Stephen's Posts

Stephen - My loved ones went through the same emotions and had similar concerns. There's nothing more reassuring than multiple opinions and some feedback from folks who have been in your shoes doesn't hurt, either. Sometimes I think heart surgery is harder on our families and friends - as patients, we sleep through it and get all the good drugs! 😊 It is certainly a team effort and it's all worth it in the end. You'll both get through this and we'll help! ❤️

Hey - I hear you on the trepidation before. While I don't have specific advice, you might get some second opinions out of the Kaiser group just for a fresh take if really concerned. Although it looks like time is nearing? Otherwise, know that heart surgery is super safe across the board nowadays. Things go sideways, but everyone has their speed bumps and gets through recovery. Stroke for sternotomy is lower than minimally invasive surgeries because of the perfusion, and if you have a CATH / CTs prior, it is a safe bet. That is a hard fact. Good luck!

If the neurologist says he is at low risk for hemorrhage I think he should be fine. I know because I had an ischemic stoke a couple of years ago, got tPA, which caused a hemorrhagic stroke. Cardiologist couldn't put me on any blood thinner (to prevent future strokes) until cleared by the neurologist. Once okayed by the neurologist I've been on warfarin and have not had any neurological issues from the blood thinner. For the other kind of stroke, as J Alexander points out, chances of stroke during sternotomy is low. I developed a clot during a catheter procedure (valvuloplasy), so I discussed my concerns with my surgeon in length before my sternotomy, and he explained how the heart is essentially disconnected during a sternotomy, so the bits and pieces that could cause a clot don't go into your bloodstream. Does that help ease your mind? Wishing you and John the best!