Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery – Anyone Had Any Personal Experience?

[meatboy]

you are experiencing the same symptoms that i had,getting worse by the day you have to take it very slowly every day till you have the op.dont try to do anything after food this is when it was worse for me,i couldnt get up the stairs and trying to get my socks off well at least you shouldnt have that problem.the last year before my valve replacement was bad but i never had to call out the dr.have you decided what valve to have,the one made from animal flesh only lasts 10-15yrs.so as i was 62 the surgeon advised a mechanical one so not have to go through another op later in life.if you have the latter you will have to take warfarin for life and have regular blood tests[inr] once your blood clotting leval is achieved.have you any info living with your new valve if not get someone in the uk to send for the booklets from the british heart foundation,if you cant get any from the hospice that does thr op.i live in korat pm me with your address and i will send you what i have. the valve is made by st.jude medical who produce all the info you should be able to get a book on line free of charge.good luck mobi i can tell you you will feel like a new man after its done.

[Mobi]

Thanks for the info meatboy.

I will see how it goes and may contact you for more info later. Unfortunately I am kept pretty much in the dark and still haven't met the surgeon, or had the chance to discuss what kind of valve they will give me and how much it will all cost. I am hoping I might find out all this next week, but I'm not holding my breath.

The Thai medical establishment is as secretive as the Brish establishment probably were about 50 years ago. They are reluctant to tell the patient anything and have a 'We know best' attitude.

I am quite concerned about the permanent pain I have over my heart, which gets worse upon exertion - not sure if it relates to my condition or whether it some kind of chest/rib pain. Can you tell me if you had anything similar to this prior to your op?

Thanks

[meatboy]

hi mobi i never rearly had what you call pain it was more like servere ache,arms would feel very heavy mostly my left i used to sit or when i went to bed holing my left arm to suport it,i also had a double by pass this and the leaking valve rendered me with not much in the way of mobility.i had contact with a family friend in the uk.who was a prof.surgeon and he always told me if i was in so much pain i would be admitted more quickly.i actually saw the surgeon in may 2007 and op was scedualed for sept that year but after being sent home twice the op was done oct.i would push em a bit harder and ask who the surgeon will be and when will i see him.

[Sheryl]

Mobi,

The safest course of action would be to present yourself at the ER of Rajawithi. Tell them about the chest pain, and that you are on the waiting list for cardiac surgery. This will get you seen by a cardiologist then and there. Depending on what your physical exam, lab work and EKG show, they might admit you, so bring toothbrush et al just in case.

[23962323]

I'm not sure what to do now... should I keep my fingers crossed and wait it out, or try somewhere else and pay through the nose? But even if I do that I will probably have to go through the normal processes which will no doubt take a few weeks.

Any thoughts or suggestions, anyone?

Your paying through the nose for any type of surgery/medical procedure in Thailand regardless.Have you given it any thought that they do not want to proceed with you? just waiting you out and let nature take its course.

i did suggest some time ago my own experiences of Thailand,and to me its all a busted flush. Not too late to go back to the UK NHS/Bupa way,Skype hospitals/surgeons in Malaysia or India (acquaintance I bump into from time to time badly injured his hand windsurfing in Phuket,horrified at estimates of hospitals there,took a drive down to Penang,was xrayed,bones re-set ,strapped up ,medications for 1 Ringet (20 pence) OK he was English and was treated like royalty because of colonial past,as he stated),but there are other options than Thailand,told you mine,worked out on later estimates at 1/49 of the cost here in Thailand. Up to you

[Mobi]

As always your input is much appreciated, and I understand you have had some bad experiences in Thailand which have soured your views of Thai hospitals. Others, including myself have had some very good experiences - medical care is always a bit of a lottery, wherever you are, no matter how good or expensive the hospital.

I have already posted that in spite of the incredible bureaucracy and waiting around, i was probably treated with more care at the government hospital than I was at private hospitals, both here and in the UK and certainly better than state hospitals in the UK.

AFAIAC, your suggestion that "they do not want to proceed with you? just waiting you out and let nature take its course" is totally unconscionable. I was warned from the start there was a long waiting list - maybe 3 months - and every time I contact them, they have my name and details to hand and I am not just a 'forgotten farang' in their system. My problems lie with the lack of information on what's going on, but that is due to an old fashioned culture and the fact that the health system is bursting at the seams, rather than any lack of care on their behalf.

They would hardly take the trouble to call me back and make an appointment for me to see a specialist next Wednesday if they were hoping that i would just go away and peg out....

Anyway, I appreciate your opinion.

