I was diagnosed many years ago with a loud heart murmur, but I didn't find out until 5 years after that what the problem was. I had a grand mal seizure... Read more
I was diagnosed many years ago with a loud heart murmur, but I didn't find out until 5 years after that what the problem was. I had a grand mal seizure and ended up in the hospital where I was diagnosed with seizure disorder. While there, they did a barrage of tests and also discovered a problem with my aortic valve which was causing my murmur. My heart was monitored yearly, and I was eventually diagnosed with aortic stenosis. I had valve replacement surgery almost 8 years ago, had a heart bloc during surgery and also ended up with a pacemaker. I was prescribed Warfarin but had an allergic reaction, so I was switched to Eliquis which I stayed on for about 6 months because of Afib. I didn't have any other problems until May when I had a 36-hour period of Afiib, so I've been back on Eliquis since then. A checkup in June showed that everything was going fine, so I have a few years before looking for the additional surgery which will probably be done through my femoral valve.
I hope that all of you facing surgery, and those who have recently had it stay calm. My fear was much worse than what I actually went through. Modern medicine continues to improve!
Angela Meletiadis Wow, Cheryl, you've got a lot on your plate. I sincerely hope everything goes well and you find your ... Read more
Angela Meletiadis Wow, Cheryl, you've got a lot on your plate. I sincerely hope everything goes well and you find your equilibrium.
Rose Madura Wow Cheryl. You've had your fair share of heart issues. Your last paragraph says it all! Very good a... Read more
Rose Madura Wow Cheryl. You've had your fair share of heart issues. Your last paragraph says it all! Very good advice.
Wow, I can't believe it's been over a year since I had my surgery. Everything has been going very well. My scar has healed, my sternum has healed, my pacemaker ...Read more
Wow, I can't believe it's been over a year since I had my surgery. Everything has been going very well. My scar has healed, my sternum has healed, my pacemaker has settled in. I developed a big allergic reaction to Warfarin/Coumadin, and was switched to Eliquix. That was fine with me because I then had no dietary restrictions. I haven't had any AFib or other problems in quite a while, and my cardiologist finally took me off all meds. My only problem now is my weight. I had lost quite a bit pre-surgery, but I've put it all back on now. This has caused me to be more short of breath again. I'm trying to get back into a regular exercise problem and adjust my diet again. Otherwise, life is good!
I hope all of you facing surgery in the future much success! For those of you who have already had surgery, I wish you continued good health! Do not sweat the little stuff. Appreciate the good things.
After 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, I am finally finished with all of my treatment following my AVR surgery. All in all, I feel pretty darn good! My stamina ...Read more
After 36 sessions of cardiac rehab, I am finally finished with all of my treatment following my AVR surgery. All in all, I feel pretty darn good! My stamina is getting back on track. There is no more pain. My scars have healed. Wow, what a journey this has been. I knew for over 15 years that I was going to have open heart surgery to repair a bicuspid aortic valve. Now that it is all over, the anxiety is gone and I sleep like a baby. In a way, I'm so glad I went through this journey. This has given me such a new outlook on life. It has brought closer to my husband. It has made me appreciate how precious life is. I am not going to worry about having surgery to replace my pacemaker in 7-10 years, and I'm not going to worry about a follow-up valve repair in 15-20 years.
To those of you who are facing surgery and/or recovering, you will get through this, and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tim Alonso wow I go into my surgery for the same thing tuesday morning,..appreciate your thoughts so much thx
Bob Fessler What a great attitude!!! Thank you for giving us so much encouragement to get this done. You are in ... Read more
Bob Fessler What a great attitude!!! Thank you for giving us so much encouragement to get this done. You are inspirational.
Linda Yaff Great news. Did you go with the mechanical valve?
Steven A Husted wow what a great post keep up the good work you should try phase 3 of cardio rehab it is fun and keep ... Read more
Steven A Husted wow what a great post keep up the good work you should try phase 3 of cardio rehab it is fun and keeps your heart in good shape
Cheryl Shute Walter Tim, I read your journal and see that your surgery was successful and that you are recovering. I'm v ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Tim, I read your journal and see that your surgery was successful and that you are recovering. I'm very happy for you!
