What to do; broken ribs and need Mitrial valve

[Michaelka]

Well, I just joined this forum. I just found out that I will be one of the hundred of thousands that have or will have an artificial valve.

For years I have had Atrial Fib and Mitrial valve prolapse. There was one attempt at cardioversion. Unfortunatly I was NOT well sedated at all, I remember both 240 and 320 Joules of juice being pumped through me. I was left with the large UFO landing marks on my front and back. (3rd degree burns).

So on top of that past history, and a fairly major auto accident February 6th of 2005 where I had 13 ribs broken, (5 of which remain dislocated) on my left side, I get to trust my life to the doctors again.

Needless to say I am totally scared to death. If I could somehow arrange for a "Mulligan" for the year 2005, I would certainly love a "redo".

In August my wife of 14 years went on to permanatly visit an old boyfriend. What a year this has been. I finally finished (mostly) moving to an appartment with a lot help of friends and church members. The news that my mitrial valve had to be replaced was not really a total surprise, except for the timing. When it rains....... And after all.... this IS the Seattle area.

I have been doing probably too much reading about what is ahead, and I am not too thrilled about it. I keep telling myself that every day past February 6 is a good one. (The day after my T-Bone accident)

Does anyone have any ideas; other than to scream (oh, durn, I forgot that hurts!)
Drop a line, I am certainly interrested in other views on my interresting situation.

 

[Granbonny]

Hi

Hi

And welcome to our forum..I looked at your profile and see where you are now taking coumadin...If, you are getting a mech. valve..you should know the ropes about taking coumadin. You didn't say..where you are having your surgery? ..We have a very active ( and good-looking) member ..Johnny Stephens..who lives in your area...Go to the top of our forum..where it says members. click on the J's and you will find him..I'm sure if you e-mail him..he will be glad to talk to you.....about where he had his surgery, ect.......Come back and ask any other pre-op questions..that's why we are here.. Bonnie

 

[INRtest]

I can't say anything to make your 2005 better, but I can say that you survived the auto accident and are slowly mending and you'll survive this (& slowly mend).

The surgery is easy (good drugs), the recovery is, at times, slow and not fun, but figure, by next year at this time you'll hopefully be in better physical condition that you have ever been or at least been in a long time.

Good luck. This is a wonderful, supportive, understanding group of people. In my opinion, the best part about this forum is that there are one or more of these people that have experienced more or less what you've been through, including relationship issues. In the meantime, I want to wish you a happy, healthy, 2006.

 

[Cris N]

Oh, Michael,
Welcome to the forum. What a perfectly lousy year. You definitely deserve a Mulligan.

Wish it worked that way

What you do have going for you is an opportunity to re-create your life. You obviously can't change the past, so the only thing you can change is the present and the future - and much of that is your outlook on life. There are and will be times that screaming helps... we all need to vent, that's for sure. One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to arm yourself with knowledge and one of the best places to do that is here. Of course, you will want to gain as much information from your medical team - PCP, cardiologist, & surgeon and then pick up some info from real life experiences from the members here.

It's good (and quite normal) that you're scared - that means you care about what happens to you but the key is to focus that energy in a positive way. Obviously you have seen a cardio - have you talked with a surgeon yet? Do you have any idea what valve is recommended or what you would prefer? There are several types and as many different reasons for selecting one over the other as there are people who need them. Do you know how soon you'll be having the surgery?

The folks here will certainly be happy to answer your questions, hold your hand and offer a shoulder. Just ask. If you haven't already done so, spend some time in the reference, the valve selection, and pre-surgery forums. Loads of information.

So, again, welcome, pull up a chair & join in the conversation. Most of us are really nice and don't bite (well, we're not so sure about Ross...)

Cris

 

[Nancy]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you have to be here, but this is a fantastically supportive place to be. You'll find lots of kindred spirits who will help you through the surgery and beyond.

You didn't say what your time frame is. Have you been told that this is something that has to be done right away, or is it like a lot of other folks, and you are in the "waiting room" for an indeterminate amount of time?

