Will BUN levels affect aorta valve replacement?

Posted by openheart2020 @openheart2020, Mar 14, 2020

Hello all! I am scheduled for an aorta valve replacement on Tuesday, 3/17. This is the 5th attempt. I have finally passed all the pre-op tests but was flagged on the BUN results. I have not heard from the surgeon's office about another postponement. Does anyone know if having higher than the normal numbers will have an impact on my surgery? I have stopped drinking protein shakes as I read that too much protein will cause this. I have also upped my water intake as I may have been a little dehydrated, another cause. I'm hoping this will help, but just need reassurance that I'm still good to go. Thanks for any thoughts.

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Hi @openheart2020 that must be frustrating having all of these postponements.

@yorlik has mentioned an aorta valve replacement int he past and may be able to share their experience. I also wanted to introduce you to @thankful @predictable @mrsjaxx727 @harriethodgson1 @lioness and @eileena as they have all have experience with heart events and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @openheart2020 with you be having an open heart surgery or a catheter procedure?

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I don't have an answer to your question. I do know that psyching yourself up for surgery takes effort and courage. To have surgery postponed is a letdown and you need to psyche yourself up all over again. Hope things go well for you. I had open heart surgery and the incision in the middle of my chest healed amazingly well. Thank you Mayo Clinic surgeons!

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@harriethodgson1

I don't have an answer to your question. I do know that psyching yourself up for surgery takes effort and courage. To have surgery postponed is a letdown and you need to psyche yourself up all over again. Hope things go well for you. I had open heart surgery and the incision in the middle of my chest healed amazingly well. Thank you Mayo Clinic surgeons!

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Thank you for that positive reply. Had a tough day yesterday and finally realized it was the news that had me going. So, I turned off the news, went outside and feel peaceful and ready for Tuesday. Have not heard anything from the Dr.'s office yet, so feeling good.

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@ethanmcconkey

Hi @openheart2020 that must be frustrating having all of these postponements.

@yorlik has mentioned an aorta valve replacement int he past and may be able to share their experience. I also wanted to introduce you to @thankful @predictable @mrsjaxx727 @harriethodgson1 @lioness and @eileena as they have all have experience with heart events and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @openheart2020 with you be having an open heart surgery or a catheter procedure?

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Thank you for your reply. At first they were going to do the Cath. Thing, but after the cat scan I need the whole aorta replaced but only minimumly invasive. I guess a 2 inch incision in front and one on the side.

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I had my mid/descending aorta and left subclavian replaced via thoracotomy in Nov at Mayo by Dr Pochettino...him and his team were so awesome! It’s frustrating I can imagine to have surgery postponed- I don’t know what honestly I would have done mentally— but the team at Mayo we’re so thorough and efficient I am sure if it is postponed it is for your safety and outcome. I was so impressed with Pochettino and his team... best of luck to you!

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@openheart2020 My open heart was so long ago I remember after some delay I was glad to finally get the surgery as the symptoms where wearing on me. Have faith in your Dr and his team they are professionals and good at what they do Go in with a Good attitude and you,ll be fine Let us know when your back to posting

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@openheart2020- My situation was very different. I went from no early signs and a typical weekday workout to a massive HA. I had what is referred too as "The Widow Maker". Fortunately, I had a stent placed in my LAD that was 100% blocked and came through things wonderfully! I'll add a little humor here to lighten the mood, but as I lay on the table in the Cath Lab I was totally awake. The monitors blocked my vision of the Drs. but I could here everything that they were saying. At one point I decided to scratch a itch and I heard what seemed like a God like voice say "Mr. ...... could you please not move"! I responded "Sorry, I had a itch"! The voice then said "I am working on your heart and we can have someone itch for you Thank You"! I will always remember that very funny moment! I hope all goes well for you and you can place your trust in your team of Drs. They do amazing things every day! Jim@thankful

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Wow! Such wonderful replies, thank you so much. I'm so ready to finally have this done. I'm looking forward to the "new" level of energy they have promised me. I have become an endorphin junky. I swim and bike everyday after work which amazes my Dr. and not being able swim for the next few weeks is going to be a challenge. But, forgetting the future and living in the now, I am actually looking forward to this. Again, thank you everyone for your kind words and advice!

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Can you let me know what symptoms you had to lead to the replacement? Did you have shortness of breath?

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I had no symptoms. I knew I had a heart murmur, was born with it but was told it would never be a problem. I went, back in Oct. to get a colonoscopy and during the pre op stuff, a nurse freaked out because she heard the murmur. Long story short, I ended up going to a cardiologist, a Dr. doom and Gloom kind of guy who proceeded to tell me that I was going to die from this if I don't hurry and have it taken care of. I then was sent to a surgeon who was a God send. I was about in tears at this point and he calmed me down and assured me I was alright but I indeed need surgery to replace the bi valve with a three valve, but after getting a cat scan said it was a little more urgent. I have aortic stenosis and need to have my aorta replaced. I am still working, a teacher, ride a couple miles on my bike and up to 40 laps in the pool every night. He told me to keep doing what I do. So, then being postponed 4 times for different reasons, I am finally going in tomorrow morning, Tuesday. I am still a symptomatic and a puzzle to all concerned, thank God. Now, aren't you glad you asked? LOL.

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