{"id":975,"date":"2009-10-23T11:14:02","date_gmt":"2009-10-23T16:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2009\/10\/23\/heart-valve-replacement-pacemaker-implant-surgery-coumadin\/"},"modified":"2025-05-13T17:52:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T22:52:05","slug":"heart-valve-replacement-pacemaker-implant-surgery-coumadin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heart-valve-surgery.com\/heart-surgery-blog\/2009\/10\/23\/heart-valve-replacement-pacemaker-implant-surgery-coumadin\/","title":{"rendered":"After Tissue Valve Replacement And Pacemaker Implant, Connie Keeps On Walking"},"content":{"rendered":"

I just received a great patient story from Connie Batich. Considering that Connie’s note touches on so many elements of heart valve surgery – diagnosis, symptoms, second opinions, angiograms, vent tubes, atrial fibrillation, recovery – I thought you might appreciate reading about her experience. Here is what Connie wrote to me:<\/p>\n

Adam,<\/p>\n

We both had heart valve surgery. Only difference.. You were 33 and I am 85!<\/p>\n

I’ve had a heart murmur all my life. But, in 1996, I felt palpitations and went to a cardiologist who diagnosed stenosis of the aortic valve<\/a>. Since then, I’ve seen a cardiologist yearly for an echocardiogram and stress test. Then, about two years ago, my cardiologist called me all excited that my stenosis was severe and I should have the valve replaced right then-and-there!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"Connie Batich, Heart Valve Surgery Patient<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, my family wanted a second opinion… So, I went to another cardiologist who said, “Well, let’s wait until you get symptoms.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

I kept on doing my two-mile daily walk and gardening, etc., etc.<\/p>\n

Eventually, I became very fatigued and finally decided myself that I needed the operation. So, I went to Morristown Memorial Hospital (supposedly one of the best for heart surgery) in New Jersey. Doctor John Brown<\/a> operated on me. Dr. Brown used a tissue valve replacement. After all, how long can I live? And, I dreaded the thought of being on Coumadin the rest of my life<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When the cardiac catheterization was done the day before surgery, I learned that all my heart vessels were fine! On the day of the surgery, I woke up in the intensive care unit. I turned to my daughter and said angrily, “How come they haven’t operated on me yet? I was supposed to be first one on the docket.”<\/p>\n

My daughter calmly said said, “Mother the operation is all over with.”<\/p>\n

I couldn’t believe it. I was thankful. I wasn’t ever aware of the ventilator tube which I had dreaded. The tube was already removed from my throat when I woke up.<\/p>\n

I had to stay in the hospital for 10 days on account of atrial fibrillation. My heart actually stopped beating for 3 or 4 seconds. Doctor Brown wanted to monitor it. The medical team even considered “electroshocking” my heart which didn’t sound like fun. To resolve the issue – the day before I left the hospital – the doctors put in a pacemaker<\/a> under local anesthetic (which was somewhat painful).<\/p>\n

My recovery is going well. I have been taking walks around the block. Last Saturday night, I went to a school track and did half a mile. I am really anxious to have some pep and be back to my old self… Or, even better!<\/p>\n

Related Links:<\/p>\n