Bob, I gave you encouragement. I have met so many people who have been through this now, and it seems like such a routine deal now. Keep your chin up!
Linda, I got a pig valve, but no more bacon for me (well, maybe some...) You'll be fine. I don't know anyone who isn't fine from having this type of surgery!
Steven, I didn't even know there was a phase 3 of cardio rehab. Gosh, I did 36 weeks of phase 1. My insurance doesn't cover further treatment. But that's ok. I'm plenty busy right now. We'll be opening up our pool soon, and then I'll really get some good workouts.
I met with my cardiologist, and I'm on track with my recovery. When I walked into the office, I saw him down the hall. He came over, gave me a big grin and ...Read more
I met with my cardiologist, and I'm on track with my recovery. When I walked into the office, I saw him down the hall. He came over, gave me a big grin and said "There she is!" That was really uplifting. I'm through 15 sessions of cardiac rehab, and feeling better all the time, but have to remember to keep hydrated, or it throws me into AFib or flutters. I'm up to 15 minutes at level 5 on the seated elliptical and 15 minutes at level 2.6 with a 1.0 incline on the treadmill. This is finally making me feel like I'm getting a great workout. I'm also enjoying the classroom sessions, which are helping me make better dietary choices. My pacemaker incision has finally healed all the way, and it's not giving me anymore problems. I've been having more pain at the top of my sternum, as it seems it's the last area to heal. But the swelling is finally going down. I just have to make sure not to lean over much as that can send a sharp pain into me and it swells up. All in all, I'm on the road to recovery and glad to be back!!
Best wishes to those of you who are in different stages of recovery, and to those of you who are still facing surgery. I just found out that a friend of mine is going to have emergency valve replacement/repair at any time now. I believe some type of infection has damaged her valve, so please keep Holli in your prayers as she faces this surgery. We all know we will survive and thrive!!!
I finally had my first cardiac rehab session, almost 8 weeks post surgery. The facility is awesome. One thing I didn't expect, though. Here I am at almost ...Read more
I finally had my first cardiac rehab session, almost 8 weeks post surgery. The facility is awesome. One thing I didn't expect, though. Here I am at almost 60, and already going through cardiac issues which more of the elderly typically experience (or so I thought). I looked around at all of these older patients who were bright and cheery and just so happy to be there. This brought tears to my eyes and I had to step aside and pull myself together. The therapist assigned to me asked if I needed a hug. That was so sweet of her. A portable EKG was attached to me, and they took several readings throughout the session. They didn't see any a-fib, but did see atrial flutter. I had a great session and am looking forward to more - 3 times a week for 12 weeks.
Wanda Mroz Great news Cheryl! At my facility there are a variety of ages and issues. I love going. Finished m ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Great news Cheryl! At my facility there are a variety of ages and issues. I love going. Finished my12 weeks. You can opt to join the cardiac prevent program which I did... first six sessions free. I like the idea of exercising with someone around to help if needed, and all the people there understand. Hope it continues to go well!
Christine Oliva Cardiac rehab is great. It is not only good for you physically, but emotionally as you see others str ... Read more
Christine Oliva Cardiac rehab is great. It is not only good for you physically, but emotionally as you see others striving to recover from their own heart problems and most doing it with a smile. It has encouraged me to continue it at home now and I'm pretty good at doing it daily. My insurance only paid for seven weeks, but if you can do 12 I would go for it.
May you keep on keeping on at rehab!
Cheryl Shute Walter Thanks Wanda and Christine! I'm pumped for today and need to go and get ready to go!
I've been experiencing some scary symptoms since last night. I took my meds, laid down in the recliner to watch tv, then realized I couldn't see half of the ...Read more
I've been experiencing some scary symptoms since last night. I took my meds, laid down in the recliner to watch tv, then realized I couldn't see half of the screen. I started experiencing sparkly floating glitter, mostly in my right eye, that was affecting my vision. Then the splitting headache started. It started at the top of my head, and then took over my whole head. I grabbed my hand massager and moved it all over my scalp. It helped for a bit. Then I put an ice pack across my head, and this seemed to help a bit. But I suffered through this severe pain all night long. Everywhere the pillow touched my head, it hurt. This morning I got in the shower and let the hot water massage my head, and it helped quite a bit, but I still have the floating glitter in my right eye. I have no history of migraines, so this has really concerned me. Has anyone else experienced these types of symptoms?
