Post Op Issues

[JudithD23]

Hi,

I've noted that some of the post surgery issues can be severe, e.g. pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, etc. First of all I want to thank you all so much for sharing this stuff because it educates, it helps us learn what to expect, potentially, and when it does happen, reading about the recovery gives us inspiration.

The gist of my post is, is there anything we can do to avoid these issues or is it just the bad luck of the draw?

Has anyone tried pre surgery visualization, meditation, vitamin C therapy, etc.?

We go down to Stanford this evening for early morning tests. Tom will have a 64 slice CT scan and then a TTE with a consult at noon with Dr. Craig Miller.

We are actually still looking at Dr. Morris at Mercy if we hear from Miller that he will not do the surgery himself but will have a resident do it and get an opinion from Miller regarding Morris. That's probably taboo though.



Judith

 

[Mary]

I'd say Lori is dealing with issues many of us dealt with post-op.

I don't think there's anything you can do to prevent post-op complications, but knowing that they usually resolve with time helps you deal with it.

I feel that not knowing what might happen post-op is the worst part about valve replacement.

 

[JudithD23]

I surely don't want my post to be misinterpreted to make it sound like Lori did something wrong and thus, everything else happened. I'm not into blaming the victim in any situation. I just had to ask the question because I want us to have as much info as we can.

 

[lieb2101]

I agree with everyone's sentiments here. There's a reason why it's call PRACTICING the ART of medicine. There are so many variables and our bodies are all so different that regardless of our doctors and the state of our health, the best we can do is accept whatever tomorrow brings with a positive, determined, and grateful attitude.

For myself, meditation played a significant role in mentally preparing for surgery during the two grueling months leading up to it. The only thing that we really have any control over anyway is our own mind.

Peace,
Brian

 

[Cooker]

I surely don't want my post to be misinterpreted to make it sound like Lori did something wrong and thus, everything else happened. I'm not into blaming the victim in any situation. I just had to ask the question because I want us to have as much info as we can.

I did not take your post that way at all... And as others have said?.stuff happens?.I had three small bumps in the road a week apart after AVR... Once everything got straightened out (very quickly I might add) it was smooth sailing.... There are many bumps that are not uncommon; all three of mine (a-fib, anemia and pericarditis) were common.

I don?t know of anything you can do to avoid or predict speed bumps in the recovery road... Just try and be in the best shape you can physically, mentally and spiritually?.The body, mind and spirit are powerful health restorers.... Wishing you the best

 

[WayneGM]

I don't think there's anything you can do to specifically prevent these post-op complications. Everyone's body reacts differently to the trauma of OHS. At least knowing what to look out for can help identify issues sooner so they can be dealt with.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I don't think there's anything you can do to specifically prevent these post-op complications. Everyone's body reacts differently to the trauma of OHS. At least knowing what to look out for can help identify issues sooner so they can be dealt with.

The Statistics for OHS are Extremely GOOD. That said, the numbers don't mean a thing if YOU are the 1 in 'whatever' who comes down with a complication (such as what Lorie is experiencing).

That is why it is SO IMPORTANT to have Excellent Post-Op Care (trained and experienced Nurses). Even better if someone (family, friends, etc.) are there 24/7 to watch for 'changes' and make sure all the medications / injections are correct and of proper dose (and not missed or doubled up).

When it comes to Higher Risk Patients, the BIG NAME Surgeons 'usually' do the major parts of the surgery while Senior Residents 'may' do the opening / closing (on first time patients). Be sure to ask!

Dr. Raissi is the BIG NAME guy in Southern California, along with Dr. Laks. Seattle also has some good surgeons. Hopefully you will have a better idea of what needs to be done after these tests / interview.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Phyllis]

Knowing what speed bumps have been common to those on this forum also helps prepare you for what to expect, what to look for and in most cases shows you that most of them resolve themselves (of course sometimes with help) very quickly.

 

[Marguerite53]

I think this is a good thread. Many of us go into the surgery thinking it is just the surgery we have to live through. That is daunting enough!! Many of us don't even think of the potential for problems afterwards.

We are all here to educate and support one another. Sharing stories and information should be just that (and is...I think your comments are fine, Judith).... meant to educate and support.

