csutherland
Well-known member
What would be the symptons of a St Jude's valve in the aortic position going bad? Jerry had AVR in Feb, 2002 followed by a pericardial window in April 2002. He had fluid buildup at that time, severe shortness of breath, etc. It turned out there was blood in the pericardial sac as a result of the first surgery that needed to be drained.
He has done well for a year now (after a rather difficult recovery from that 2nd surgery). Two days ago he told me he's been having shortness of breath for a couple weeks. His legs feel "rubbery", to quote him. I had been noticing that his belly was looking big but hadn't said anything. Then one of our daughters mentioned it to me. That's the way it was last year when his trouble started. He's a tall thin guy and it's pretty noticeable. His ankles don't seem to be involved this time though.
I listened to his chest/abdomen (not with a stethescope, just my ear pressed) and there was a lot of turbulence in there of some kind.
Feedback anyone?
I'm just wondering if the valve could be failing or if the pericardial effusion is back or what (if anything).
He has done well for a year now (after a rather difficult recovery from that 2nd surgery). Two days ago he told me he's been having shortness of breath for a couple weeks. His legs feel "rubbery", to quote him. I had been noticing that his belly was looking big but hadn't said anything. Then one of our daughters mentioned it to me. That's the way it was last year when his trouble started. He's a tall thin guy and it's pretty noticeable. His ankles don't seem to be involved this time though.
I listened to his chest/abdomen (not with a stethescope, just my ear pressed) and there was a lot of turbulence in there of some kind.
Feedback anyone?
I'm just wondering if the valve could be failing or if the pericardial effusion is back or what (if anything).