Update

[Lionheart24]

Hello everyone. I posted a few days ago with concern for my mum who is due to undergo open heart surgery to replace a prolapsed mitral valve. She had the pre op assessment and they gave her the ok, although they mentioned she was at high risk due to her copd. A couple of days later they sent her a letter and in that letter said “the surgeon quoted her a 10-15% chance of developing post surgery complications and or death. Now I am aware that that is a very low percentage and it does give me some comfort although I can’t help but think the worst. Sorry to keep on. I just want to keep my positive outlook and sometimes feel I just need a little push. What do you think about this? Should I be worried?

Thanks. Emma xx

[sassy59]

Hi Emma, surgery always presents risks and with COPD maybe more so but your dear mum will be in good hands. They will give her 100% care to ensure all goes well with no complications.

It is a worry for you but do stay positive.

Wishing your mum well. Xxxx

[Lionheart24 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you very much xx

[2greys]

An unsettling prospect, the problem though is that there is another predicament. COPD is progressive, it gets worse, if the op is delayed until critical, the odds can get worse because her COPD has got worse over that time.

I was given a 60% chance of mortality to surgically remove a tumour, due to my poor health with COPD, fortunately I had another option, radiotherapy.

[Lionheart24 in reply to 2greys]

Yes you’re absolutely right there but they also mentioned that while the state of her valve has decreased, her lung function has actually increased. So that’s another plus. They also told her that they wouldn’t operate if they felt she couldn’t do it. I guess I’m just scared. She’s only 57 and has so much life in her. She’s my world. Thank you for your response.

[Carnival567]

My cardiologist told me that if I had to have a lung biopsy he can offer me an anaesthetist who deals with lots of people who are theoretically inoperable and who in fact do very well! I am sure your mum’s doctors have considered all this. It is always a question of balancing the risk of doing something against not doing something, and a collapsed mitral valve is not particularly good. I sincerely hope all goes well. Many blessings to you both xxx

[Lionheart24 in reply to Carnival567]

Thank you that’s really comforting. I was extremely worried about the anaesthetic. I guess I’m worried about everything from the op itself to the ventilator to the recovery process. She’s a wonderful, beautiful, caring person and it’s so hard to see her go through this. Thank you for your kind words xxx

[Patsy164]

Hi Lionheart24 so sorry to read about your worries with your Mum and her operation. I hope all goes well and let us know how it goes xx

[Lionheart24 in reply to Patsy164]

Thank you xx

[casper99]

I agree with 2greys. It's something that has to be done so sooner, rather than too late.

My 81 yr old Dad had copd.

He was given a 50/50 chance of survival during an op for an Aneurism or, death in weeks.

He sailed through it.

Try not to fret too much xx

[joyce74]

in November 2016 I broke my left hip on hospital grounds and was operated on within 24 hours. Told I had pneumonia, was very high risk and had to sign a do not resusitate form before the surgeon would proceed. I think they have to keep patients aware of any risks prior to surgery. Hope your Mums op goes well and she recovers well