Scott Killian - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Testing

Journal posted on July 14, 2017

At Lehigh Valley Health Center. Had ultrasound on Carotid in neck. Waiting to get Catherization at 100 pm.

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Marie Myers Good luck with your cath! May your arteries be clear...

Laura Jacobs Good luck Scott!!!

Bob Gillespie Just did mine yesterday Scott.....You Got This!!

Michael Carbone This rest is a breeze

Michael Carbone Had mine at lehigh valley also

Things are getting intetesting

Journal posted on July 4, 2017

Tomorrow I go for another Echo. Last one was TEE in 12-2016 showed severe AR. I have lots of symptoms but my EF is 55 and heart, and LV look normal. July 14 interventional cardiologist is doing a cardiac catheterization. I suspect he's thinking maybe there's a blockage and if there is hopefully can fix it with Stents. Meanwhile I'm preparing for a OAS on August 15 to replace the valve. I'm wondering if the symptoms of fatigue shortness of breath etc..could be caused by a blockage? Do AI and a blocked artery show similar symptoms ?

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Marie Myers Yes, I believe sometimes coronary blockages can manifest as shortness of breath and fatigue rather than classic chest pain or pressure. The cath will tell the story. Wishing you the best!

Scott Killian Thanks

Laura Jacobs Hi Scott, My symptoms included fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness and some pain (along with a feeling that I couldn't get quite as much air as I ... Read more

Laura Jacobs Hi Scott, My symptoms included fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness and some pain (along with a feeling that I couldn't get quite as much air as I wanted), and I had one episode of pitted edema in my feet and ankles. My cardiac cath showed no blockages. I was pretty happy about that.

Scott Killian Thank you Laura.

Angiogram and Catherization?

Journal posted on July 2, 2017

My new intervenational Cardiologist has scheduled me for a Catherization July 14. As he wants to see if I have any blockage.Meanwhile my Surgeon off ice manager is going to schedule a Angiogram in preparation for Aortic valve replacement. Did anyone have both of these procedures so close together before surgery ? And can the Catherization and Angiogram both be done at the same time thus eliminting one invasive procedure?

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The catheterization is the procedure that is done when inserting small catheters into the veins or arteries , then upwards inside the heart; the angiogram ... Read more

The catheterization is the procedure that is done when inserting small catheters into the veins or arteries , then upwards inside the heart; the angiogram is the process of injecting small amounts of dye into the arteries to get a better picture with x-rays of the blood vessels.
I had one done last week - the purpose was to rule out any coronary artery disease that might require extra surgery during the valve replacement surgery.
It sounds like there is a bit of confusion which you might want to clarify with the two offices involved. They could be talking about the same test.
Best wishes.

Barbara Wood I think they are done at the same time...I just had one procedure & I'm pretty sure both were done. I had mine through the wrist rather than the groin & it ... Read more

Barbara Wood I think they are done at the same time...I just had one procedure & I'm pretty sure both were done. I had mine through the wrist rather than the groin & it was very easy- very quick & left the hospital within an hour or 2.

Rose Madura Mine were both done at the same time.

It doesn't make sense to do them at separate times. I agree, there must be some confusion.

Marie Myers I had a TEE in November, a CT scan in January, a cardiac cath in Feb, and OHS in March.

Noreen Kitchen They are essentially the same test. I used to work the the cardiac cath lab. There must be some confusion.

Scott Killian Thanks all, I am going to question this in hopes of consolidating these 2 into one test . !

Scott Killian Yes, Dr office confirmed they are one and the same. So once and done.

Pre-pre op questions.

Journal posted on June 27, 2017

Anybody dealt with infected wisdom teeth prior to surgery. Surgeon insists they be fixed ( I agree). Oral surgeon says should wait at least 3 weeks after extraction before surgery. Also 2 grams amoxicillin 1 hour before extraction. Any experience or thoughts ? Also, is it wise to have a flu and pneumonia vaccine shot before OAS ?

