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Website
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Welcome
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to Heart to Heart with Anna, featuring your host Anna Dworsky. Our program is a program designed to empower the CH D or congenital heart defect community. Our program may also help families who have Children who are chronically ill by bringing information and encouragement to you in order to become an advocate for your community. Now here is an ID Dworsky.
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Welcome to heart to heart With Anna, I am amateur Borski and the hopes deferred to her wear in Season eight of her with our theme necessities in this camp for adults with congenital heart defects and our show today is
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considerations for non cardiac surgeries for adults with congenital heart defects. Our guest today is CHD Warrior David Franco. David Franco is 49 years old. It was born with a ventricular septal defect, or VSD pulmonary stenosis and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. At the age of five, David was sent to the University of Alabama Birmingham to have his VSD closed by Dr John Kirklin. He also received an implanted pacemaker. David had a second open heart surgery at 27 to replace his pulmonary valve and add a pulmonary
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conduit, allowing for
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more oxygenated blood going through his body. The surgery was successful, but David suffered a stroke. During this procedure. He also received an implanted cardioverter defibrillator or ice d d. Since 2006 David has undergone three separate major surgeries that were not cardiac in nature. In all three surgeries, he had to get cardiac clearance from two separate cardiologists his pediatric cardiologist and his electric physiologist. Due to miss. I see D two of the three surgeries require general anesthesia. So a pediatric anesthesiologist was also consulted. Welcome to heart to heart with the ENA, David.
spk_5: 2:02
Thank you very, very
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well. First of all, welcome back. I'm so happy to have you back. My longtime listeners may remember you from when you were on a show in season three and you were on with Carol Raimondi talking about living with C C T g A.
spk_5: 2:19
That's right. I had a wonderful climb sharing my experiences in actually listening to Carol Story, which transposition. And it turned out that it was very similar to mine. It was a great experience.
spk_3: 2:31
Yeah, it really was great. Like you. My son has also had operations aside from his open heart surgery. So I'm glad you could come on today and talk to us about non cardiac surgeries in the considerations that we have to take. So can you tell me about the 1st 2 non cardiac operations you had, what they were and how old you were when you had them?
spk_5: 2:53
We certainly believe it or not. I made it till the age of 38 before I had a non cardiac surgical procedure. So I had my open heart surgeries. I lived my life as a CH D patient and I already had my stroke. So in 2005 at the Agents area, I had an e p l repair on what the appeal is. It's the extensive analysis longest it's attending that runs from your dumb and attaches itself to the forearm. Basically, either camping accident. I puncture this, and that was my first down cardiac surgical of statements ever. My second was three years later, in 2008 at the age of 41 when I had an A C L care the interior cruciate ligament on Monday and they discovered assists and then they removed at the same time again. Both of these surgeries where later in my life, after my open heart surgeries, I'm not including my dental procedure, which I had one, wasn't he? But other than that, I I was pretty lucky to get through life with no appendicitis or a broken bone that required surgical invention. Or even not so like this, considering on the c h D person.
spk_3: 4:11
Yeah, it's actually fairly remarkable, David, especially since you're a guy. I have two sons, and I know how guys can be very athletic or can be very physical. So it's not uncommon to have broken bones or to have accidents where non cardiac surgery might be warranted. So
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it's very easy trick.
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I think your business right 38. Before you had your first non cardiac surgery. Aside from dental procedures, Wow. So what was your biggest concern when you knew you had one of these upcoming surgeries? It sounds like both of them were planned surgeries. Neither of them sound like they were emergency surgeries. So what was your biggest medical concern? David?
