Marie's Guestbook

Marie Myers  My aneurysms  were the driving factor for my surgery. I was not having any symptoms as far as I was concerned.  My first opinion doctor  was willing to do a short  period of “watchful waiting”, but my second opinion doctor said the  aneurysm is “big for your body size” and you should have this sooner rather than later”.  There is a formula that calculates your risk of aneurysm size/body mass. (Maybe you could google that info). I decided to just go ahead and do the surgery 7 months after discovery of the ascending and aortic root aneurysms. Valve choice was a very difficult decision for me, and I went back-and -forth for months before choosing the tissue valve. I was 63 at the time of my surgery, and the tissue valve choice was mainly one against having to take Coumadin. Because you are younger, you could also research the Ross Procedure or possibly aortic valve repair. Both are very specialized surgeries that should only be done by highly experienced surgeons. Has the doc given you any work restrictions? I am worried that the physical stress of your job could speed up the growth of your aneurysm. Many times, surgery is done for an aneurysm of 5-5.5 cm. If you have a family history like you do, the surgeons will want to proceed sooner because the consequences of dissection can be fatal. And an emergency surgery for impending dissection is not ideal compared to an elective approach. It is a tough decision, but in your case, i might want to err on the side of caution. Have you gotten a second opinion yet?

Rose Madura  I would definitely get a second opinion. My cousin recently had a dissection and nearly died. It was horrible for her. Listen to Marie. She gives good advice.  I think I remember another firefighter on this site. Hopefully he will chime in.

Klara Čičić  "I knew it, just took her awhile to agree"😆 I envy your level of confidence. Great story as always.

Yumiko Ishida  There are lots of recipes online you can check out. One helpful guideline I found is by Kelly Leveque, who says for 20-30g protein add 1-2 tbs of fat, 1-2 tbs of fiber, and unlimited greens. She limits optional fruit to 1/4 cup. Her product is beef protein, but I think the guideline works for whey as well. I don’t mind the taste of whey protein, so I just add MCT powder, which provides the fat and fiber. Beef protein has a stronger taste, so I would frequently add things like cocoa powder, avocado, spinach, frozen blueberries, etc, but I haven’t done that post surgery yet - too complicated. Post surgery I’ve just been doing whey with MCT powder, or if I want something warm, drink decaf with collagen and MCT powders. (Tea is not strong enough to hide the smell of collagen.) Collagen dissolves well so you don’t need a blender. Whey and MCT powder mixes just fine with a mini frother you stick in a mug (make sure to leave room at the top, or it will overflow). If you are adding anything solid, you need a blender. Hope that helps!

Rebecca J  Yumiko this is very helpful. I do something similar and like the additions you use. I can feel protein drinks coming on.

Marie Myers  My Richard would love to talk cars with you. He has a ‘65 Corvette that he bought from his big brother in ‘69. We love a good car show, too. I am leaving him home this time, so he can keep his mother amused and I can escape the both of them for a week…

Richard Munson  We richards never go away. There is no escape. Its why we were added to the wedding vows. For RICHer or poorer. 

Brady Busch  Yes,the part that I realized it the most,was checking in at the hospital,early in the morning,on a gray November day.Up until then,it was going through the preliminary testing,with some apprehension,about the unknown.
Sitting there waiting to be called for surgery,feeling a bit alone,with a little sense of dread.Then,the last thing I remember was being brought to a cubicle,with a bed,laying down and an IV put in my arm.

Marie Myers  Yes, I was a basket case when my cardiologist said “surgery is inevitable for you”. Then, my systolic pressure was 188 when meeting the surgeon… oh yes, I was a mess pre op!!

Richard Munson  Brady, i refuse  to repeat how i tried to escape from mass general the day of my surgery right up to the needle. Glad i failed but the fear is real.

Ana Brusso  Brady, my first surgery was also on a grey November day, one day before Thanksgiving. I have related my experience before while laying in bed getting prepped, I saw Jesus holding my hand and I fell asleep. 🙏❤️✝️

Marie Myers  Ana, your story reminded me about a friend who was tragically diagnosed with a bad brain tumor in his 40’s. He still had young kids at home. At some point he dreamed an angel reached out and touched him, and he was never fearful about anything again. He lived another 3 years, went through numerous brain surgeries, all on an initial diagnosis of 6 months to live. What an inspiration that was for me!

Ann T  My cat does. I will see him moving his paws as if he is running and then move his mouth as if he is chewing in his sleep lol. 

Marie Myers  Don’t really know if regurgitant valves deteriorate slower. But My valve became regurgitant later in my life. Very few people could even hear my murmur in my 20’s-40’s. I didn’t start getting routine echocardiograms until i was around 45 years old, and the echos remained stable until age 63, when the echo showed i had developed both ascending aortic and aortic root aneurysms. So the aneurysms were the driving force for my surgery. The aortic valve was replaced at the time of my aneurysm repairs. One thing for you to check into is aortic valve repair, especially for regurgitant valves. I understand that more aortic valve repairs are being done now, and it may be a good option for you if you ever need surgery. Hopefully your valve will stay as it is forever, and you never need that information. But forewarned is for armed!!   Hope this info helps…

Marie Myers  Have a great visit with your Hokie!!  We just had my Richard’s sister (Rita) who is another Hokie in town for the last week…My own Richard said he was a “hobbling Hokie” this morning, as he was limping around the house due to his hip arthritis…

Richard Munson  I just purchased last month a new device for my hip arthritis as i have had multiple cortisone shots over the last couple years. Well, i have been pain free since i started using it. Amazon.com $35 and change. Worth a try maybe.? I will take a picture of it and post it with data. Stay tuned marie. 

Klara Čičić  Greg! Long time no hear!! I also had to google Hokie :) very nice photo, Richard....you are one lucky man