Dean's Posts

Exactly one yeear ago today Dr Sveenson at the Clevland Clinic replaced my Aortic valve and repaired an annerysium. He accomplished this through a minimally invasive procedure (about a 5 inch incision in the middle of the breast bone). The surgery was a great success !! Looking back on all this, the worst thing about the whole ordeal is getting your head around the fact you need it. I was 50, fit, very active and did not have any symptons........and I am going in for open heart surgery. It felt so wrong. Those of us with valve issues do not fit the profile of those typically needing open heart surgery. We look relatively young and healthy. It took me a long time to truly get my head around this. Once I did, the surgery and recovery was not that bad. Not pleasant, but not bad. Having people to talk to that have had the surgery was key in getting me turned around and ready for it. Having a great support system while going through the surgery and recovery is key to getting through it. Luckily, I had both. Those that I talked to were strangers with this valve surgery in common. They helped me more then they will ever know and I am forever grateful to them. My family.....wow......they were amazing in getting me through the healing process. Mia put a few extra miles on the car driving me around all the time :). I am forever grateful for the family support I received. For those of you facing this surgery, it will ease the aniexity a bit having these support systems in place. The surgery itself will go great. All the best. Dean

This is my first update since past op day 12 and things are getting back to normal. I returned to work just over 2 weeks post op. Part-time the first week and full time since. I must say I was quite fatigued at first. A half day seemed like forever. I would go home and totally crash !! Every day got a little easier but then I seem to hit the same wall when I went to full time. Very fatigued the first few full days back. Today, full days are no problem as my energy is back. In retrospect, I am not sure I would suggest a 2 week back to work time table. Although my mind was ready......my body was still checked out !! Finally got my wheels back this week. I must say.....six weeks of not driving may sound like a nightmare but quite the contrary !! Think about it....six weeks of sitting in the back seat being chauffeured around town can spoil a guy. We called it "driving Mr. Daisey" :). The wonderful Miss Mia went way above and beyond in not only getting me back on my feet but also getting me back and forth to work, taking my daughter Jenny to singing and dance lessons, etc, etc, all while she worked as well. She is simply AMAZING !! Thank you Sweetheart !! My parents had to put up with me as well :). Picking me up from work on those half days and retrieving Jenny from school activities. Thanks Mom and Dad !! I have eased my way back into the gym for a few soft workouts (thanks Jim for taking it easy on me!!). It feels good to get some cardio and some stretching in. I must say I am still quite sore in the sternum so I can't rush this. I go for my first echo next week and it will be good to visit with the Doc on my valve function and my progress. I feel blessed to be past this and now focused on healing the body so it can keep up with the rest of me :). Dean

Recovery continues on track. Taking 3 to 4 walks per day and less and less pain meds !! Also have a nice set up at home to tap into office e mail, etc. So starting to get a little work done....but not to much:). Had first post op visit with my cardiologist today. First words out of his mouth were "what's a healthy looking guy like you doing in a place like this". He is a pretty funny guy:). His exam went well with really no issues. We scheduled an echo for early March just to get a baseline as to how the valve is performing so we can track it's progress over time. Getting really spoiled with awesome home cooked meals from Mia and all her excellent care. My parents and kids continue to also be a tremendous support system for me. Since I can't drive for six weeks, I need lots of rides. Thanks all !! Thanks to everyone "blogging" your continued support and well wishes for a speedy recovery. I am one lucky guy !! Dean