Larry Chiappetta - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2442 days ago

My creatinine level was still dramatically elevated after the second blood test. The cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiologist are both concerned about the elevated ...Read more

My creatinine level was still dramatically elevated after the second blood test. The cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiologist are both concerned about the elevated risk of kidney issues during and after open heart surgery and the aortic valve replacement scheduled for the 16th has again been canceled. The surgery has been put on hold while several kidney function tests have been ordered along with an appointment to consult with a nephrologist.

With your kidney issue maybe you would qualify for a TAVR.

Larry Chiappetta My cardiologist mentioned that as a possibility now.

Larry Chiappetta My kidney ultrasound revealed several cysts on both kidneys. Hopefully they are all benign. Another ... Read more

Larry Chiappetta My kidney ultrasound revealed several cysts on both kidneys. Hopefully they are all benign. Another blood test also showed unusually high levels of protein. None of this sounds too good. My surgery is still on hold.

Larry Chiappetta Nephrologist I consulted with is concerned that the dye used in the CT scan and VL Carotid Imaging fo ... Read more

Larry Chiappetta Nephrologist I consulted with is concerned that the dye used in the CT scan and VL Carotid Imaging for the pre-op testing may have damaged my kidney since it can be toxic to the kidneys. Since the decline in kidney function was so dramatic after the tests, he urged me to be very careful about scheduling either sternotomy surgery or TAVR since both require using the same dye. That leaves me between a rock and a hard place. Not sure where I go from here......

Larry Chiappetta posted an update

2447 days ago

My surgeon has given me a choice of tissue or mechanical valves for an aortic valve replacement. I'm 77 years old and have an afib condition for which I have ...Read more

My surgeon has given me a choice of tissue or mechanical valves for an aortic valve replacement. I'm 77 years old and have an afib condition for which I have been on Eliquis and will continue to be on lifetime blood thinner medication in any case after surgery. I am leaning towards the tissue valve, mainly to stay on Eliquis and avoid going on coumadin and the regular monitoring and blood testing that goes along with it. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences to share? Thanks.

Barbara Wood Hi Larry, I had a mitral repair but I chose a tissue valve as a backup, in case he was not able to do ... Read more

Barbara Wood Hi Larry, I had a mitral repair but I chose a tissue valve as a backup, in case he was not able to do the repair. I also have a history of AFib ( I had a maze procedure along with the repair) & was on Eliquis for a year before surgery. After surgery I was put on Coumadin as a precautionary because of the AFib history & have been on it close to a year. I much prefer Eliquis, I find Coumadin to be a pain & have a hard time keeping my inr in range, it's usually too low. And my cardiologist has said Eliquis is more effective in preventing stroke. I'm hoping to be taken off Coumadin next month when I see my cardiologist. I have been in nsr for close to a year now. Are you having a maze procedure too?

Susan Killian I am having a mitral valve repair, mechanical back up. Best chance of never having to deal with it a ... Read more

Susan Killian I am having a mitral valve repair, mechanical back up. Best chance of never having to deal with it again and I am an RN and not worried about dealing with coumadin, They will give me a test machine to bring home so I won't need to go in all the time for tests. I am 64.

Larry Chiappetta Hi Barbara, Neither my cardiologist nor my cardio-thoracic surgeon mentioned anything about a maze pr ... Read more

Larry Chiappetta Hi Barbara, Neither my cardiologist nor my cardio-thoracic surgeon mentioned anything about a maze procedure.

Larry Chiappetta posted an update

2448 days ago

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My aortic valve surgery originally scheduled for April 9th was put off a week due to elevated levels of creatinine in my pre-op tests last Monday. It might ...Read more

My aortic valve surgery originally scheduled for April 9th was put off a week due to elevated levels of creatinine in my pre-op tests last Monday. It might just be a bit of dehydration since I don't drink much water but there is concern about my kidneys and fear of possible need for dialysis after surgery. I was told to drink a lot of fluids this week and I have another set of tests set for this coming Monday. Hopefully the levels will come down to acceptable levels and my surgery can proceed on the 16th.