[meatboy]

i went through the same waiting[5years] from visiting gp to the op,my gp was great but everything else was wait,wait,and suffer.in the end i demanded my gp find out what was happening as my surgery cost was in the region of 60-80k gbp.it seemed like lets hope he pops his clogs.but in the end i did get the best of care,the op,phyiso and my gp took personal interest in my well being.

[Sheryl]

Note that the OP is paying the full cost of this procedure out of pocket. For a government hospital, which normally has to subsist on the low levels of government budget allocation, it's a real boon. Even if you assume that financial motives are at work (unlikely in my experience with Thai govt hospitals) they have every reason to want to do the procedure.

This isn't an NHS situation.

[Mobi]

I had to make a visit to my hospital in Bangkok this morning to see the heart surgeon; the outcome of which is that I am scheduled for surgery to replace my aortic heart valve on Friday week (8th June) , and will be admitted to Rajavithi hospital in Bangkok on Wednesday, 6th, for pre op preparations and tests.

My condition has deteriorated of late; I seem to have a constant pain over my heart, I can’t walk than a few yards before experiencing extreme discomfort and my BP is no longer controllable by meds. All this means that surgery is urgently required, so fortunately they have decided to bump me up the waiting list.

It must be my ‘manly charm’, as I always seem to get the female doctors, and this time it is a delightful, middle aged female surgeon. She speaks perfect English and must have been educated overseas, for no one comes out of even the best of Thai schools speaking like she does. I didn’t ask her, but I am also sure she has worked overseas.

We had a long talk to discuss my options and for me to be appraised of all the standard stuff about all the things which might go wrong. The main risks are ‘bleeding out’, which will entail blood transfusions and possibly going back into surgery again, heart arrhythmia, going crazy for a while, (apparently when they stop my heart and bi-pass my vital fluids through a machine, it can have strange effects on the brain), having a stroke, and of course, death. She gave me the risk percentage for each type of risk, and as the highest was still under 10 %, there is a good chance I will be OK. (And as I am already crazy - that's one risk less to worry about!)

I was given the choice of an animal skin valve, which normally last about ten years, or a metal valve which will last much longer but I will have to take warfarin, (rat poison), for the rest of my life, and be monitored on an on-going basis. (To make sure I don't die like a dirty rat I suppose...). She said the recommended cut-off age for animal valves is 65, but I will have just turned 66 when I go under the knife. However it was her opinion, after giving due regard for my overall state of health, that there is no reason why I shouldn’t live well into my 80’s, so I have decided to go for the metal valve. (I don’t want to do this all over again in 10 years’ time when I will be 76!!).

There’s no getting away from the fact that this will be major surgery and even if all goes well, I will still stay in hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks.

I have ‘Googled’ my surgeon and she certainly seems to be a 'Big-Wig' in Bangkok medical circles and does a lot of lecturing etc. I think I am in good hands, which is exactly what she told me…

Anyway, I just thought those of you who have been kind enough to post on this thread and should know what is going on. My gf will be with me all the time, and I think post-surgery, they are going to have a nurse assigned permanently to my case, so it seems I will be in lots of 'good hands'.

If I don’t post again here, you can assume things didn’t go as well as I am hoping they will…..

[Mobi]

In case anyone was wondering, I still do not have a price for the operation. The best I can get from them is that it will be in the 'region' of 300K. It will all depend on whether there are any complications.

They are not set up for this as most of their patients either get it done for free or are covered by insurance, which can be recovered after the event. Not too many cash customers around.

Anyway, I was told I will have to pay after the op, so if I don't make it, I guess I won't have to pay....

[Sheryl]

Sounds good, Mobi. I'm glad you got the surgery moved up. All the best.

[23962323]

Its cheap enough I guess,but its the thought of leaving it until your very last gasp that I'd be bothered about. Your general health and strength must have suffered somewhat in the recent past,surely the stronger and fitter you are beforehand must significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome

Yes All the Best

Edited May 30, 2012 by 23962323

[endure]

Best of luck Mobi. Hope everytning goes well for you.

[katana]

Best of luck.

[meatboy]

best of luck mobi you have nothing to worry about i was told the same as you [procedure] if your wife needs any suport pm.me with her contact no and my wife can talk with her and give her suport.

[Naam]

In case anyone was wondering, I still do not have a price for the operation. The best I can get from them is that it will be in the 'region' of 300K. It will all depend on whether there are any complications.

They are not set up for this as most of their patients either get it done for free or are covered by insurance, which can be recovered after the event. Not too many cash customers around.

Anyway, I was told I will have to pay after the op, so if I don't make it, I guess I won't have to pay....

you'll make it Mobi! i asked my Mrs (who's a witch). she said "what a stupid question! of course Mobi will make it."

