My ejection fraction is 22.
Sounds as though you did your homework when looking for a good surgeon. Hopefully, the surgeon will offer you better options once he confers with colleagues. As tough as it is, it is best that he did not proceed without the utmost of confidence. Here's to lots and lots of brighter days!
Old_Hippie?? As in Woodstock? Am I dating myself? hahahahaha....Enjoy the day! Best of luck with your follow up appointment. Keep us posted.
I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon this week. He did say last Monday he would "confer" with others. I also wanted to confer with others on the internet about any alternatives so when I see him this week I would have an idea what he may have.
I'm a veteran and this was at the VA in Asheville, NC. I paid for a doctor referral and he is highly rated as a Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeon, rated 9 out of 10 and the report said "Above National Average - Cardiothoracic Surgeons" "Exceptionally Good - Thoracic Surgery". He was on the staff at West Virginia University School of Medicine as a Professor , Surgery before he came to the VA last year.
Have you tried asking the people on valvereplacement.com ?
Wonderful site, with tons of information and helpful people.
Best Wishes.
Is there any chance you can have your records transferred to the Cleveland Clinic (or Mayo) for a second opinion. I'm wondering why the surgeon was not aware of your low EF ahead of time...Do you have a copy of your recent echocardiogram? What was the surgeon's advice? What is considered "too low?"