Mary K Sounds like migraine. I would call the doctor.
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, I'm sorry to hear that you suffered this. Do check your meds if you have changed the dosage. ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, I'm sorry to hear that you suffered this. Do check your meds if you have changed the dosage. I had ocular migraines before surgery and more since as you described but not as long lasting. I find it's usually when I'm dehydrated or my BP lowers. Floating glitter is something that a number of us mentioned earlier in our recovery (now 9wks), that does subside. As Mary suggests I would go to your GP.
Pat Bluemel I got some doozies post op. That sounds like an aura/ ocular migraine. Hydrate, lots of Gatorade. T ... Read more
Pat Bluemel I got some doozies post op. That sounds like an aura/ ocular migraine. Hydrate, lots of Gatorade. They do go away, your body and blood vessels have been through a major trauma and are healing.
Jean Raber Pat's probably right that it's a really bad migraine, but I would call the doc and report it, especia ... Read more
Jean Raber Pat's probably right that it's a really bad migraine, but I would call the doc and report it, especially since it lasted so long. Better safe than sorry. Or just worried.
Cheryl Shute Walter Thanks everyone for your comments. I thought it might be a migraine, but as I never had one before a ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Thanks everyone for your comments. I thought it might be a migraine, but as I never had one before and this one lasted for over 10 hours, I got really concerned. I took two pain pills and went back to bed, just waking up after over 6 hours. There are still small remnants of the headache but the floating glitter is mostly gone. I was going to call my neurologist, but of course I always have these medical crises when major storms hit or on a weekend (in this case, both). I have seizure disorder (epilepsy) and an essential tremor, and wondered whether this was neurological. I will monitor it tonight and, if need be, head to the ER.
Jean Raber If you have neurological issues, yes, good idea to be vigilant. Let us know how things shake out!
Sophia Ridley Hi Cheryl, forgot to say that when I tried to get an optician appointment recently, they said that I ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Hi Cheryl, forgot to say that when I tried to get an optician appointment recently, they said that I needed to be at least 8wks post op. I guess from that, that it takes that long fir things to settle. Hope you feel better today.
Cheryl Shute Walter Good idea, Sophia. Thanks Jean. I'll have to wait until Monday to call my neurologist.
Kimberly Biddick Definitely check with your doctor. I have always had ocular migraines, but post op I was having 2-3 ... Read more
Kimberly Biddick Definitely check with your doctor. I have always had ocular migraines, but post op I was having 2-3 daily for the first 3 1/2 weeks.
Wanda Mroz Sounds like an ocular migraine. I get those but mostly vision disturbances without the bad aches. I ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Sounds like an ocular migraine. I get those but mostly vision disturbances without the bad aches. I usually take Tylenol or something and some caffeine... That seems to help. Definitely tell the doctor!
Cheryl Shute Walter Two days of continual migraines and I couldn't take it anymore. I woke up vomiting, and my husband t ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Two days of continual migraines and I couldn't take it anymore. I woke up vomiting, and my husband took me to the ER at 5am this morning. They did an MRI of my brain to check for bleeding, which was negative. An IV for fluids, pain med, med to counteract nausea, and Benedryl helped. The ER physician prescribed a pain med and another to counteract nausea, and discharged me. I came home and slept for 3 hours. Finally no headache. Hope it stays away. I have never experienced a headache like that!
Jean Raber You poor thing! I'm glad you're better now and that you got it checked out.
Cheryl Shute Walter Thanks Jean. I'm feeling much better now. Hope I sleep through the night.
Wanda Mroz I'm glad you feel better. I've had some bad headaches in my life but that sounded horrible. Hope yo ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I'm glad you feel better. I've had some bad headaches in my life but that sounded horrible. Hope you get good sleep and have a peaceful night.
I had my first visit with my cardiologist today since my surgery on 12/2. He looked at me and had a huge grin on his face - said he couldn't believe I looked ...Read more
I had my first visit with my cardiologist today since my surgery on 12/2. He looked at me and had a huge grin on his face - said he couldn't believe I looked so good after undergoing such a serious surgery!
