I have a heart condition and i might have to go into surgery soon. On the back of my medic alert it says: Repaired Tetrology of Fallot/ prosthetic pulmonary valve situs inversus.
I have to now get the valve replaced and my doc says that there is an "obstruction" blocking part of a main vein. This is causing my heart to work harder. I have to go into surgery and i was wondering what aree the chances that i could not get back from having my heart being taken by life support (the thingy that pumps blood for you)? Also, if i survive that is there any chance i could die earlier than a regular human? I am kinda scared and i need help PLEASE.
2007-03-14 03:29:52 · 7 answers · asked by linkin_brandon 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
There are so many advances and docs have so much more knowledge and experience now that as risky as the surgery could be, your chances of recovery are pretty good. Please talk your fears over with your doc. If you are religious, say a prayer, even if you aren't it can't hurt. It will help ease your mind. Any surgery carries a risk, that doesn't mean it will happen to you. When you are recovered come back on here and let us know how you are. Please talk to your doc and maybe your Clergyman about your fears, it will help.
2007-03-14 08:19:55 · answer #1 · answered by Sandy A, RN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how scared/panic stricken you feel.. After I read all your details of your question, I get the feeling that you will be repaired to a much better condition than you are in now.
My father's side of my family is almost totally heart problems people, and the rest are bad veins and artery people.
The worst part is that we are all smart enough to know that the deck is stacked against people with these deadly odds.
When I was 13 my doctor told my mother he didn't expect me to live to 18.. When I was 18 I developed some more bad problems and I was not supposed to have children and survive. So I had three nice babies that are all adults now.
The heart and vein/artery problems are really drastic now and if there was a surgery to help I would be at the door of the operating room in a flash.. but.. there is no modern day surgery that can repair what is wrong. 1. because they cannot find the cause of some of the problems and 2. because so many parts of my body are involved now. 3. if they operate, the operation itself is going to make things worse and not better. 4. If they treat one thing it makes the rest worse or creates a new problem.
You are at a place where there is hope for you to be better than you are. I am feeling good for your outcome. The life support will be turned back on if your heart fails to start right off.. they will nudge your heart then with a little shot or some massage and it will start up. they monitor so closely that there is no chance of it never starting back up.
You will have a monitor with an alarm at all times, until they see you are ready to leave the hospital. the 'obstruction' is most likely a fatty deposit.. they will just zap it off and remove it.. or a bit of scar tissue.. same thing zap and remove. In either case you will feel better after your operation heals up, because the blood will be circulating more freely.
Now there is always a chance that you might have some dire happening but as I see your case, you are most likely to benefit positively from any surgery. As a matter of fact, its quite amazing that people who Know they have problem, live longer than those who barge ahead and don't take care of nor listen to their bodies. So the answer to your question is a question. Will you follow the doctor's orders? Will you take care of yourself responsibly? now you have the answer.
If you would like prayers before surgery let us know. So many of the people on yahoo will be glad to send one up for you. Keep the Faith.. RicketyOldBat
2007-03-14 04:26:09 · answer #2 · answered by ricketyoldbat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately the only thing one can honestly say is you are about to undergo a high risk surgery and there is no way to predict the outcome. However going into the surgery with a positive feeling about the success of the surgery is probably the only thing you can do besides trusting your surgeon and if you are a believer placing your trust in God that He will bring you through this.
2007-03-15 07:38:07 · answer #3 · answered by xxx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The surgery you are describing is a risky one. I would hope that you would voice all of your concerns to your cardio/thoracic surgeon before you agree to the procedure. Sounds to me that you were not quite informed and that you still have questions that need to be answered. Don't be afraid to ask them. It's the doc's job to answer.
2007-03-14 07:54:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deliver your life to a battered future. Life is not how long or short it is but how happy you are. We dont know our future for sure. Some dies immediately due to accident, ailment, homicide, suicide, etc. in your case, I have a friend who survived heart surgery. before your operation taking garlic extract might help remove the obstruction. exercise by walking.
2007-03-14 03:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by wilma m 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Technology is amazing today. I think you will be fine. Just follow dr's orders for recovery and enjoy life.Good Luck!
2007-03-14 03:38:51 · answer #6 · answered by DOT 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what do you want people to say? yes? no? yes you are going to die. no you are not going to live.
2007-03-14 03:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by Spam 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