CAN IT BE DONE?

[TERRY WILMES]

My Mother is 63. She has been diabetic for apx 23 years. A year ago she had congestive heart failure and was told that she had 2 heart attacts previouse to this episode. She was also told that her Kidneys were only opeating at 30 %. We were told that a heart catherization could not be done because of the kidneys. This past October, she had another mild heart attact and her sugar dropped to less then 30. We were told by the heart docter that the catherization could be done but she would have to be on dialises for a week prior. After returning to her regular doctor( she was out of town when this happened) he told us that the she needs a kidney transplant and a heart transplant and that she is not a candidate for either. Can the catherization be done without damaging the kidneys further? Her regular doctor who is an internist says there is too big of a risk to the kidneys. And is there any other test that can be done?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

A catheterization could be done, however there would be a good chance that your mother would need dialysis for at least a short time after the procedure, if not permanently. However, it would only be worthwhile to do the catheterization if she was a candidate for surgery - this would need to be determined ahead of time.

[Terry]

Where do we start, her doctor is willing to refer her but is not familiar with this clinic. Is there a doctor that can be recommended?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

You could call the 1-800-CCF-CARE number and ask for an appointment with one of the cardiologists who specializes in heart failure. These doctors are very familiar with who might or might not benefit from a transplant.

[Terry]

Is there any other test that give the needed info to a surgeon but would not pose such a risk to the kidneys?

[Terry]

What are the statistics on survival once the patient is on kidney dialysis. And what are the statistics concerning temporary dialysis, how likely is it that the kidneys would stop functioning all together if we went ahead with the catherization?

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I cannot say without reviewing all the data regarding your mother's case. Your mother should approach a possible catheterization with the understanding that temporary or permanent dialysis may be necessary. Only if she is willing to accept this risk should she proceed.

[Terry]

Is there any other test that can be done on the heart that will not damage the kidneys but give the same info as the catheterization/

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

A stress test with pictures could help determine if she has severe blockages of her heart arteries. A stress test would not be as accurate as a catheterization, though.