Still in shock

[Laurensophie]

Firstly thank you for letting me join the group, it’s been a lifeline for me as out the blue 2 weeks ago I was told I had a Bicuspid & severe leaking aorta valve. This was found on a routine health check. I have relatively no symptoms. I’m 55 and up until now I thought myself and fit and healthy.

Yesterday I was told by my cardiologist that he has made me an appointment with a surgeon, his name is Paul Modi, I live

in Cheshire but Liverpool heart and chest hospital is the closest for me. Has anyone seen Mr Paul Modi and if so what was your experience with him. Thanks cath x

[Laguna23]

Morning Laurensophie

I fully appreciate your state of shock I’m also still coming to terms with my mitral valve issue and it’s been 5/6 months since I first found out. I think it’s still a missed area of concern for heart patients, the actual diagnosis especially to people who’ve had no idea to be then told you need open heart surgery and then we’re left to deal with it, as we then understandably become overly anxious and worried. Anyway that’s my morning rant! I have no personal experience of Mr Paul Modi but I have read wonderful reports about him, both on this platform and online on other websites. He specialises in minimally invasive open heart surgery, which means it’s the same op but the entry points they use mean they don’t have to break your sternum. Not everyone is suitable for this surgery but with your age I think you may be considered. It’s worth asking about. I was in London recently to have my cardiac CT scan to establish if I can have this type of surgery, which I’m obviously hoping will be the case. I think you’ve been recommended a very highly rated heart surgeon, you should feel really good about this as you will be in very safe hands!

Take care xx

[Laurensophie in reply to Laguna23]

Thank you Laguna23 for your reply. It is the shock and I’m very thankful to this group as there’s so many questions you want to ask. I’m hoping I am suitable for minimal invasive surgery but I have only read that he does the Mitral Valve this way.

Who are you hoping to have your surgery with if you don’t mind me asking. As I would travel if there is a surgeon that would do my surgery with the less invasive method. Have you a date yet ? My cardiologist said he will see me in January with the hope I’ve had my surgery by then. So I’m in the hands of the surgeon now I suppose. Cath x

[Laguna23 in reply to Laurensophie]

Hi Laurensophie

I’ll reply to you by direct message x

[Hidden]

Hi Cath,

I hope you are ok? I live in South Manchester so I was allocated Wythenshawe Hospital, my surgeon is Mr Paul Waterworth. I didnt know much about him apart from what I googled. When I met him though I instantly took to him. His calm manner really put me at ease and gave me confidence.

I had my aortic valve replacement on Monday 3rd October and I am pretty sure I am going home today. Everyone during my stay have been incredible. The staff are all specialised in cardiac care and know exactly what they are doing.

Although I dont know your surgeon, Im sure he too will be incredible. I wish you all the very best and if you have any questions please feel free to message me.

Rachel x

[jersey-jazz in reply to Hidden]

Dear Hidden - Are we meeting again? I have had a shock very recently when I was told that I have stenosis in my aortic valve and will have to have an aortic valve replacement. Next Tuesday, 13 December, I will be meeting with a specialist at Columbia Presbyterian hospital for a second opinion. I'm eighty-five and, as you know, I have MBC. I am hoping, probably vainly, that he will tell me that it can be repaired. If there are any questions that you think should be asked, please let me know. I am dumbfounded by this news.

[Laurensophie in reply to jersey-jazz]

to be honest I’m probably not the best person to ask as I am in the same place as you if you read my posts. This group will help you lots. Stay positive x