As for me. I had no remarkable issues post op at all. Just the increased benign heartbeats which threw me a little scare for awhile. Since then (knock on wood) nothing. There are many of us who had no issues (or, unremarkable ones). The issues get the attention because as is obvious to the nature of this forum, things need to be addressed!

I did have my surgery locally. I was able to. Mine was very textbook and easily handled by any one of a dozen phenomenal surgeons here in town. Not everyone has that option. Either they live distant from good care, or their medical peculiarities warrant a trip out of town. I guess for those who travel, it becomes imperative to have good communiction going with someone locally so that any issues that arise will be addressed appropriately and in timely fashion.

Just my 2 cents. Marguerite

 

[Freddie]

Yes, it is a real bummer on what Lori is going through.

And I'm not sure if this will help (I had mitral valve replacement - if that makes a difference)

During and 3 months after OHS I was on vitamin C, D and E.

Did it help???? I don't know, I just did what I was told to do. And didn't experience any complications.

Best wishes and good luck

 

[harleygirl528]

Just felt I should chime in since my post-op complications seem to be a issue. I hope I haven't in any way tried to dramatize or make what I am going through seem worse than it is. Primarily, I have posted to seek input from others who have gone through similar issues and to help those of you in the "waiting room" to understand the potential issues.
Just to clarify....I went into this surgery in a very good frame of mine, relaxed and at peace with everything. In fact, I felt and still feel an incredible sense of gratitude that I was someone who had an aortic aneurysm (potentially fatal) but that I was given the opportunity to fix it and thus live (unlike thousands of others every year). I practiced meditation and deep relaxation techniques daily and did a lot of reading and research and felt very good.
That being said, I don't think there is anything you can do to totally avoid the potential issues that can crop up. OHS is an extremely invasive procedure and our bodies can react to this in a myriad of ways. I am sure Wayne didn't do anything wrong to cause his tamponade and I can't really say I have done anything to cause my body's autoimmune response to kick in and cause this "dressler's syndrome." The important this is that I am doing what I can now to deal with it, trying to stay positive and realize that it is just temporary and I will get better. I have done absolutely everything in my power to stay healthy and to promote healing from eating a very healthy diet, drinking lots of water, walking, deep breathing, etc. I have stayed informed and on top of my medical condition and tried to react appropriately to each situation.
I think it would be naieve to think that you can avoid post-operative complications by doing or not doing anything. Sure you can help yourself along by following all your discharge instructions (which I have done precisely) but that still isn't a guarantee. I don't feel "unlucky" at all....I still feel extremely lucky to have found a surgeon with the skill to repair a very compicated aortic aneurysm that extended into my arch, involved total circulatory arrest, and to have the cognitive abilities to begin posting coherently just two days after this surgery. I have so much to be thankful for and what I am going through now is just a little "bump" in the road. I am very, very lucky indeed...and I will be better soon! Just my two cents......

 

[harleygirl528]

I see that Judith altered her original post to take out the direct reference to my recovery...which is silly since you can see the replies to her original post all make reference to my specific post-op recovery. I don't mind you using my situation specifically if it can help clarify things for you and your husband and the many others who are facing this type of surgery. But, the thing that I think is so imperative that you and everyone else understand, is that there is no way you can predict what your post-op course will entail and no amount of meditation, physical or mental conditioning (I consider myself very healthy in all those regards) and no amount of supplements (I take a multi-vitamin, extra vitamin D, C and calcium) can prevent these issues. Although these factors can help sway the odds in your favor you CANNOT prevent post-operative complications. It comes with the territory and it is part of the price we pay for the chance to have our lives back. My posts are not meant to commiserate my miseries...but to garner support and information from others and to provide information for those facing surgery. Sorry if I have alarmed you or others.

p.s. pleural effusions and pericardial effusions post-op are fairly common and I would not term them as "severe" unless the percardial effusion develops into tamponade. Most the time these issues resolve on their own with time.

 

[JudithD23]

First of all, I'm sorry that I used HarleyGirl as my example in asking my questions; that was bad judgement on my part. And I'm not surprised to hear that she has done everything I've been doing with my husband, or at least trying to with some consistency. I've been reading these posts since early January, when we learned Tom would need AVR, etc. HarleyGirl's posts have always been positive and upbeat. I've edited my original post, albeit a little too late.

That being said, aside from my poor judgement, I felt I needed to ask the question.

Second of all, I guess there is no second of all.

