Struggling after 3rd OHS - pulmonary valve replacement

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LL_beanie

Active member
Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Messages
27
Location
Baton Rouge, LA. Both surgeries in New Orleans, LA
I wanted to thank everyone for all of the prayers and good thoughts for me. It's been a while since I posted, but I had my third open-heart surgery in March 2012 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

I'm an adult congenital patient with Tetralogy of Fallot, and in 2009 I had my second OHS, with a pulmonary valve replacement where they put a mechanical On-X valve in me. From the beginning, it was nothing but complication after complication, going from doctor to another. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think, was exhausted all the time.

I finally went to Cleveland, and during the cath, it showed that my valve was frozen open with blood clots. It was a terrifying moment, even more so since I had taken my coumadin regularly and had been in range(with a few relative ups and downs) for over 18 months.

36 hours later, I was having surgery, but the key was my cardiologist and surgeons were all specialists in the issues surrounding adults with congenital defects.

It's been a struggle to get back after this surgery. To be honest, I really thought that I was going to die before I saw the summer, but now I look forward to the life ahead of me. If anyone wants to read about my story, or - truly - if you can help out, please do (note, if linking to a personal blog is inappropriate, let me know and I'll delete the link).

I've mostly lurked on this site, but the tales of strength and managing after a life-changing event has been amazing.

http://cajunhearts.blogspot.com/
 
I can only imagine your feelings after the heart cath showed the valve was covered in clots! How scary!
I'm happy to read that you're feeling better, and I hope you continue to improve and get your qualtiy of life back.
Looking forward to hearing how you progress.:smile2:
 
You have been through alot and have made it through this challenge.
I am sending you positive thoughts and well wishes that every day continues to gets better for you. I like the expression that someone used in one of my posts a while ago.

Don't look in the rear view mirror. :) Onward and upward.
 

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