spk_5: 4:56
Well, it's quite amusing the star behind my upl and my a C L surgeries, because I guess the best answer to the question would be I needed to find the right doctor for May and and that would be a doctor who would understand the cardiac side that I had already inherited and this surgery that they were good at. I'm going to be doing so When I had the wrist surgery, that was 2005. It wasn't an emergency. I just said, and I was given a list of surgeries At the time, I was very fortunate to still be seeing my cognitive therapists to was working me through my stroke. Still to that. David was 13 years post stroke, but I still need to see the cognitive therapist. Her husband is an E R nurse, and he came up with some good contacts. I found a great hand surgeon who is the former plastic surgeon, and that really put me at ease. So I think finding the right surgeon for your situation is the most important thing. Next, I was concerned that my cardiologists was right on top of this and I would have clearance. All the way through then is the issue. I think that I have to actually deal with at this point is getting those aren't yet clearances making sure the surgeon who cuts me knows what they're doing with not just with their surgery, but also with how to take care of me as a C H D patient,
spk_3: 6:32
right? And I think that's a really good point. And luckily for you, you live in a big city. You live in Austin, Texas. So you have a lot of surgeons in that city that you could actually choose from. I think it's a little bit more difficult when you live in a smaller town. Like what I do to make sure that you have the right surgeon. You might actually have to travel to a bigger town, wouldn't you think? David,
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That's true. And in fact, even in a larger city like Austin, I've had a problem, and I'll explain with my exile searcher. I tore ligament playing basketball or running, and I went to the E. R. And it was an emergency. So they gave me referrals and the referrals I chose. One of the three doctors at the gaming Well, it turned out that this doctor ordered an M. R. I for me, and I said to with the doctor, I can't have an M. R I the doctor wants out of the room. I guess he spoke with one of his colleagues. You came back in the room, he said, I think you need to see someone else. So even in these lowered cities, we have doctors that are not aware of our situations. To be honest with me, I was astounded that he did not know I could not have an M R R because of my defibrillator. So
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eat it. That seems kind of fundamental.
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And it could have easily passed five if I didn't mention anything, which I think insulted that the surgeon and that's fine. I had to look out for myself. Certainly wouldn't be good to have an M. R. I in my situation, especially 10 years ago,
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right? Right. It's good that you were well enough aware of what was going on, that you could be your own advocate and let them know Wait a minute, this isn't gonna work. So I was wondering if you had any complications from your surgery. That could have been a major complication, but you prevented that, So that was good. Does that mean that you decided to go to a different city to have that A c l surgery?
spk_5: 8:34
No, I did not chose a doctor who your brother had seen and because I had developed a relationship with the doctor. My brother had a surgery by the orthopedic surgeon and because I drove him, I kind of struck up conversations. We we got to know each other and he didn't say and that's how it come into place. It might have been a stroke of luck that it happened that way. I'm glad it didn't. Certainly because I found the right guy to do the right thing. Of course, I still had to jump through hoops. To get the actual cardiac clearance is because he really wanted to rush the surgery and get it done ASAP. But I did go to researchers here in the city. I just had to do my own little research.
spk_3: 9:22
Okay, so you had those two surgeries. Were there any complications from those surgeries?
spk_5: 9:28
I had no complications. The reason for that is simply following the doctor's orders. Now, granted, something could happen out of the blue that causes a complication that has nothing to do with the way I reacted after surgery or another or something I did after surgery, Something could happen. Yes, but in my case I had no complications. I will say, though, it was just a long rehab. But that's another thing I attribute to my rehabilitation Thrown the whole non partner surgery was the fact that I did do the rehab. And I know a lot of people who have surgeries, let's say on their knees for on the wrist like I could. It don't go to rehab. I couldn't do that. I would have to go to rehab. I couldn't move my hand after my first surgery, and it took 30 is to actually get need to physically move my hand. Although it was painful, it was certainly what the Christ in the process that I went through
spk_3: 10:26
Well, right, especially since those of us who know you know, you're a musician. You need your hand.
