Jennifer's Posts

Yes, sadly, there are definitely some post-surgery complications that can happen (I had pleural effusions and permanent pacemaker) that no one tells you about. I also thought valve surgery was worse than cancer treatment (I've had 3 cancers). Although they were both difficult in their own way. I'm sorry that you've had to go through this. I felt very traumatised after surgery with a long recovery. It happens, and I'm sorry that it happened to you. Take care.

Jennifer, I will be having a consult with Dr Malaisrie soon about my tricuspid valve and now am concerned about the care I will get. I am already extremely anxious about all of this and now am having doubts about care I will get from Northwestern. You chould be able to directly contact the Team nurse and have a direct number to call to tell them what is going on. Do you have a cardiologist downtown? I have medicaid with blue cross and wondering what insurance you have if you dont mind sharing. Thank you and best wishes❤️🙏

I am able to reach the team, but unable to get assistance that would actually help. I have a great Loyola cardiologist. The surgery itself was good and I would go to Dr. Malaisrie again because of the small incision and correct fit of the valve and excellent anesthesiologists. Just have a plan during recovery.

Jennifer, it seems to me that you did get care and they referred you to the ER. I had many issues for about 3 months after my surgery and was re-hospitalized four times. My surgeon had released me after 4 weeks because his job was done - but he did visit me in the hospital each time I was there. Our bodies don't like this surgery and react with inflammation which causes issues like you have described. Hang in there. Things will get better.

Glad to hear you have had your pleural effusion drained Jennifer. Sounds like a very similar path to my own. My body reacted with lots of fluid buildup about 3-4 weeks post surgery, too. After some scans and talking with my cardiologist, he referred me to the ER. I also had a small pericardial effusion and a thorocentesis. The pleural effusion returned but was managed with diuretics and eventually steroids, after the initial draining. Both my pericardial effusion and pleural effusion resolved on their own over time. Hope you are feeling better and have a smooth recovery going forward.

I am glad you were eventually able to get the care you need. It is unfortunate that ER is frequently the only way to get proper care. My cardiologist sent me to ER multiple times, not necessarily because it was an emergency, but that was the only way I was able to get the care I needed. Doctors’ offices don’t have the kind of equipment and staff necessary to address certain conditions. Hope you feel better soon.