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Ali’s 12 Night Hospital Stay With Her Mom, After Aortic Valve Replacment Surgery

By Adam Pick on May 22, 2008

I first met Ali, from Northern California, a few months ago. Her mother had been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and needed heart valve replacement. To learn more about narrowed heart valves, click here.

I could tell right-away that Ali was going to be a phenomenal caregiver through this experience. Ali and I spoke on the phone for thirty minutes about her mom, her health and the next steps for aortic heart valve replacement. One of the big questions for Ali’s mother was, “Should I go to Cleveland Clinic? Or, should I have the surgery done locally by Dr. Gaudiani?”

Ali’s Mom and Ali’s Son

Last week, I received an update from Ali. I thought you might like to read this email to get a very unique glimpse into the caregiver’s perception of heart valve surgery.

EMAIL FROM ALI TO ADAM ABOUT HER MOTHER’S AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT SURGERY:

Dear Adam,

Thank you for the voicemail the other day. I am so glad to hear you are doing well.

So you know, my Mom had her surgery 16 days ago. Unfortunately, due to some cardiac surgery complications, she had to stay in the hospital for 12 nights. Needless to say, it was pretty rough.

She was so brave. The doctors and nurses had a really hard time getting her heart rate to stabilize at a normal level. She was constantly in atrial fibrillation. Her heart was at 190/200 on-and-off for a long time. Then, once the doctors would get her heart rate down… Her blood pressure would come crashing down.

It has been a delicate balance, but thank God I think they have it managed more now. The good news was that mom was never alone in the hospital. I was able to sleep there every night – right next to her. And, my dad and brother were there every day… all day.

I kept telling her she might get better if there were no other bodies around, but she just didn’t want to be alone with her heart racing, etc.

Anyway, she is now home, Thank GOD!

I saw her the night before last and she was in bed and re-reading your book.

Anyway, all is good… thanks again for writing such a great book.

Take care,

Ali

Thanks so much for sharing Ali! I wish your mom a smooth recovery from her aortic valve replacement.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder

Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

nancy mallinger says on May 23rd, 2008 at 7:54 pm

Ali–
One of my big problems is deciding whether to go to the Cleveland Clinic or staying here in Pittsburgh. I will need an aortic valve replacement and possible mitral valve also. Which did your mom decide to do? Was it the right decision? How is she doing now? I hope all iw well.