Guestbook of Kathy Blank

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Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

1532 days ago

Skipper Kagamaster posted a note for Kathy that says:

I'm having robotic mitral valve repair on Thursday, and I just have to say: thank you so much for posting all you did with such great detail and frequency! ...Read more

I'm having robotic mitral valve repair on Thursday, and I just have to say: thank you so much for posting all you did with such great detail and frequency! Reading through your journal really helped me to know what to expect and put my mind at ease.

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

1533 days ago

Shainy Connors posted a note for Kathy that says:

Hi Kathy I’m on countdown for my Robotic mitral valve repair surgery March 2nd What I would like to know is there any specific type pj’s for comfort post ...Read more

Hi Kathy I’m on countdown for my Robotic mitral valve repair surgery March 2nd What I would like to know is there any specific type pj’s for comfort post surgery for hospital stay or after at home? Congrats on your victories! Shainy

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2234 days ago

Greg posted a note for Kathy that says:

Hi Kathy! I also go to HHB in Plano. I had an appointment with Dr. Harrington, but only saw Dr. Schaffer. They say Dr. Harrington can be "lead" surgeon when ...Read more

Hi Kathy! I also go to HHB in Plano. I had an appointment with Dr. Harrington, but only saw Dr. Schaffer. They say Dr. Harrington can be "lead" surgeon when I have surgery, but I am impressed with Dr.Schaffer. I have ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm 4.9cm. Schaffer says the risk of surgery right now is equivalent to the risk of rupture. Trying to decide to get it over or wait? Suggestions?

Steve Farthing They probably mean 'annual' risk of rupture so your two year risk of rupture would be twice the risk ... Read more

Steve Farthing They probably mean 'annual' risk of rupture so your two year risk of rupture would be twice the risk of surgery.

Kathy Blank Greg- I have not yet consulted with Dr Harrington- just my cardiologist. From what I understand I wil ... Read more

Kathy Blank Greg- I have not yet consulted with Dr Harrington- just my cardiologist. From what I understand I will be a strong candidate for surgery if my dilated aorta grows .5 cm within 6 months or I get to a certain size. I am petite so it may mean surgery as I approach 5.0- not sure yet. I think Steve is correct- the risk of rupture goes up as the size increases so there is a time when they will recommend the surgery. How fast is your aorta growing? How frequently do they monitor it? Are you getting CT scans or MRI’s?

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2321 days ago

Kathy Blank reacted to this

Adam Brown posted a note for Kathy that says:

Hi Kathy, I’m now 10 days out from my robotic mitral valve repair. Glad to answer any questions from my experience that you may have.

Kathy Blank Adam- so happy to hear you are doing well! Are you able to get some walks in? How are you feeling?

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2323 days ago

Don L posted a note for Kathy that says:

Hi Kathy, I have read through your journey as I am preparing for a very similar one. I too am planning to be at Baylor Heart Hospital, and the two surgeons ...Read more

Hi Kathy, I have read through your journey as I am preparing for a very similar one. I too am planning to be at Baylor Heart Hospital, and the two surgeons I am looking at are Dr. Ryan and Dr. Smith. Both minimally invasive, with Dr. Smith ofcourse the Robotic expert. I have my confirming TEE scheduled for Jan 5th, with my Cardioligist(Dr. Vallabahn, Baylor Dallas) indicating my regurgitation has noticeably increased and my LV has enlarged.(even though I have no symptoms yet) . Once I have images and much better view for doctors to determine likeliehood of repair, I will meet with Dr's to decide on which minimally invasive/Dr to choose. I really appreciate all of your detailed updates and your energy/recovery are incredibly inspiring! Cheers, Don

Kathy Blank Don- I had consults with both Dr Ryan and Dr Smith and felt great about either of them. I simply made ... Read more

Kathy Blank Don- I had consults with both Dr Ryan and Dr Smith and felt great about either of them. I simply made my choice based on the fact I was a good candidate for robotic surgery. THHBP is an exceptional hospital. I am happy to speak with you if you have questions. Dr Ryan even agreed that I was a good candidate for robotic. One year post op- Feb 2018- I plan to run a half marathon and am feeling great! Best of luck on you r test and next steps!

Kathy Blank Also- I went for my consults before my testing and Dr Smith helped me avoid some tests since he could ... Read more

Kathy Blank Also- I went for my consults before my testing and Dr Smith helped me avoid some tests since he could make a clear diagnosis from my echo!

Don L Hi Kathy, TEE with Dr. Melissa Cary at Baylor downtown confirmed Severe MR like expected. Unsolicite ... Read more

Don L Hi Kathy, TEE with Dr. Melissa Cary at Baylor downtown confirmed Severe MR like expected. Unsolicited, she recommended Dr. Smith Robotic approach. Some concern about "complexity of repair", as both leaflets will need repair due to being a Barlow degenarative mitral valve. Yes, would be very interested in talking given your experieince with Dr. Smith and Robotic approach. In process of scheduling consultation, with his soonest time-slot in February. Thanks for reply!

