In my previous Double Aortic Arch post I explained how I found out I had the congenital heart defect and that in August of 2016 I had become very symptomatic.
So lets continue on with everything...
After speaking to my GI and being informed that I would need the surgery my GI referred me to a cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Darr. I met with him in the middle of September. We discussed what my GI had already told me and he informed me that I would indeed need the operation. My mom was with me that day and asked all the questions I couldn't think to ask. Dr. Darr explained that the surgery is major and that they would have to cut my chest open and that I would be in the hospital for a bit after the surgery. Before the surgery was scheduled he informed me that he would like for me to see another surgeon that had experience in doing a Double Aortic Arch repair surgery because he had none. His secretary would get with me and set up the appointment with Dr. Elefteriades. I left this appointment scared, anxious, confused, unsettled, and a lot of wondering.
The next week I got a call and had an appointment set up with Dr. E for November 22nd at 3PM. I googled Dr. E and if you do too you will find that he is one of the best doctors.
Those next few weeks would seem like the longest weeks of my life. My mind was constantly on the surgery and of course I had the not so bright idea of googling things.
Finally the day had come I would see Dr. Elefteriades and find out more about the surgery and when it would happen and how soon it would need to happen. My mom met me at the doctors office downtown and we both went in together. After finally finding the office I signed in and we waited. We looked around the very small office and read the plaques and articles hanging around. One thing that stood out to me was a world map that lit up, and for every light that was on was where Dr. E had either given a speech or preformed a surgery. This board was lit up all over. I remember thinking "this guy is pretty amazing".
After sitting for a bit we were finally called back. Before I came for this visit I was sent for a CT scan of the heart so that they could get a good look at the arch and so that it could be studied before doing the operation.
Meeting Dr. E for me was a little intimidating. I think more because I was afraid of what was to come. He introduced himself asked how we found out about the arch, asked my mom some questions about when I was younger health wise, and asked other questions regarding the arch and my symptoms.
Then he told us about his findings. He called my mom and I both to the other side of his desk and showed us a image on his computer and showed us what to look at and started scrolling. What we saw was jaw dropping especially after he explained everything it was that we were seeing. My DAA was much worse than we had originally thought. That choking feeling and being out of breathe easily, well my arch was literally choking me to death from the inside and for multiple seconds at a time.
Dr. E began to explain that they only do the surgery when symptomatic and that I was very symptomatic. I would need the surgery and he wanted to possibly do it before the end of the year. He let us know that it was a very major surgery and that it could be life or death. "Life or death" I never in a million years did I think that I would hear those words from a surgeon.
He let me know that his front office ladies would get with me to confirm a surgery date and that would be the next time he sees me.
About a week later is when we confirmed January 6th 2017. I would get to enjoy Christmas and New Years. Enjoy I did and worried.
I would be lying if I said I didn't cry almost everyday. I could hardly talk to my mom because I was so scared and I couldn't show her that I was. I didn't speak of the surgery I kept it to myself unless it got to be too much that day and then I would talk to Michael about it.
I prayed A LOT! I would cry in the mornings on my way to work. It was a very very hard time for me. I leaned on GOD a lot during this time. I found a lot of comfort in praying and just giving the whole situation to him. I remember one night laying in bed and just crying out to God and giving it all 100% to him and finally getting a sense of comfort and a feeling of being okay. Please don't think for one second that I didn't trust my doctors fully because I did, but until your in a situation like this you will never know the nerves and feelings you get.
January 6th came fast... and it SAVED MY LIFE.
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