“I didn’t hear the click, doctor. I didn’t hear it for two weeks,” my patient proudly confided in me. “Two weeks? Why didn’t you call me? Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked. “Oh, I just thought the click would come back; no problem right, doctor? I’ll be ok, right Dr. K?”
Seven years ago my patient had a major heart attack and was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease (blockage of heart arteries). He also had aortic regurgitation (leaky heart valve). He underwent bypass and valve replacement. The valve was mechanical (metal), and our patient required blood thinners indefinitely to prevent clots from forming on the valve.
My patient grew weary of taking the blood thinner and thought that skipping a couple wouldn’t hurt him. Mechanical valves have an unmistakable click. It actually sounds like the second hand on a watch. I tell my patients that “if you hear the click, be happy because your valve is working. If you don’t, get straight to the hospital.“
When my patient stopped the medication, clots formed on the valve and the click was silenced. His valve began to malfunction. He arrived to the hospital two weeks later and underwent a new valve replacement. Three weeks after surgery, he has multi-organ failure. He needs a ventilator for his lungs; medications to strengthen his heart; a pacemaker to help his heart beat; dialysis for his failed kidneys; antibiotics for infections; and transfusions for bleeding.
When he does wake up, he stares into the distance. He does not respond. Our patient is probably not going to make it. He will probably never go outdoors, and when he does, it will tragically be to his own funeral.
We all have responsibilities: some simple, some a matter of life and death. It is in our possession to make these decisions. Whether it is taking medications, placing the third chocolate chip cookie back down, stopping smoking, or watching our words, it is in our control.
We can blame mamma or daddy. We can blame our circumstances. We can blame the doctor. But we all have choices to make and responsibilities to pursue. I urge all of us, to choose wisely, and listen closely to the “click” of our hearts.
For information on your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Kojoglanian, the Mender of Hearts, at 661-259-1711, and visit his website at www.drrap.com .