Madison's Post Op Visit with her Surgeon

MadsDad · Mar 17, 2004

Madison had her post op visit today. Her INR was 2.6. They took her steristrips off and her chest tube sutures were removed. Her BP was fine. The surgeon said she looked great and that hopefully her new valve would last for many, many years. He said it is capable of getting her well into adulthood. He was very pleased with how well she has recovered. Her left lung is still partially collapsed, and he said with her normal behavior that should take care of itself. Madison made him a thank you card with her picture on the front. I think it really touched him. I just thank the lord for giving people like him the skills necessary to help people. He didn't want to have her blood drawn again until next tuesday, saying that he thought they had found her dose. I kinda wish they would check it one more time on Friday. She is taking 2.5mg now and has for the last two days, before she took 2mg then 2.5 then 2mg. I hope he is right. This is when I really wish we had a home test unit. Well, I just wanted to update everyone. I will get an up to date picture of her to post.

Raverlaw · Mar 17, 2004

I'm so glad to hear that Madison is doing so well. She sounds like a real trooper; and with that new valve clicking away, you'd better be prepared for one active little girl.

We've all got special skills of one kind or another- but I'm with you: I'm so thankful for those with the surgical skills and the confidence to literally hold another human's heart in their hands and make repairs. What a blessing!

KathyH · Mar 17, 2004

I'm so glad that everything is going well for your daughter. Our 3 1/2 year old grand daughter lives with us and I can't imagine having to go through all of this with such a little one. I hope in a month or so you can your wife can get away and relax somewhere. ( I know you probably would want the little one to come to, can't say I blame you.)
Kathy H

ericaj · Mar 18, 2004

yeah!!

yeah!!

I am so happy to hear that little miss Madison is on her way to a great recovery... isnt it just the most amazing thing how kids are so resilient and can bounce back so well!!

I do know that cardiologists especially the pediatrics specialists love to receive small gifts like cards and pictured from there patients. I keep in touch with my ped. cardiologist -- although I havent been his pt. now for 2+ years we keep in touch and he is a really big help to me with questions I have. They are a special bunch the good ones!

congrats again to Madison, Erica

Harpoon · Mar 18, 2004

Perhaps Ross or Allodwick (did I get that right?) can speak more to this but I think it's better to space out INR testing than to test every couple of days (unless you're really out of whack to begin with)

The idea is finding a consistancy. Your INR will fluctuate some depending on what you eat, your exercise, meds, and all kinds of other factors. If you test too often, you'll just be picking up those fluctuations and unless they're wildly off the scale, it's really not much to worry about.

You get to a consistant dosage and stick with that for a week or more, go back and test ot see where the INR is. If it's too low or two high, you adjust the meds, but some minor fluctuation is normal.

I THINK... =)

The idea is to get a base level of coumadin in your system so it's always there regulating things, too many changes within a few days isn't going to give you an accurate read on what's right for the individual.

And I'll say this, I don't think anyone's in real danger unless the INR goes way out of range or stays "midly" out of range over a period of several days, again there are "experts" here who can speak more on this...

Rebecca · Mar 20, 2004

I am so glad that Madison surgery went well and that she is on her way to a speedy recovery. For the last three years I have attended the Woman 2 Woman Conference sponsor by American Heart Association that is held downtown in Atlanta at the end of February. During lunch they have several survivors (known as the Faces of cardiovascular disease) share personal stories of survival. This year?s survivors range in age from 8 to 75 and represent various ethnic backgrounds. I would love to hear Madison story next year at the conference and see her 6 days post-op picture on the big screens. Last year there was a two and half year old as one of the Faces of cardiovascular disease.

Rebecca