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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Mom dying after by-pass and mitral valve surgery
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Mom dying after by-pass and mitral valve surgery
by CGTMHI, Apr 23, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 23, 2004 12:00AM
My mom, who has diabetes, received two valve replacements, one mechanical, the other tissue (cow)valve; also, she had a double bypass in which they used one of the larger heart veesels.
She was O.K. the first week but then on the Friday following the surgery they lost her blood pressure. They put her on stong meds to raise her BP. The doctors were very concerned she wouldn't make it through the weekend. She also acquired Pneumonia at the same time. She progressed for a couple days and remained there until this morning (Friday).
Now the meds to elevate her BP are doubled(at maximum), still her bp is only 90 over 48-53 range. She's also now on 90% oxygen, yesterday 30%. The doctors told me today she isn't going to make it. Her kidneys shut down since Tues. She's been receiving continuous dialysis. In addition, she is a complicated becase because of her diabetes.
My question is: Is this common with complicated cases? The nurses said things could possibly turn around. The doctor asked if I wanted to start removing some of the life support to let her go naturally but I said to wait on that for a while. The nurses told me there is a chance her bp could start coming up again.
My next question is what is the likelihood of things turning around at this point?
Please help me, I don't know what to do.
She was O.K. the first week but then on the Friday following the surgery they lost her blood pressure. They put her on stong meds to raise her BP. The doctors were very concerned she wouldn't make it through the weekend. She also acquired Pneumonia at the same time. She progressed for a couple days and remained there until this morning (Friday).
Now the meds to elevate her BP are doubled(at maximum), still her bp is only 90 over 48-53 range. She's also now on 90% oxygen, yesterday 30%. The doctors told me today she isn't going to make it. Her kidneys shut down since Tues. She's been receiving continuous dialysis. In addition, she is a complicated becase because of her diabetes.
My question is: Is this common with complicated cases? The nurses said things could possibly turn around. The doctor asked if I wanted to start removing some of the life support to let her go naturally but I said to wait on that for a while. The nurses told me there is a chance her bp could start coming up again.
My next question is what is the likelihood of things turning around at this point?
Please help me, I don't know what to do.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-RCJ, Apr 23, 2004 12:00AM
Cindy,
I'm terribly sorry for what you are going through with your mother.
Q:"Is this common with complicated cases?"
The combination of valvular surgery and bypass surgery carries a mortality risk measured at no less than 1 in 20 persons (5%).
Q:"My next question is what is the likelihood of things turning around at this point?"
When the lungs, kidney, and cardiovascular system all begin to fail, the mortality for the person suffering with the organ failures is quite high. You are in the awful position now of having to trust the doctors to guide you. Thankfully, most doctors are skilled and compassionate (I certainly hope that is what you have encountered), so let them give you some direction.
The best piece of advice I can give, having seen this situation more times than I care to remember, is to communicate with your family (including your mother if she is able) and decide what you think your mother would want. There is usually no rush on end-of-life decisions, so try to not feel pressured. Take strength from where you can -- sometimes from one another, sometimes from prayer, sometimes from memories of better times with your mother.
I'll keep you in my thoughts, and I'll check this board periodically thru the weekend to help as I'm able.
I'm terribly sorry for what you are going through with your mother.
Q:"Is this common with complicated cases?"
The combination of valvular surgery and bypass surgery carries a mortality risk measured at no less than 1 in 20 persons (5%).
Q:"My next question is what is the likelihood of things turning around at this point?"
When the lungs, kidney, and cardiovascular system all begin to fail, the mortality for the person suffering with the organ failures is quite high. You are in the awful position now of having to trust the doctors to guide you. Thankfully, most doctors are skilled and compassionate (I certainly hope that is what you have encountered), so let them give you some direction.
The best piece of advice I can give, having seen this situation more times than I care to remember, is to communicate with your family (including your mother if she is able) and decide what you think your mother would want. There is usually no rush on end-of-life decisions, so try to not feel pressured. Take strength from where you can -- sometimes from one another, sometimes from prayer, sometimes from memories of better times with your mother.
I'll keep you in my thoughts, and I'll check this board periodically thru the weekend to help as I'm able.
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My thoughts are with you and your family, I'm sorry the outcome looks so bleak.
Doc,
You're pretty special. Thanks for your constant care and concern.
You and your family will be in my thoughts as you work through these difficult times. Please do as the good doctor suggested, and rely on the strength around you (us included). In some ways we are all strangers and in other ways we are all family. Please know that you can come here to ask and receive help, prayers and guidance.
Dr. RCJ,
As always, you are to be commended for your medical advice as well as your compassion. We are so fortunate to have the "ears" of two very thoughtful professionals. Those of us facing difficult decisions such as Cindy's often feel "lost." It is helpful to be able to rely upon the knowledge of those who deal with these issues more often. Thank you! I intend to remember your advice in the event I ever find myself in a similar situation. Thank you again!
Best wishes in this very difficult time.
Dr. RCJ,
I'm touched by your compassion. Thank you.
My thoughts and prayers will be constant with you and your mum.
This is a difficult time for you,and with all our prayers I hope your burden will be somewhat easier.
Doctor:You are a true blessing.Your concern & compassion show what a truly great doctor you are.
Doctor, what a wonderful Doctor you are, THANK YOU!
I have an idea what you are going through. I went through something similar with my mom. God bless you and your mom. I hope the doctor/doctors who take care of your mom are as compassionate, caring and understanding as the doctor is on this board.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's and your family's pain.
Diabetes can really complicate that type of surg, my mother had a bad time. It was actually my father's situation that more closely resembles your mom's. His bp crashed a couple days after surg and he was admitted to ICU with bp meds.
It was a terrible time. We were asked to make some terrible decisions, the 1st to remove the bp med. Later, after agonizing, crying, doubting, all that you feel, we were told we didn't have that right to make the decision it was covered in his living will. However, because they had already given him this med.against the wishes in his will, we did have to make a decision.
The things that will help you most is if your mother can communicate her wishes or if she has a living will. Go by these wishes. If not, then ask the dr.(s) to speak to the family, express their opinions, and let the family discuss it. (The drs. did this on 2 or 3 occasions with our family).
Best wishes, Cindy. Hugs
I wonder how Cindy's mum is doing.
I sure hope things are better.
Continuing to pray for both of them.
my thoughts are with you. My Mother just underwent mitral valve surgery (reparative surgery) and recently came home. However, a week ago, she went into an emergency room and is still there due to other complications due to accumulation of liquid in her lungs.
I'm currently overseas and is deeply concern. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I do wish your Mother all the best in fighting this...never give up!
Regards,
Chester