spk_5: 10:32
I was six weeks in a cast, and that was the hardest time. Big guy. Yes, exactly. It was my left hand said in my Fred hand. So actually, I do have to say I probably wasn't in the mood to play guitar even though I wanted to, just because I think my wrist accident was the most painful thing I've had in my life, and that's including cardiac surgeries. The hand it's seemed to be so sensitive, and that spot were I actually penetrated and cut the tendon. They would have to massage and rehabilitation after the surgery, and they called it the zinger spot. And I tell you, every time they would touch that, I would feel a lightning strike from my toe so polite to my spine, so I don't need to be too graphic. I'm sorry, but that's what happens. It was The complications don't happen if you seem to want to go through it. I really was very persistent, I suppose.
spk_3: 11:29
Well, it sounds like despite the fact that it was painful at times, the rehab and following doctor's orders ended up with a great outcome. And that's a real positive note for us to end all David. So let's take a quick commercial break. But don't leave yet because coming up next, we'll talk to David about his most recent non cardiac surgery and what happened to him. So don't leave. We'll be right back.
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Anna Dworsky has written several books to empower the congenital heart defect or CHD community. These books could be found at amazon dot com or at our website www dot baby hearts press dot com. Her best seller is The Heart of a Mother, an anthology of stories written by Women for Women in the CHD community and his other books. My Brother Needs an Operation, The Heart of a Father and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. A Handbook for Parents will help you understand that you are not alone. Visit baby hearts press dot com to find out more.
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Welcome back to our
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show. Heart to Heart With Anna Chauffeur The congenital heart defect community today show is considerations for non cardiac surgeries for adults with congenital heart defects. Our guest to CHD warrior David Franco. He is a congenitally corrected transposition of the great Artery survivor, and he lives with an I c. D. We've been talking to David about two non cardiac surgeries he's had, but now I'd like to turn my attention to his most recent non cardiac surgery. So, David, tell us about your third non cardiac surgery and what it was, why you needed it and how it turned out for you.
spk_5: 13:03
My third non cardiac surgery and hopeful in that last one was in England all morning and it was on my left side, and it was actually the most serious new non cardiac surgery I think I've had only because it was actually in the gut. I was very concerned. It started out as just a pain, and it developed where I knew it wasn't just a pulled muscle, so I went to my primary care specialist. They directed me immediately to the emergency room for a CAT scan and the CAT scan showed, although there Hermia hadn't and strangulated. In other words, the intestine hadn't slipped through the musculature. I was very close to that, so they wanted to get me in surgery soon, responsible instead responsible being within 10 days or two weeks, which I did. And I did have a little bit of complications with that surgery that was not general anesthesia. That was actually the scope, however, because of my ch d. They were concerned about the gas they had to pump in to let the stroke flow through without tearing anything, and my cardiologists got an anesthesiologist from the Children's Hospital to take care of me. Fortunately, it was a pediatric anesthesiologist because he had to stop the surgery twice because the return blood flow from my legs wasn't sufficient. They put a tourniquet on my guy and he actually would hold the blood back so he could actually get the scope in. It
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doesn't It's scary. Well,
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he wanted to go into my belly button, which he did, and he went into my left side. But because the anesthesiologist was seeing poor blood return from the leg, the surgeon opted to go in through the right side, so we didn't have to stop. The blood's as much on the left side, in the lab to blood flow, so I had a lot of bloating, gas and ice tonic. And although that does go away right away, I still had a lot of irritation. The doctor had made three insertions in my belly. One thing my bell, you on and one could be left in one through the right side. And because he had to go from the right side, over way over to the left side, fixed the hernia. It just caused a lot of irritation, right? So and then I had issues with medications. Afterwards, I wouldn't say there were complications. But when you go through a gut surgery like that and you try to take painkillers, you make a potion that you don't want. Because I was already stopped up from the drugs they had initially given me. But then, if you had painkiller to that and not only messes with your mind kind of doesn't help your g i tract,
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right?
spk_5: 16:02
And your whole elementary now the system, if you will. So that was a little bit of a complication that I have.
spk_3: 16:08
Yeah, well, it sounds like it. It sounds very uncomfortable, David.