Had some chest x-rays, and a pacemaker scan and EKG, which showed I have been in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter for 19 days!!! I never could get my Coumadin level up since I had an allergic reaction to 5mg/day. The Doc took me off of that, prescribed Eloquis 5mg for 3 weeks, and then I will come back and have my heart shocked, which should bring it back in pace.
While he was reading my op notes, he mentioned that I had a porcine valve (instead of a bovine one) because the surgeon needed to put in a root combo stem 23 mm (instead of normal 21mm?). He explained that a bovine valve is constructed, and a porcine valve is already a valve. So I guess I'm not a cowgirl after all... Oh well, just glad to be alive!
I am still waiting for cardio rehab to call me back to schedule my sessions. Guess I'll have to stop in there to get that done.
All in all, it was a very good day!
Elaine Cutri Congratulations! That's great to hear.
I've had problems getting my Coumadin level up to 2-3/day. I started on 2mg./day. Then my level tested at 1.6. The next week the dosage was increased to ...Read more
I've had problems getting my Coumadin level up to 2-3/day. I started on 2mg./day. Then my level tested at 1.6. The next week the dosage was increased to alternating 2mg one day and 3mg the next. The following week my level tested at 1.6 again. My dosage was increased to 3mg/day. The following week it tested at 1.3, and again at 1.2. My surgeon increased my dosage to 5mg/day (starting last night). That sent me into an allergic reaction, both glands in my throat were swollen into balls, and my swallowing became difficult. I have many drug allergies but this was one of the stronger reactions I've had. I sure didn't want to go to the hospital for a Benadryl or Epinephrine shot. My bills are already going to be astronomical. I ended up taking shower and a Benadryl pill and laid down. The swelling in the left side of my throat eventually went down, and this morning the other side started to also. I called the nurse, and the surgeon ordered an EGK, which showed I have been in A-Fib (for how long, I don't know). The nurse will call me back this afternoon and let me know if I need to scan my pacemaker for them to review. This is very stressful......
Enrique K Dear Cheryl, I will be praying that everything goes next week! Sorry to hear that you experiencing t ... Read more
Enrique K Dear Cheryl, I will be praying that everything goes next week! Sorry to hear that you experiencing these symptoms. Take Care of yourself
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear of your reaction. I can't imagine how you must have felt. Thank God that ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear of your reaction. I can't imagine how you must have felt. Thank God that you're through it.
Liz Burroughs So sorry...I hope you're feeling better real soon!
Sheila Harrison Dear Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear that your experiencing all off this. Thank God the reaction passed ... Read more
Sheila Harrison Dear Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear that your experiencing all off this. Thank God the reaction passed I will be praying for you.
Bob M I pray that your doctors will get your recovery stabilized.
Wanda Mroz Oh gosh... I'm so sorry. Glad you got through that! I was on a combo of 7.5-10mg a day!! But I wa ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Oh gosh... I'm so sorry. Glad you got through that! I was on a combo of 7.5-10mg a day!! But I wasn't allergic. Luckily I'm off the Coumadin now. I sure hope they get everything under control for you.
Cheryl Shute Walter Thank you all for your thoughts. I still haven't heard from my surgeon's office... I still don't kno ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Thank you all for your thoughts. I still haven't heard from my surgeon's office... I still don't know what to do about the A-Fib, but I have to say I feel pretty good today without any Coumadin last night! Wanda Mroz, wow, I'd hate to be on that much Coumadin, and I know you are glad you are off of it now!
Wanda Mroz I was just really upset about the dose but they explained everyone's blood is not the same. I'm just ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I was just really upset about the dose but they explained everyone's blood is not the same. I'm just glad to be done with them. hoping the doctors figure out a solution for you.
I saw Dr. Tribble today for the first time since my surgery on 12/2. He is very pleased with my progress, took out the last stitches from the drainage tubes ...Read more
I saw Dr. Tribble today for the first time since my surgery on 12/2. He is very pleased with my progress, took out the last stitches from the drainage tubes in my stomach, took me off the Lasix and Potassium, and told me to come back in 2 months! I will follow up with my cardiologist in mid-January and will have a chest x-ray and a check on my pacemaker. Things are looking up!
