May 23 surgery. Feedback so needed!!!!!

[Debbutterfly]

Last April 2012 went to ER via ambulance thinking I had heartburn. Was advised I had a "small heart attack". Scheduled for cath and stent next day. I honestly did not think it was serious ...I know. Sent hubby to work.

I coded during cath. Thank GOD there were two incredible surgeons across the hall. 4x bypass. Recovered well

Fast forward. EF still at 35. Lost 70 lbs the right way. October started having edema. Started 20 mg lasix morning and night,

ICD implanted last August. ECHO and mitral regurgitation unchanged. Have ascites in stomach which my surgeon attributes to severe triscupid regurgitation. Mitral is moderate to severe.

Plan is to " go in through the side " this time. I have TTEE and cath on the 15th. Gotta admit I am completely scared due to what happened last time. BP. Runs low.... 90 over 60. On coreg, losartan, baby aspirin, and have doubled morning dose of lasix every other day per doctor.

Also was on zocor but GP let me take a month off to see if that what was causing thinning hair and liver enzyme increase. I will have to go back on another one.

Anyone else had triscupid repair/ replacement with an ICD lead? ALL responses appreciated! My boys are college age and nervous but it feels different this time. THANKS and blessings:angel:

 

[kfay]

Sorry you have to have another heart surgery so soon. I had my tricuspid valve replaced. Do you know if your ICD lead goes through your tricuspid valve? If so, I would definitely have a conversation with your medical team about how that lead might effect your valve, especially if they have to replace it. I know my drs have told me that if I ever need a pacer or ICD that they most likely place it epicardially so that it doesn't tear up my porcine valve.

If you don't mind me asking, where are you having your surgery done? The tricuspid valve is the least replaced valve and I would want to make sure your surgeon is familiar with operating on it. What is the reason for them deciding to "go in through the side" vs. another sternotomy? Are they going to do anything about your mitral valve at the same time?

Kim

 

[Debbutterfly]

Thanks so much Kim! Yes, the lead does go through it. I was pretty surprised that I was not made more aware of this ...I switched cardiologist about 6 weeks ago..I liked my old group but could not take any more getting canceled or pushed back.

We (surgeon ) and husband and I talked about going the "pig" valve for mitral. My heart was pretty badly damaged, and I think he feels like I would do better "side" than OHS. Although, it has been a year.

After the TTEE and cath he will decide if he needs to temporarily remove or stop the ICD to "screw" in for lack of better term

I am in Florida, Health Park is top ten in nation for cardio. As I said I have complete trust in my surgeon since last years OHS.

Did you have fluid in your abdomen? My cardiologist sent me for an abdominal scan since I had elevated alkaline phosphate. Gallbladder walls were thickened but radiologist felt it was secondary to moderate ascetis.

I have results from my December echo if you want. Thanks so so much