You really need to discuss your ribs with the surgeon. Since they will be sawing through your sternum, this will be an important topic. Perhaps you would qualify for minimally invasive surgery which goes through the side, between the ribs. It spares the sternum split. My husband had his mitral repaired that way. He's had three valve surgeries, an aortic and mitral mechanical, and then a repair on the mitral.

I would think the fewer broken bones in your chest, the better.

 

[tobagotwo]

Atrial fibrillation is fairly commonly associated with mitral valve issues.

As long as you'll be going in for the surgery eventually, you should consult the surgeon about having a MAZE procedure performed while you're open. The MAZE procedure is the most successful surgical anti-atrial fibrillation procedure currently available. It might help you.

Best wishes,

 

[Michaelka]

Back again and the surgery is scheduled after the Superbowl Feb 6

Back again and the surgery is scheduled after the Superbowl Feb 6

Well,
Thank you for the past posts. I have had the absolute delight of going through my very first angiogram.

Ok, now for all of those people out there telling people that have not yet had their angiogram, that it is no big deal......YOU BIG LIARS!!!!

And for everyone who has never had an angiogram before..........You know, it really is not a big deal at all! ......... he. he. he. he. (I guess I am in the club now)

I was scheduled for the angio because I had a Trans Esophogeal Echo (gulp, those big words again). Most unpleasant, I have an unfortunate tendancy for whatever meds that I am given to help me relax, do almost nothing.

I think the Cardiologist was surprised at the number of questions I was asking all through both proceedures.

I will at least get the chance to see the Superbowl before the surgery. That is a big plus.

My Surgeon will be Steven W. Guyton, MD at Virginia Mason in Seattle. I looked at his resume and I for one am honored to have such a surgeon working on me. My medical insurance is United Health Care which is a TriCare Prime subscriber. (My military background really paid off more than I could ever imagine, first the car crash 1 year ago exactly from the heart surgery and then a Mitrial valve repair)

In fact if the doctor is able to work on my ribs, fix my arythmia and solve the valve problem it would be equivelant to taking your car into the shop for Body work, a tune up and a valve job!

Thanks guys for being there.

Michael

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome to the forum, Michael. I put you on the calendar for February 6th. Being happy with your surgeon is one of the best places to be and I like Cris's post that you cannot change the past, but only effect the future and I hope that things definitely change for the better for you in 2006!

 

[Karlynn]

I have an unfortunate tendancy for whatever meds that I am given to help me relax, do almost nothing.[/COLOR]

Me too. I talked all the way through my EPS (electrophysiological study - which is the lovely cardiac cath with the plus of having them electrically stimulate your heart into different rhythms to see if they can really screw it up.) The nurse told me I should have been out like a light. Wish I was!

Make sure your anesthesiologist knows that you are a tough one to sedate. They thought I was out from the little shot they gave me before they took me to the OR and when I said "ouch" after they started to cut into my neck to put in the main line, they freaked out. "She's awake - get her under!!" And they did, quite well.

 

[Georgia]

Hi, Michael. Sorry you need surgery, glad you have it scheduled. You'll probably get the most relief from your rib pain you've had in a year when you get your post-ohs painkillers!

btw: my mom was injured the same as you many years ago - all ribs on right side and collar bone broken, lung punctured and collapsed, etc. It took her a long time to feel better. It was at least a year before she didn't have a lot of rib pain.

So maybe by the time you're recovered from ohs you'll also be healed from your accident.

You'll need to be especially careful to use your spirometer a lot if you had lung damage from the broken ribs. You might want to practice with it prior to surgery if they gave you one.

Best of luck.

 

[PJmomrunner]

The good doctor Guyton's resume was quite easy to find online--His background is quite impressive! It looks like he's got quite a bit of experience with blunt trauma to the chest in addition to the valve work--Just the guy for your particular job!

What a great sense of humor you have. Good thing, with the year you've had! I hope all goes smoothly for you and the Seahawks. (You're not a Steelers fan, I presume?)

 

[ArleneT]

Hi Michael!

Hi Michael!

Michael, our surgery is on the same day and I'm looking forward to having it all behind us and comparing notes later.

