My mother has to have her aortic valve replaced

[flamingyouth]

Yes, 2004 hasn't been shitty enough. Today we got the news that her heart is in pretty bad shape. She's been battling a horrible sinus infection for more than a week, and I finally got her to go to the doctor on Monday. They did an echo cardiogram and they're running some other tests, but the doctor thinks she's going to need to have it replaced.

I feel like my whole family is wearing a cosmic "Kick Me" sign. I'm so worried about her. She's going to be 63 next week and she's been in fragile health for several years.

I've been looking on the web for information on this surgery, but I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's had it, or from anyone whose family members or friends have had it.

And by the way, I have officially "had it" as well. :cry:

[eyesroll]

1. I can't offer any insight, but

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

2. Thank you

I needed that.:hug:

[CornField]

3. No advice or wonderful words

Just :hug: Hope things look up soon.

[flamingyouth]

14. Thank you

I really appreciate it. :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. *hugs and prayers*

------------------------------------------------------
Join the NEW Boston Tea Party!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/index.htm#shopping

[flamingyouth]

17. Thank you, Jen

Hope you and your family are having a fun holiday season. The boys must be getting big now! :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

28. I have an Xmas card pic to post as soom as I remember to *l*

[flamingyouth]

31. Send me a PM when you do

Don't want to miss it. Gotta get my cute kid fix whenever I can, you know. :D

[GreenPartyVoter]

40. Will do! *g*

[faithnotgreed]

63. thats all i can offer as well... my moms health hasnt been good

either so i know what a focus and concern that must be for you and your family.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

5. You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers

You have certainly had a crappy year. As far as her frailty, they will do lots of chest x-rays and lab work to determine if she can withstand the surgery. Has she had anesthesia before?

Edit to add :hug: :pals:

[flamingyouth]

18. Thanks, Maryam

I can't remember the last time she's had anesthesia. I think it may have been in 1989 when she had a ruptured appendix. She has liver issues, so that may complicate things, I don't know. Hope school and everything is going well for you. :hug:

[Fenris]

6. Poor love.

:(

It's just one hit after another.

:hug::loveya:

[flamingyouth]

19. Yes

Yes indeedely.

[ruthg]

7. My dad had it done at age 79 ......

and lived to be 87!! Wish her luck from me! HUGS to you.

[ruthg]

8. I should also ad that my Dad ...

who had the valve replacement at 79 died at 87 of something else entirely....

:)

[flamingyouth]

20. Thank you - that is good to hear

(not that he passed away, obviously...) but that he was much older and went through the procedure well. Thanks. :hug:

[amazona]

9. my mom had a quadruple bypass at the same age

Not quite the same surgery as the aortic valve replacement but in the general category of open heart surgery.

I think you will be impressed with what the surgeons can do and how quickly she recovers. If she has been tired for unexplained reasons, she is going to be amazed when she gets a surge of energy. My mom kept complaining she was tired, but they blew her off until she had severe pains -- they did not realize that small women who exercise can also have heart issues. Once she recovered from the surgery, she was amazed at how much more energy she had. She figures that the narrowing arteries were cutting into her energy for years and she just thought she was getting old.

I'll keep your mom in my thoughts and send good wishes your way. I know it is scary, we were scared, but my mom's open-heart surgery was a blessing for her in the end. She has traveled all over and been very active in the 3-plus years since. The surgeon was shocked at how bad her arteries were when he first went in, said if they hadn't done the bypass surgery, she wouldn't have lasted another week. And now she's flying all over.

I was very angry at the time, it seemed so unfair, because she always exercised and followed the right diet, but heart disease isn't really much of a respector of our religious beliefs in diet/exercise.

Hope for the best, they've really come a long way with open heart surgery and it can work out great!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

16. Valve replacement is a lot different than bypass but you are correct

If the pumping function of the heart is at all compromised, itmakes a huge difference in energy .. most people who undergo bypass surgery are healthier on the way out than they have been in years simply because they are getting blood and oxygen again

[flamingyouth]

21. Thank you for the good thoughts and for the info

That's good to know. Yes, she's been very tired over the past few years. She chalked it up to aging, but she's also had an irregular heart beat forever, so who knows.

