2nd AVR within 2 weeks

[JodyC]

Sorry I haven't had anyone to post for me. The nurses at the hospital were going to and tried but I couldn't remember my password. I had surgery last thursday and Dr. Riordan ordered and watched my CT scan right before I went into the OR. He thought he might get a 20mm valve with the patch but after meeting with the on-x rep a few days previously it was not suggested I have the on-x valve as it is possible to have it leak because of the small size of my valve with the patch. He was all set to put in a St. Judes which I agreed was fine and so they knocked me out and off I went. Dr. Riordan came out of the O.R. two hours later and told my parents that once he had me open my Aortic valve measured 15mm and he couldn't do anything that would actually benifit me and that I needed a corona procedure. He is having me go for a second surgery in Ann Arbor Michigan with a pediatric surgeon Dr. Edward Bove. I left the hospital Sunday and have had a really rough time. I went to my regular doctor today for another attempt and a pain med that would work without making me throw up. I also have a bad UTI and thrush in my mouth from all of the antibiotics. Since I have been home I have constant heartburn and reflux and the surgery messed up my back so I have bad spasms right now. I just got scripts and samples for pain meds and something for all of my issues. I don't know just how soon my next surgery will be we are waiting for this new surgeon to call on thursday but my current surgeon has already talked to him about it and has cleared it. I really don't know if I can do another one with the shape I am in right now. I am walking and coughing and doing all I can but the pain is pretty bad. I will just hope things will get better soon. I go back to the doctor friday for a check up. I have finally lost most of the water gain so that has helped my breathing. Take care everyone and I prayed for those of you I knew of having surgery while I was gone.

 

[Bina]

Oh Jody, this is very sad to read.....but you are a survivor and will get through this too.
Keep repeating it in your head. There are many friends here praying for you. Best wishes.

 

[catwoman]

Jody:

I am so sorry to hear that you're having to go back in and have yet another procedure; hopefully it will be the surgery that will solve the problem.

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Jody ~ I'm so very sorry to hear all that you have been through. I hope they find some pain medication that works for you and that the surgery by Dr. Bove will work to make you all better. My best wishes and prayers are with you. ~HUGS~ Dawn-Marie

 

[Curtsmum]

What sad news, so sorry you are having to deal with all this, sending hugs thoughts and prayers. Hoping that having to have another surgery makes you feel 100% better afterwards. Please try to stay strong and take care.

 

[Jkm7]

Jody...... I'm so sorry to read all you have endured and so hope your new meds give you relief. You CAN do this and you will. Keep reminding yourself of the goal.... to have a successful surgery and enjoy the rewards. No one should have to go through all this but no one promised us fair. I kept reminding myself when I thought I cannot get through a second OHS about how lucky we are to have the option. My grandparents' generation did not have this kind of surgery available to them.
We're the lucky ones! Chin up and resolve solid. You CAN do this.

 

[kfay]

Jody, I am so sorry to read about the tough time you are having. Have faith that you will get through this, it just will take you a little longer than most. Even though I know this is hard, keep your head up and keep pushing forward. We are all pulling for you.

Kim

 

[Phyllis]

I am so sorry to read this, Jody. You will be in my prayers that you will recover soon and be ready to have a successful surgery next time. Please keep us informed.

 

[aussigal]

You poor girl...havng to deal with back-spasms on top of another impending surgery...I have one thing that may offer your back some temporary relief....try lying or leaning back on a hot-water-bottle or one of those heated bags filled with wheat or rice...I use them all the time., muscle spasms are not fun. I hope you get some relief.

 

[lukeric]

Take Care & Be Strong!

 

[surfsparky]

So sorry to hear all you are going through. Sounds like you will be in the very exoert of hands the next time round...praying for you,

yolanda

 

[Lynlw]

Jody, I'm sorry this happened. BUt Dr Bove is one of the best surgeons in the world, so you will be in good hands. I'm not sure what a corona procedure is, but and Thankful your surgeon realized this was something he couldn't do. Did you have a cath?

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Jody,

Please try to maintain a Positive Attitude that you will get over all these hurdles to your progress.

Ask your Doctor(s) about using Acidopholis and/or other pro-biotics to help overcome the effects of all those anti-biotics.

Many (most?) of us who had muscle pain and/or spasms found that MASSAGE worked MUCH Faster and Better at relieveing those nasty problems than any pain medication. My S.O. used a "vibrating disk massager" to relieve the pain in my long back muscles in minutes whenever it would flare up.

You may want to look over posts from Member "gijanet" whose infant daughter Katie has had multiple heart surgeries from Dr. Bove. Hopefully you can contact her through a Private Message for more direct communication.

Here is her signature line with some background on her daughter and Dr. Bove:

Janet, mom to Trip & Katie (my CHD child) 11-19-00; heterotaxy syndrome w/dextrocardia, situs ambiguous, polysplenia, CAVSD, DORV, L-TGV, BSVC, PS, IIVC, & a leaking common AV valve (mitral & tricuspid are merged); now 5 surgeries under her shirt; we took advantage of the 2 for 1 OHS sale on 7/12/05 at UofM by the gifted Dr. Bove; fontan & annuloplasty of common AV valve; then valve replacement w/a Carbomedics prosthetic valve

carepage at www.carepages.com carepage name: KatelynSteffen

Be sure to ask Dr. Riordan to advise Dr. Bove on the extent of Scar Tissue and Radiation Damage to your Heart, Valve, and Aorta. Even experienced surgeons may be surprised by the amount and extent of scar tissue they encounter with radiation damaged hearts if they have not seen it before. (Been There)

'AL Capshaw'

 

[mrwjd]

Oh, Jody!

That's all I can say--in public. I'll bet you can think of some prize words to say privately, though.

I hope this means that when it's all done, you have a perfectly uneventful recovery. You have it coming!

 

[EireCara]

So sorry that you are having to go through all this 'again'. But we know, and you know that you CAN do it. Keeping you in my prayers. (((( HUGS ))))

 

[Cooker]

Jody...I am sorry that you are going through this....you are in our thoughts and prayers....

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Thrush is a fungal yeast infection that often results when antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in your digestive system.

Are your Doctors doing anything to treat your Thrush?
If so, I'd be interested in knowing their treatment recommendation(s).

You can find several links to information and treatment of Thrush through a Search on Google (or other search engine), including some 'ads' for "Quick Cures" and/or "Natural Cures". Be sure to ask your Doctors about any such 'cures'.

The usual Medical Treatment is some type of antifungual medication such as Nystatin or the more powerful Diflucin(sp?).

 

[brd]

Jody, My thoughts are with you and my prayers are too. You WILL get through this. Barbara

 

[Mary]

Jody,
One of our finest little members, Katie, had a very complicated surgery done with Dr. Bove. I'm going to try and reach her mom, GIJanet, and see if she can reassure you with a post.
I hate that this happening, but at least I know you will be in a great surgeon's hands.

 

[WayneGM]

Sound to hear about the rocky road and the need for a second surgery. I'm sure they wouldn't do it if you weren't up to it. My thoughts are with you and best wishes this is all behind you soon.