You have a wonderful sense of humour and I think that will help you a lot through all this. Will definitely add you to my prayer list.

Best wishes,
Arlene

 

[Michaelka]

Tough one to sedate

Tough one to sedate

You know, I have told the anisthesiologists over and over and over....etc

I do not sedate easily. I have yet to have the chance to actually have an anesthesiologist believe me. I really think they hear this from everyone and simply do no listen anymore.
When someone comes in that really is resistant to the sedation due to whatever physical or psychologial reasons, I think the anisthesiologists truly believe "They will never remember it anyway".

I am going to have to sit on my anestheologist Monday and hold his pinkies back until he understands. I remember every little detail from all of my proceedures.

(Has anyone ever had piriformas syndrome before? The treatment is delightful. First you go into a large lead lined room. I think the lead is to keep your screams from disturbing other customers rather than anything to do with radiation. They poke a 2" neadle into your Sacrum until you scream the loudest. Then they know when they are in the right place. This is done several times.

Now, I will cerrtainly admit that this proceedure DOES work. The pain is actually reduced very much like turning off a light switch. I had to undergo this fun proceedure twice until I finally found out (via physical therapy) that I was putting myself into that situation by improper lifting techniques. Hmm, OK, I won't do it THAT way again.

But this was another proceedure that I was not suppsed to remember.

Also way back when I had a try at cardioversion. Guess what. Yep, Zap 240, and 320 Joules. After the first zap, I tried to tell them to stop, but it was a little difficult........

Well, I am glad to hear that people will be praying for me on the 6th. I have found that is one thing I cannot ever have enough of. I know that God is not done with me yet because if that car wreck 6 Feb 05 did not kill me, something must be in the works.

My sense of humor has been developed at finding a way to look at reality and stay sane at the same time. Oh well two out of three ain't bad. Hmm, that didn't sound right did it?

Life is just so wierd, I really happen to notice how strange things can get. Belief in God and Jesus help me to hold on. Otherwise.... Really Just what would the point be?

I am truly blessed considering my background. No I was not sexually abused, but physically and psychologically ambushed regularly. Foster Homes Yes.
I was able to get into the Air Force at 18. (I simply did not want to clean out bowling alleys for a career).

The reason I say this is who knows, it might just help someone else know life can be a drag, but thats how they catch lobsters!!!!!

I am trying to deal with this upcoming surgery the best way I can, and this forum is certainly one way. I tried drinking, but have you ever tried to blog while drunk? Not pretty.

Thanks again guys and I will be writing regularly.

 

[Michaelka]

Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage

Well, I have to say that old dogs can learn new tricks.

I learned that I should have short term disability and an in-hospital rider.
I kick myself for not having that one year ago when I spent 10 days in the hospital for my auto accident.

If you do not have these policies, get them!

I have a $1,000 one time per year first day coverage and $300 a day after that in-patient.
Plus I have a $400 a week (max 13 weeks) of short term disability.

It would have saved my marriage if I had this a year ago I think.

I think that I learned my lesson last year that I am not indestructible. It took 49 years to do it, but I think I got it through my thick head.

I wish I learned it when I was 25. Life would have been different, but hey! Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda. Most likely no-one under 25 is reading this anyway, and like me, probably would not have listened anyway!

Feeling unsure...........

 

[Mary]

I wish I learned it when I was 25. Life would have been different, but hey! Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda. Most likely no-one under 25 is reading this anyway, and like me, probably would not have listened anyway!

Feeling unsure...........

You're absolutely right in that department. The positive side is you are now much more knowledgable in the school of hard knocks, and hopefully, what you've learned, will last a lifetime.

When you visit with the anesthesiologist Monday, be very clear about your past experiences. Tell him that's your major concern, and you want it to be his also. Don't forget to reiterate your concern the day of surgery.

Everyone feels unsure as they approach their surgery date. I'm posting the avatar I used the last month before I had replacement, so you can see how shaky and scared I was.

 

[Michaelka]

Michael, our surgery is on the same day and I'm looking forward to having it all behind us and comparing notes later.