Cheryl Shute Walter My sternum incision was glued, and all the glue is finally gone. The 3 sets of incisions from the tu ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter My sternum incision was glued, and all the glue is finally gone. The 3 sets of incisions from the tubes were stitched, and those stitches were taken out yesterday. They were a nuisance, and now I have indented areas in my stomach from them. And Gregg, yes, those Potassium pills were so hard to swallow. Thanks everyone for your good wishes! I hope you all are having a good recovery also.
Wanda Mroz Potassium pills are yuck! Potassium drink is awful too. But the IV one just plains burns and I coul ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Potassium pills are yuck! Potassium drink is awful too. But the IV one just plains burns and I couldn't tolerate that one!
I am 15 days post bovine tissue valve replacement surgery. Had some problems with a heart block, and ended up having a pacemaker, which is also requiring Coumadin ...Read more
I am 15 days post bovine tissue valve replacement surgery. Had some problems with a heart block, and ended up having a pacemaker, which is also requiring Coumadin at this point. Also having some mild A fib the past few days. My pain level from cutting open my sternum, having a pacemaker put in, and the holes/scarring from the 3 big drainage holes in my stomach finally seems very manageable. The worst pain I've had is from my low back and neck after laying on the surgical table for how many hours. My neck is still giving me a fit, so I've been doing stretching exercises for it. I've had home health nursing and physical therapy care. Today I had a meeting with cardiac rehab to set up exercises and nutrition and health classes. The car ride wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but the heart pillow was helpful. They are so busy and won't start until after the beginning of the year. Otherwise, I am feeling better every day. My appetite is fairly good for small portions. I've lost 8 lbs. in the week since I got home. My energy level is increasing every day. Otherwise, I'm just going to rest as much as I can to let me wounds heal.
Prayers to all of you who have recently undergone surgery and also to those who are facing it in the coming days.
Congratulations! Sounds like you are making great strides! Hope you continue to progress with time!
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, sounds like you've had quite a journey but things are now going in the right direction. I hop ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Cheryl, sounds like you've had quite a journey but things are now going in the right direction. I hope the AF disappears without causing you any issue and your recovery is now smooth.
Elaine Cutri Hi Cheryl, it sounds like you're hanging in there during your recovery! Having a home nurse and PT co ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Hi Cheryl, it sounds like you're hanging in there during your recovery! Having a home nurse and PT come by sound like a good idea. The stretching sounds like it's helping. I had mid-back pain that took a couple of months to go away, but it's gone now.
I'm at 6 months post op. Just saw my cardiologist and he is happy with my recovery. Doesn't need to see me for 6 months, for a pacemaker check. I ended up with AV block in 1993, went home with a pacemaker in addition to a new mechanical aortic valve.
Wanda Mroz Sounds like your turning the corner. Wishing you the best!
Tina Maroon Sounds like your doing great for all you have been through. I lost over 15 pounds after surgery becau ... Read more
Tina Maroon Sounds like your doing great for all you have been through. I lost over 15 pounds after surgery because I had no appetite for 6 weeks. My sternal pain lasted for 4 months. Glad to hear your doing so well.
At long last I am home. What a journey that was. I felt like I got hit by 3 Mack trucks. My surgery was scheduled first thing 12/2, but my surgeon had a ...Read more
At long last I am home. What a journey that was. I felt like I got hit by 3 Mack trucks. My surgery was scheduled first thing 12/2, but my surgeon had a 6 hour emergency surgery repair instead. So I sat and waited in bed. I got called in about 3pm. Woke up about dinner time and couldn't move. Wow. The next few days were tense as my heart and my new valve didn't seem to be communicating, so on Sunday 12/6, a pacemaker was installed. I had to stay in ICU until Tuesday 12/8, and from there I was transferred to the step down unit. Continued problems with my Coumadin levels were monitored, and this morning I was discharged and will be able to sleep in my own bed tonight!!!
My thoughts have also been with my new moo buddy, Mindy Currence, who had a similar procedure on the same as me a mere 3 miles away in another hospital. One day we'll have to get together and compare notes!
