bumps in the road

[SteveInFlorida]

Hi all!

Sorry I haven't been present in this forum since just after my surgery, but both my computer and my left hand were not functioning well, and so I have not been electronically active.

All the major stuff went very well for me: my heart, lungs, and kidneys are all doing great now! They were all suffering before surgery.

However, I had many more 'bumps in the road' this time than I did after my surgery in 2001, and that were much more painful and distressing than the surgery itself. Maybe it was because I am older?

In any case, here's a list of some of the minor complications I had:

1) damage to my ulnar nerve during general anesthesia resulting in great discomfort and loss of function in my left hand, specifically my 4th and 5th digits and the whole left side of it. After 2 months now, it is still weak and numb/tingling, but much more functional than before. Several of my doctors have prescribed physical therapy for it and said it should go away over time. Anyone else have this problem or know anything about it?

2) problems of hallucinations and extreme constipation (registering a 10 on a scale of 10 for pain) with Percocet

3) several severe gall stone attacks (also registering a 10 on a scale of 10 for pain) for which my doctor recommended gallbladder removal, but now I have had no more attacks and my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal, so I think it was from the medications, etc., but my doctor disagrees

4) a very bad cold during my 3rd week post-surgery involving frequent and extremely painful sneezing

Anyway, maybe others have had related experiences post-surgery that they could share about these or other 'bumps in the road? I would expect that this discussion would be useful for those scheduled for surgery to understand what they should be prepared for even when all the major things go well.

 

[Mary]

My goodness. I bet sneezing three weeks post op was painful! I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!

I suffered pericardial constriction following my valve replacement, and that's considered to be a pretty major complication. I'm still dealing with it 3 years out and will be for the foreseeable future. I was pretty bummed out about it for a long time, but the cardio has done a good job of managing it, and now I try to just ignore it.

Very few members seem to come out of replacement scott free, but speaking for myself, I am always hopeful that they will.

 

[SteveInFlorida]

Thanks, Mary, for reminding me to count my blessings!

You're right, sneezing is evil

by the way, I grew up in the St. Louis area, but that was many, many years ago!

Take care and I wish you the best.

 

[KristyW]

Steve ...nice to see your type again.

I remember when you had your first surgery. I had mine about the same time as you.

As far as the nerve damage... I had that, but it was on my chest. There was an area just left of center about 5 inches wide & 8 inches long that was completely numb after surgery. I did regain feeling slowly over the next 3 months. So think positive.

The constipation and probably the hallucinations were due to the percocet.

I can't tell you about the gallbladder tho. I'd suggest keeping an eye on it though.

You've been over the mountain twice in 7 years...I'd say you're doing great!

 

[SteveInFlorida]

Thanks Kristy! You've always been so encouraging. Good to know that the nerve problem gradually went away for someone else.

 

[Nancy]

Steve, I've had my gallbladder out and Joe did too. He didn't have the attacks to the degree that I did. They were horrible, deep and excruciating. Actually, a former doctor thought they were a heart attack, right through my chest into my back, and I spent a couple of days in the heart unit. I had several of them. When I passed the treadmill stress test with flying colors, the doctor started to look at other things. Finally, I got the gallbladder checked out, and had the thing removed. I had scope surgery and it went just fine, in one day and out the other and never looked back. Doctor became history shortly after that faux pas.

Joe's surgery was very problematic because his surgeon nicked his liver causing a massive bleed. But that is not something that happens often at all.

My sister-in-law who is 81 just had her gallbladder removed and she had the same experience as I did, no problems whatsoever.

 

[WayneGM]

Welcome to this sid eof the mountain but sorry to hear about the bumps. Best wishes for smoother pavement from here.

 

[ctyguy]

Nice to read your post Steve. I had two bouts of effussion, once with my heart and the other with my lungs. Fortunately both healed by themselves without the need for re-hospitalization, just a few pill adjustments. Small stuff compared to what you've dealt with. Looking back now at 5 months my AVR seems like it was pretty textbook, just a few things that most deal with. I also had bowel issues, Percocet was just brutal on my digestive system. Seemed like I was going to rip the towel rack off the wall more than once Sorry all, crude humor it may be but if it brings a chuckle to a few then my work is done.

It sounds like your coming around now so keep that positive outlook and you will be back to your old self before you know it Best of luck...

Scott

 

[hensylee]

I got hip damage during surgery (not heart) but didn't know it because I was on one of those 'serve yourself' pain pumps. I only knew I refused to get out of bed to walk after the first time. I went to every dr I could think of and nobody could locate any problems, but I couldn't walk because of pain. The hip was definitely out of place and it still clicks in/out at times. I bet yours might have been from lying on a certain spot that may have pressed on your nerve(s) controlling your arm and hand. It took me a few yrs but it got better over time. Good luck with yours.

sorry you had so many bumps. I know those sneezes were just awful. Nobody told me not to, but from personal experience, I try to tell those going in for surgery 'don't sneeze'.

Blessins.............

 

[KAJ]

Hi Steve,

It sounds like you had more than your share of "bumps ithe road."
I gained 10 pounds shortly after my AVR. You could see it in my arms and legs. My RN wife said my lungs did not sound normal. To her dismay, I was discharged anyway. The discharge nurse and a resident surgeon said I would be fine despite going in and out of A-fib shortly before discharge.

We fliew home but 24 hours later, my wife called the amublance. I had gone into congestive heart falilure. Cardio said it was due to all the fluid in my body. Fortunately my new valve and the rest of my heart was not damaged. I stayed at one of our local hospitals for nine more days.
It all could have been worse for me.

I hope your road will smooth out soon and stay that way.

Karl