Kathy Blank Don- if you give me your email I will send you my phone number! Believe it or not I also saw Dr Cary ... Read more

Kathy Blank Don- if you give me your email I will send you my phone number! Believe it or not I also saw Dr Cary for a second opinion during my diagnostic process! Looking forward to speaking with you and offering any perspective that might be helpful. Do Smith will give you a clear picture of what he will be able to do- he is incredible!

Don L donlaporte@yahoo.com

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2420 days ago

Carol J. posted a note for Kathy that says:

I also had a dialated aorta starting at 4.2cm. I either had an MRI or CT scan yearly until the measurement was 4.6cm. After that I had an MRI or CT scan every ...Read more

I also had a dialated aorta starting at 4.2cm. I either had an MRI or CT scan yearly until the measurement was 4.6cm. After that I had an MRI or CT scan every 6 months. I had more MRIs than CT scans due to the radiation of the CT scan. Overall it took 5 years of monitoring for my aorta to dialate to 5.0cm which Dr. determined was the time for my surgery. I think they base the time For surgery on a person's height and weight.

Kathy Blank Carol- thanks for the info! Hope you are doing well!

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2505 days ago

Valerie Archual posted a note for Kathy that says:

Kathy they are upingvto 50 mg metroplol tartrate daily to take care of PVCs- dos you have pvcs? They kept me overnight but are releasing me now- I am very nervous ...Read more

Kathy they are upingvto 50 mg metroplol tartrate daily to take care of PVCs- dos you have pvcs? They kept me overnight but are releasing me now- I am very nervous

Kathy Blank I never got pvc's but I had rapid heart rate that one time after my increased exertion w cardiac reha ... Read more

Kathy Blank I never got pvc's but I had rapid heart rate that one time after my increased exertion w cardiac rehab. The rehab staff called it A Flutter but my cardiologist called it A Fib. The 3 week heart monitor showed no arythmia. I had to stop the metropolol due to that fainting spell. I'll research pvc and pray you are better!

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2546 days ago

Lynda Ruiz posted a note for Kathy that says:

I am here in Plano now & dad did well with his TAVR on Wed. Keeping an eye on him. My first appt is 5/17. My local sister here said your name was familiar & ...Read more

I am here in Plano now & dad did well with his TAVR on Wed. Keeping an eye on him. My first appt is 5/17. My local sister here said your name was familiar & saw you 2 have 17 "mutual friends" on FB. All volleyball related.

Kathy Blank What a small world! What is your sister's name??? Good luck Lynda!

Lynda Ruiz Laura Fossier. She is a recruiter for one of the Club Volleyball teams.

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2575 days ago

Dirk Strachan posted a note for Kathy that says:

Dear Kathy, I am sure that your medical Team will diagnose and treat your fluttering. Having a fast heartbeat is much much better than not having a heartbeat ...Read more

Dear Kathy, I am sure that your medical Team will diagnose and treat your fluttering. Having a fast heartbeat is much much better than not having a heartbeat at all. Keep faith and enjoy every minute of life.

Kathy Blank Dirk! Good post not about the heart beats! Much bettter too fast than not at all is right! Yes- I agr ... Read more

Kathy Blank Dirk! Good post not about the heart beats! Much bettter too fast than not at all is right! Yes- I agree- we need to enjoy every moment we have on earth!

Kathy Blankgot a new guestbook post

2601 days ago

Ben Hyman posted a note for Kathy that says:

Hey Kathy I read your note on my in my journal about you not needing to be on Coumadin after your procedure. I found out that Coumadin is necessary whenever ...Read more

Hey Kathy I read your note on my in my journal about you not needing to be on Coumadin after your procedure. I found out that Coumadin is necessary whenever they put a new ring on the valve to strengthen the annulus that supports the leaflets. (Kind of like putting in a new door frame when replacing closet doors) You may not have needed that done in your case which makes your recovery so much easier. It takes about 6 weeks for the tissue to grow into the ring so I'll need to be on Coumadin until that process is completed. How are you doing since being discharged?

Kathy Blank Hmmm- I have that ring but still only on baby aspirin- I could even see it on my chest x ray when I w ... Read more

Kathy Blank Hmmm- I have that ring but still only on baby aspirin- I could even see it on my chest x ray when I went for my first post op appt with the surgeon.- I will research but I think our surgeon here at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano must use different protocol! I also noticed differences w pre op testing- I had TEE as part of the procedure and only needed CRA of heart- trunk and pelvis as part of my diagnostic. Got to skip the cardiac cath and TEE prior to the procedure!

Kathy Blank I found a blog post from The Cleveland Clinic and Dr Gillanov favors 85 mg aspirin as blood thinner a ... Read more

Kathy Blank I found a blog post from The Cleveland Clinic and Dr Gillanov favors 85 mg aspirin as blood thinner and many others favor Coumadin- so various preferred treatment options depending on surgeon and their protocol.