Update: week 7 and not doing so good

[Smiley2000]

I am now 7 weeks post-op and should be enjoying my new heart, but instead I struggle with low BP, fast HR and CHF.

GP phoned Cardio's assistant and they want me back in ICU to be monitored. They don't think fast HR and low BP and CHF is normal at this stage of the recovery. I have also developed a lot of my pre-op symptoms: extra systoles (some times as much as 30 per minute), low BP, dizzyness, palpitations when I walk and even when urinating and muscle weakness.

Pro-BNP test shows I am back in CHF. normal is 150, acute is 300 and I am sitting on 218. I think that is there biggest concern.

If only they can figure out what to do to get my HR down, then BP will improve and I am sure also CHF.

My usual Cardio will be back on Monday and I am going on to a new Medical aid on 1 June. My current Medical aid is Insolvent (I think I helped a bit).

I am ready to take a "kannie worry" like Ativan if it will help!

Other than that I am feeling okay. I just want to run away, but my body keeps following me

 

[Duff Man]

Smiley, I'm sorry about your (what seems like) slower than usual recovery. I'm sure once you get plugged in at the ICU they'll get you fixed up. I would personally feel safer there anyway with those kinds of things going on.

Did the CHF result from the surgery or did you have that before?

Here's some prayer support coming your way!

 

[Cooker]

Not all roads are smooth...It sounds like you took one with a few bumps.....Try not to get down, hard I know.... A good and positive attitude can do miraculous things ....Hang in there.....And if you need a little something to calm you and take the edge off, ask for it.

 

[WayneGM]

Sorry to hear you're still stuggling. However, 7 weeks is still pretty early. Hopefully you'll see substantial improvement soon. I know I had slow periods and quick periods during my recovery. It isn't linear and don't progress continuously at the same pace. Hang in there. Best wishes continue....

 

[Mary]

Yes, you are encountering some big BUMPS in your road to recovery.

I'm confident that once they get your CHF under control, your blood pressure and heartrate will get better.

I hope that the hospitalization will be of short duration, and you'll soon be back home and feeling much better. Please let us know when that is.

 

[paco512]

Sorry to hear of the troubles...

Sorry to hear of the troubles...

I am sorry to hear that things are not as smooth as they could be. Keep your head up and prayers are on the way.


Paco512

 

[Smiley2000]

GP spoke to Cardio and told him I'm a difficult patient I wonder what gave her that idea...

I have been put on additional BP meds (Florinef and Akrinor) and hopefully by elevating the BP my HR will normalize and I'll continue with the LANOXIN to improve CHF.

My Cardio will be back on Monday and then I'll speak to him. In the meantime I'll monitor my BP and HR on my mom's BP-thingy.

yip, sure has been a bumpy road, but I am hanging on tight.

Thank you for being there for me

 

[Karlynn]

I'm sorry to read of your BUMPS. I hope this is resolved quickly for you.

 

[Susan BAV]

Sorry to read this and I hope you will be feeling much better very soon. Take care .

 

[South Sound Sailor]

Smiley - stay in touch with all of us and please keep us up to date on how you're doing. While everyone on this website who has been on the OR table to correct valve problems may not have experienced the kind of bumps you've experienced, the simple fact is, setbacks after valve surgery can happen to any one of us. We're all pulling for you to get back on a solid recovery path. You've got friends from all around the world wishing you a quick bounce back.

Steve C.

 

[bbb]

Smiley,

Keep up all your positive thinking and great attitude, you are an inspiration. Sounds like the best thing that could happen is attention to the bumps in your road. After 7 weeks, your body is still feeling the effects of surgery. Slowly, slowly you will begin to recover. Will keep you in my prayers and know that your positive attitude will take you through to the light at the end of the tunnel.

All the best,

Best

 

[srmusic]

Hi Smiley,
We share some similarities. I had my mitral valve repaired with an annuloplasty ring (sternotomy) in July of 2006. At the same time I had a Maze procedure to correct a long standing history of arrhythmias for which 3 ablations were unsuccessful.
I too have low BP. 100 over 60 is high for me! As a result it has been tough to me to take beta blockers, etc. Right now I am on a super low dose of toprol as since surgery for some reason my HR is in the 90s. Prior to surgery it was pretty normal most of the time.
Before my surgery, my BNP was 38. I had it tested in February of this year and it came back at a whopping 342. My heart size and ejection fraction are normal. I did some internet research and was quite concerned. But my GP and my cardiologist are not worried at all. I suspect that with all of my cardiac issues, perhaps there is a new normal. For me, they consider this BNP "mildly elevated." ???
At any rate, if you would like more info, just let me know. Have they checked your ejection fraction and heart size?
And hang in there. 7 weeks out from surgery, yikes. I bet you are still feeling no so great. Take it easy! Sharon

 

[ctyguy]

Smiley...sorry to hear of your difficulties. I've read your posts since before your surgery and what I think is easy to surmise is that your not short on resolve. Please keep you chin up and continue to be the squeaky wheel when you get your next Medical aide assigned. Your getting your share of bumps and bruises with your recovery, hopefully they can figure out the method to get your issues resolved.

 

[hall]

I hope they get you straightened around! Feel lousy enough without the added problems. I'm sending prayers your way. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

Deb

 

[zipper2]

Hi Smiley,

been keeping up with all your posts and sorry to hear about
your ordeal now. Thoughts and prayers remain with you for your comfort.




zipper2