About Me (In My Own Words)
Hi! My name is Louise and I am here on behalf of my sister, who had a mitral valve replacement/tricuspid valve repair & ablation, due to regurgitation. She also had a pacemaker inserted 2 days post op, as the ablation was not successful. She had rheumatic fever as a child, which damaged her heart valves. She is 59.
She does not have a computer, so I am here looking for information and support on her and my behalf.
She had a difficult recovery post-op in Aug./09. Second day post-op, her heart rate flat lined & she was rushed to the OR. They had to shock her heart. She said she was totally aware of this resuscitation. She said she felt a very painful jolt of electricity shoot throughout her body. It was the most painful thing she had ever felt. They inserted a pacemaker to regulate her heart beat.
She experienced a NDE ( near death experience ). She felt herself go towards a white light. She said it was a peaceful place & was upset when she came back. Postoperative, she spoke about it constantly. She was given a second chance at life. I am concerned that she no longer speaks about it to me. I encourage her to talk, but she says no one understands. That would be true, unless you have experienced it yourself. I suggested she speak to a professional regarding her experience. She has refused. I am not certain if she speaks to her friend about it, but she no longer speaks about the experience to me.
Four months post-op, ( on Christmas Eve! )she was admitted to the hospital. She was having an internal bleed. After a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with 'segmental ischemic colitis'. It is possible that it is due to her heart functioning so poorly for so long before her valve replacement, some of her organs could have been affected. There was a lack of oxygenated blood going to her organs. She may also have liver issues as well, as her lab tests are very irregular.
My sister is on warfarin, metroprolol, diuretics, and other medications.
My sister lives in fear of 'what will happen next'? She is obese and her condition prior to surgery was not very good. I know she will have a more difficult recovery, as she will have to make many lifestyle changes. She is on a low fat/low sodium diet. She has started cardiac rehab. She says she is excited about recovery, but I don't see her making many efforts besides going to cardiac rehab.
My sister needs a lot of encouragement. Actually, so do I! I think caregivers & those closely related to those who have this surgery are in need of support & advice as well.
I am looking forward to learn more about everyone's recovery, experience & also get some support, so I may encourage, advice & support my sister!
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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I am from:
Hamilton, Canada
