So I'm going under the knife, soon...

[mjr]

Update...

Late March has potentially turned into mid-April. I'm scheduled for dental work this Thursday and Friday. I'm waiting on a call back from the hospital and/or surgeon's office to get my procedure scheduled, but right now I'm shooting for April 11th. The surgeon's assistant said that day is currently free, but she's not the one who does the scheduling. I think if I don't hear from them by 3 PM or so my time, I'm going to call back and see what's going on.

[RootedPhoenix]

I wish you luck.

[mjr]

Update:

"Soon" has somehow turned into late March...

My consult with the surgeon went well. Though she told me that she wanted me to get a dental appointment first, and get that stuff done first. So I got a dental examination, and the dentist needs to do a couple of things.

But in order for those things to get done, I need a "medical release". That's been a fiasco, too, but that's a different story.

Anyway, I'm supposed to get the release today. I'm hoping if that happens I can schedule my dental work for next week, and then schedule my surgery for after that.

I'm way nervous, even moreso now that the reality is closer to setting in. I joked with someone that I hope this doesn't lead to an early midlife crisis, since I'm nearly 40 and I'm having this type of surgery.

I think the thing that scares me the most is the potential for temporary clinical depression. Thankfully, I found a support forum that's been helpful.

So I'm hoping it won't be long now, and then you guys will be hearing about my recovery...

[DGoddessChardonnay]

That was fast. My surgical consult is set up for March 8th, at 2:30 PM my time. Surgery could come shortly thereafter.

So I've started making a list of questions (and checking it twice...) so I can be as informed as I possibly can be.

That's not all that far off. Not too familiar w/cardiovascular issues but I hope everything goes well.

[mjr]

I'm curious, why the higher calorie need?

My understanding is that, due to the type of surgery, it's about the body using a LOT of calories to heal and function. It's probably also partially to maintain a certain weight.

[Tama]

I'm curious, why the higher calorie need?

[Kogarashi]

Best of luck!

[mjr]

That was fast. My surgical consult is set up for March 8th, at 2:30 PM my time. Surgery could come shortly thereafter.

So I've started making a list of questions (and checking it twice...) so I can be as informed as I possibly can be.

[mjr]

When in doubt ask the doctor. They'll be able to tell you for certain.

I'm definitely going to do that.

[lordlundar]

When in doubt ask the doctor. They'll be able to tell you for certain.

[mjr]

I found a "support forum" that I've posted on. I'm having trouble confirming something someone said, though.

Apparently, with this type of surgery, you have to increase your caloric intake (as well as your protein intake) after the surgery. The person on the forum said he had to go up to 5,000 calories a day for a bit, and a few others noted that they'd lost between 10 and 20 pounds in the first month or so.

I need to lose a few pounds, but wow...

[mjr]

For anyone interested...

An interesting view of the heart...360º view. You can see where the pulmonic valve here is.

http://www.healthline.com/human-body...ulmonary-valve

I'm hoping that they can go in through the pulmonic trunk, and avoid actually cutting heart muscle (or at least minimize it), to do the replacement.

[RootedPhoenix]

Hope it goes well! Praying too.

[mjr]

This is one of those times when I would suggest you go with the best alternative, not the cheapest.

Good luck!

I think this is one of the times where that happened. I'm taking the doctor's advice, here. She recommended the bovine valve.

The porcine ones apparently don't last as long, and with the mechanical ones, you have to take blood thinners.

[mjr]

I keep telling my husband (a scientist, though wrong field) that this is why they need to step up research on 3D printing replacement body parts from the recipient's own genetic material, so there's no (or at least less) risk of rejection.

That's actually a really good idea! Sounds like worthy research. After this, I may have to start donating to heart-related charities and causes.