It's been a while since I've had a chance to update my blog. Over the past couple of weeks, I've felt like I was a bit in limbo, as I worked through the system to continue pursuing the TAVR option for replacing my aortic valve, as opposed to open heart surgery.
My concern with open heart, which has an excellent track record for decades as a way of treating heart valve problems, is my history of chest radiation for Hodgkin's Disease. Doctors have told me this is a "wild card," because the radiation may have caused damage that could complicate surgery and make it more risky.
In order to be considered for a TAVR procedure, which would allow me to avoid some of the potential risks of surgery in my situation, I needed a second surgical opinion that put me in an "intermediate" risk category. (The first surgeon I saw considered me a "low risk" patient for surgery, meaning I would not qualify for TAVR, a procedure in which the new heart valve is installed via a catheter inserted in my femoral artery.)
This week, after a few starts and stops, I met with a second surgeon who in fact agreed that due to my history, TAVR would be a good option for me.
Now things are moving full speed ahead. Next week, I am scheduled for the full TAVR workup, a series of tests to prepare for the TAVR procedure. The following week, a panel of doctors will review my case and, hopefully, give me a green light to move forward. I have an appointment with the TAVR specialist, a doctor who has done more than 1,000 TAVR procedures, and if all goes well we will set a date for my procedure.
I am definitely less stressed out now that we have a definite plan of action. Until this week, I was anxious because things were so unsettled. I will feel even better once I have a date in hand and can prepare myself both mentally and physically for the upcoming procedure and the recovery beyond.
I am seeing a therapist to help me maintain a positive attitude as I work through this, and also continuing to practice my Buddhist chants and listen to guided imagery tapes to visualize a future in which I have a new, fully functioning heart valve and can resume the level of physical activity that I am accustomed to.
It's still a challenge for me to get a full night's sleep, as I was never a great sleeper in the best of times. I've tried Melatonin, and also Ativan, which my doctor prescribed, with mixed results. Any suggestions from those who have dealt with similar issues would be greatly appreciated.
Best wishes to everyone approaching their surgical date, or now in the recovery phase. Keep heart!
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