Anyway, I really appreciate this info, and I'm glad that your mom's went so well and that she has recovered so nicely. :hug:

[WildEyedLiberal]

10. I had a Ross procedure done

In which my aortic valve was replaced by my pulmonary valve and my pulmonary valve was replaced by a donor valve. It did help the leakage in my aortic valve, but now BOTH my aortic and pulmonary valves have a minor ot moderate leak so another heart surgery is inevitable (I guess three isn't enough.) Is your mom going to have a mechanical valve put in, a donor valve, a pig valve, a Ross procedure? I wish her the best of luck... ask me any questions you have and I'll try to answer them as best as I can, but the surgery was 6 years ago and I was 13 so I may not remember everything :)

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

22. Wow, you've been through a lot for your age

We're still in the very early stages of this and are just trying to digest the news at this point. I'm bookmarking this thread, so when we get down to the details, may I PM you about our options? I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for sharing your story, and take care of yourself. :hug:

[WildEyedLiberal]

32. Thanks :-D

Feel free to PM me about anything, I'll tell you everything I know/remember.

[Abelman]

11. My mater

had heart surgery a few years ago. She is aces now. Keep close with family, that is how I got through.

[flamingyouth]

23. I'm an only and am very close to my parents

I'm glad to hear all went well ... thanks. :)

[Abelman]

27. Yeah

As far as I know, heart surgeons are pretty good. They have to be or they won't be a surgeon for long.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. The valve replacement surgery shouldn't b so bad if her heart muscle is OK

And the valves they use now are far less complicated than the past valves with which there were problems...Some things to be prepared for though are the fact that she MAY require treatment indefinitely with coumadin in order to ensure that her blood is thin enough to keep the valve clear. The other thing is that it used to be that people who underwent aortic valve replacement required a pacemaker within 10 years of the valve replacement.

The main questions to ask her or her doc are: What kind of valve will they be using? What, if any, have the complications been with these valves? Will she require coumadin indefinitely following surgery ( and she will most likely need to avoid certain foods..kale...spinach and similar greens) What is her current status of her heart muscle (i.e. pumping function of the heart) What is the likelihood that she will require a pacemaker?

IF she is on the coumadin, she will need to follow up with the doc every three months to get her protime checked and THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.

[flamingyouth]

24. We don't know anything at this point yet

We're still in the super-duper-early stages. Her BP is high, but she's not on Coumadin now - I hope she won't have to take it for long if at all afterward (I've heard some scary tales about that). I don't know the current function of her heart muscle, but her doctor is very concerned, that much I know.

I'm going to bookmark this for when we get closer to the decision-making time. Thanks, Teena. :hug:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

30. BP is entirely different issue...one is the pressure of the blood going

through the heart..blood THINNING stops clots from forming in the valve causing it to stick...coumadin has been around for decades...so it really shouldn't be a huge cause for concern and will allow more good than harm

[flamingyouth]

As soon as decisions are being made, I'm going to go with her

to the doctor. All of this came directly from her, plus she's still pretty sick and out of it from the sinus infection, so my information isn't really clear.

The one thing I don't understand about my parents is that neither of them has told their doctors about Alan's suicide this year, and both of them have had HUGE spikes in their blood pressure (well, no shit). I know that they both feel shame about it, but I feel it would be helpful for both of their doctors to know what's been going on in our lives this year.

[Spinzonner]

43. You should seriously consider having a private talk with the doctor

and letting him know there is a non-medical source of stress involved so he can be aware of it in terms of diagnoses and aftercare.

You can use your judgment about if and how much to get into specifics.

[flamingyouth]

44. I am planning on it

I want to go with her and meet him first, then I can get a chance to talk to him privately. He needs to see the whole picture here for him to give the best care, I think.

Thanks again.

[Spinzonner]

33. Treatment with blood thinners is usually forever after such procedures

however, there may be some flexibility in the form of therapy.

Note that taking blood thinners puts one at risk for other things and falls - especially broken hips and head injuries - are a real concern since a hemorrhage is possible.

Will she be living alone or left alone ? If so, it would be wise to obtain one of those 'Notification devices' and the associated services so that she can signal for help in case of a problem. The hospital's social services might be able to advise you in this (their opinions on need and referrals) regard and there are numerous sources on the web. PM me if you want a few links.