Take care everyone, I'll try to be a little more sensitive in the future.

Judith

 

[netmiff]

Judith

I don't think anyone - least of all Harleygirl - took your post the wrong way. Personally, I always that "forwarned is fore-armed"; I was kept sedated a full 2 days post-op; apparently I had pneumonia. I did not consider that a "bump" in the road, it is not uncommon, and did not post - couldn't have anyway, I was out cold ! Under anaesthesia for 3 or 4 hours, the lungs do not get a chance to keep themselves clear by doing deep breaths. If we all just posted and say "yeah, everything's going great" we would be doing a dis-service to those that come after us. The more prepared you are, the better you are able to spot warning signs of anything that might be serious.

Just my opinion.

Keep asking those questions - an informed consumer is a wise consumer!

 

[tobagotwo]

Do remember that what you see on the sight is a poor representation of the success that the surgery has and the relatively small percentage of people who do have significant bumps in the road.

Many people come here, learn, share, have their surgery, and simply go back to their lives. Once through, many see little need to remain. And that's fine: the point of the surgery is to get your life back, and they've taken it back.

The people you will most often see tend to fall into four groups: those who are awaiting surgery, those who've found a bond with others here, those who feel it's something they want to give back to, and those who are still in trouble. And combinations thereof.

Some stay to learn the ropes of Coumadin management and get hooked on the friends they make over time. There are likely a higher percentage of mechanical valve owners here that in the general, valve-replaced population largely for that reason. Some have longstanding, post-surgical problems that make them want to stay near to those who understand and may be able to help at some point. Some are waiting for the day they will have surgery. And waiting. And waiting.

So don't take the postings as being representational percentage-wise of problems post-op. They are more postworthy, and more interesting reading than the ones that go smoothly. Many are looking for more information, ideas for improving their situations, and some way to get some more control over their issues. Some others (e.g., HarleyGirl) post their problems pre- and post-surgery at least as much for educational purposes as anything else.

And you're going to see more of them than of those who have no real issues, because the second group has so much less to post about. One, "hooray, I'm home," and the rest seems not exciting enough to post about. (Of course, that's a good thing...)

As far as the use of the word "common," in reference to post-surgical complications, I offer that it usually means something like, "this particular thing happens often enough that it's not overly scarey - you're not the only one."

Don't worry - Be happy,

 

[roundsgirl]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to post that for me at first, I thought most everybody here were super heros, I got home felt terrible, was doing all that the doctors told me, but still I hurt so bad and was and still am somewhat depressed, then I got pneumonia. I was thinking man these are some strong people here. The point being when I saw a post of someone having some type of trouble, or someone who responded to my post and had lived with the same problems as me, I gave a sigh of relief that I was not alone and other people understood. Like it has been said before, everybody is different and will respond as such. It's nice to know you are not alone and there is a wealth of information and support here. Best wishes to all of you waiting to come over the mountain and those of us there, bumps in the road or not we made it.

Hang on tight, sometimes it's a rough ride.


Lisa

 

[Nancy]

Judith--

My late husband Joe had 3 valve surgeries and 2 lung surgeries. He did not have any major complications from any of them, just normal recovery from difficult surgery. He also had multiple medical conditions.

He really didn't do anything extraordinary to prepare for surgery. I will say, though, that he was in good physical condition aside from his medical problems. He was athletic all his life and never smoked. I don't know if that made any difference. There are many athletes here who have had a few problems.

So I guess what I am saying is that most go through the surgery and do well, some have problems for a while, but the vast majority eventually get over it all and have a good outcome.

Everyone is unique in their recovery, and I am not sure anything that is done prior to this surgery will make much difference with the exception of good common sense, not overdoing, and being especially careful not to be around anyone who is sick, not doing anything to cause a fall and making sure that the teeth are in good condition (sounds strange to say that, but it is important).

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Judith -

Have you ever read the Stories section of VR.COM? Perhaps that might be helpful, to read more experiences. Hoping all goes well for your husband!

 

[Curtsmum]

After my son had his surgery his lung collasped and nobody knew why, they were going to operate on him again because his mitral valve ended up too tight, they decided to wait and it turned out he didn't need the surgery straight away. After surgery is just like life itsself, some people will have a smooth ride and other will have lots of s**t, others miner bumbs along the way. Wishes your husband the best of luck on his journey.