order of correction: holes in my heart as a newborn, coarctation (narrowing) of the aorta as a pre-teen, and now stenotic (narrowed) aortic valve. As one of my aunts lovingly described me at a gathering this summer "She was born all messed up." Thanks, Aunt _____, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. ;-)

However, I've been lucky never to have experienced a moment of symptoms or limitations as a result. The holes in my heart at birth corrected themselves (I guess this condition isn't entirely uncommon in newborns and most often the heart can heal itself as it continues to develop in early infancy). The two more permanent defects are related to my aorta and aortic valve.

The aorta is the main artery leaving the heart and feeding the entire body (with oxygen-rich blood straight from the lungs). The aortic valve is the gateway from the left ventricle to the aorta. My narrowed aorta was repaired when I was 12; my aortic valve will be replaced next month. Apparently, these two defects often travel as a couple, which makes sense - they're both in the same general area and if that part of the heart hasn't developed properly it stands to reason they'll both be affected. I was comforted to see that the treatment I've been receiving seems pretty textbook (aorta repaired pre-teen and valve replaced later in adulthood).

Back to the murmur.... I've always known I had a heart murmur, but it wasn't until .. oh, about a year and a half ago, that I really and truly understood the uniqueness of my heartbeat (resulting from my defective valve). At my annual OB/GYN appt (of all places!) last year, I finally heard a side-by-side comparison of my heartbeat and a "normal" heartbeat. Wow! That was an eye-opener!

If a normal heartbeat is ba-bump ba-bump ba-bump, then mine would be more like ba-swoosh ba-swoosh ba-swoosh. Definitely not "normal"!

Well, after the dust from my doctor/surgeon appts this summer settled, and a course of action (valve replacement) was planned, it dawned on me that my heartbeat will be altered as a result. How weird to think of something so elemental to your existence as being changed! Not wanting to miss out on what was happening to my body, I went out and dropped a few bucks and picked myself up a shiny new stethoscope.

Now I (and anyone else with an interest or curiosity) can hear my heartbeat any old time. And then next year listen again and see how it's changed. [enter pig valve oink/squeal joke here]

mmm....Flannels!

I love my flannel sheets!! My husband isn't too crazy about them (he's basically a human furnace, though, so the added warmth isn't welcomed by him). I tend to run a little warm myself but crawling into a cold bed is just not fun. And I do love cozying down under all the covers in the winter.

I'm taking advantage of this week by putting the flannels on the bed. Hey, what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

I love my flannel sheets!!

Bread and water, again?

Thinking ahead to my up-coming stint at St Joe's, do you think they let patients register at the hospital gift shop?

Yesterday I was admiring some of the goodies in the Oakwood Hospital gift shop window (we were visiting Tony's grandma -- she'll be okay, just had some nasty side effects to being taken off her blood pressure medication cold-turkey). As we passed the gift shop window, several things caught my eye - the oversized teddy bear dressed for the holidays, the snack basket (complete with a can of Pringles and a box of Whopper's), along with all the usual hospital gift shop staples (flowers, cards, stuffed animals, etc).

I'm not sure if registering is the way to go, but I expect I'll be extremely appreciative of any edible contraband smuggled in via family and friends as they visit me (once I'm allowed "solids" of course). I'm sure I'll be limited to standard hospital fare while at St Joe's (although I hear hospital cuisine has been making major advancements in the past few years). Double whammy to me, I'll be recuperating in a cardiac care unit so I'm sure I'll be facing more than my fair share of sugar-free, sodium-free, caffeine-free whatever.

Not like I'll feel up for any gourmet multi-course meals those first few post-surgical days, however. But the occasional curly fry, or bite of a roast beef sandwich (complete with Arby's AND Horsey sauces, of course) might just lift my spirits more than low-sodium chicken broth with a sugar-free clear jello chaser.

Indulgence

I've been indulging myself lately. Food, drink, the mall.... I'm diving into all the classic vices. It's the perfect season for it though. Hey, I'm a little stressed, so I'm cutting loose a little and allowing myself to get away with it guilt-free.

Don't get me wrong, I'm thinking about my upcoming surgery, but it's not like I'm burdened with worry. And face it, this is a normally stressful time of year for anyone. Why fight the urge to spoil myself? I figure I'll ride it out, make myself happy, and worry about "being good" next year.

In the meantime I say "eat, drink, and be merry"!

Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us!! The last couple months have flown by so friggin' fast, I just can't believe it. I know I say that every year (along with everyone else), but man, this year it was record speed!

I really have an itch for Christmas this year; I've even started a little Christmas shopping! Pretty impressive when you consider I usually wait until at LEAST the late teens of December before I venture out, then it becomes a chaotic, unenjoyable race against time. However, the record should clearly show that I have not, repeat have NOT, listened to a single Christmas carol yet -- once I pay Turkey Day it's due respect, then I move my attention fully onto Christmas, but not a moment sooner.

