Kathy's Journal

Kathy Pate  I'm coming off Eliquis...had bad side effects.  I do not want to take a pharmaceutical grade blood thinner...am interested on natural blood thinners.  My daughter took me this last Tues for my first appt after my TAVR procedure.  My Echo test showed that the valve was working great....I talked to my dr about blood thinners...he did say that he had patients that took oil of wintergreen as a natural alternative. 

Marie Myers  Is a baby aspirin possible for you? I have been on one since my SAVR (aortic tissue valve ) 7 years ago.

Susan Lynn  Kathy - Yay! Glad it's behind you, your valve is functioning well, and you're at home. The headache could be from the stress or fasting before surgery. Hopefully, it will subside, soon Please keep us posted on your progress.

Valerie Allen  Are you a coffee drinker who has not had coffee in a day or two? Might explain headache. Glad to hear you are home!

Suelynn Hanegraaf  Thanks for the update! I experienced A-Fib post-SAVR (pretty common). Praying that you will get stronger each day!

Rose Madura  Wonderful to hear all is well Kathy. Valerie and Susan are correct about headache. Plus, it was pretty stressful to go through this.  

Kathy Pate  Thank You So Much for the prayers & checking on me.  I can't say enough about this website...it's very comforting to talk with like minded people who have gone through or is going through the same experiences.    During my TAVR procedure I experienced 2 hours of A-Fib during TAVR...they had to shock me...but I went back to regular rhythm.  I told them my heart didn't wanna be messed with by humans; only God.  Well, He got me through it via my great drs.  I'm so very, very grateful.  When my surgeon came to recovery to talk to me & my daughters...he asked if I'd ever been diagnosed with A Fib.  Nope...one time 8 years ago, I had elbow surgery & they said my heart started beating fast some time through the procedure; but, went back to normal.  I woke up & never had any problem since.  Now, they're trying to give me blood thinners long term.  My cardiologist's office has an Interventional Cardiologist that's an A Fib specialist...I'll probably see him. Today, the home health nurse & physical therapist came by today & I passed all my tests.  Just took a shower by myself...woohoo...feels sooooo good!!  The groin sites, had both sides cut, are still a bit sore but seemed to have healed up quite a bit.  I need to tell Betsy over & over again..."You were right....the bone tiredness does set in".... my mind says I feel great except for lil soreness; but, my body says the opposite!  Hope everybody is doing well!! Praying ❤️🙏🏻 for those waiting for results, procedures, surgery, etc.  Love ya'll!! 🥰

Mirza Baig  So glad to hear from you- I had my TAVR procedure done on August 27. It took them 2 hours for the procedure, I was under complete anesthesia. They made cut on both side of leg. They told me to stay flat for 2 hours, transfer me to room and 2 more hour of flat rest. every thing went very well. First week was great and I am on my second week, little tired and feeling week and sleepy. Blood pressure kind of low side, my Cardiologist has changed blood pressure medication. No appetite as well.
Initially based on CT scan report they told me that the valve size is 26mm(Edward bovien valve. 
But at the end of surgery I found out the size of valve is 23mm(Edward bovien).
Later Cardiologist assure me that the valve they put was best for me. Every body wants bigger valve but based on new study, bigger valve calcified faster??


My next echo will be on first week of October




 

Kathy Pate  Thank you all for your sweet comments....I'll post as soon as I can!! Praying for all as well as me!!

Valerie Allen  Those sound like pretty heavy symptoms so I’m glad they are getting you in soon. In the meantime if you are able, relax, pray, meditate. If you are able, standing up and sitting down in a hardish chair using your legs (arms lightly only if needed) is very helpful for muscle strength.

Marie Myers  Could it be anxiety-induced? I can’t think of many things that can induce anxiety better than impending heart surgery!  You could discuss with your primary or cardiologist..Not sleeping for months sure isn’t helping. I finally asked for some anxiety medicine, and a .25 mg alprazolam really helped me sleep. 

Anna Rakowicz  The stress and anticipation of major surgery can also exacerbate some of your symptoms. You will be fine once they do the procedure and the TAVR has a much easier recovery I hear. Blessings and prayers to you on your upcoming surgery.

Trygve Harris  I had that too. I think my condition worsened before surgery, but I also think it had to do with knowing the end (of getting sicker) and the beginning (of a new life) was in sight.  I believe we somehow we hold it together as long as possible but once you're scheduled for surgery your body knows relief is on the way,  and it can relax if that makes any sense?

Kathy Pate  I let my emotions of frustration get the best of me when I typed that.  Thank you all for your kind responses.  I have a 10 yr old grandson & a 5 yr old granddaughter & have missed so many of their activities....as well as not being active in church activities, spending time with my family, etc.  Now that my procedure is scheduled Tues, 8/20...I'm like a child waiting for Christmas morning. I'm so excited!!  Love my doctors & staff & the hospital staff as well!!  Thanks again for your support!!🥰.  God Bless!!❤️🙏🏻

Mirza Baig  Hi Kathy

I had a heart murmur since childhood- at age 40 my primary doctor refer me to cardiologist at Kaiser- I was diagnose with mild aortic stenosis, then after that moderate and now severe aortic stenosis, but very minor symptoms. But since its severe stage, they are recommending TAVR. although I am reluctant but my wife and children says that I am getting slow and I do feel like it but not such symptoms. 


After discussions with cardiologist I agreed to TAVR, we have no date yet but I believe it will be at the end of August or early September. At Kaiser they have TAVR team so you really don't know who the surgeon going to be, I think

I wish you good luck and will pray for you. Please keep posted

Dan Fouratt  Good luck on your surgery I am glad for you you can do the TAVR.  I have  a friend who at 82 had a TAVR and we celebrated his 90th this year and he is still golfing! you will do well.