spk_5: 16:14
I immediately stopped the painkillers and it worked itself through. It's a pain that I'm not used to. I don't really have stomach problems or got problems. And when you have a painted a different place, sometimes maybe if you sleep with it and you get a cookie Menaker it's annoying. So that's exactly just what it was. It wasn't too bad. It was mostly annoying,
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Right? Right. So what was the most frightening thing about needing surgery of any current David,
spk_5: 16:40
Thank you very much for asking that because the most frightening thing about that was the fact that when I had my first surgery, which was my hand surgery. They made me actually right on my or the hand that they wanted to repair. And, of course, I knew in the vacuum my mind that mistakes could be made. That's something that always makes me nervous. That can always be complications, no matter how good a certain is. The knee was the same thing. They asked, Which way are we going to be operating on today? And I had to put an X on my left knee because that was the neither were doing surgery on. So I went into surgery feeling a little bit nervous from the first time. And then when they did my needs surgery the second time when they did the same thing. You may think it puts readies, but right before they put you under and then they give Mark your legs or your arms, it kind of makes you think points. So those are the things that concern me. I I suppose getting my doctor involved really helps also, when I know that I have my surgeon, who knows what I can handle and when my pediatric cardiologists, who is not a certain but he knows exactly what extra handle but I can handle. It really makes a difference. And lastly, I'd like to say about the hernia surgery. It was in 2012 and this was after I had actually been told that Ah, heart transplant mutated. So that's why my pediatric cardiologists was able to step in, and he wanted a specific anesthesiologist for that procedure. I'm not enough transplant plants to anything because of my transposition. I will need one eventually. It's not in the foreseeable future. In fact, I'm trying to keep my heart is longest plastic bottles. I would say. The point is, I got basically a little bit scared when they made it. Aware accidents can still have them. Then I knew that going in
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was interesting that you said that because, as you know, my husband is an operating room nurse, and he has talked to me about the new protocols that they have in place to try and reduce any accidents from happening. And one of the things that they always do before every single case is exactly what you said. They go through one final time before they put the patient under and double check This is what surgery you're having. This is the arm or leg or wherever it is that you're having it. It's just one final check to make sure that everybody is on the same page and everything is going to be done right. But it's interesting to me that you say that made you nervous because I know from my husband's perspective, from the nurse's perspective, this is one additional step that they take to make sure that everybody is on the same page and that mistakes will not be made. I just find it really interesting, but it sounds to me like what eliminated some of the concern was coordinating your care with an entire team. Is that true day that? Did I hear you right?
spk_5: 19:46
Exactly? That is exactly correct. I had to get both of my cardiologists involved. Women surgeons really will ask Kenna cauterize the wound. That's the main question. They always ask because I have a nice sea do not because I'm a ch dear, but can I use electricity on the guy? And I suppose the other feelings that the circumstance have is well, I get shocked if something happens during the surgery. How did I get ground him had a ground myself.
spk_3: 20:15
It's good that you're aware that that might be a question that they have, and that's why you coordinate. So those doctors are communicating with each other because you're going to be out. It's not like you can help them anyway, right? Exactly. And yes,
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I wanted to hear it from a professional. Really puts me to these e I don't have to explain it. It makes it so much easier.
spk_3: 20:35
Yeah, absolutely. That makes perfect sense. And I really admire the way you were an advocate for yourself, and you did take care of coordinating the communication with your way because we're going to find out from David what advice he has for other survivors who might be undergoing.
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Dworsky has spoken around the world at congenital heart defect events, and she is available as a key note or guest speaker. For your event, go to heart to heart with anna dot com to learn more about booking Anna for your event. You can also find out more about the radio program keep up to date with CHD Resource is and information about advocacy groups as well as read Ana's weakly. Blawg. Anna wants you to stay well connected and participate in the C H D community. Visit Heart to Heart with anna dot com today.
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Welcome back to our show.