Gregg Nissly Congrats Cheryl. Sounds like you had a rough ride, but ten days isn't too bad. You'll be so much ha ... Read more
Gregg Nissly Congrats Cheryl. Sounds like you had a rough ride, but ten days isn't too bad. You'll be so much happier in your own home - I am for sure. I'll be praying for you,
Gregg
I'm glad they were able to resolve the issues. Congrats on being discharged and my thoughts are with ... Read more
I'm glad they were able to resolve the issues. Congrats on being discharged and my thoughts are with you for a restful continuation of your recovery. Nothing beats being at home and not having people poking you all night long. Best wishes.
Kimberly Biddick Congrats on being home!! Glad they got everything worked out. That wait the day of surgery is the W ... Read more
Kimberly Biddick Congrats on being home!! Glad they got everything worked out. That wait the day of surgery is the WORST! I didn't go back until 2:30 and was ready to tell them to just sedate me anyway while I waited :) Hope you have a restful night's sleep and recovery smoothly from here on out!
Enrique K Hi Cheryl, it feels good to come home and not be bothered every time you are trying to fall asleep an ... Read more
Enrique K Hi Cheryl, it feels good to come home and not be bothered every time you are trying to fall asleep and having family around. Hope for a speedy recovery.
Kelly Weisgarber Happy you are home! Sorry you had a tough time. Hope it's all a smooth ride from here!
Sophia Ridley Hope you're on the mend now you are home and that it's plain sailing all the way!
Gerald Schaffer I'm glad you're home and on the road to recovery. I also needed a pacemaker but my heart decide to wa ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer I'm glad you're home and on the road to recovery. I also needed a pacemaker but my heart decide to wait two weeks before going into complete heart block. I had to be rushed back to the hospital for my pacemaker surgery.
All packed and ready to go! I even got a few hours of peaceful sleep last night, even though my husband didn't. My prayers go out to all of you who have undergone ...Read more
All packed and ready to go! I even got a few hours of peaceful sleep last night, even though my husband didn't. My prayers go out to all of you who have undergone and will soon be undergoing similar surgeries. My soon to be moo buddy, Mindy Currence, is having surgery a mere 3 miles from me in another hospital at the same time this morning. I will see you all on the other side!!!
Sam T breathe! sending you so many good thoughts for a happy, swift recovery!
Cathy Slipski Prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery
Sophia Ridley Best wishes for an uneventful surgery and smooth recovery. Waiting for you on the other side!!
Lynee Casper Take care, positive thoughts sent your way for a successful surgery, and continued recovery.
Saw my surgeon this morning. Had blood work done, chest xrays, EKG. Everything is good. I have to report to the Palmetto Heart Hospital here in Columbia, ...Read more
Saw my surgeon this morning. Had blood work done, chest xrays, EKG. Everything is good. I have to report to the Palmetto Heart Hospital here in Columbia, SC, at 6am on Wednesday, 12/2, for open heart surgery to repair my aortic valve, and surgery starts at 8am. I have chosen a bovine (cow) valve, and look forward to being a member of the Moo Club. It should take 3-4 hours. I will be in ICU for 2 days and expect to be in the hospital 4-7 days. I'll soon be on the other side!
Liz Burroughs Hi Cheryl, best wishes for a successful surgery and a complete recovery! My thoughts & prayers will b ... Read more
Liz Burroughs Hi Cheryl, best wishes for a successful surgery and a complete recovery! My thoughts & prayers will be with you. I look forward to hearing from you on the other side!! Take care. Liz
Angela Hicks Cheryl I do pre op tomorrow and will see my surgeon after my pre op
Gregg Nissly Good luck to you Cheryl! I'm just two days behind you. I will keep you in my prayers.
Steven A Husted you are in my prayers and you will do fine i am glad to have another moo club member i am over one ye ... Read more
Steven A Husted you are in my prayers and you will do fine i am glad to have another moo club member i am over one year out and doing great still in cardio rehab phase 3 and enjoying it
My thoughts are with you for an uneventful surgery and a great recovery.