I have not personally used them but did some preliminary research for an elderly friend.

[flamingyouth]

38. I have an employee whose husband had two heart surgeries this year

He's on Coumadin, I know. She's always had a tendency to bruise easily, so I am a little concerned about her taking it, but we all trust this doctor so far, so he'll know the best course of action, I'm sure.

Fortunately, she and my dad live together and close to me, so there are people around and she's not alone.

Thank you so much for your help and advice. I really appreciate it.

[welshTerrier2]

66. my MIL had this surgery ...

she had a choice of a valve from a pig or a mechanical valve ... the pig valve doesn't last as long but you don't need to be on blood thinners ... the mechancial valve got her a lifetime membership in the coumadin (i.e. a blood thinner) club ...

living on blood thinners is something of a pain in the butt ... you constantly need to get tested to ensure that your blood coagulates at the right rate ... and you get black and blue from almost everything you do ... and you can't take aspirin or ibuprofen and a bunch of other drugs ... and there are some food restrictions (e.g. spinach) as well ...

my MIL lived many years with her mechanical valve and eventually died from unrelated causes ... it's a very common surgery ... your mom, once she fully recovers, might very well find she has much more energy ... when a heart valve is failing, much less blood (and oxygen) is circulated with each contraction of the heart muscle ...

tell your mom there's a whole community of wacky lefties pulling for her ... keep us posted on her recovery !! and you hang in there ... she'll be OK ...

[bigwillq]

13. Thoughts and prayers are with you, your mother and your family

at this difficult time.

[flamingyouth]

25. Thank you

I really appreciate it.

[Padraig18]

15. We all seem to be wearing that sign.

I'm sorry about your mam, Lisa, but I'm pleased to know I'm not the only one who'll be happy to see 2004 go by the way...

:hug::loveya:

[flamingyouth]

26. Thanks, Paddy

'Tis not been our finest year, has it?

So sorry to hear of your own loss - I read Tony's thread yesterday. :hug::loveya:

[Padraig18]

34. Love you, too.

Here's to a better year in 2005: :toast:

:hug::loveya:

[flamingyouth]

35. Indeed!

:toast:

[Pacifist Patriot]

29. I have no information for you, but I wanted to know I'll be thinking

good thoughts for your mother and the rest of your family. You have my sympathies.

[flamingyouth]

36. Thank you

I really appreciate that. :)

[Pale Blue Dot]

37. I'm sending good vibes her way.

Don't worry, there's only 22 days left of this year. It will get better.

[flamingyouth]

41. Thanks

I really appreciate that. And thanks especially for not saying, "It can't get worse." :scared:

[GOPisEvil]

39. Best wishes to your mom, you and your family.

You certainly deserve a run of good luck in 2005. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

42. Thanks

I appreciate it. :hug:

[Magrittes Pipe]

45. Lisa....

:hug:

I don't know what to say. You, your mother, and the rest of your family have my best wishes. :*

[flamingyouth]

46. Thanks so much

I really appreciate it. :hug:

[landdaddy]

47. Had my aortic valve replaced

at age 51 in Oct. of 2001. Mine is a bovine valve and the doc said it would probably last me my lifetime. After surgery I started on blood pressure meds and aspirin. Now my BP is cool and I take no meds whatsoever. What a strange trip it was coming out of anesthesia though. They had me on my feet abd moving around the next day and I was released after 3 days.
My best to your mom! Nuthin' to worry about!

[flamingyouth]

50. Thanks, that is great news to hear

It's a relief, frankly. And funny, my mom was a landlady for years too. :D

[landdaddy]

54. daddy

is actualy the non formal part of my last name. Landfather

[flamingyouth]

55. ROFL - I'm sorry!

That actually made me laugh, how I misread that. :D Well, we can chalk it up to me being slightly stressed out today.

So, thank you again for the positive post, landDADDY (maybe I need new glasses). :hi:

[Gothic Sponge]

48. Oh Crap! I'm sorry!

I wish your mom the best. My mom has to go in for cataract surgery soon. Her eyes are in bad shape. I know it doesn't compare to what your mom is going through, but i can empathize.

