Gayle's Posts

I have recently passed the fifth month point from my surgery on December 6th. I feel much better than I did 2 months ago, but still have a few post surgery symptoms (a few aches and pains, that weird cramping "wave" that happens when I move too fast and a bit of mental exhaustion at the end of the day). I am able to work out for 40 minutes 4-5 times per week and have added some strengthening circuit training at the gym. It's important to note that recovery goes by weeks and not necessarily by each day. One doesn't always feel better every day, but as weeks pass, that is where improvement is the most noticeable. I think about my surgery daily. I am so grateful to Dr. Adams and Dr. Ani at Mt. Sinai and feel lucky to be here all due to their high level of expertise and quality of care. Good luck to everyone about to go through their heart surgery. I can't emphasize enough the importance of positive thoughts and prayers from friends and family.

I was finally cleared for flying last Wednesday. I still had some swelling in my feet. I took a pair of slippers with me to the airport and was glad I did as my feet swelled right up on the airplane. It was difficult navigating through JFK and then the aiport in Seattle. It was very slow going for me. It was helpful to check most of our carry-ons, so my husband didn't have to manage all of the bags. We finally arrived at Spokane airport at midnight and it was a wonderful feelling to be nearly home. I spent the next couple of days in a recliner, with my legs elevated to help reduce the fluid retention. I was able to get out a bit after a couple of days; and then our daughters made it home for Christmas which was so wonderful to see them. Each day gets better, and I am feeling a bit less tired but still take several short naps. My appetite has not returned fully, but I am sure that will return once I do more walking. As it is icy on the streets, I have to do indoor walking instead. I hope that anyone who has had surgery recently, is doing well. Gayle

It has been 11 days since my surgery. When I was moved to the step-down unit at Mt. Sinai, I found out that not only was my mitral valve re-repaired, but Dr. Adams' surgical team also found a small leak in my Tricuspid valve. I am even more grateful that I made this long journey. As many of you know, during your hospital recovery, each day is marked by milestones that collectively, bring each patient one step closer to discharge and recovery. I am glad one of the bloggers mentioned the water and weight gain, "I weigh how much?!!" That was quite a shock, as was the swelling of my whole body from head to toe. To reduce the water retention, I had Lasix plus a "booster". That night I slept in a chair and went to the bathroom every 15 minutes. A big day was also the chest tubes coming out. The last thing upon discharge was the holter monitor which we jokingly referred to as heart surgery bling. Two days before my discharge date, I had an echo in the hospital. This point is nerve-wracking as previously, it showed a moderate regurgitation 3 weeks post surgery. It was the first time I have had a leak-free echo in 2 years. I was mentally prepared for the first steps of recovery, although this 2nd surgery is different as I need to wait until I am cleared for flying, which will take place on Monday. So we are hanging out in NYC for the time being. Getting small walks in on a daily basis is going well, but pacing oneself isn't always easy. I am able to manage discomfort with Motrin only which is good. After coming to Mt. Sinai, I have learned some significant things about my case in particular and the heart valve surgery field in general. Back home, a large hospital considers themselves "cutting edge" one of our large hospitals considers themselves "leaders" in the cardiac field. I urge all patients who've undergone a succesful re-repair to challenge the notion that mostly good enough is OK. I found out that they no longer use mechanical valves when replacements are required at Mt. Sinai, due to the effects of blood thinners. I also found out that when I questioned the appearance of a "tag" on a mitral valve leaflet, I was told it was a suture, when in fact it was a ruptured chordae. Good enough is not in the best interests of patients and the fact that many patients advocate for themselves and are willing to travel far to have their first valve surgeries re-repaired or at least the outcomes improved should be a reminder that these miracles we've each experienced can be accessible to more people. If financial reasons make it prohibitive for the smaller surgery centers to boost their sucess rates, then those centers should be quite willing to advocate sending us to the larger centers. I will continue to update, but I feel confident that I have crossed the major hurdles. Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers. Gayle