Thanks to those who responded to my post from yesterday. The suggestion of a second opinion is sound advice. Actually our neighbor here in SF is a renowned ...Read more
Thanks to those who responded to my post from yesterday. The suggestion of a second opinion is sound advice. Actually our neighbor here in SF is a renowned cardiologist at UCSF, he has written a book on cardiology and has a building named for him at UCSF. John spoke to him and he agrees with the course of action that Kaiser has initiated. I appreciate the generosity of this community for taking the time to reach out and offer me sound words of encouragement. My overarching feeling is that John will be fine. I have been a worrier all my life, so when something big like this comes along, I tend to let “fantasized evidence appearing real” get the better of me. Thanks again for helping keep me grounded. Best of luck and best thoughts to all those who face the same surgery. Steve
c w That’s great to have a second opinion from someone you trust. Best wishes for your partner’s surg ... Read more
c w That’s great to have a second opinion from someone you trust. Best wishes for your partner’s surgery.
Stephen Oelschlager Thanks for the best wishes. The positive energy of the folks on this site is infectious.
Susan Lynn Stephen - My loved ones went through the same emotions and had similar concerns. There's nothing mo... Read more
Susan Lynn Stephen - My loved ones went through the same emotions and had similar concerns. There's nothing more reassuring than multiple opinions and some feedback from folks who have been in your shoes doesn't hurt, either.
Sometimes I think heart surgery is harder on our families and friends - as patients, we sleep through it and get all the good drugs! It is certainly a team effort and it's all worth it in the end. You'll both get through this and we'll help!
c w Susan Lynn, so true. Stephen, it is wonderful that John has you to support him through this process, ... Read more
c w Susan Lynn, so true. Stephen, it is wonderful that John has you to support him through this process, but take care of yourself as well. Glad you are finding comfort and support in this forum and elsewhere.
My partner. John, is scheduled for SAVR on Monday the 25th. While we both have great confidence in his surgeon and team at SF Kaiser, I am worried about the ...Read more
My partner. John, is scheduled for SAVR on Monday the 25th. While we both have great confidence in his surgeon and team at SF Kaiser, I am worried about the outcome. This concern is exacerbated by an eye stroke he had on March 1st. While the neurologist believes he is “very low risk” for a cerebral hemorrhage and the “stroke burden is extremely small” I can’t help but be concerned. His cardiologist believes that given his age, 64, and is overall good health he will “ do just fine.” Any words of wisdom to help “ease my troubled mind?” Thanks, Steve
J Alexander Lassally Hey - I hear you on the trepidation before. While I don't have specific advice, you might get some se ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Hey - I hear you on the trepidation before. While I don't have specific advice, you might get some second opinions out of the Kaiser group just for a fresh take if really concerned. Although it looks like time is nearing?
Otherwise, know that heart surgery is super safe across the board nowadays. Things go sideways, but everyone has their speed bumps and gets through recovery.
Stroke for sternotomy is lower than minimally invasive surgeries because of the perfusion, and if you have a CATH / CTs prior, it is a safe bet. That is a hard fact. Good luck!
Susan Lynn Steve - I'm sure John will be fine. His surgeon and team will be watching him closely and I believ... Read more
Susan Lynn Steve - I'm sure John will be fine. His surgeon and team will be watching him closely and I believe blood thinners are administered during and after heart procedures to further minimize the stroke risk. All the best to you, both!
Rose Madura I always recommend a second opinion. And since they know about his preexisting condition, they will b ... Read more
Rose Madura I always recommend a second opinion. And since they know about his preexisting condition, they will be monitoring him. OHS is so amazing and just try to be thankful that we live in a time when we can have life saving surgeries. Odds are in John's favor. 👍
Yumiko Ishida If the neurologist says he is at low risk for hemorrhage I think he should be fine. I know because I ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida If the neurologist says he is at low risk for hemorrhage I think he should be fine. I know because I had an ischemic stoke a couple of years ago, got tPA, which caused a hemorrhagic stroke. Cardiologist couldn’t put me on any blood thinner (to prevent future strokes) until cleared by the neurologist. Once okayed by the neurologist I’ve been on warfarin and have not had any neurological issues from the blood thinner.
For the other kind of stroke, as J Alexander points out, chances of stroke during sternotomy is low. I developed a clot during a catheter procedure (valvuloplasy), so I discussed my concerns with my surgeon in length before my sternotomy, and he explained how the heart is essentially disconnected during a sternotomy, so the bits and pieces that could cause a clot don’t go into your bloodstream.
Does that help ease your mind? Wishing you and John the best!
c w Glad you have confidence in John’s team. A friend had mitral and aortic surgeries last year at Kais ... Read more
c w Glad you have confidence in John’s team. A friend had mitral and aortic surgeries last year at Kaiser in SF; she was happy with her team there as well.
I am from: San Francisco
Sometimes I think heart surgery is harder on our families and friends - as patients, we sleep through it and get all the good drugs!