What is Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF), also called congestive cardiac failure (CCF) or just heart failure, is a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorde...
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Well it appears afetr much consultaion with too many doctors the cause of my CHF is tied to an Aortic Valve transplant done 8 yrs ago. It seems the valve is too smal to allow adequate blood flow making my heart work harder. The good news is Dr McGriffin at UAB says that changing the valve will in effect cure my CHF, allowing blood flow and my heart should shrink somewhat to normal. Bad news is due to the crappy job my 1st surgeon did and the amount of scar tisssue etc, I only have about a 20 percent chance of coming off the table. So opinions here - Live with CHF for 3 - 7 yrs or have surgery risk death but get 20 yrs if it works
Im having a really tough time with this 1. Posted on 06/17/09, 05:06 am |
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wow mike..what a choice..does sound like you have a doctor now who is very competent...my prayers and thoughts are with you as you make this decision..please keep us posted.. 
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I am new here, however, Mike, I will put you on my prayer list with over 500 women + praying.
God bless you and give you discernment. Altalee
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Wow--that really sucks! You've got quite a complicated decision to make. It's got to be frustrating to know that this could have been avoided.
For me, it would be worth the risk--I wish I had the option of a surgery that would completely cure me! Good luck in your journey to a decision--you will make the right one. :o) --Jessy
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Hi Mike
I have pulmonary hypertension, right sided heart failure, diabetes, reduced lung capacity from asthma and I had a deteriorated mitral valve that had to be replaced. I had to have open heart surgery. It would prolong my life or I would just get worse and not last long. But they worried about the surgery because of all my conditions. One doctor said I wouldnt make it off the table. The surgeon asked why I would want to take this risk when it could do nothing at all to help me. I went ahead and had the surgery. I am here today and came through with flying colors. It was a hard recovery, but well worth it. Just wanted to let you know that sometimes the drs arent always right. Good Luck!
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my heart, literally, wishes the best for you.i know how hard this decision must be for you, but you are fortunate in that you do have an option where many do not. i would only like to mention if the quality of life is part of the the decision making process,which it sounds like it is,then that should help but i hope that you have family members and support and hope they can aid you in making the best decision for you and those who care. not sure if all that made sense(just out of the hospital-heart related) just know i am thinking of you and wishing you the best! big hugs!! noreen
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First off, I'd get a couple of 2nd & 3rd opinions. Prognoses for CHFs having ANY kind of surgery are not good, but some doctors make it seem worse because they do not want to mess up their success statistics. I'd talk to some that would NOT be involved in the actual surgery so they'd be more independent. Talk about statistics as well as your own physical condition and prognoses. Anesthesiologists, heart surgons, etc. Another qestion, can treating the CHF reduce the enlarged heart enough to make the surgery more viable? You didnt say if you have other problems that would contribute for or against it. Some people live with CHF for over 12 years so 3-7 is perhaps an underestimate. Good luck to you whatever decision you make.
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