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

51. My mom had the cataract surgery a few years back

And went through those with flying colors. Good luck to her. And thanks. :hug:

[devilgrrl]

49. Always thinking of ways to comfort flamingyouth

I hope your mom is okay :hug:

[flamingyouth]

52. Thanks a bunch

I really appreciate it. :hug:

[dolo amber]

53. Awww, Lisa

:(

Pass this on to your mom for me. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

59. Thanks, D

She's actually off at her Pilates class right now (go, Mom!). We're going to take her out to a really nice dinner on her birthday next Weds. :hi:

[greatauntoftriplets]

56. You didn't need more bad news, did you?

I wish you, your mother and your family the best...and a speedy recovery to your mother.

Good luck.

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

60. LOL - no, I didn't really need anymore

But, what can I say? I'm grateful I've got my friends here in the Lounge for support. It really means a lot. Thanks. :hug:

[Donkeyboy75]

57. Hi Lisa!

I'm sorry to hear this. My grandfather had his valve replaced with a porcine one back in '88, and the stubborn old coot is still around (he's 86 now). Medical device technology is much further ahead than it was then, too, so I'm sure she'll be in good hands. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

61. Excellent news

I actually feel much better about this whole thing after hearing from people who've actually been through it. Thanks a lot. :hug:

[demolifer2004]

58. Best wishes. My prayers are with your family.

[flamingyouth]

62. Thank you very much

I really appreciate it. :hi:

[Zomby Woof]

64. My grandmother survived it okay

No one in her family ever lived past 80, but when she had her valve replacement surgery, she was in her late 70's.

She is now 86, and that is largely due to having this surgery.

All I can say is I wish the best for your Mom and entire family, you all certainly deserve a great 2005.

[flamingyouth]

67. Thanks, ZW

We all deserve a good 2005. This hasn't been a particularly good year for anyone on our side, it seems.

Glad to hear about your grandmother's positive outcome.:hi:

[Taverner]

65. All I can say is hugs.....

Lets hope this is the turning point, things only go good from here...youu're too beautiful of a person to have to deal with more shit...

[flamingyouth]

68. Aww, thanks a lot

That's really nice of you to say.

I forgot to add that she also got in a fender-bender yesterday too. At age (almost) 63, this is her first accident. And while there's not a dent on her car, she managed to hit a guy whose car was basically held together with duct tape, and it practically disintegrated in the mishap. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but she's really upset about that too. :(

[Fridays Child]

69. My mother did, in the 1970s. It was a very well-practiced and...

...successful procedure then, and it's, no doubt, gotten even better, since that time. She had a Teflon-coated ball and cage valve (think of the top of a snorkel) installed in her heart and, in a quiet environment, you could hear the faint ticking of the valve.

My mom was on a ventilator for the first day post-surgery. It allowed her to breathe on her own and it counted her breaths. When she was taking at least 23 breaths per minute, they took her off the machine. There were more wires and tubes running in and out of her than I've ever seen. And she was as pale as a ghost. The ICU nurses talked to her about what they were doing, even when she was fresh out of surgery and totally comatose. But they were using her formal name, so I told them the nickname she preferred. Also, she was stark naked and very cold. I asked them to cover her, and they put a blanket over her. Evidently, it's easier for them to maintain all of the wires and tubes, if the patient is nude, but they did honor my request.

So my best advice is to stay with your mom, as much as you can, from the moment she's out of surgery until she's out of CCU or ICU (screw visiting hours), and don't be afraid to ask questions and make requests.

She'll be fine. You'll see.

[flamingyouth]

71. Thank you

I'm feeling much more reassured. I heart the words "heart" and "surgery" and started going into flip-out mode there for a while. This thread has helped a lot. Thanks!

(I'm amazed at the technology used in this procedure, BTW :wow:)

[jpgray]

70. Sorry to hear that, Lisa

Tonight I'll hold up a Sex Pistols cassette tape and look skyward in honor of what your mother's heart has already survived. I would guess it will survive this too. :D

:hi:

[flamingyouth]

72. ROFL - thank you!

Now you've made me laugh, and goddamn it, I sure as hell needed that. :D