A little long....but needing someone to listen...

[LisaD0365]

I haven't been active for awhile ...since have been in and out of the hospital for the past 2 1/2 months....second to the last hospital stay...they inserted an infusaport....(I know...high risk of infection....but doctors weren't worried)...had it put in March 10th...by March 23rd...my temp went up to 105...went to ER and was ambulanced to bigger hospital....blood cultures came back positive...they thought it was only the infusaport....took it out....Sunday morning in surgery....then did a TEE monday....but told me not to worry...since they didn't think my heart was infected....all I remember...was hearing the Doc saying...Oh %$#%$#!...then I was shown an ultrasound with my mechanical heart valve infected and my tricuspid infected...surgeon came in and told me....sending me home with IV antibiotic therapy for a month and then will have surgery for both valves....going to put porcine valves in....less likely to get infected....hopefully won't have any trouble after that...crossing fingers and toes....
Thank you for listening....

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It would help to know your age.
Also, what is a CVA?

Out of curiosity, where did you have your surgery?
How many valve surgeries do they do per year?

Regardless of the above, I would seek a Second Opinion from a MAJOR Heart Center such as the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic.

Also, ask the surgeon you interviewed How Long he expects the Porcine Valves would last in YOU before needing to be replaced again, and what valves he would recommend using that time around. Then ask the same questions of your Second Opinion Surgeon(s).

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Tiffin]

Lisa I'm so sorry you are going thru this very ruff time. May the next month pass very quickly for you, and a faster recovery from surgery!

 

[hensylee]

Al, cva = cardiovascular accident (stroke)

Lisa, it sounds like you have really been through a rough and miserable time. I pray that this month will pass quickly for you and that you can get the surgery done with no problems. You are in my prayers.

 

[Nancy]

Oh Lisa, gee- what a terrible situation. I probably missed some of your posts, since Joe has been on the sick list too, but what did you need the Infusaport for?

I can only say that you can get through this. It won't be easy, but you can do it. I have witnessed the miracle of healing with my husband over and over. He's recovered from the darndest things, many when he was close to the "other side" several times.

Just grit your teeth and hang on for dear life, your body will respond and you WILL get better.

 

[Mb]

Lisa:

I am so sorry you are going through this. I also would get my butt to Cleveland, or somewhere at the upper end of heart hospitals. You've a real dilemma on your hands. Also, what was that port for?

Marybeth

 

[Mary]

I haven't been active for awhile ...since have been in and out of the hospital for the past 2 1/2 months....second to the last hospital stay...they inserted an infusaport....(I know...high risk of infection....but doctors weren't worried)...had it put in March 10th...by March 23rd...my temp went up to 105...went to ER and was ambulanced to bigger hospital....blood cultures came back positive...they thought it was only the infusaport....took it out....Sunday morning in surgery....then did a TEE monday....but told me not to worry...since they didn't think my heart was infected....all I remember...was hearing the Doc saying...Oh %$#%$#!...then I was shown an ultrasound with my mechanical heart valve infected and my tricuspid infected...surgeon came in and told me....sending me home with IV antibiotic therapy for a month and then will have surgery for both valves....going to put porcine valves in....less likely to get infected....hopefully won't have any trouble after that...crossing fingers and toes....
Thank you for listening....

Lisa,
I'm so sorry you're having this problem.
I'll keep you in my prayers. Please keep us updated on your situation.
Mary

 

[LisaD0365]

Infusaport.....

Infusaport.....

I had a couple of Dr's and nurses talk me into getting an infusaport so it would be easier than an IV...(I am a really hard poke)....and most of the Docs were fine with giving me an infusaport....I just know hindsight is 20/20...if I would have known it would have sent me to OHS.....I would refused it....I am having my surgery in Mercy Hosp in Des Moines, Iowa....my last surgery was in Iowa City....University of Iowa Hospitals...me traveling to Cleveland is NOT an option...wish it was...but financially not possible....Mercy Hosp is supposed to be very good with cardiac care....just crossing my fingers.... ...

 

[Teresa UK]

Lisa, I've no idea what an infusaport is, and I don't understand why you're being advised to get a second opinion (I'm not questioning the advice - I mean I don't know enough to understand!!), but I'm sorry you're having problems and I wish you well. Take care.
Teresa

 

[francie12]

Hi, Lisa--From a fellow Iowan, I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck getting through this rough time. Our cardiologist is affiliated with Mercy in Des Moines. The heart center there has a very good reputation. I'm curious if Dr. David Hockmuth is your valve surgeon, as we have met with him as a potential surgeon for our son and liked him alot. Regardless, I'm sure you will be in good hands. Good wishes coming your way.

 

[MelissaM]

Lisa - so sorry you are going through this. What a BUMMER. You may or may not want to consider a second opinion, but before you make up your mind, consider this:

My first surgeon gave me a 60% chance of fixing my valve
The second surgeon gave me an 80% chance of fixing my valve
The third surgeon gave me a 95% chance of fixing my valve.

In other words, NOT ALL SURGEONS (OR HOSPITALS) ARE CREATED EQUAL!

I understand not wanting to *hassle* with getting additional opinions. Believe me, it was the LAST thing I felt like doing. My friends kept the pressure up, though, and I am SO GLAD to have kept searching for the best. It was worth it!

And. . .please also don't dismiss going to a place like CCF (or the Mayo Clinic - not so far from you!) because of expenses. My insurance (and trust me, it wasn't the best insurance in the world), paid all of my travel expenses for me AND my companion.

So....even though you may not feel like it, please continue to consider what is best for you.

 

[Superbob]

Lisa,

I don't have any expert advice on the particulars of your situation, but I do offer my prayers and best wishes. Please do keep us informed.

Bob

 

[tantekay]

Sorry to hear you're having such problems, my only advise it to make sure whatever your decision, be strong and confident in it. I'm a stong believer that if you are ok with the situation and feel that you've made the best decision you can make releives stress and with less stress you have better outcomes. Best of luck and you'll be in our prayers.

 

[cocoalab]

I had a couple of Dr's and nurses talk me into getting an infusaport so it would be easier than an IV...(I am a really hard poke)....and most of the Docs were fine with giving me an infusaport....I just know hindsight is 20/20...if I would have known it would have sent me to OHS.....I would refused it....I am having my surgery in Mercy Hosp in Des Moines, Iowa....my last surgery was in Iowa City....University of Iowa Hospitals...me traveling to Cleveland is NOT an option...wish it was...but financially not possible....Mercy Hosp is supposed to be very good with cardiac care....just crossing my fingers.... ...

Lisa I am so sorry things have been so hard. I have no opinions on the hospitals or where to go but wanted you to know here is another one praying for your next surgery. I hope the antibiotics are doing the job for you.

There were lots of things in your signiture I didn't understand but was really curious about the cardiac asthma. Can you explain that one? Thanks!