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Post heart surgery problems
Dear Dr.
I had open heart surgery 15 months ago. Starting a few days home after that surgery I have had severe right lower quadrant pain(at my waistline in the back) several times a month. I have had 8 of these episodes since Nov. 1999. There is a dull ache during the day everyday but an escalating excruciating pain only at night several times a month. I had an IVP which ruled out kidney stones and several months later after another episode, an abdominal CT scan which was inconclusive. These tests were done days or weeks after an "attack". After some internet research, I believe these may be gallbladder attacks. I have decided that during the next nocturnal attack I am going to the local ER and get them to do an ultrasound. My question is:
Are abdominal-type problems common after heart surgery? Is there any increased risk of complications to your kidneys, liver, gallbladder, etc from the surgery?
I am a 37 yr old woman with no history of medical problems except the heart surgery to remove a myxoma which has now caused asymptomatic(some SOB upon exertion) moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. Whaddaya think doc?
TSM
I had open heart surgery 15 months ago. Starting a few days home after that surgery I have had severe right lower quadrant pain(at my waistline in the back) several times a month. I have had 8 of these episodes since Nov. 1999. There is a dull ache during the day everyday but an escalating excruciating pain only at night several times a month. I had an IVP which ruled out kidney stones and several months later after another episode, an abdominal CT scan which was inconclusive. These tests were done days or weeks after an "attack". After some internet research, I believe these may be gallbladder attacks. I have decided that during the next nocturnal attack I am going to the local ER and get them to do an ultrasound. My question is:
Are abdominal-type problems common after heart surgery? Is there any increased risk of complications to your kidneys, liver, gallbladder, etc from the surgery?
I am a 37 yr old woman with no history of medical problems except the heart surgery to remove a myxoma which has now caused asymptomatic(some SOB upon exertion) moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. Whaddaya think doc?
TSM
A related discussion, Is Upper Back Pain Common After Bypass Surgery was started.
TSM.
My father had open heart surgery a week and a half ago. He is home recovering nicely but one of his major complaints is this lower back pain...........I wonder if it will turn out to be the same as you. I will watch him and see if this comes a episodic type thing. I will post again if he ends ups with attacks.
Good luck TSM.
My father had open heart surgery a week and a half ago. He is home recovering nicely but one of his major complaints is this lower back pain...........I wonder if it will turn out to be the same as you. I will watch him and see if this comes a episodic type thing. I will post again if he ends ups with attacks.
Good luck TSM.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear tsm,
I have never heard of increased abdominal complains following open heart surgery. Generally gallstones cause right upper quadrant pain but it is possible that could be the cause of your pain. It is not necessary to be having the pain at the time of the ultrasound to make the diagnosis. If the ultrasound is non-dasgnostic there are also nuclear scans that may be helpful. Best wishes.
I have never heard of increased abdominal complains following open heart surgery. Generally gallstones cause right upper quadrant pain but it is possible that could be the cause of your pain. It is not necessary to be having the pain at the time of the ultrasound to make the diagnosis. If the ultrasound is non-dasgnostic there are also nuclear scans that may be helpful. Best wishes.
The third sentence should read- "I have had 8 of these episodes since Nov. 2000."
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