Hi Dr. Stoll:
It's been a while since I have posted concerning my mitral valve problem! I have just returned from the VA hos[pital in Tampa, FL. I am diagnosed with several problems. My operation is scheduled for Feb. 18th. They are looking at a possible mitral valve repair or replacement, an aortic valve replacement and two by-passes. My question, isn't this an awful lot to perform, how long can one stay on the heart lung machine without damage? I will be having mechanical valves, how does this compare to the pig valve? I will be discussing this with my surgeons during a pre-op session on the 17th, I would appreciate your comments and your direction to any source that can be helpful. Thank you, so much, Dr. Stoll.
Sincerely,
Frank
Follow Ups:
Re: Heart Surgery
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 01, 1999 at 08:13:17:
In Reply to: Heart Surgery posted by Frank G. Cecala on January 31, 1999 at 01:16:03:
Hi, Frank.
I don't think you have any options for the valvular problems. Not being a heart surgeon, I don't know the relative values or safety of mechanical vs pig valves. Personally, I would not have the surgery until my surgeon has satisfactorily answered ALL of my questions. That is one reason they make so much money! They are supposed to answer all of your questions before AND after the surgery. They are not supposed to "just cut & run with the money". When they do that, they are not being physicians but technicians!
So far as the bypasses are concerned I, personally, would not have them done. That is because I know that you have better and safer alternatives that your surgrons should know as well. Once you have learned what those alternatives are--should you decide NOT to do them--you should consider the bypass while they are "in there" since the extra time would not be as dangerous as going back in to do it again.
Dr Pritikin showed, more than 40 years ago (and for the past 40 years) that 90% of ANYONE with arterial disease of the heart (the ONLY thing bypass is done for) would have their symptoms eliminated within 30 days of a 10% fat diet, skilled relaxation and mild daily exercise. NO cost, NO risk and no income for the surgeon (Perhaps you can begin to understand why surgeons do not tell their patients about this.) "60 Minutes" reported it twice and even now Dr Ornish has picked up Pritikin's work & proven it all over again.
SO, if it were me, I would do away with the causes of the atherosclerosis of the blood vessels to the heart BEFORE I had the valves fixed. That would significantly improve your survival from surgery while it did a much better job resolving the vascular problem at the same time.
Besides, you could go to the homepage for this 'site and read about Chelation Therapy in the articles. Combining Chelation with the Pritikin or Ornish program would get rid of the problem even faster----perfectly safe and less than 2% of the cost of bypass. You can learn about Pritikin & Ornish at your library.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
Follow Ups:
Re: Heart Surgery
Posted by Frank Cecala on February 01, 1999 at 22:55:37:
In Reply to: Re: Heart Surgery posted by Walt Stoll on February 01, 1999 at 08:13:17:
Hi Walt:
Please clarify, are you saying that when I have surgey on the 18th for the valves, that the bypasses should be done at the same time? I have been experiencing pain at a 7-8 level! Isn't that due to the blocked arteries? Please respond. Thank you very much.
Frank.../
Follow Ups:
Re: Heart Surgery
Posted by Walt Stoll on February 02, 1999 at 13:43:13:
In Reply to: Re: Heart Surgery posted by Frank Cecala on February 01, 1999 at 22:55:37:
Hi, Frank.
What I am saying is what I would do for myself. I would have the valvular surgery AFTER practicing the Pritikin or Ornish program (PERFECTLY) for a month or so since it would improve my chances of surviving the valvular surgery. I would never have the bypass done because it would never be needed. If I was never going to get rid of the causes of my vascular problem......
Since you don't have MY background, you need as much information (to make your own unique decision) as it is possible for you to get. Toward that end, you would be wise to see a physician Certified in Chelation (see my note on the home page about it) and learn about your options before the surgery.
Walt