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Judy Stokes Judy Stokes. I am scheduled for aorta replacement TAVR surgery July 18 at Cleveland Clinic. I am nervous and scared. Anyone who just went through this , let me know how you are doing

Alethea Scally Hi Scott, my Dad had one infected wisdom tooth (abcess) that had to be pulled ten days prior to his surgery. Dentist sent him home without antibiotics and there ... Read more

Alethea Scally Hi Scott, my Dad had one infected wisdom tooth (abcess) that had to be pulled ten days prior to his surgery. Dentist sent him home without antibiotics and there was no waiting time recommendation between tooth being pulled and surgery. Surgeon knew about tooth having been pulled and was fine it was so close to surgery. My father also had a tetanus shot prior to surgery (flu and pneumonia shot had been done a 6 and 2 months prior respectively). Hope this helps!

Rita Savelis Taking an antibiotic an hour before dental work is standard, as is taking care of dental problems before surgery. You'll have to find out what your surgeon ... Read more

Rita Savelis Taking an antibiotic an hour before dental work is standard, as is taking care of dental problems before surgery. You'll have to find out what your surgeon recommends as far as how much time between dental work and surgery. That will vary.
Take care as you make it through all these preparations.

Judy Stokes I always had to take antiobotics when I had dental work. Now before they would do surgery I had to have clearance from my dentist. All is good

Scott Killian Thank you Alethea, Rita and Judy. Good info .!

Barbara Helen Dance Hello Scott, thank you so much for your love and best wishes ,it means a lot to me. I think you may see a photo of me... its uploaded to the site... but not ... Read more

Barbara Helen Dance Hello Scott, thank you so much for your love and best wishes ,it means a lot to me. I think you may see a photo of me... its uploaded to the site... but not to the small profile. However, I hope your dental work is going ok?, I had my visit to the dentist today......., and now just waiting for bloods to be taken tomorrow. Then hopefully, (subject to bed availability haha??!!) I will be admitted Monday, ready for surgery on Independence Day ......( Ooh! .,its getting very, very close now. Thank you, again for your love and best wishes....... so very much appreciated. Barbara Dance,xx😊

Barbara Wood Best of luck Scott, I had a root canal done a month or 2 before surgery- yes, take the antibiotic!

Scott Killian Thank you Barbara × 2 !

I work in a dental office and a lot of cardiologists will send patients to us to ensure they are infection free prior to surgery. Orthopedic surgeons do the ... Read more

I work in a dental office and a lot of cardiologists will send patients to us to ensure they are infection free prior to surgery. Orthopedic surgeons do the same. They will not operate until your mouth is infection free. So yes, I agree, and do pre-med.

Scott Killian Thanks Mary.

Here's my newest picture!

June 25, 2017 Like | Lynda Ruiz likes this

Posted June 27 2017

Lynda Ruiz Welcome Scott. This wonderful site can be a support system too.

Steve Farthing Scott, FYI - Sometimes insurance covers some days in a rehab facility after leaving the hospital.

Scott Killian Thanks

Civita Fahey I think we all some form of anxiety.. you just have to keep thinking positively. I hope you get answers from your doc soon.

Scott Killian Thanks

Heart or Anxiety

Journal posted on June 25, 2017

We all know how the mind can play tricks. Today I was having a "spell" with symptoms then I had a fear of impending doom. Took a tiny .25 dose of Xanex and my heart racing slowed and I felt better. Thinking it was a panic attack ? Still have some symptoms not severe as before. Anybody have anxiety attacks like this.?

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Marie Myers Heck yeah! The first time I met my cardiac surgeon, my BP was 180/85 and my pulse was racing! I later asked my primary for some Xanax . 25mg and it made a ... Read more

Marie Myers Heck yeah! The first time I met my cardiac surgeon, my BP was 180/85 and my pulse was racing! I later asked my primary for some Xanax . 25mg and it made a huge difference. I took one an hour before doc visits, and I felt much better. Eventually I did not need them anymore once I got used to the idea that I was going to have surgery. They also helped me get more sleep in the early days of my scarey diagnosis. Slow deep breathing is a very useful tool as well... Wishing you slow, deep breathing and peace!

