This past March, I had a very serious bleeding episode while having periodontal surgery to get ready for my valve surgery. At the time, no one at my local hospital could discover what was causing the bleeding. As detailed in "My Valve Story" I ended up having 3 surgeries to stop the bleeding and was in the ICU for 2.5 weeks. Following this experience, I was told to see a Hematologist prior to heart valve surgery to determine if it was safe to undergo surgery. I met with a Hematologist at Rush University in Chicago. He administered 27 blood tests. Only 1 test was considered low and it was my Von Willebrand Factor which is a bleeding and clotting disorder. It was low but not low enough to cancel surgery. The Hematologist at Rush recommended that I get an IV of Humate-P just prior to surgery which would raise my Von Willebrand Factor to help prevent bleeding during surgery. When I met with my surgeon Dr. Patrick McCarthy at Northwestern prior to surgery he they would research my situation and administer the Humate-P if needed. My surgery was a success and I didn't bleed excessively or need any blood transfusions. While at Northwestern for valve surgery, a Hematologist (Dr. Kwaan) was notified to investigate my situation. He visited me in my step down room and said that he had been studying my situation and believed that my calcified bicuspid aortic valve could be the cause of the Von Willebrand disease that I had. The rushing of the blood across the stone like calcification on my valve could break down the clotting factors of my blood. Von Willebrand Disease is either inherited or acquired. Post op I have been working with Dr. Kwaan and he wanted to examine my blood after the new valve was in place. As a result, it turns out that my blood is now normal and there is no evidence of Von Willebrand Disease which confirms that I had acquired it as a result of my very calcified valve. My valve was severe/critical. The AV area was .80 and the indexed area was .43.

This community has been a wealth information for me. I just wanted to post this information just in case there are people in this community who have severe/critical aortic stenosis who have experienced bleeding issues especially during dental procedures. In dental procedures, bleeding tends to be more prevalent.

This is another area that I have learned a lot about so if anyone has any questions about Von Willebrand just let me know.

Just having a morning reflection. I feel so very blessed to live in Canada where we have universal healthcare. My longest wait was to see the Surgeon, six weeks, and he is one of the top guys. Within a few weeks my surgery was over and done in a Hospital that is considered a Cardiac Centre of Excellence and I wasn’t even considered critical. Canadians are humble and quick to downplay “canadianisms”, complain about taxes etc. Although we do think our beer is better but overall as I look at our Fall colours , the lake, the local vineyards, I’m glad to be Canadian.

Jennifer McInerney writes, "Woke up it super duper recliner this morning and my first thought was you. I can really say, I have been down the road you are travelling. Just know so many people are praying for you, put faith in your surgical team (they really have done this a few times before) , wait patiently for the good drugs. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up in ICU and you’ll be joining me and so many others on the recovery side. Looking forward to seeing your next post.
P.s. when you hear medical people say “it’s just a valve” try not to punch them in the face”. "

Fay Kozas writes, "Hi Wanda, first off, congratulations on your third anniversary! I just want to tell you that you are a very good daughter. However, try to take care of you, too. I know it is hard. Caregivers are over stressed and they need a respite. I cannot comment on your upcoming colonoscopy. Have faith in your doctors. Rest assured, good things will come your way for taking such excellent care of your mom. It is called "karma".
And, don't forget to take care of Wanda! :)"

I am curious to know if anyone here has had a colonoscopy with the Suprep bowel prep solution. I have been cleared by my cardiologists to proceed with my routine one which is two years overdue. Nt concerned about the test, just the prep part since the first time I had one I was very ill but it was a different prep. With my a flutter history I sure don’t want any issues! This prep is something newer I guess. I also take dofetilide for my heart rate and Coumadin but I stop the thinner five days prior. Any input from anyone on here post op appreciated.

Best wishes to all my heart brothers and sisters. 🙏🏻💞

Fay Kozas writes, "Hi Cristian, I just read your story and it is truly touching. Yes, your HEART is your best friend and now that your friend needed you, you did everything you could to help! I am so glad your surgery went well. And, great photo! I just love your little heart pillow. Continue to heal!"

Hello,

It has taken me some time to finally sign up to this site. It is a way for me to make real that the time has finally for my surgery. I have been informed by my thoracic surgeon that my time has come for surgery for repair of my Barlow mitral valve and tricuspid valve. He has been watching my echos for 8 years.

I have tentatively penciled in my day of December 7. Having said that I am looking for words of wisdom, sage advice as I make my countdown to surgery day.

I have been told my whole life I have a click or murmur not really knowing what it meant. I was adopted so I didn't have that all important family history link until I was officially diagnosed with MVP. I credit my family dr for pursuing the diagnosis. After pursuing my medical records it was confirmed my birth father had mvp and repair as well. I am 53 year old female.


So I now stare this surgery in the eye and I am needless to say terrified!

How did you prepare for this surgery and prepare those around you?

How was recovery and how long?

What the hardest part or parts?

Thanks you in advance for sharing.

JM

Fay Kozas writes, "Hi Jean, in cases where it is progressive, the regurgitation can go from moderate to severe in a short period of time. The mitral valve becomes lax and unable to open and shut properly to allow the blood to flow even down to your toes. Instead, the blood goes back into the lungs. Sometimes when this happens, there may be no symptoms. However, most of the time, there are symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, inability to go up the stairs, or even the inability to finish your sentence. It is advisable to get an ECHO once a year or even every six months, just to keep it in check. Good luck!
"