Shay's Journal

TAVR on June 18. Bleeding would not stop due to low platelet count so I spent 19 hours without moving instead of the usual 4 to 6 hours. A small light weight person, the hospital standard hardware and dosages were large for me so I am guessing their standard loading dose (double) of platelet inhibitor, on top of my low platelet count before TAVR led to the long clotting times and extended bleeding.

The surgery was complicated by my small size requiring a balloon stretch of the prior TAVR valve opening, a stent in the adjoining artery to prevent crushing it, and a Sentinel to protect the brain from clotting. I had a catheter in my right wrist, my right groin, and two catheters in my left groin. The surgeon said my procedure was “hard work”. I’m so glad he was willing and able to do it. After the cath lab prep and wait of three hours they wheeled me into the operating room but then the surgeon was called to perform an emergency procedure on another patient so I spent 4 hours in the operating room.

Happy to be home at last and feeling good but very weak. My husband is taking good care of me and my son is taking good care of our horses. On our 2 hour trip home from the hospital the monsoons began with an intense thunder storm that watered the thirsty desert. A good omen!

Doctor prescribed Brilinta (anti platelet) and Eloquis (blood thinner) twice a day for at least six months.

Some things that helped me:
A small vial of raisins for the hours without food after procedure
Cell phone charger to plug in at hospital
Food ready to eat on return home, I was ravenous for protein (chicken) and orange juice
Clean clothes and house to come home to
A rolling walker to transport myself and items through the house
A list of passwords to medical portals and forums
Water pitcher and glass with bendy straws near bed

Thanks to all of you on this forum who gave advice and well wishes.