You have a wonderful sense of humour and I think that will help you a lot through all this. Will definitely add you to my prayer list.

Best wishes,
Arlene

Arlene, I will certainly keep you on my prayer list as well, perhaps we can set up an "infinite loop" of prayer. Who knows. (Has that ever been tried? Most likely). I do like prayer chains. My chain is pretty long and I am activily advocating for all the prayer that I can get. This sort of thing brings out your true core beliefs. I did not really believe that until lately. Also I did not really realize how deeply my faith in Jesus is. Being tested, I am constantly seeing only one set of footprints in the sand of my beach. I just hope that I do not weigh too much.........

 

[Glenda]

Michael, like you I sincerely believe in the power of prayer. I wouldn't be here without it. It sounds like you have already been through so much and God has had his arms around you all the time. One thing to remember is to forget about what happeed yesterday and what might happen tomorrow, just expereince the fullness of today. Focus on today, have no regrets for the past or fears about the future. I find when you do this, all your focus is on the now. You can smile, laugh, pray, think, and enjoy what each moment brings. I know from experience that God is good and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs and prayers are coming your way at this very moment!

 

[Glenda]

Michael, something I forgot to say. I too am hard to put under, but my last surgery which was my AVR last year I remember telling the anestheologist that I don't go to sleep easy and that during my last two surgeries two years before (cancer) I couldn't feel anything but I could hear the doctor's and nurses chatting amoung themselves sometime during the surgery. He just smiled at me and told me not to worry, that I would be asleep. The next thing I knew I was in recovery and they were all through and was pulling my breathing tube out. I had been out for about ten hours. He must have really used some good stuff! It did take me a while to wake up but I never heard or felt a thing. Thank goodness! !

 

[Michaelka]

Thanks Glenda!

Thanks Glenda!

Yes it is difficult for me to forget yesterday, and not to worry about tomorrow.

Actually the "not worry about tomorrow" part I think Is the hardest.

I am making a lot of lists of things to do before the surgery. This is the biggest surgery I have had. (I have had my left knee done 4 times and my right knee once), I have had eye surgery, and a few minor proceedures.

But this is one of the big ones.

I am finding that I need to make a list of computer passwords for a friend to keep in case I forget them after the proceedures. I have most of my passwords on my Palm Pilot (Zire 71 for those interrested). While the Palm itself has a password, I rarely use the same password on more than one website, so I have a highly secured password protected area on the Palm (and also available on my home and work computer). I really would hate to forget that password, so I am making a sealed list of critical passwords that I am giving to a trusted friend. You just never know do you?

The lists of things to bring to the hospital have come in handy. I am trying to figure out how I am going to get internet access at my Mom's place after I am released from the hospital. (She has at best dialup...... Ouch!)

I might find that it is useful to have broadband internet set up for her place while I am there. Since I am using Vonage, my phone number can go with me. Does anyone have any thoughts about that? I do not know if the cable companies are comfortable with that yet. Short term high speed internet.

At least I have a laptop issued by my contracting agency for high speed internet use, my computer at home simply has too many things hanging off of it for it to transfer very well. If I can access my mail that will help a lot. I can transfer my phone calls to my Mom's house since Vonage makes that easy.

Feb 6 is coming up quickly.

Well, give you an idea of my idea of surviving this. I set up a Spa Day next Wednesday. Ok, I am a guy, but you know what? Who cares! Massage, the works! There is a place in Bellevue Wa. called the Eastside Oasis that will do so much for $180. The way I look at it, I will be more relaxed going in, for surgery, If the surgery kills me, then at least I enjoyed a great spa day! hey, why not! I am stressed out enough as it is, and if this helps, it is worth every penny. I doubt I will be in any shape for a few months to do this so why not now! Life is short. Everybody think about it.....

 

[Georgia]

Michael, immediately post-surgery, even dial up will seem fast . Mental speed is NOT a characteristic of post-ohs patients. So I really wouldn't worry about that if I were you.

Sounds like you have things well in hand. The spa sounds absolutely delirious. What a good idea.

Keep busy, and know you're doing the right thing and that you'll be so much better on the other side.