Two days to the chest cutter and anxious

[Borden]

I've been following this forum since early October after my annual echo. Been tracking a bicuspid AV and ascending aortic aneurysm for the past five years. Currently at 6.5 cm. Heart cath scheduled for Wednesday and AVR with aorta repair on Thursday. I've opted for a mechanical valve even though I have a history of peptic ulcers (No bleeding but partial gastrectomy in '81). I don't want to face another OHS in my old age. Other than the bleeding aspect, does anyone have any information relating warfarin to stomach problems? My surgeon, Stephen Dewan of CTVS in Austin, says he's done 200 of these procedures and not to worry. The mechanical valve is the way to go. Guess I'm just anxious. That tube down the throat thing has me on edge. I have the world's most monumental gag reflex. I once bit an endoscope to the beyond repair stage.

 

[Ross]

Borden welcome aboard. Why for did you sit on the sidelines so long? Participate man, participate!

You would be best to speak with Al Lodwick and check out his site if you haven't done so already. He is invaluable with his information on Coumadin. He is a member and frequently is found in the Coumadin forum or you can email him through his site or private message him from here.

www.warfarinfo.com

 

[geebee]

Borden,
Welcome and I wish you well this week. It sounds like you have good doctors who are answering a lot of your questions.
I agree with Ross, check out Al's website for all your coumadin concerns. I have been on coumadin for 24 years. I have had problems off and on with acid reflux and, years ago, a small ulcer. The doctors said it was not due to the coumadin nor did the coumadin affect it.
The tube down the throat is not exactly pleasant but, trust me, you are kept so sedated that it won't be too bad. I also have a strong gag reflex and only really had problems when they suctioned the tube but they will explain that to you so you don't get too concerned.
Take care and God bless. Keep up posted and try to have someone let us know how things go on Thursday.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[dcpickle]

Borden,

Best of luck with your surgery. I'm just 2 1/2 weeks post-op myself. Just remember, if you feel lousy for the first few days after surgery, it will get better, and quickly! You'll have many friends rooting for you right here, so keep us updated if you can.

As for the breathing tube thing. It has been heavily discussed in these forums, and everyone (with only one or two exceptions) reports that either 1.) they don't remember it at all, or 2.) It was no big deal. My own experience is that I do remember it, and I was very glad to get it out, but since it's not moving, it's not triggering any gag reflex. I have at least a normal gag reflex, but there was no gagging when it was removed, either. It was too quick, I guess.

We all fear different things before surgery, I guess. I heard stories about removal of the drainage tubes and pacer wires. Both of these were quick and painless for me.

Try not to worry about it. You'll do fine and then it'll all be behind you soon!

David

 

[bvdr]

Hi Borden,

Welcome to this website. I'm glad you've had a bit of time to benefit from this site. So many of us have wrestled with valve options before surgery as you are doing now. You have the history of ulcers which complicate things a bit. I don't want to sway you one way or another since I'm not sure how heavily that needs to be weighted. I had transient ischemic colitis last January that was most likely caused (according to my medical team) by a blood clot from my then 4 month old mechanical valve. The ischemia caused an ulcerative colitis and temporarily complicated my anti-coagulation course. This complication is extremely rare since clots typically take a different route than mine took. I am doing fine now.

I don't know what your gut feeling is about your valve choice.

 

[countryboy]

Best of Luck

Best of Luck

I am 11 days post-op and doing fine. I can't answer your questions about coumadin as I have a porcine valve. I also had a bicuspid aortic valve with increasing regurgitation. I was dreading the breathing tube also, but it was a piece of cake. I didn't have it long--never even realized I was on a tube . The nurse said I would have maybe a half second of discomfort, then it was out. She was right, no gag, no pain, no problem. I came home 5 days later with just the usual soreness, etc. My first sneeze scared me. My wife said I had a stricken look on my face. I wasn't sure what had happened--no time to grab the heart pillow. On a lighter note, I sure wish the hair on my chest would hurry and grow. Quite uncomfortable.
Best wishes and God Bless,

Bobby

 

[catwoman]

Borden:
I haven't had a definite problem w/ ulcers. I've had a problem w/ severe nausea all my life. Several years ago (maybe 4), I had to take Prevacid for 6-8MO for severe indigestion (assumed it to be GERD, no endoscopy done), then quit cold turkey and have not had a problem since; some episodes were so bad I thought I was having a heart attack or gallbladder problem. I think I had the beginnings of ulcers and the Prevacid allowed the area to heal.

Because of the severe nausea, I too have a big big problem with gagging. Dental visits a problem. My orthodontist must have dreaded taking impressions of my mouth. Coughing bouts, even odors set me off. Surprisingly, I didn't have a problem with gagging on the breathing tube. Guess it was because I was prepared for it.
I did have problems w/ nausea for 2-3 days post-op. Had surgery on a Tuesday; smell of pancakes they mistakenly brought me for breakfast on Thursday just did me in.

Coumadin has not been a problem for me. I eat what I want (with consistency, of course) and base my dosage on that, rather than letting Coumadin dictate what I eat.

Good luck with your surgery. Which hospital will you be at?

