Couple Questions.....

PeggyM · Oct 23, 2007

I got the report from the ct scan of my brain. It says, "There are fairly extensive intracranial vascular calcifications, more than expected for age."
Impression: "Moderately severe..."

Am I going to stroke out tomorrow? My GP says it's probably due to my "severe heart disease" and when I asked him "do you mean because of the valves or the blocked right coronary artery" he said the artery. Yet, my surgeon and cardiologist have both said recently that I don't have coronary heart disease per say!!! The right coronary artery made it's own bypasses.

Now I gotta go into surgery tomorrow worrying about my brain. Or I could make myself not worry. How, I have no clue.

What does this mean? Should I see a brain doc after the heart surgery?

The other question is this. From what I've read, the INR range for a new mechanical mitral valve is higher than for a mechanical aortic valve. So how will they figure out what my range is suppose to be? Will it change?

Thanks and I can't remember who I am now!

Just kidding.

Bina · Oct 23, 2007

Peggy, think only of the task at hand....I know, easier said than done.
But really, focus on your surgery and recovery. Later you can move onto the brain vascular issue.
My surgeon recommended an INR of 2.5-3.5 for my AVR, some docs say 2.0-3.0
Either way, I find that staying around 3.0 covers all bases.

WayneGM · Oct 23, 2007

Sorry to hear you've got even more to worry about. However, with the big journey tomorrow, I think you should just try to focus on that and take one day at a time. I'm sure in due course the docs will help you determine the next steps on the CT scan report. Best wishes tomorrow for a succesful surgery and smooth recovery. Good luck!

Isis · Oct 23, 2007

Peggy,

I agree with Bina. Try to focus on what's at hand tomorrow and getting thru the MVR. There will be a time down the road where any brain issues can be looked at.
For INR on mechanical valves it's: Aortic 2-3 / Mitral 2.5-3.5. So, anywhere around 3 would be fine. Although, my cardiologist told me 2-2.5 for my aortic on-x valve would be fine.

Best wishes for tomorrow; I know you'll do fine. Everyone here at VR is behind you.