Don's Journal

Yesterday, I had an x-ray and follow up visit with the surgeon. The Dr. felt all was fine and released me to the cardiologist. The surgeon mentioned the cardiologist should get an echo on me as a base line for the future. Set an appointment this morning to start cardiac rehab next Tuesday and cardiologist appointment on the 29th of October. Excited and ready to get started with rehab. The Lord has answered many Prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery. I am very thankful. Don S

Today is the 4th week since having the aortic valve replaced. Tomorrow, will be the first follow up appointment with the surgeon. An x-ray will be done prior to the appointment. Have been walking outside, normally twice a day. Still taking Metorrolol and Amiodarone; maybe the Dr. will reduce the dosage or take me off the medications. Monday, I called a couple of places for cardiac rehab, closer to where I live. I\'ll find out more tomorrow if the Dr. believes I\'m ready to start rehab. Sometimes, it seems like only yesterday and at other times, the surgery seems so long ago. Whenever I go through notes and files I accumulated prior to surgery (to put in a folder), anxiety kicks in and I don\'t want to deal with looking at them. End result, they are still scattered. I may put them up today, in celebration of this 4 week anniversary. Don S.

Have there been any studies as to how to limit the calcium build up on a tissue valve so hopefully the valve will last longer. Leaflets on the original valve had calcified and would be nice not to go through this again. I\'ve been to health food stores to receive different answers and thought, hopefully a study had been completed. Thanks, Don S

The surgery, like all of us, I slept through it. The surgery was two weeks ago today. Took a rather long time in recovery to wake up. (Probably catching up on all the lost sleep prior to surgery.) But once the breathing tube was removed, I felt better. I\'ve been home about a week, by myself and feel good. Normally, taking one pain pill before going to bed. God is so good and He will take care of us as we go through the valleys of worry, anxiety and what if\'s. I believe the days before surgery were the most difficult with all the unknowns, decisions and anxiety. We must think positive, the best we can, and try not to dwell on the negatives. I have an appointment with the surgeon the middle of October. I feel good; much better than I expected after surgery. Thought previously I\'d have to sleep in a recliner at night; not yet; fine in bed. The surgeon did about 3 1/2 to 4 inch incision to replace my aortic valve. I tried not to worry before surgery but that is much easier said than done. I think I stressed everyone around me out more than myself. I am now walking around the block with a neighbor or friends that stop by and building back up, one step or one tick at a time. It would have been very difficult for me to have gone through this without faith and feeling that all would be okay.

Going for pre opt this afternoon and surgery wednesday. Anxiety is still present although I felt it would calm down somewhat by now. Thanks to all of you for your support, responses and Prayers. Don S

I now have more anxiety for a longer period of time but then it goes away. Prayer and God has a way to relax one and takes away most of the fear. But then it comes back when I start questioning the decision on bovine or mechanical again, although the planned surgeon recommends bovine. I do not want to go through this again. After surgery, I may think why all the worry. It is the unknown that I fear and if the decision, one that will have to live with for the rest of my life, was the correct one. Don

I\'ve been very concerned about which valve to receive because of my age. Do not want another open heart surgery and do not want to take blood thinners. Received a call today from an 86 year young man (mutual friend brought us together) and last year he had a TAVR with a bovine valve and said he was up walking the next day about 200\' and only a short stay in the hospital. He said it did not compare to opening of the chest 3 years earlier. He was so excited and doing great. He gave me inspiration and confidence that all will be good, even if this new tissue valve on the 19th wears out in 10-20 years; the next time, it should be much simpler. I had a lot of anxiety today and his testimony calmed me down considerably. God does answer Prayers. Don

The surgeon plans on doing a minimal invasive surgery on aortic valve replacement, instead of the full opening. The areteries are okay. Does anyone know if this will increase the risk for more complications since the Dr will be working in a smaller space? I think of the valve not sealing correctly, bleeding, etc. As you can tell, anxiety is fairly high at times with me. Thanks, Don

I think peace comes when some of the uncertainty has passed and God has answered our Prayers. I\'ve now decided on the surgeon, hospital, date and still undecided about the cow valve or on-x mechanical valve. Pros and cons from the surgeons; wish they could all agree on one. With this Dr, he prefers the cow valve and minimal invasive surgery. Any response from anyone with results several months or years post op with either valve would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Don