Probably a silly question, but I'm scared

[readsforfun]

Hey everybody. I know this is probably ridiculous, but my mind is going slightly crazy with this scenario. I'm scheduled for AVR on Tues., 2/13. During the past 3 weeks I have had 3 fairly heavy nosebleeds. I've been able to stop them by myself after about an hour and they never happen when I'm able to see my ENT.

My question is this: Is it possible that when I'm sedated after surgery (or during) and laying flat that if I got a nosebleed it would go down my throat and no one would notice? My mind has been imagining all kinds of things, but this is the worst!

Jan

 

[Magic8Ball]

I would think that would not be possible due to the amount of monitoring that goes on during surgery. Although 'asleep' you would still exhibit signs of distress if your nose was bleeding which they would address.

I'm not actually sure if you are flat on your back anyway, i think you may be on a slight angle so they can open your chest up more.

The bleeds are probably due to stress and blood pressure, both of which will hopefully be less during/after surgery.

Best of luck.

 

[readsforfun]

Thanks for the encouragement, Magic. Bleeds may be due to stress, that's certainly possible. But, blood pressure is always low-normal and these things start out of nowhere, sometimes in the middle of the night when I'm sound asleep.

Jan

 

[hensylee]

as they are getting you ready, you might mention these nosebleeds so they are aware of the situation.

 

[Nancy]

You have to tell your surgeon and also the anesthesiologist about the nosebleeds. Both of them will want to know.

 

[geebee]

You are right to be concerned as these are the types of things the doctors need to know about. Just let them know and then they will be able to watch out for you properly.

Try not to be scared - they are professionals whose only job is to make sure you come through with flying colors. For a few hours you will be their focus and, once you tell them about the nosebleeds, they will have all the information necessary to take care of you.

 

[readsforfun]

Thanks for the helpful advice. I have informed my surgeon about the nosebleeds and after hearing from all of you, will make sure I tell the anestheseologist also. I was just ABSOLUTELY SURE that they would not be able to see the blood from a nosebleed trickling down my throat, especially with the "breathing tube" in. However, I'm sure you're all correct. They are professionals and once they are informed, they will be aware and know what to do.

Again, you've come through for me and calmed my fears. I hope one day I will be able to do the same for others.

Jan