[JSixpack]

Best of luck, Mobi.

[newarrior]

Any updates hear everybody? Sadly I just got diagnosed with mild aortic stenosis at Mission hospital I'm uninsured and I figure it's probably going to be difficult to get insurance here in Thailand with valve stenosis issues and high blood pressure. I'm trying to figure out if I can get insured here if not if I'm willing to cough up the cash or if I just need to cut bait go back to the States. Any other thoughts any words any updates from anybody I'm getting treated for this condition locally either with or without insurance? Thanks Dave

[Sheryl]

Any updates hear everybody? Sadly I just got diagnosed with mild aortic stenosis at Mission hospital I'm uninsured and I figure it's probably going to be difficult to get insurance here in Thailand with valve stenosis issues and high blood pressure. I'm trying to figure out if I can get insured here if not if I'm willing to cough up the cash or if I just need to cut bait go back to the States. Any other thoughts any words any updates from anybody I'm getting treated for this condition locally either with or without insurance? Thanks Dave

You will definitely not be able to get insurance that covers heart problems given this pre-existing condition. You might or might not be able to get a policy which excludes cardiac problems and if so that is well worth doing, you have a heart valve issue now but any number of other conditions can and will occur somewhere in the future not to mention you could always have an accident.

If you are asymptomatic and the stenosis is mild (Ejection fraction over 50% and no problems on exercise) it may not need treatment now, just regular follow up but you likely will need a valve replacement at some point.

Would cost roughly 180-200k at a government hospital and 600k or more at a private hosputal and that is without major complications.

If you are thinking to have this treated in the US under Medicare be careful not to leave it too long as you might nit be fit to fly.



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[newarrior]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

You will definitely not be able to get insurance that covers heart problems given this pre-existing condition. You might or might not be able to get a policy which excludes cardiac problems and if so that is well worth doing, you have a heart valve issue now but any number of other conditions can and will occur somewhere in the future not to mention you could always have an accident.

If you are asymptomatic and the stenosis is mild (Ejection fraction over 50% and no problems on exercise) it may not need treatment now, just regular follow up but you likely will need a valve replacement at some point.

Would cost roughly 180-200k at a government hospital and 600k or more at a private hosputal and that is without major complications.

If you are thinking to have this treated in the US under Medicare be careful not to leave it too long as you might nit be fit to fly.



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 wow that's heavy information but good to know yeah I was starting to get concerned about my ability to fly in the I don't think I'm going to be covered by Insurance in Thailand in which case I have to be comfortable with paying out-of-pocket for any cardiac related events. Yeah I've been getting concerned about my ability to fly back to America as well. That's really scary.

[Sheryl]

What is your LVEF? (Ejection fraction)?

Are you symptomatic? Any shortness of breath on exertion?

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[newarrior]

15 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

What is your LVEF? (Ejection fraction)?

Are you symptomatic? Any shortness of breath on exertion?

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I don't know I'm going to ask that question I've got multiple second and third opinions I can tell you that my chest x-rays and EKG were fine and that I passed the treadmill test actually did above average for my age group I'm in my 50s. I'm seeing another doctor on Monday at Bangkok Christian Hospital that somebody recommended on this board a guy that trained at UCLA. Any symptoms they said that I'm having are related to stress I've had a history of chest pains going back to my thirties that have always been found to be psychosomatic and nature I'm a highly anxious person of course now my anxiety is through the roof. I've had three doctors here in Bangkok to cardiologist one American is not a cardiologist plus my old doctor at UCLA none of them said they thought this is a big deal at this point. The only advice I got was to be a little bit careful about weightlifting so as not to spike my blood pressure I was not giving any other activity restrictions. What else? I was put on a beta blocker my cholesterol numbers the bad one is about 1/32 good one is really low so they put me on a Statin as well I'm seeing a couple of different doctors . My blood pressure is normal I'm only about 5 lb overweight my diet is outstanding and I'm looking at Alternatives like magnesium to decalcify my body. I'm also getting  into meditation as well to kind of slow everything down .. I'm taking things like Coke you 10 to protect my heart Yesterday for example I had no problem walking 5 miles swimming for half an hour and doing a round of push-ups... my thinking is that if I can't get proper Insurance here and even if I could the medical care is never going to be as good as it America that I'm probably better off sadly just cutting my ties to Thailand and going back to America..at 56 I'm not going to get Medicare of course. Too young for that. Funnily enough I had no problems with a treadmill test like I said passing it with above-average results.. I've been daily exercising my entire life and eating a good diet I'm hoping that provides a slight protective Edge