I have this week off from work (pretty much a tradition now); and as luck would have it, Tony's work schedule has him at home (working part-time from home) this week, too. Yes, there's a "Honey Do" list of holiday-prep for the next few days (getting ready to host the big meal on Thursday), but also plenty of time to relax and enjoy being home (watching movies, sleeping in, etc). It's also on the agenda (hopefully today) to venture to a theater and see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Happy Thanksgiving!

'Tis but a scratch!*

Much to my husband's disappointment, I've never been one to show a lot of cleavage. Not a prudish decision, just hasn't been my style. I've got the goods, I just haven't been one to flaunt them. Lately however, I find I'm seeking out tops with slightly more daring necklines; nothing flashy or inappropriate, just a little more oomph. Wearing softer necklines does make me feel more feminine, and if a little extra attention or appreciation is generated by them, I don't hate that.

I suppose it could be seen as pathetic or needy (vain, actually) of me, but sporting my future surgical scar is the part of my valve replacement I'm least looking forward to. Okay, the part about them stopping my heart isn't my favorite either. But I have full faith in the doctors to get the old pumper working again on cue. The scar, however, will be with me the rest of my life. A small price to pay when you consider the alternative, but still.

I guess altering my style of dress is a pre-emptive strike against any insecurities I'll feel about the scar. I'm not going to wear turtlenecks every day for the rest of my life, which means the scar WILL be partially visible on a regular basis no matter what I choose to wear. I don't want to gross anyone out (me in particular) but I don't want to feel I have to hide it either.

All things considered, there are much, much worse conditions people live with every day. I'll try not to let a little scratch turn into a chip on my shoulder. Plus, sporting a visible war wound could be an ice-breaking conversation starter!

* Black Knight, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 1975.

I've got a good husband

Flowers were delivered to me at my desk today at work. Just because, from the husband. He's alright.

Thanks, Tony.

:-)

Chocolate-Covered Caramel Corn

I LOVE chocolate-covered caramel corn!! A couple years ago, a boy scout fundraiser table by the checkouts at Kroger helped me to discover this fact. What the heck I'll buy some, it's for a good cause and it sure sounds like it'd be tasty enough ... Man, was it!!!

Unfortunately, I haven't had any luck in locating a fix outside of fundraisers. Recently I was able to satisfy my craving by picking up a couple of tubs from a co-worker (her daughter's fundraiser). Two tubs figuring I'd eat one right away and "save" the other one for later. Apparently two days later was "later" enough for me. (I'm weak what can I say)

Just now I saw another flier in the cafeteria. Whoo hooo!! More chocolate-covered caramel corn! Gotta love those fundraisers. What the heck, it's for a good cause.
:-)

Climbing out of my slump

I've been in a physical and emotional slump for a couple weeks and I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe the time change, lack of physical exercise (yes, I've been sluffing off), just wanting to be into the recovery phase of my valve replacement so I don't have to think about it anymore (I think Tony would agree with this one). I've been tired the past couple weeks and start to think too much about whether I feel okay - am I feeling symptoms or am I just out of shape? Smart money's on the latter. But I'm happy to announce that I think yesterday was rock bottom of the funk and I'm starting to surface.

Heather came over last night and we worked out. Yes, the walk was pretty lame as I was nowhere near wanting to jog for too long (nor able to) but she really kicked my ass when we got downstairs working with our fitness balls. I am continuously amazed that she can show up each week with several new moves to show me -- but I guess that's why she's a great personal trainer. Although, there are times I start to wonder if she's really just trying to kill me. *evil sneer* (I'm not the most graceful person and balancing on that ball can be a challenge) but I pull through and am able to come out the other side of the workout. Bless her heart for not giving up on me. :-)

Opening Night

Yesterday was the Pistons home opener at the Palace; Tony and I were lucky enough to be in attendence along with a couple of friends. Nice dinner at Monterrey Cantina in Royal Oak, then off to the game.

Tony and I both landed our "first 10,000 attendees" Ben Wallace figurines. Ah, Ben... *blush*

Is it my imagination, or is the figure the spitting image of Rip Hamilton just with more hair? (No, you can't tell from the pic) Either way, the "Ben" figurine makes a nice counterpart to my Chauncey bobblehead.

Donor Tryouts

I've shared this picture with family and friends, but I definitely think it's worthy of posting here, too (the piggies are just too cute).

In an effort to do the little guy's (or girl's) contribution justice, I'm working with a personal trainer to try to get myself in shape. The piggy will be making the ultimate sacrifice on my behalf and I want to make the most of it.

The more I work out, though, the more convinced I am that all this (exercise) will be easier for me after I have my valve replaced. If my current valve is only opening about 1/3 as far as it should to allow blood to circulate to my entire body, it stands to reason that a new valve will make everything so much easier for me. Since this is the only condition I've ever known and have no other frame of reference for my physical potential, I'm excited to see what life will be like after the surgery (and how much easier - *fingers crossed* - everything will be).