Testing testing
I was required to receive two diagnostic tests before they could perform open heart surgery (OHS) to repair or replace my aortic valve. These test are to alleviate concerns of aneurisms, strokes and avoid possible complications. I’m all about having the most textbook procedure I can.
Up first was a CT chest scan to view the potential for blocked blood flow to my heart. I was intravenously (IV) administered contrast fluid which enables the radiologist to view a 3-D cross section of my chest. Before they begin the IV they let you know it will get very cold and you will feel like you wet the bed, but this sensation will pass very quickly. Very much like an MRI you lie flat and are moved into a tube, in my case from the neck down. There is a pre-recorded voice that advises you to hold your breath. Just like they said, I was cold, had the peeing sensation, it was gone in minutes — the entire test took less than 10 minutes. The results were great and I do not have an ascending aortic aneurism. First test done and alls signs are good.
The second test was a cardiac catheterization/ coronary angiogram and took place at the hospital where I’ll have surgery. This procedure uses X-ray imaging to see how blood flows through the arteries in your heart. I fasted and was advised no liquids after 9 a.m. They kept referring to one woman as “7 Grapes,” she said she fasted but had seven grapes that morning, which is in fact not fasting.
It took about an hour to prepare for the test and as I listened to the hum of hospital it hit home that this was actually happening and it was happening to me. This was the place where I would have the only surgery of my life, which happened to be aortic valve replacement. With good health and good fortune up until this point I didn’t think about hospitals filled with nurses and doctors. But there they all were buzzing around doing their thing like the trained professionals they are. Working early and long shifts. Being on call on the weekends, refraining from drinks with friends. I was going about my life while they saved lives. Angels amongst us — every one of them.
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In a hospital gown and on a gurney, I was wheeled into a large room for the test. Before the procedure I was given fentanyl (yes, that fentanyl) to relax. The cardiologist passed a thin hollow tube, called a catheter, through an artery in my wrist and carefully moved it up into my heart. X-ray images helped the doctor position the catheter. Once the catheter was in place, dye was injected into the catheter and X-ray images were taken to see how the dye moved through the artery. The dye highlights any blockages in blood flow. The brilliant news is the doc said I had the blood flow of an eighteen year-old.
As scary as all that sounds it didn’t take long and certainly didn’t hurt. Next up they put a plastic cuff on my wrist over the minuscule hole in my artery. I was in recovery for a few hours and they gradually released the pressure on the band. The blood was cut off to my hand for about an hour and I found it to be excruciating. I was told to treat my wrist like it is broken for up to 3 days.
My wrist and arm were badly bruised, ten days later it is still quite sore and I’m icing daily. My sister, cardiac nurse who performs these procedures, said I likely had bleeding under the skin, no hematoma after, but there might have been one which was pushed out causing the bruising. I was not advised to ice afterwards and that may have helped. I don’t think this is normal and the likelihood is it won’t happen to you if you have this test.
I’ve had to miss a much needed week of yoga to let the wrist heal. I’ll be unable to do yoga for at least six weeks after the surgery as my sternum will be broken. Every yoga session is precious at this point for physical and mental health.
The procedure revealed I likely have a low tolerance for pain meds (fentanyl) as I was exhausted the night of the procedure and felt strange the next day. Before my diagnosis we planned a Christmas get together with friends with a cookie and beer exchange the day after the test and by 8 p.m. I was present in body only and exceptionally tired. The nurse told me I should be fine the following day, but if you’re having this procedure I would plan a quiet day the next day, just in case. In the future, I will need to note my low tolerance when I receive anesthesia or pain meds. Subsequently, I’ve circled back with this info to the anesthesiologist who is setting me up for surgery.
This is part four of my story, going from diagnosis to aortic valve replacement in 53 days.
We have good Anthem insurance and these are our bills through December 10, 2021.