[oxysong]

Father has pacemaker fitted,so I'm thinking its in the family too. Have done research, but in India,open heart surgery came in at 1000 gbp (two years ago),prices would have risen for sure,but still in the ballpark    Medifee.com  heart surgery

[sirineou]

During a routine work required medical examination a heart murmur was detected, in order that i was certified a follow up with a cardiologist was required. Subsequent examinations  determined a congenital condition called Bicuspid Aortic Valve meaning that instead of three  slits at the valve (like the emblem of a Mercedes Benz) I had Two slits (like the emblem of a Nisan),

The story of my life, everyone gets a Mercedes Benz Heart and I get a Nisan LOL.

Long Story short, valve replacement was required. I opted the Bovine Valve because I am a very active person and injure myself a lot, Blood thinners would not have worked well for me.They say it comes from a cow, but I insist mine is from a Bull, because no one is more full of "Bull" than me. LOL

I don't think Mobi has a lot to worry as far as survivability of the Operation is concerned, It is a relatively common operation I think the is a 98% survival rate, One has a better chance dying from my cooking LOL. 

The recovery was difficult, I was constipated like you can never imagine, and you have to lay on your back for a long time for the ribs to heal again.

   I felt much better until a couple of years late that the scar tissue from the operation is disrupting the electrical signals in my heart and I developed Bradycardia, a slowing of the heart rate sometimes as low as 40 bpm. and sometimes one side comes in slower than the other. Originally they suggested a pacemaker but did not think it would significantly improve the situation. I Did not want it anyway. Just a litle bit of dizziness for a few second. I can live with it, but I did lose my CDL licence because of it.. 

Has the OP consider or is it even an option For him,  TAVR

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis).

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcatheter-aortic-valve-replacement/about/pac-20384698 

Is it even available in Thailand? or at a reasonable cost.

I know when it is time to replace the Bovine valve I will go for a TAVR procedure I am not letting them crack me open again.

 

Good Luck Mobi, and don't worry about the operation too much, recovery will be a litle difficult but a few months later it will only be a bad memory and you will feel great again. It was for me.

   

Edited May 24, 2019 by sirineou

[oxysong]

Mobi?  I do not think he is around anymore,certainly not on TV. Quite liked that guy,but he had his health problems,and this thread  is it 7 years old?  hope Mobi is OK ,but have doubts

[sirineou]

10 minutes ago, oxysong said:

Mobi?  I do not think he is around anymore,certainly not on TV. Quite liked that guy,but he had his health problems,and this thread  is it 7 years old?  hope Mobi is OK ,but have doubts

Didn't realise it was an old thread, still hope everything worked out Ok for him.

[Sheryl]

He had the surgery years ago and it went fine. Returned to the UK some years ago.

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[newarrior]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

He had the surgery years ago and it went fine. Returned to the UK some years ago.

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What surgery ? back in UK ? Nice. Would anyone recommend doing any sort of valve surgery in Thailand ? Without insurance ?  At least one insurance agent swears they can get me covered for pre existing conditions such as cardiac ones--is she lying to me ? She is a cardiac nurse and insurance agent.  If I can't get insurance for cardiac conditions then I may be forced to move back to to the states--something I dread doing (

[Sheryl]

An insurance co is either going to;

Deny coverage
Cover you with cardiac exclusion
Civer without exclusion but at a higher premium

There is simply no getting around the fact that you are at above average likelihood for needing hospitalization related to heart problem...odds are high you will need that valve replaced in time.

Several TV members have had valve replacements here. I have already indicated the cost.

Totally aside from the heart valve issue you should not be here uninsured unless you are extremely wealthy.

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[newarrior]

8 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

An insurance co is either going to;

Deny coverage
Cover you with cardiac exclusion
Civer without exclusion but at a higher premium

There is simply no getting around the fact that you are at above average likelihood for needing hospitalization related to heart problem...odds are high you will need that valve replaced in time.

Several TV members have had valve replacements here. I have already indicated the cost.

Totally aside from the heart valve issue you should not be here uninsured unless you are extremely wealthy. "Civer without exclusion but at a higher premium"  This could work

 

"There is simply no getting around the fact that you are at above average likelihood for needing hospitalization related to heart problem...odds are high you will need that valve replaced in time." 100% agreed

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Sheryl--Good cold hard information..I saw the cost estimates for surgery. I agree in regards to NOT being in Thailand as an uninsured person unless you are wealthy. Understood in the other parts. There is simply no getting around the fact that you are at above average likelihood for needing hospitalization related to heart problem...odds are high you will need that valve replaced in time.