Scott Killian Thank you Marie.

Worsening symptoms.

Journal posted on June 21, 2017

My symptoms feel like they're worsening. Shortness of breath severe fatigue. Cough and heavy feeling in back and chest. Are these normal for sevete A.R. and a afib? BP , too high then low. I'm seeing cardiologist and surgeon June 30 to review and likely schedule surgery. Are the symptoms life threatening. ? Maybe anxiety induced? If this worsens am I in trouble ?

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Kimberley Wisdom I'm no expert, but my surgery for severe aortic stenosis valve replacement was scheduled for July 18 when I began experiencing lightedheadedness and feeling ... Read more

Kimberley Wisdom I'm no expert, but my surgery for severe aortic stenosis valve replacement was scheduled for July 18 when I began experiencing lightedheadedness and feeling like I was going to pass out, different symptoms than I had been having. I immediately called my cardiothoracic surgeon's office and was advised to go directly to the hospital for heart surgery the next day, June 7th. I definitely urge you to call your doctor right away.

Marie Myers Does not hurt to check in with your doctor. But remember that anxiety can play a role in some of the symptoms, too.

Barbara Wood Could you move your appointment up? It certainly sounds like AFib as I know it, but you don't want it to worsen or continue on long. It could be anxiety as well but a simple ekg will tell the story.

Kimberley Wisdom I'm no expert, but my surgery for severe aortic stenosis valve replacement was scheduled for July 18 when I began experiencing lightedheadedness and feeling ... Read more

Scott Killian Thanks, today was a better day. But if I start to get those symptoms I'm going to ER. I meet my interventional cardiologist and heart Surgeon next Friday the June 30 th.

Scott Killian Thanks to each of you for replying , good input , thanks so much.

Symptoms ?

Journal posted on June 17, 2017

I have severe aortic insufficiency reguritation. Feel tired all the time. When I walk a distance I get winded and sometime a little lightheaded and short of breath.Anybody have these symptoms before surgery?. Seeing cardiologist AND surgeon in 2 weeks. BP up and down with meds. Im overweight by 25lbs, should I try to lose some before Surgery ? I'm 6'3" 250 lbs.?

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Cathleen DeWitt Hi Scott, All of the symptoms you are describing are pretty normal at this stage unfortunately. I would definitely recommend getting started on a healthy nutrition ... Read more

Cathleen DeWitt Hi Scott, All of the symptoms you are describing are pretty normal at this stage unfortunately. I would definitely recommend getting started on a healthy nutrition plan to help you lose some excess weight pre-surgery. It will help you with your recovery. A Mediterranean/DASH diet would be a really great start ❤️. Best of luck with everything.

Alethea Scally My father just had a SAVR and he's 6'1", 220 pounds, prior to surgery he suffered from the same symptoms you mentioned in your post and was put on 2L of oxygen, ... Read more

Alethea Scally My father just had a SAVR and he's 6'1", 220 pounds, prior to surgery he suffered from the same symptoms you mentioned in your post and was put on 2L of oxygen, maybe oxygen might help you. More important than losing weight is building up your core muscles (abs) and your leg muscles (quads); you will be using both muscles for getting in and out of bed since you are not allowed to use your arms to get in and out of bed post-surgery for 6 weeks. The nurses and CNAs had a hard time transferring my father to and from bed, I think because of his size so you may face that as well. He was very apprehensive before having this surgery but 5 days post-surgery he is really optimistic and breathing better than he has in years. Best of luck to you!

Alethea Scally Oh and because of your height you may look into requesting a bed-extender for your hospital bed. They should figure that out for you in the ICU and step down ... Read more

Alethea Scally Oh and because of your height you may look into requesting a bed-extender for your hospital bed. They should figure that out for you in the ICU and step down unit but if your feet touch the end of the bed, just ask for a bed extender.

Scott Killian Cathleen and Alethea..thanks for the tips..working on my diet and muscle..never would have thought of bed extender ...until I was probably in the bed !