Dorothy's Heart Valve Journal

Dorothy was to be released from the heart ward last Wednesday, but due to a drop in blood pressure after removal of some pacemaker leads she was kept in overnight. Bad news as her blood count increased. Prime suspect urinary tract infection but not so. The count has remained at 13 for the last three days but no infection type has been found. Dorothy is bored to distraction as she has no apparent symptoms . Lets hope today she comes home.

Dorothy's surgery was done this afternoon and all went well. Instead of an ascending aorta hers was constricted and had to be widened to accept a larger valve. Dorothy is in ICU overnight and to be moved to the heart ward tomorrow. Dorothy and our family thank you for all the kind thoughts and support.

Surgery is tomorrow at 1:30pm. I know it will go ok, just anxious to have it over with. My husband John and daughter Catherine will be with me. Wish me luck!

Went to my family physician today regarding my potassium levels. Apparently mine is at 2.90 which did not seem so bad as the normal range is 3.5-6.0. But according to the internet if levels are 2.50 or under it is life threatening. The Dr. was not surprised they would not do the surgery as Potassium plays a role in every heartbeat. He said it helps trigger your heart to squeeze blood through your body. Three weeks ago, at my last blood test the level was 3.90. So I have supplements and a big bunch of bananas to help. I am going for another blood test tomorrow. Fingers crossed the levels are up and I can get the surgery next week. It has already been postponed twice, I don't think I can handle too much more waiting. Just want it over with.

Hello, had my pre admission work done on Thursday. Everything seemed ok, had blood work, met with a nurse and a anesthesiologist (he was funny, said I don't have a heart beat, I have a heart squeak, the valve is so narrow, it is almost closed up). Not able to get a date yet as Dr. wants to do it in the next few days. Got a call when I got home, the surgery was going to be done on Friday (today), then cancelled right away as they had to wait for my blood work results from the pre admission. So they booked the surgery date for Wednesday the 29th. Then I had a call this afternoon from the pre admission clinic, the anesthesiologist read my blood work and my potassium levels are too low for surgery. Had to go out to the pharmacy and get potassium pills and will have to re do the blood work on Tuesday. If it is too low surgery will be postponed until the levels are high enough. I was not told what my level is, but I did read on the internet that potassium levels are very important in heart surgery and low levels can contribute to afib. Has anyone had any experience in this?

Hello,
I am set to have my heart valve surgery in the next few weeks. I am on a priority list, just waiting for the date. My employer is offering the flu shot to anyone who wants it, and I was wondering if it is a good idea being so close to surgery. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks.

Hello,
Just had my heart cath on Wednesday, they went through the femoral artery and I hate to say it, maybe I am just a wimp, but it did hurt! The results were confirmed I need a new aortic valve, thankfully they did not find anything else. My veins are apparently in good shape but the valve needs replaced soon, it is in the critical stage. I have been referred to a heart surgeon. According to the cardiologist who did the heart cath I should have the surgery in the next 2-3 months. Now it is just the waiting game. I enjoy reading all of your posts and I am thankful I found this site.