I’m finding myself hitting the brakes for a moment. Maybe that is because I seem to have the luxury to do so, and feel it is important. After all, in the end my decisions are my own. I found myself in a position where things were moving too quickly to fully absorb, and that certain decisions were being made for me. Realizing that this circumstance came to be because I allowed it up to this point was not disturbing to me, and I’m thankful for the realization.
The fact of the matter is that I’m not convinced that I need the CABG procedure at this point. Clearly, if it was absolutely required, it would be in progress as I type here.
Contrary to popular belief, it does not “fix” the situation. If it actually did, I’d be beating down the doors to the CT surgeon’s office. The bottom line is that I have CAD, or Coronary Artery Disease, and it’s here permanently. It will remain after said procedure.
There have been huge improvements in my condition since I was first diagnosed. It is my belief that these can be further improved upon. It’s up to me. I’d like to give myself the opportunity to find out. What I am finding out is that in reality, what counts is the EF (Ejection Fraction), and more importantly how it trends. On initial diagnosis it was 10%. Over a year later this past January, it was measured at 40% by way of a TEE scan. That indicates that the medical management was working. Last week and less than a month later, it was measured at 50%. At 55% output everybody does a happy dance. That is because this is the threshold number for what is considered normal blood output from one’s heart. How did I bump the number up 10 points in such a short time? I stopped smoking for two weeks- the very thing that largely put me there in the first place, by my reckoning.
CABG requires huge modification in lifestyle post-procedure. The question is what happens with those same modifications when the surgery is not done? There is compelling evidence that mortality is surprisingly the same either way. Similarly, quality of life tracks about the same. Considering the side effects of CABG (brain function, personality changes, kidney function issues, and many others), I think this all requires a closer look. Every single case is different. I can’t help but replay the discussion with my cardiologist when I acquired government coverage this last Fall-
“We should get all this done while you have the insurance”
At this point he and I will be talking again soon. It’s a tad cookie cutter right now, in my estimation. I’m also seeking outside opinions on the matter. Anyone in my position would be wise to.