Gary's Journal

Nancy D  yes, in VERY rare occasions, not just in heart surgery. I hope this isn't what you had happen, but if it did, I am sure it was in your best interest.

Debbie cross  Oh yes, surgeon changed his mind. I woke up on vent, no repair. Thankfully 4 weeks ago at Northwestern I had both valves repaired.

Virginia (Ginger) French  Total Bummer! One deserves a very detailed and specific explanation when anything like this occurs. Hope it occurs very seldom, as this is the first I've heard of it and I have been researching the subject for 10 years. But that is evidence of the power of this heart family...what others might consider anecdotal stories come out here as experienced, with the truth. Glad you were able to move on, Debbie!

Joan Napier  Oh my goodness Debbie. You have certainly been through so much! And Gary, I see you had the same surgeon mentioned as Debbie. So sorry this happened to you both, even with a good reason to do so.

Susan Ericsson  I think the breathing tube is a given with valve surgery. From what I read here, and from my own experience, they are getting it out as soon as you are waking up. I think that scared me the most of anything, but in reality it was over in a minute, and not scary. I'm hoping and praying for all the best for you! A friend just had the robotic surgery and is raving about it.

Eleanor R  I had the breathing tube still in, because they were trying to wake me probably wooner than I would have come awake by myself. For me, any type of anesthesia stays in my body a long time, it take me longer to metabolize. My (adult) daughter was freaking out that I was not waking up, so the ICU nurse brought her back again and woke me up, so that Erica could see I was actually fine. I remember her being there, and that I waved, gave her a thumbs up sign, and waved to the family friend that was with her at that moment. Apparently I also pointed to the breathing tube (as though saying "can't talk, got this thing in place") and gave her another thumbs up for "its fine". They let me sleep more, and when I was awakening and able to breathe on my own, I do recall the nurse saying "you and I are going to take this out. I will count 1, and 2. You count with me" and on two it was out. No problem, in spite of my fears of it. It does leave your mouth and throat dry, and you feel like drinking a gallon of water, which they can't give you because your stomach is still "asleep" and it would create nausea and vomiting, so they give you ice chips, one by one. Best things ever. You will do fine, I hope. Let us know how it goes. Eleanor

  Oh Gary, so sorry to hear that. If it were me, I would take care of that carcinoma now. I would be worried about having any large incisions made to my body until I know that there is no other skin Cancer present. I would see a dermatologist and get a whole body check to make sure there are no other suspicious areas. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Adam Pick  Gary - Very, very, very sorry to hear of this unfortunate news. It might be a good idea to talk this over with your dermatologist, cardiologist and surgeon. I'm sure can collectively come up with a good set of next steps. My thoughts are with you.

Lillian Mark  Oh Gary.....i so get ,"it just keeps getting better". Things happen, that is for sure. I hope you are able to "go with the flow", so to speak.last year my surgeon said he wanted to continue putting off surgery until I met all criteria per his/hospital protocol. Then off as usual to my yearly body scan......i had a nickel sized tumor on my face....in the hairline. I had found it and asked to see my dermatologist sooner. Then prior to my appointment to have the biopsy, I had another severe abdominal pain attack and could not eat. They thought it was another bowl obstruction , as I had one in summer 2012( that year my surgeon said let's wait and see again). I continued having abdominal pain. Well last year was not a bowl obstruction and I got an emergency colonoscopy and upper scope in which I was not able to be sedated (normal for me). They found cancer and it was far too imbedded and I needed surgery .Meanwhile, I got my head/face biopsy and MI or surgery and it was benign. Then the following week, Aug 27, 2013 I had about 20 inches intestines taken out. And a bunch of adhesions and mesh from several previous surgeries. My recovery included 2 infections and four months of treatment with my abdomen re cut open and healing open. So I survive this one more crazy health chapter..........then this august my Thoracic surgeon says this is the window for valve surgery. So I had pre ops this august. I go in Sept 9 for ohs. I have had many twists and turns and I know how patients feel about all the frustration and stress involved. Ironically the insurance company has caused the most frustrations. I could write a book and still not able to fit everything in. Sometimes I just have to throw my hands up calm down and go with the flow. ......yep it is that simple. ..NOT! !!!!!!! You are hanging in there and you are gonna make it and then look back at all you accomplished and how strong you are.💗💗 I am glad you shared your news and I am sorry it cannot magically be easier💟

Gary Mercer  Thanks for all the encouragement. Of course we want things done now, but we also know getting a speedy doc appointment is rare. Hopefully I can get the ball rolling tomorrow.

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ  NO, NO, NO GARY! The heart cath is a breeze and this is coming from the worse patient in the world. Have been healthy for too long and now I don't know how to handle it (so I will let G-D do it) - Heart Cath? NO PROBLEM

Meredith Bray  Hi Gary, welcome to the site. I had a mechanical aortic valve installed nearly 6 months ago. I totally understand your feelings about the heart cath. I've had two of them - one was rotten and one was a breeze. Either way, I made it through, and so will you. If you tell the doctor and the nurse and the attendants you are anxious, there's a really good chance they'll give you something to help you not remember. I was awake and aware for one, and awake but don't remember the other. It's definitely a weird feeling when they put the dye in you - like you've been dunked in almost hot water. I thought I wet myself!
My advice to you is to not be shy or modest about your needs. My first heart cath was also my first time in a hospital, and I had no idea about bedpans. I'll tell you now, because nobody told me: You HAVE to pee to get the dye out of your system. And you HAVE to stay flat for a few hours after the procedure. And you HAVE to drink lots of water. Ergo, you HAVE to use a bedpan (I guess you could just the wet the bed!). I didn't use the bedpan - I held it for 8 hours then passed out and had to stay overnight.
The next month or so - waiting for surgery - will be a tough time. Keep checking in here as you will fond amazing support from this community. So many of us have been where you are now, and want to comfort you and pass on what we've learned!
-Meredith Bray

Gary Mercer  Thanks everyone for your advice. I think you can actually spend to much time on the internet and watching YouTube videos.

Michael Meyer  Gary:
The interventional cardiologist does a good job on the catheterization procedure. I had no pain, was awake and watched the procedure. If you have any pain let them know and they will adjust the local pain medication. You will need to take it easy after the procedure. This is just one more test on your way to the repair of your valve.

Michael Meyer

NIEVES VELAZQUEZ  I am the biggest CHICKEN you will ever meet and I am also sort of paranoid and YET I went through the same things you are going or will be going through with flying colors. YOU CAN DO IT if I did it and I DID IT. Having said that… I DID NOT let any Doctor tell me about the procedure or show me any pictures of anything. I did not know what I went through until afterward. BOY AM I GLAD I DID IT THIS WAY. Let the Doctors do their thing and do not worry… what is the use? Que sera, sera - whatever will be, will be. Worrying will do you no good. Every time I started thinking I replaced it with a song, or looked up a joke, or whatever but did not think about the surgery or procedures 24/7. Call uplifting friends and if you want call me, any time, any day. I will give you my phone # if you want it.