Gina
Personal story of my Mitral Valve Replacement on March 17,
1999
By: Gina
Sometime around age 8 at a routine pediatric exam a heart
murmur was detected. Upon further examination it was found that
I had MVP "Mitral Valve Prolapse. My family was told that this
is a very common condition and many people have it and "live a
normal life". The only concern "I should have" is premeditation
for invasive procedures to protect myself from Bacterial
Endocarditis. Surgery was not mentioned and I went on with my
life.
As the years passed had no noticeable symptoms. Though, would
have to say I lived that way for so long....that did have a
string of symptoms and just thought it was normal to feel that
way. Would have occasional panic attacks and was very short
tempered at times. Later found out that this had something to do
with the electrical impulses/circulation in the body and was
somehow related to my regurgitating valve. Have not felt that
way since my surgery.
Fast forward to the birth of our daughter. She was a healthy
8lb- 10oz baby. Proceeding the delivery my blood pressure
dropped to a dangerously low level and the hospital personal
flipped the bed back so the blood could get oxygen to my brain.
Was fully alert the whole time and the worst part were the
shakes that lasted two hours afterwards. Asked if it had
anything to do with my regurgitating valve, answer "oh no your
heart is fine". The blood pressure machine must be broken.
Luckily they had the common sense to place me on an IV
antibiotic, or I could have obtained an infection. Failed to
mention the cyst they removed by hand instead of taking me to
surgery. Was insisting that I had serious problem. My feet and
ankles blew up and could not even get a slipper on nor walk
across the floor for a week after the birth. Also gained 60
pounds during my pregnancy. I am not an overweight person. Was
actually, underweight prior to my pregnancy. Lost 45 pounds of
water weight in one week. Should have been a red flag to those
doctors. I was trusting them.
Two years passed....we relocated and I obtained a cold....
could not shake it. Went to my new doctor and he listened to my
chest and said very impressive. Are you aware of your very
pronounced heart murmur? Proceeded to inform him that I hadMVP
but was told not to worry about by my former doctors. They sent
me for an echo and a cath and determined that it was at the
upper limits of regurgitation, 4+. Surgery would be scheduled.
Noted by two of my doctors at the time was the following
comment "we are absolutely astonished that you have been walking
around for 2+ years with this amount of regurgitation." And how
on earth my daughter and I survived the birth. God was by my
side, along with my guardian angel which I am persuaded to date
she or he does exist!
My family arrived in preparation for surgery. I would like to
mention before I go on.... could not have gotten through it
without you. Love you all. My Husband, Dad, Mom and Sister :*).
My mother stayed with us for six weeks and held down the
fort. If anyone deserves a gold star, it's her.
The big day, March 17th. We went on to the hospital and I was
prepped for surgery. It was understood that if my valve could
not be repaired......they would use a mechanical implant.
Understood the lifelong need for anticoagulation, i.e.,
Coumadin. Not as well as I do now. Was willing to deal with the
life style changes and gave up the possibility of having
additional children. In exchange.....received a shiny new
titanium Medtronic Hall Mitral Valve with a lifetime guarantee!
And a new lease on life!
Surgery and the recovery period went well. It was not until
three weeks post op when my problems surfaced. I bled out due to
cardiac tamponade. This was proven to be brought on by
mismanagement of my Coumadin dosage. Was tested at a 4.0 and was
informed not decrease my dose. At that time I was ignorant to
the fact. Within a week I was a 14 and hemorrhaging from every
vital organ, taken back to surgery to drain fluid and was fully
transfused. No external signs of bleeding at first, no bruises,
nose bleeds, etc. Was just very pale and towards the end I was
short of breath and collapsed on the floor. My mother called an
ambulance.
Arrived at the hospital vomiting blood. My family was
informed that I would probably not pull through the surgery. If
I did would be incapacitated. Luckily, had an excellent surgeon
to pull me through and God was by my side.
It's been 3 years since my surgeries. Though what happened to
me is unfortunate and very rare, I take the Coumadin very
seriously. Also do not let doctors have complete control of my
situation. If something it not to my liking, I request changes.
To date finally regulated on my Coumadin. This took over a
year. Was watching everything. Found with more flexibility in my
diet, I am more regulated.
Also, with all the new advances in patient home testing for
INR monitoring for blood thinners I am free from the hassles of
lab appointments. I own a Coaguchek and self regulate in the
privacy of my home. It has already been proven that I have
tighter control of my INR levels. This makes me feel good and
above all makes my travels a breeze!
Feeling wonderful and hope and pray for many more years of
service from my valve.
Warm wishes to all and keep on ticking,
Gina
MVR, 3-17-99
Daily meds, Coumadin 6-1/2 mg
Inderal LA 60mg
Last updated: March 24th, 2002 |