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Heart to Heart with Anna Chauffeur. The congenital heart defect community Today's show is considerations for non cardiac surgeries for adults with congenital heart defects and our guests to CHD warrior David Franco. David is a C c T g, a survivor, and we've been talking to him about three very different non cardiac surgeries that he's had and how having a coordinated care team help to eliminate some of the stress that he went through and how his surgeries. We're very successful. So, David, you are not only a great survivor with your cardiac problems, which have survived three non cardiac surgeries as well. So why don't you tell us the biggest lesson that you've learned from having all three of these surgeries?
spk_5: 22:14
I just like protection on the fact that we have. We mentioned it in our discussion coordinating between doctors. I couldn't have done this without getting the proper horrible for my cardiologists, but I'd also like to add that I had to do a little bit of my own research to find out who would be the best doctor for May, and I had to go through a couple of doctors. But that's fine. I've found the right doctor who made me feel good work well. But in this part of the equation, that's definitely the biggest port.
spk_3: 22:47
I think that's really good that you mentioned that you had to go through a few doctors. I think that some people are maybe afraid of hurting someone's feelings or I don't know. We're so used to thinking that the doctors or the authorities, but nobody is an authority on your body like you are. Isn't that right, David?
spk_5: 23:05
That's correct. If I hadn't said something the first time through, I probably would never have the M r. I done. But what good would that have done for me? Yes, you do have to kind of except the fact that you might disappoint someone, but that's the way it is. You're looking out for yourself. Your priority number one. It's your surgery and you need the best for you.
spk_3: 23:27
And I have a number of friends who are surgeons, and I know from talking to them that their number one priority is to do no harm and to be there for their patients. So I think that they want that good working situation also. So I think your search for having the right doctor makes it easier for the doctors to, because it really is a yin yang situation, don't you think? David,
spk_5: 23:53
that's true. In fact, if you give a little bit of research, you can actually find out intervention that you struck up a conversation with him, for example, where they went to school. They always like to talk about that. They liketo talk about what they got into our find. If I developed a relationship even with a new doctor or surgeon, it seems to ease the relationship that we have into something more soured a little bit more easily than is. If I went in without my note pad without my questions and statements that I was going to make, because I have to look out for me, I am concerned about other doctors feelings. However, as I said, we have to look out for ourselves. Whether we're at the kits or not were our first priority. We really are the most important thing
spk_3: 24:39
right? And I like what you said. It sends to me like when you go in and you visit with your surgeons, you immediately try and develop a rapport with them. You're creating a relationship.
spk_5: 24:50
Yes, I seem to have a connection somehow, somewhere applying. Oh, I know somebody who went to see her went to that school. There's always something in the conversation that you can both connect on, and that seems to be a great way to start things. The second thing I will say is I will only go into any doctor's office were possibly a sheet full of questions and statements that I will ask the doctor and when. Dr See that? I think they really appreciate the fact that a patient goes through this and tries to get the information conveyed as completely as possible.
spk_3: 25:28
Why is it
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I can't think of everything in the office while I'm there so that she did? Paper really helps.
spk_3: 25:34
Absolutely well, it shows you did your homework, David.
spk_5: 25:38
I try not driving
spk_3: 25:39
right, right. I think all of that's terrific advice. So what can family and friends do to help CHD survivors when they're facing non cardiac surgeries. How can we help?
