Catch-22

I'm just rambling about something that I've dealt with awhile now. It's my Catch-22. Now many of you are probably too young  to remember the famous movie of the same name and may not fully appreciate the terminology. Allow me to explain...A catch-22 is a paradoxical circumstance from which there is no escape because of contradictory rules.

When I had my now famous (in my own mind anyway) open heart procedures back in 2007, along with all the overhaul work, they replaced a defective mitral valve which was a contributing factor to my condition. Now there are two options when replacing a valve, a tissue or mechanical valve. Each has it's own benefits as well as draw backs.

While I'd like to delude myself into believing I was in control of my medical decisions, I really wasn't given a choice and the tissue replacement was selected from behind door number two on my behalf.

The big positive with this option is that a simpler form of anti-clotting can be used, ie coumadin isn't required to prevent blood clots for this option. Those who are on coumadin will likely attest that it's not a pleasant anti-clotting option as you have to do blood tests frequently, watch diet, and so on. So they decided due to my age this was a better option for me.

and now the negative aspect...while a mechanical valve lasts a life time, on average a tissue valve replacement lasts 10 years. The sharper ones in this crowd have already jumped back a couple paragraphs and realize if I had this done in 2007, the end of this month is the magic 10 years and my warranty is up.

Indeed. We knew last year that my mitral was once again in sad shape. I have moderate prolapse and stenosis, or as I like to say, it squeaks and creaks.

What this means to me is that all of my CHF symptoms are exacerbated by the damaged valve. I had a new CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator) installed in hopes I would see some improvement on SOB, low EF, and so on, but it is now obvious that my hopes and aspirations were more than my decrepit heart was willing to accept.

So to get to the point. One would think replace the valve again and good to go...au contraire, we have a conundrum. The doctors say that without the replacement I will die, but my heart will not withstand the procedure.

Now the question...if I don't replace the valve I die, if I do I die.  Yes there is another option, heart transplant, but after doing my homework I've determined that option is not right for me. So, why not risk it and do the valve surgery, either way is a lose lose but looking at the bright side the surgeon would make enough money to pay for his Christmas spending and be kept off the streets awhile longer...thoughts?

 


5 Comments

Lose/Lose?

by verne8 - 2016-12-19 15:10:55

Unless you are already at one of the top cardio places in the country, the first thing I'd do is get a second opinion from one of the top places.

After that I'd ask all the medical types that I trusted what they'd do if I was their wife/husband, mother/father. I've noticed, over the years, that the question put in that light seems to jolt all but the most cold hearted to really dig down for their best advice.

Unfortunately I don't have any smarter advice for you than that. I am a big believer in prayer and I will be doing that for you that you'd have wisdom to make a clear choice--the right choice.

I've read so many of your answers to others, as well as to me, that I have to believe that in your vast knowledge you have the answer you are already seeking. Either you are quite stoic or you are far calmer than I would be. That calm will help you make the right choice.

Peace to you...

rocks and hard places

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-20 15:23:02

I guess there's no door number three? You're too ornery to go down without giving it all you've got. Prayers for you.

actually ...

by Cabg Patch - 2016-12-20 16:39:41

you've got to admit it's pretty funny. Doctor says your heart problem is going to kill you but won't operate to fix it cause it'll kill you. Geez I’ve been giving life some serious thought what with recent events and all, and have come to the conclusion if I could get that one single nagging question answered, death with no regrets would be possible. It’s the question that frankly has been troubling me for some years now and I’ve not been able to resolve it in spite of extensive research and brain storming. So here tis...

   How can a person possibly be expected to select a pair of eye glass frames if they can’t see? I've said it before...my only real fear is having to listen to my mother-in-law's nagging for eternity

did you ask

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-20 21:55:24

perhaps the cardiologist has a kid you haven't yet sent to college?? 

Squint

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-22 00:23:10

I'm sure it's been considered but....  Can they use a VAD or some sort of bridge device during the surgery while they replace the valve?  

Make them brainstorm some more.  No one can endure an eternity of nagging.

Grateful Heart 

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