 

[tommy]

Borden,

Welcome aboard. Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery. Try not to worry, it really doesn't help. We look forward to hearing from you on the "other side of the mountain" as we call it.

My AVR surgery was four years ago - late November. I got to watch the election haggling/recount/legal stuff wall to wall. Hope you have something more constructive to occupy your time this year.

PS.... you're as old as you feel!

 

[dawnwit15]

Welcome

Welcome

Borden
Welcome. I will pray for you this week and I hope everything goes well. I think everyone of us here had anxiety about the breathing tube. Like others said, you'll be so sedated you'll have no concept as to how long or how short of a time your actually intubated. Breath with the machine not against it. A couple of friends from this site offered me those words and believe me, it makes the experience alot easier. If you breath with the machine you will remain calm and not have the gag reflex. So try to remember that when you wake up, don't panic! You'll be up and running before the holidays! Stay positive and come back and let us know how everything went.
Dawn

 

[Borden]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for the responses

Thanks for all the information. I suppose its easy to crawl into a corner and think you're the only one who has to go through this. Your responses are enlightening and very comforting. Thank you.

I'll be in the Heart Hospital of Austin here in what we call the "Music Capitol of the World." (Austin, Texas).

I've devoured the coumadin forum. Al's website was especially informative. I think I can live with that stuff. My wife is a nurse and has assured me that all of her coumadin patients are doing well. Being somewhat of a clutz I've envisioned arms blackened with bruises.

I've been asymptomatic. At least, to the extent that I walk 3-5 miles several times a week, bike for 20 or more miles occasionally, and am, I think, physically normal except for that whacko little valve. This past year though, when the aneurysm jumped from 4.7 to 6.5 cm, I've experienced considerable fatigue after physical exercise. I feel lucky to be here though. My wife got a new EKG machine about five years ago and asked me to be her test patient. That EKG led to an echo, a CAT scan, and now to surgery. Otherwise, like several of my cousins and uncles, I'd have just keeled over one day.

Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I'll be in touch.

Borden

 

[danielgilboa]

Hi Borden,

You seem to be in good physical shape which is going to help you on a good recovery. You will be very weak after surgery but I hope you pick up quickly. I got back on my mountain bike 4 weeks post op, but it was mainly to prove to myself I can do it.
I got the st jude mechanical and am happy with my choice. If I do not mess up on the warfarin I can live with it for the rest of my life.

Good luck with surgery, and remeber our mantra-
breath, breath, breath, walk, walk,walk, nap.

Daniel

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Borden

Hi Borden

I looked at your ID on VR.com. I was the same age as you..62..when I had my surgery..2 1/2 years ago. I,too, got the Mech valve. I have had NO problems with taking coumadin. I have a home-tester..and it (INR) is always in range. ..I am still very active..helping my son raise an age 12 year old Grandson...Sometimes, I wear him out.. I was lucky to have great nurses..I never remembered the tube or anything..Just woke up in a private room, no pain..and got up and walked the halls. I am a big advocate posting on VR.com post-surgery..to PLEASE take it easy when you come home..Nap, walk a little in house, take your pain meds..Food will taste yucky for a few weeks..You will feel better as each day goes by..Just DON'T hurry it...If you do, you will have a set-back....Please have someone to post for you after your surgery. We like to know our members are doing O.K..and if you have any questions, post-op..we will be here for you. Bonnie

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Hi Borden.....

Hi Borden.....

Are you the Milkman? Sorry, couldn't resist..

I'll be sending good wishes to you all the way up IH35 from New Braunfels to Austin on Thursday for a successful surgery with an uneventful recovery.

 

[tobagotwo]

Borden,

It's the same for everyone, and completely different for everyone at the same time. Through the many of us who are here, you can usually find at least a few people who have faced your issues, had your symptoms, a similar lifestyle, or has had the same type of surgery.

At the same time, when it's you who is going through it, you very much feel alone in your experience. And afraid, at least at some level. Everyone here has felt that, I believe. The best I can suggest is to use what you learn here to help reduce your fear and anxiety about what you see and undergo at the hospital.

I'll vouch for the breathing tube: it's no big deal. If you do have it in when you wake up (I did), just remember that it kept you alive for the preceding three to however-many hours, and it won't let you down just because you woke up. Realize also that your blood oxygen is also being monitored, so they would know before you do if it wasn't doing its job. In fact, it's the ultimate laziness: you don't even have to breathe.

One secret is that, even though you know the odds are really good for these procedures, you are so tickled pink to realize you made it through the surgery, that you really aren't nearly as concerned about the extra paraphernalia.

I also had no pain with the chest tube, although some did. Those little outboard pacemaker wires stung a little when they were yanked, though. Not enough to yelp over, but I felt them.

Good luck in your procedure. Please have someone post and let us know how you are doing, if you can. Now we know you a bit, so we will worry.

My thoughts will be with you tomorrow.

Best wishes,

 

[KathyH]

Hi Borden, Welcome to this great site. Give yourself a few months and you will be surprised how much better you will feel after you exercise. I still can't get over how much better I feel.
It sure is a good thing you found the aneursym- sure was growing at an alarming rate. Good Luck in surgery, hope you can have someone post how you are doing.
Kathy H