spk_5: 25:50
Well, I think the best thing that supported people can be is first to be there to understand that. OK, our hearts are with you by understand, man. Also, I was very appreciative that I had a neighbor that cooked a meal for the night that I came home. My wife was actually waiting in the hospital and drove me home. We weren't gonna pick up fast food on the way home, so somebody actually made us a nice casserole dish in. We just needed it when he got out. So that helped alive. To be honest with you, after the surgery, I needed rides to rehab. I couldn't drive with me in the boob or a hand that was no Miss Regan mortars for six weeks in a gas. So getting rides from people helped me hearing positive feedback from other people and possibly their experiences also helps me along in understanding. Okay, that I'm at a good spot. I'm where I should be. Or I really need to have this looked at Something's wrong. There are a number of things that I'm still learning as I go. So I can't possibly tell you everything, but I think just being there, asking questions since the patients post surgery at ease as much as they could be
spk_3: 27:08
we're makes perfect sense whether you have a heart defect or not. When you have people who are there for you, this is what community is all about, and this is what I love about the CHD community. We are online with each other, and I may not be in the same town. Is one of my friends who's having surgery. But I certainly can pray for that person or some positive healing thoughts. That person's white. And if we are in the same town or close the next, then I love your idea. Take a meal or offer to drive that person to rehab or to a doctor's appointment, especially when they can't do it themselves A lot of times right after surgery, you're on a bunch of medications that make it and safe for you to drive, so having somebody else there makes a big difference, don't you think? David?
spk_5: 27:53
That was really a perfect ending to my surgical experiences because I always had a good support system after the back. My neighbors of spare supporters guy family in town and phone calls help, too. Having that support system. As you said, that community available really makes it so much more easy. And my recovery also, you mentioned being on drugs. I didn't even think of that. When I had my first post op moon checks. I couldn't drive myself and I had to get over. People drive me. Thankfully, people, as I said, Cruncher George, the neighbors came by and what offer their service is. And I was a mess step for a couple of the surgery, so I was very grateful. I don't think people understand you can be as healthy as anything, and you don't have to understand, but just being there for someone who needs a person to give you a ride or if you have a question to answer that question, to be there, supporting that person really helps. And you were not looking for pity. It really does help to have a support group that gives you true support, as opposed to trying to avoid the situation,
spk_3: 29:02
right? Right, And you don't have to worry about saying the right thing just being their actions speak louder than words. When do you think, David?
spk_5: 29:10
Exactly. I will say there are times and I've been in the hospital for extended periods of time and I don't like visitors to be honest with you, However, I am at the point where I will accept visitors because I need the times and I have learned over time that people want to visit you. You need to actually let people give that because that's what they really want to do. That's what they're best at. And you need to accept that. Yeah, I have and to let go and let it happen, and that was fine with me. Accepting help from others is very difficult for some people, and again, it's one of those things where you just have to let go, understand, that's what they want to do when we let them look.
spk_3: 29:52
I love that because one of the things that I've learned as I've gotten older is that whereas it's very easy for me to give and give and give, it's not always easy for me to take from others. I don't know if it's because of my pride or my independent nature, but when you don't let somebody do something for you, you're preventing them from sharing their friendship with you. And when I started to see it that way, and I realized, Wait a minute. I do need to just let go like you just said and let them do for me so that I could be there for them when they need me, because it really is a give and take when you have a friendship. So I love that, Yeah, I love that. And it is hard. It is hard to be vulnerable and let people do things for you, especially when you're very independent. But when we do let our guard down and we do let people in, then they can let their guard down with us when they need us. So it's a win win situation. But that doesn't mean it's easy. I know it's not.
spk_5: 30:50
It's just a little bit out of my pocket. Maybe a lot of people separate times, but it's going to work through
spk_3: 30:55
right? I think so, too. I think this was a great show, David. You shared wonderful experiences in some great advice. Thank you so much for coming on the show.
spk_5: 31:04
Thank you very much for having me. I really appreciate it.
spk_3: 31:06
Well, that does conclude this episode of Hart to Hart. Madonna. Thanks for listening today. Please find in like us on Facebook. Check out our website heart to heart with anna dot com and our cafe press boutique.
spk_2: 31:16
Follow our radio show on blunt talk radio and speaker. And remember, my friends, you are not alone.
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Thank
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you again for joining us this week. We hope you've been inspired and empowered to become an advocate for the congenital heart defect community. Heart to heart With Anna with your host Anna Gorsky can be heard every Tuesday at 12 noon Eastern time. We'll talk again next week.