My update

[Gisele]

Well, I arrived home today from Mass Gen. Hosp. I had another subdural hematoma --this one with an INR of 3.6! The nurosurgeons decided to operate so that they could drain the blood that was accumulating. This has left my left foot numb since the surgery...might be permant.

The neuro-surgureons don't want me back on coumdin ever again. The next time I bleed it could kill me. Cardiology on the other hand doesn't want me to have a clot. From what I understand the solution would be to remove the mechanical valve and implant a tissue valve. This is just way too much for me to take in all at once.

I will try to keep you updated as I am sure I will be searching for imput from everyone.

Gisele

 

[Nancy]

Oh Gisele-

I was wondering where you were. I'm so terribly sorry you have these difficult problems. Talk about impossible choices!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers as your doctors mull over what to do that would be in your best interest.

God Bless.

 

[Nancy]

Would that be the old Bjork-Shiley valve they are talking about?

 

[Ross]

Hey ya lady, quite that stuff!

If your not in a catch 22 situation, I don't know who is. Please let us know what is discussed about you.

 

[EVELYN]

Hey G

Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!!!! I'm sure they'll get something worked out, maybe a reduced warfarin amount to keep it around 2.5???

Please keep us posted.....I'm just glad you're back and fine.

Evelyn

 

[Les]

Be thinking about you during this time....let us know what's up.
___________________
Les AVR '93 / '95

 

[MelissaM]

Oh my Gisele! Darned if you do. . .darned if you don't. Shoot. I sure hope your cardiologists and neuro-surgeons are talking. It is the worst when both sides have their opinions, but neither is listening to the other specialist! You and your doctors will be in my prayers.

Melissa

 

[hensylee]

Aw, no, Gisele - what a blow after all you have been through. I know it is hard to accept this 'ruling'. Tough dang luck to get past the surgery and then it has to be undone - I hope they find a better solution. My prayers.. I know you will keep us updated. Ann

 

[nadi]

In my thoughts

In my thoughts

Gisele,

I am so sorry you are having these problems. I hope your Dr's come up with a solutions soon.

I will keep you in my prayers,

Take care,

 

[Gisele]

Appt tomorrow

Appt tomorrow

with my cardio to discuss options. He has spent the entire morning on the phone discussing this with teams of cardiologists. Yes Nancy, that would be the Bjork Shiley that I have gotten accustomed to for the past 20 years. Replacing it would only be a last resort for me as I was so ill when I went through this procedure that I have always told my doc--Never again!

I start the Lovenox tonite, but that worries me as I haven't had much luck with it, and I am terrified of another bleed.

I will keep you posted.

 

[Nancy]

Gisele-

You just can't leave Joe out there all alone with his Bjork! I hope for you, it doesn't come to that.

But, if it's to be, things may be different this time around. You had your surgery a long time ago. Things have progressed a lot since then. Joe's second and third surgeries were much easier than his first one, even though he was much sicker with the second and third ones. The time frame is much, much shorter, anesthesia and surgical techniques have improved a hundredfold, and there are all kinds of new gizmos, doo-dads and drugs to make you more comfortable. Plus, you wouldn't be going into this one ill. It would be done as a preventive measure.

I'm sure your docs will do right by you.

We're all here for you, as always.

 

[Georgia]

Gisele, I'm so sorry for you - please know that you have my prayers and best wishes that all these docs will find some workable solution for you.

I know you don't want another surgery (neither do I); but it's truly manageable these days. Mine was just 6 months ago and I'm not remembering with rose-colored glasses - the pain and discomfort were minimal, particularly considering how much work was done. And this is coming from a cowering wimp who, prior to this surgery, had to LIE DOWN for a blood count. To be totally honest, the worst part of it all was the lab work after surgery while in the hospital; and you're having that anyway.

My experience was probably better than many; but I'm with Nancy - the surgery and recovery have been streamlined and fine-tuned.

We're all with you.

 

[bvdr]

Hi Gisele,

I'm so sorry you are facing this. I don't know what else to say but that I will pray for you.

 

[Sunshine susan]

Gisele--I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulty. That is a really tough spot and a real blow I'm sure. Is your valve an aortic valve? There is less of a chance of a blood clot with the artificial aortic valve because the blood flows so fast over the valve. Unlike the mitral which is slower. If you have an aortic valve, maybe you could get by with less coumadin and a lower INR such as someone already mentioned.

I'm curious, how did you know you had the hematoma and was it spontaneous?

Just know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Still looking forward to your move to St. Petersburg!

Susan

 

[fyrfytr]

Gisele,
I'm sorry to hear about your problems. I hope the Drs. can work something out for you. You are in our prayers. Keep us posted.
Dave

______________________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Gisele,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Please take care the best you can. We will be here for you.

God Bless

 

[Gisele]

Thanks..............

Thanks..............

for all of your positive thoughts. I really appreciate it. I was re-admitted to the hospital a week ago Thursday so that I could receive heparin, however I woke up at 4:00 AM Friday with a really bad headache. The 7:00 AM CT scan showed that I had started bleeding again. The pain just worsened with no relief until Monday morning. I was sent back to Boston on Friday afternoon. I am on ASA 325mg and Plavix for now. I was finally released from Mass General Hosp. yesterday. I didn't get much sleep at all in the hospital and it felt so good to sleep at home in my own bed.

Right now I am on "hold" with my coumadin. They will attempt to restart the coumadin in about 5 weeks time. My CT scan showed that I had a stroke which explains the numbness in my left foot. I felt that pins and needles sensation starting at my toes and going to my knee after my surgery. When I questioned the nurses I was told it was due to the swelling in my head from the surgery. The local neurologist who examined me said the CT scan showed a stroke.

Now I sit and wait to see what the next step will be. Local cardio doc wants to replace the valve with a tissue valve and the Boston cardiac surgeon did his rounds at 5:30 in the morning when I was asleep so I am not sure what he has decided to do. I will call my doc on Monday (he was on vacation this week, but he told me to call on his cell phone if I have any problems or questions--what a sweetheart).

I am not too excited about replacing this valve as I was so sick the last time, but I hear that it is easier than 20 years ago. So I am just going to take one day at a time.

I have so much catching up to do on the board. I think this will keep me busy!

Thanks so much for all your good thoughts and wishes.

Gisele

 

[hensylee]

I know you must feel pretty helpless at this point - not knowing what's next. And the stroke ---- bad news to have to take along with all the rest. You know you have so many thinking of you - and sending prayers. Love Ann

 

[Kim]

I am so sorry you are going through this struggle. Try to keep a positive attitude and all of your options open. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us posted!

 

[EVELYN]

Hello Gisele

One day at a time, girlfriend......Please know you are in my thoughts and definitely in my prayers. Keep us posted as to what is happening. I surely hope they can do something to avoid surgery, if at all possible.

Evelyn