missed you

[blanka]

Hi Everybody,
Didn't realize we were back on line until this morning. A lot has happened for me since I last posted.
I met with my heart surgeon, Dr. Cohn of Brigham and Women in Boston.
He came highly recommended and I really liked him. There was no doubt in his mind that I needed a AVR. And I have a date for the surgery, August 17.
On 8/4 I'm scheduled for a heart cath at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth.
Dr. Marks will be doing it.
And now I just have to wait, and as everyone knows, that's hard.
I think I've done too much research on the internet, and I'm really nervous and anxious if I think abt. it, especially the catheterization. I know the procedure, but it's the treatment of the insertion site after the procedure that scarres me a little.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Blanka

 

[netmiff]

blanka, when I had my cath done, I was so scared they almost had to knock me out ! As for the insertion site, they used a "plug" on me, made by St. Judes. It is made of collagen or something like that, and it dissolves inside the artery. I had no problems, only had to wait an hour or so before I got to go home. I did have to carry a card with me saying that I had had a plug, apparently it can show up on MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds etc., and they don't want anyone to think it is something else!

It's so easy to say, but don't worry about the cath, it is a nothing thing.

 

[Kathy McCain]

Hi Blanka,

It is quite normal to be nervous! I was, quite frankly, a complete reck! You will get through it though. Please keep us informed, and feel free to sound off with any question, or fears.

As nervous as I was, when the time came for them to wheel me into the operating room, I was quiet calm! Then whap, you're out. You don't remember a thing!

 

[njean]

Hi Blanka,

So now you're scheduled for surgery next month. Yes, the waiting period is probably the hardest but it will get here sooner than you think. In the meantime, prepare yourself by doing things around the house that you do ahead of time so as not to bother with when you get home. Cook meals that you can freeze so all you have to do is warm them up. You will definitely need someone to give you a hand around the house for the first week or two or perhaps longer, depending on your recovery.

As for the cath, you will probably find out that it will go easier than what you anticipated or worried about. I have had many in my lifetime & I have never experienced any problems. The last time I had one, I had to lay immobile for at least 8 hrs but I've heard of others that can start moving around in 3 to 4 hrs. after the procedure. You will do just fine so don't get yourself all worked up about it.

Will be thinking about you!

 

[deano89]

i was just like you scared stiff of the cath ,i had left /right cath through the groin and it was absolutely nothing to worry about it ,i had no sedation only local around the incision area laid flat after for a number of hours then went home had quite a bruise down my leg but all healed well and wasnt allowed to drive for 24 hours. the whole process took about 30 mins the only thing i would say is when they nuke you with fluid that they put thruogh the cannular u will feel a rush of warmth from head to goin but all in all its a non event .
if you have the cath through the wrist you will be up in no time ! much quiker recovery time i beleive

 

[blanka]

Thanks for the feedback re the cath. Makes me feel better. Will let you know how it went on the 5th.

 

[scotttnz]

Hi Blanka,

I had my cath 2 weeks ago, and while it isn't a fun way to spend a day off work, it wasn't too bad. It was ll over in about 30 minutes, followed by a few hours of staring at the ceiling before you can sit up. The worst part for me was putting the IV line in my hand in case they needed it. Eventually they gave up and put it further up my arm.

 

[dl_mooney]

The plug is called Angioseal it works great. Had to lay there for a much shorter time period think about a couple of hours.Dont worry youll do fine.Best wishes to ya

 

[blanka]

heart cath

heart cath

I never met the doctor who is doing my heart cath. He's local and attached to the South Shore Hospital. He specializes in heart cath and his bio sounds very impressive. I'm hoping he'll come to talk to me before the procedure so I can ask him where the insertion will be and what kind of closure device he will use. Do you think that will happen?