Helene Victor - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3364 days ago

My cardiologist had me take another echocardiogram which was transesophageal and showed I needed a mitral valve operation immediately. The first operation ...Read more

My cardiologist had me take another echocardiogram which was transesophageal and showed I needed a mitral valve operation immediately. The first operation had been a minimally invasive repair, while the second, agreed upon by two surgeons, was a tissue replacement. This took place Dec. 30, 2015. I had to have a platelet transfusion during the operation and my immune system is still fighting the platelets. I have been given immune globulin (human plasma), two days in the hospital and, so far, two days after I left. I have been back to normal as far as energy goes, but my platelets, while high enough now, continue to decrease (thrombocytopenia). Has anyone else run into a low platelet problem?

Marilyn M I had a hysterectomy in 2007 and I found out my platlets were low. I was sent to a hematologist. They ... Read more

Marilyn M I had a hysterectomy in 2007 and I found out my platlets were low. I was sent to a hematologist. They said I was a clumper, meaning a bunch of platlets stick together and it gives a false reading. And when I had blood drawn I should tell them and they would use a special tube (blue one). I also have Sjögren's Syndrome which is an autoimmune disease.

Last month I had Avr and my platlets were 70,000 before surgery but went down to 34,000 after surgery. I had a transfusion but it was because red blood cells were low. Platlets started going back up. I'm wondering if this platlet problem all stems from the autoimmune disease.

Helene Victor Marilyn, thanks for the response. I have learned there are all kinds of reasons for thrombocytopenia ... Read more

Helene Victor Marilyn, thanks for the response. I have learned there are all kinds of reasons for thrombocytopenia. Ask your doctor if Sjogren's Syndrome would include low platelets. In my case, they didn't match my blood type and that often happens because platelets are hard to come by and usually the immune system accepts them. My platelets are up to 89,000 which is good and I will be tested in another week.
Is there anyone else who developed low platelet syndrome after a heart valve operation?

Helene Victorposted a journal

3617 days ago

Seven years ago, Aug., 2008, my mitral valve ruptured and I had a successful repair with minimal leakage. From the rupture I still have chronic AFib. I am ...Read more

Seven years ago, Aug., 2008, my mitral valve ruptured and I had a successful repair with minimal leakage. From the rupture I still have chronic AFib. I am now told I have moderate leakage. I notice I have difficulty walking up hills and stairs and I tire more easily than before. Where can I go for a re-repair with experienced surgeons? I am 74 and belong to Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser does not believe in operating sooner than later. What needs to happen before I am given this operation? Is it possible to have it done at another hospital without insurance?

Autumn Griffin A lot of people on here go to great hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic even thou ... Read more

Autumn Griffin A lot of people on here go to great hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic even though they don't live near them. From what I have read they usually get their pre-testing done at hospitals near their homes and then go to the hospital of their choice a day or two before surgery. I am sure there are others that have been through it and can help you.

Helene Victor Thanks Autumn. After talking to my cardiologist again, I will contact Mt. Sinai in New York.

Helene Victor Hospitals do not accept patients without a particular insurance company. Most everything turned out ... Read more

Helene Victor Hospitals do not accept patients without a particular insurance company. Most everything turned out fine, especially my energy level and lack of pain, with Kaiser. Kaiser has heart hospitals that seem to be keeping up with the "greats".