Great Questions to Ask Your Heart Surgeon
Going under the knife for heart surgery is a big step. If you’re suffering from mitral valve disease or aortic valve disease or malfunction, you may have come to the decision with your doctor and surgeon to undergo mitral valve surgery or mini-AVR. Surgery is a scary concept to a lot of people, but the more you know beforehand, the more comfortable you will be with the idea of having the surgery.
It’s important for you to ask your doctor and/or surgeon any questions that come to mind. If you’re unsure what to ask, our office has provided some basic questions you should ask before surgery if the doctor hasn’t answered them already for you. Answers will vary depending on your particular surgery, healing process and medical history.
- How long will the surgery take?
- What are possible complications during and after surgery?
- What are specific risks for me if I do this surgery?
- For how long will I be in the hospital?
- How much pain will I have after surgery?
- Will I be given pain medication? What kind, and for how long?
- Will I be on antibiotics?
- Am I able to eat and drink normally right away post-op?
- Will I be hooked up to machines when I wake up? Will there be tubes in me? For how long?
- Will I be able to walk and shower by myself?
- How long is the recovery?
- When will I able to drive? Return to work?
- How will I have to change my lifestyle and habits?
- Will I feel any different with the new valve?
If you’re looking for the right surgeon to perform your valve surgery, Dr. Peter Mikhail is considered one of the foremost authorities and specialists in mitral valve surgery. He has been performing these surgeries for more than 10 years. To learn more about Dr. Mikhail, click here or call his office at 727-312-4844 to book an appointment or for more information.
