Phyllis Gruby

On Wednesday, Phyllis was admitted to Maple Grove hospital with Atrial fibrillation (congestive heart failure).  Upon further examination, it was determined that that the mitral valve in her heart was not functioning and would need to be replaced. 

Thursday afternoon, Phyllis was transferred to North Memorial Hospital.  An echo was scheduled to determine if there were any further vascular concerns that could be addressed during surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.  

In the middle of the night, Phyllis experienced further complications (pulmonary edema and mitral regurgitation) which resulted in transfer to ICU and moved to critical condition.  

It is now Friday morning, she is hooked up to a respiratory machine which is giving her some relief from the discomfort as well as providing her kidney's much needed supplemental support.  As a result of the congestive heart failure, secondary concerns continue to crop up as her other organs are strained.  

At present, she is stable and resting.  The Echo has been put on hold until her kidney function can be stabilized.  The dye associated with this procedure can cause further strain.  The interaction between cardiac and renal dysfunction may be critical for disease progression.  

Because she is in ICU, she is unable to have visitors or accept phone calls.  Please check back to this site for updates.  

Please pray for healing, peace and pain relief.  

PULMONARY EDEMA:  
Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, trauma to the chest wall, and exercising or living at high elevations.

Pulmonary edema that develops suddenly (acute pulmonary edema) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Although pulmonary edema can sometimes prove fatal, the outlook improves when you receive prompt treatment for pulmonary edema along with treatment for the underlying problem. Treatment for pulmonary edema varies depending on the cause but generally includes supplemental oxygen and medications.

MITRAL REGURGITATION:
Mitral regurgitation is leakage of blood backward through the mitral valve each time the left ventricle contracts.   A leaking mitral valve allows blood to flow in two directions during the contraction. Some blood flows from the ventricle through the aortic valve — as it should — and some blood flows back into the atrium.  What is the problem that results from mitral regurgitation?  Leakage can increase blood volume and pressure in the area. The increased blood pressure in the left atrium can increase pressure in the veins leading from the lungs to the heart (pulmonary veins).   If regurgitation is severe, increased pressure may result in congestion (or fluid build-up) in the lungs.