Doran Herritt Moo to you! You'll be on your way healing by the end of the week. Prayers for that skilled team of s ... Read more
Doran Herritt Moo to you! You'll be on your way healing by the end of the week. Prayers for that skilled team of surgeons and a quick, uneventful recovery. Take care drn
Emily Rowley
I wish you all the very best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery Cheryl. My prayers are wit ... Read more
Emily Rowley
I wish you all the very best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery Cheryl. My prayers are with you.
Keep on mooving :P 🐮
I might be joining the Oink Club 🐷
Emily.
Terrie Syvertsen Cheryl- Will be thinking of you tomorrow with the rest of our community as you get your beautiful he ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Cheryl- Will be thinking of you tomorrow with the rest of our community as you get your beautiful heart mended. Whew! It will be so good for you to be on the other side of surgery and on the road to the other side where there is tall grass and plenty of company in recovery with all the other "Bovine" healing beauties! Prayers will be with you! Be well.....
Jacqueline Cook Thinking of you Cheryl! Sending prayers for a successful surgery!
After many years of waiting, my surgery has finally been scheduled for December 2nd. My last echo showed major changes, and my stamina and breathing was affected. ...Read more
After many years of waiting, my surgery has finally been scheduled for December 2nd. My last echo showed major changes, and my stamina and breathing was affected. I will have a two phase surgery, replacing the bottom of the stem and two of the 3 valves with bovine parts. Dr. Reid W. Tribble of Carolina Cardiac Surgery Associates will be performing the surgery at Palmetto Heart Hospital here in Columbia, SC. I have had my bloodwork done, and the heart cath result was great - no stents or bypasses needed. Now the real waiting begins.....
Steven A Husted best wishes and prayers heart sister may the lord watch over you
Cheryl Shute Walter Thank you Steven. My surgery has actually been rescheduled for December 2nd.
I hope you are doing we ... Read more
Cheryl Shute Walter Thank you Steven. My surgery has actually been rescheduled for December 2nd.
I hope you are doing well.
Sam T sending you good vibes in your week leading up to surgery! take care of yourself!
I had an echo last Friday, and was told the results were similar to the one I had 6 months ago with very little, if any, change. My husband and I met with ...Read more
I had an echo last Friday, and was told the results were similar to the one I had 6 months ago with very little, if any, change. My husband and I met with my cardiac surgeon yesterday morning. He diagnosed me with severe aortic stenosis, but was very pleased with the results of the echo, and advised us that I could probably wait another year or two for the surgery, unless, of course, I started having any symptoms. Right now I'm still feeling great, even better since I can move forward with my life. I'll be checking back with my surgeon in 6 months. In the meantime, I'm following several of you who are going through this process now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
About 20 years ago my doctor told me I had a loud heart murmur. Just over 12 years ago I had a grand mal seizure and ended up in the hospital. There they ...Read more
About 20 years ago my doctor told me I had a loud heart murmur. Just over 12 years ago I had a grand mal seizure and ended up in the hospital. There they determined the reason for my murmur. I have had it monitored every year with an echo. It looks like I'll be having my surgery soon. I'm scheduled to meet with my valve clinic staff at Palmetto Heart Hospital on February 4th. I'm so glad I found this site on facebook. Reading other people's journals is helping me prepare for my own surgery. I have such mixed emotions about this. On one hand, I have so much I want to get done before I am incapacitated post surgery. On the other hand, I just want to get it over with and get on with my life. This waiting is very stressful. I really don't feel like I have any symptoms at this time, but I also don't want to wait until the last minute and have it be an emergency situation.
About a dozen years ago I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, and was advised that it would eventually need to be repaired/replaced. Annual echos revealed ...Read more
About a dozen years ago I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, and was advised that it would eventually need to be repaired/replaced. Annual echos revealed that the time was nearing, and I initially thought it would be at the end of last year, then August of this year. I was still holding steady with no symptoms at that time, so it was postponed again until February of 2014. This extra time made me very thankful as I dealt with the death of my mother last year, administering her estate and trust, and on top of that I decided to open up my own vintage clothing and antique store in June of this year. I just couldn't put my life on hold... Now the time is nearing, and I am anxious to get it over with.
I hope that all of you facing surgery, and those who have recently had it stay calm. My fear was much worse than what I actually went through. Modern medicine continues to improve!