Connie's Posts

Hi Connie. Not sure many researchers have formally studied/quantified this... Surgeons don't want to explore this because it contradicts the efficacy thesis of heart surgery! As patients, we have no choice. The HL machine is clearly not good for one's brain (as many older MD friends have told me in my work setting). Many of us have had visual disturbances after surgery in part for this reason... Personally, my attention span was less after surgery - but a year out, I don't feel impaired. Seems like we mostly get a "get out of jail free" pass with our first or second surgeries!

Having MVR with a porcine valve, MAZE procedure & left atrial appendage closure on Valentine's Day. Read your story, so good on you being your own educated patient advocate & not settling on anything. I was just enrolled in a study at Northwestern Chicago studying exactly this during my OHS & time on the heart lung bypass. They will be testing cognitive function before and after surgery, and monitoring a bazillion things during the surgery. I feel honored to be participating in studies at Nirtwestern. Also participating in one for HFpEF and one for use of a particular clip to close the appendage. Goal of course is optimal heart health all around with fewest prescription meds needed. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!! ❤️❤️❤️

I'm coming up on my two year anniversary. There were times when I wondered if there were effects from it, and really worried about it. Mostly my seemingly lack of being able to concentrate for any length of time. But it passed and now I think my problem is just the aging thing. 😄 Good luck on your surgery.🙏

I have always equated the heart lung machine to turning off and then on the water at the street. Of course i am not a doctor or a plumber but it seems to make sense to me. Once the water is turned back on does it flow out smoothly or is there a short period of time when things are messed up.