Tom's AVR new info

[JudithD23]

I read these posts and I just want to cry. Thanks so much for the support. Tom went in around 12pm and the Dr. said that he probably wouldn't be coming out until 9 or 10pm.

I just got online with Tom's laptop and logged in to the forum right away. I'll let you all know how he does .

Again, thank you all so much.

And everyone, be well.

Judith

 

[Guest]

We're with you in spirit, prayer, and hope. {HUGSx3}

 

[maggiemay]

best wishes

best wishes

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Tom.

 

[marie]

Just said a quick prayer for the both of you and the surgeon as well. Thanks for the update
Earline

 

[JudithD23]

Cardiac nurse just came out and said they would definitely replace his aorta (we knew that from yesterday) and that they started a little late, but that he was stable.

Has anyone heard of a unicuspid aortic valve? That is potentially what Tom has and that according to the anesthesiologist, his valve should have gone bad on him 30 years ago, they're surprised it lasted this long.

We should get another report at 5pm.

Thanks everyone and take care.

Judith

 

[Susan BAV]

Cardiac nurse just came out and said they would definitely replace his aorta (we knew that from yesterday) and that they started a little late, but that he was stable.

Has anyone heard of a unicuspid aortic valve? That is potentially what Tom has and that according to the anesthesiologist, his valve should have gone bad on him 30 years ago, they're surprised it lasted this long...

I found this:
http://www.med.yale.edu/intmed/cardio/chd/no_search/c_unic_aov/notes.html

Unicuspid Aortic Valve - Discussion
The incidence of unicuspid aortic valve is rare. The valve may have three fused cusps with the stenotic central orifice. In some patients, the stenotic aortic valve is unicuspid and dome-shaped with no- or one lateral attachment to the aorta at the level of the orifice. Valve function is usually characterized by severe immobility and little or no systolic opening. Post-stenotic aortic dilation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and right ventricular enlargement may also be seen. The most important associated anomaly is severe aortic arch obstruction. Infants and children with severe aortic stenosis may have an underdeveloped aortic valve ring which may be associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and aortic atresia.

 

[JudithD23]

The nurse just came up with an update. Everything is going smoothly and there is about an hours worth of sewing that needs to be done. They've brought his temp up to regular heart surgery temp after working on his arch. The nurse left for the evening, she said she would be staying if there were going to be issues, but things are going as planned. She said I should check with the ICU nurse at about 8:30 to see if he'll be out soon.

Let me tell you, this has been clearly the hardest day of my life, that I can recall. I know once Tom gets through this, he'll have very hard days and I'll be there to help him through them. I feel though that they will be a piece of cake compared to this, I sure hope I'm right.

Take care everyone,

Judith

 

[JudithD23]

P.S.

Susan, thanks for researching the unicuspid. I just don't have the energy to do that right now.

Judith

 

[Phyllis]

Judith- just checking in before bed- 10:30 here on the East coast. I hope you get to see Tom within the hour and that both you and he have a good night. Try to get some sleep yourself tonight. He will need your undivided attention for a few days now and that is easier done with a good night's sleep if you are confident that he will be in good hands in the CCU. Will check the forum again first thing in the morning to see how you both are doing.

 

[Superbob]

Judith,

Just reading your posts makes me appreciate all the more what my family went through three years ago waiting for my surgery to end and to check on me. I am sending prayers and best wishes that everything will go well for Tom as he moves into the ICU and then on to a regular room and recovery. Hope you can get some rest too; I know this has been the longest day ever for you.

Best wishes,

 

[Curtsmum]

I maybe a little late just wanted to say hope everything went well, best wishes

 

[Ross]

See thread in post op.