My Predicament
- Thread starter CheesusCrust
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Phlakes said:
Christ, did you guys plan that? First two responses.....Unbelievable.TerribleAssassin said:
OT:........I guess I'd wait for the transplant. Less risky. I really can't imagine your situation, though.
It started at birth with aortic stenosis. When they tried to unblock the valve they punctured it. After that I had a ross procedure which was botched and damaged my heart. After that the damage caused my heart to swell which damaged the rest of the valves. So I'm where I am mostly because of doctor screw ups which doesn't make putting my life in their hands once again any easier.Stephanos132 said:
Wow dude, just... wow.
I'd personally go for the surgery. Sure there's a risk, but I'd take any possible avenue to get as much time as I could.
I'd personally go for the surgery. Sure there's a risk, but I'd take any possible avenue to get as much time as I could.
This.chinangel said:
As much as I love The Escapist to give serious advice on topics like this, that doesn't mean that we should. This is something you should be talking over with your family, and possibly (only your very) closest friends.
That's the advice I'm giving on this. But know that I mean it when I say good luck, and I hope to see you around on here for a long, long time after this thread.
wow, best of luck first of all with whatever you do.
if it's playing with your life, i would say the transplant.
if it's playing with your life, i would say the transplant.
Sh*t, man...I really can't say anything
This is just not the kind of thing you ask strangers
I know you can't make a decision, and you just need a "luck of the cards" draw from the random internet public, but that's really no way to decide on your life
This is just not the kind of thing you ask strangers
I know you can't make a decision, and you just need a "luck of the cards" draw from the random internet public, but that's really no way to decide on your life
I have, but it's fully my choice in the end. I guess I'm just scared to make such a big decision; worried I might make the wrong choice. It's just a little more comforting to know what others would do in the same situation.TriGGeR_HaPPy said:This.chinangel said:
As much as I love The Escapist to give serious advice on topics like this, that doesn't mean that we should. This is something you should be talking over with your family, and possibly (only your very) closest friends.
That's the advice I'm giving on this. But know that I mean it when I say good luck, and I hope to see you around on here for a long, long time after this thread.
It's less about trying help me decide and more about seeing what others would do in my situation. I'll have to make the decision in the end and I am kind of leaning towards a decision. I'm just worried that maybe I'm going to make the wrong choice, and just a little bit scared and seeking some comfort.GrinningManiac said:
Well, 5-15 years with a transplant, isn't a lot, but at least you have an idea of what you can count on. The other surgery seems to be completely unknown, though it sounds like it is a bit less invasive, despite being trickier.
Have two things in mind. First, transplants involve taking immunosuppressants, so you'll have an increased risk of severe infections. Second, if the other surgery involves replacing your valves with artificial ones, some bacteria tend to cling on to artificial valves. You should really consider both of those drawbacks, maybe discuss your options with a neutral doctor.
EDIT: I don't take many risks, so as a patient, I'd probably go with the transplant. As a future doctor, if there is some evidence that the surgery will lead to a better outcome (longer survival, without the need to use immunosuppressants), I'd reccomend you take that chance.
EDIT EDIT: Don't let my avatar sway you. I'm a 3rd year medical student, I haven't even had Cardiology yet. I have no idea what is the mortality rate for heart transplants. I'm just stating a couple of facts I know that may help you getting a better picture of what you're choosing between.
Have two things in mind. First, transplants involve taking immunosuppressants, so you'll have an increased risk of severe infections. Second, if the other surgery involves replacing your valves with artificial ones, some bacteria tend to cling on to artificial valves. You should really consider both of those drawbacks, maybe discuss your options with a neutral doctor.
EDIT: I don't take many risks, so as a patient, I'd probably go with the transplant. As a future doctor, if there is some evidence that the surgery will lead to a better outcome (longer survival, without the need to use immunosuppressants), I'd reccomend you take that chance.
EDIT EDIT: Don't let my avatar sway you. I'm a 3rd year medical student, I haven't even had Cardiology yet. I have no idea what is the mortality rate for heart transplants. I'm just stating a couple of facts I know that may help you getting a better picture of what you're choosing between.
Ok, assuming the op and transplant would both go perfectly, will either give you better quality of life rather than length? Like could you have a (next to) normal life with the surgery?
I'm basically all for quality not quantity.
If there's no discernible difference I would go for the surgery.
But that's just me, and may be completely different to how you feel.
Basically we can be of no realistic help, all we can do is help list pros and cons.
Can you let us know what you decide and if/when it would be going down?
I'm basically all for quality not quantity.
If there's no discernible difference I would go for the surgery.
But that's just me, and may be completely different to how you feel.
Basically we can be of no realistic help, all we can do is help list pros and cons.
Can you let us know what you decide and if/when it would be going down?
Ouch. This IS really serious. Perhaps you should consult with your family and, maybe, get the doctor's opinion? I'm really don't have the authority to be helping you in this predicament.
Good luck with whatever you end up doing.
Good luck with whatever you end up doing.
Man, that really sucks.CheesusCrust said:
I think it's important to stay positive, though. Is there a way you could do both? Like, try the surgery, and if it doesn't really help, it might at least make your heart deteriorate to the point where you bump to the top of the waiting list? That's what I'd do. Maximise the chances of a "miracle" (or whatever word you want to use).
I mean, think of it this way: you've had a run of bad luck. You're due some good fortune by now.
And if you're REALLY unlucky, and you end up getting dead... at least you don't have to worry about dying any more, eh? It probably isn't even half as bad as people think. Pretty painless way to go, too, dying under anesthetic.
95% of survival is keeping your morale up. Any survival expert will tell you that.
Transplant, Thats what I would do, and what you would do if I were you... if that last part makes sense...
also, this doesnt seems like a question that I would ask a bunch of anons on the internet.
also, this doesnt seems like a question that I would ask a bunch of anons on the internet.