They're going to have to put a heart valve stent in me. They can either do it by going up an artery (preferred) or by opening up my chest and doing open heart surgery. To determine which to do they've got to run some tests one of which can only be done at OHSU because of a special CAT scan machine that must be used. Then they need to scan my heart using nuclear radiation and run a probe up my artery and into my heart to measure blood pressure. People on dialysis only have a stent lifetime of 8 years. My failing heart valve is almost certainly the reason for my getting tired for even the slightest exertion.
Oh Lanny, take care of yourself! Let me know when you have your surgery and I'll come up and visit you.
My dad had open-heart surgery. When the surgery was over they allowed my mom and me to see him in recovery. We go back to where he is and he's laying there, tubes and wires covering him, machines all around him. It was scary and concerning to see him like that. Almost as if he sensed my mom and me in the room he slowly opens his eyes and in this deep raspy voice he says, "I am Borg" and then closed his eyes and fell back to sleep. It was then I knew he was going to be alright. The funny thing is he has no memory of saying that.
I had a heart stent put in when I was only 54. Saved my life. 63 and going strong still (knock on wood!) It's an amazing fairly non-invasive procedure these days. Best of luck to you @Lanny - you got this!
I did the stent thing over ten years ago. They went in through my femoral artery. Woke up to a very cute nurse clutching my inner thigh for dear life. And she kept it up for a good 15-20 minutes, until they considered the wound "sealed". Best part of the whole procedure.......and as close as I have ever come to slap and tickle with a woman other than my wife.......but damn, it was hard to keep the conversation aboveboard.........
I have a pretty cool picture of what they used to help my heart Lanny. I'll let you borrow it anytime. Get well soon my friend.
I've had 4 heart procedures over the last 5 years or so Lanny....that technology has come a long way and you'll feel better for it....my last was a cardio ablation were they send a balloon into the heart chamber and zap misfiring synopsis....they actually freeze them...talk about my cold cold heart...on another note I always thought somebody else would break my heart but I did it myself...I'm hoping you'll get through this without issue Lanny and feel better....I sent you a DM if you have a chance give it a read my friend! Best of luck with your procedure! My younger brother has had a few stints put into his arteries over the years and he's still around and ornery as ever!
My sister had open heart surgery in December. She had a valve replaced and an aneurysm fixed. She’s doing fine now. I hope your procedure is as successful!
