mia posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve,

Hope all is well with you.please update the heart community on what the doctor says.

Have a good night.

Mia (Mary)

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: Be sure to post what you decided after seeing your surgeon and how it went ! How are you doing Steve ? Thinking of you!

Mia posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye,
Glad you had an appointment today with your doctor. Hope you have some answers.

I actuaslllyntold my surgeon a tissue valve and her made the final decision (pig or cow).
My surgeon chose the pig valve for me.
I am on day eleven postop. My energy is improving daily. Walking is helping with my endurance.

Have a great night
. Please let me know what happens next.

Hugs from your heart sister!

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hey Popeye,

I hope all goes well and that you feel more settled after your appointment. I can't wait to hear about it. I hope all of your questions were answered. As Terrie said, "one more day closer". Good for you!!! We are all out here ready to listen and ready to be here for you. Remember, even though there are miles between us all, you (we) are not alone in this.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye! Yes! One more step closer and a day for questions and answers. I hope your visit was fruitful and you came away more confident and the answer came to you about which tissue valve to choose. I expect to be mooing and avoiding red meat after next week
myself! Be sure to tell us how you did today. We are waiting to read your post. Take care buddy. Hugs!

Maron Faulkner posted a note for Steven A that says: All right, Steven! Thinking of you as you head off to the cardiologist's today. I hope it goes well and am looking forward to your next update telling us how it went...

Maron

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi, Steven. Both types of tissue valves tend to last about the same amount of time. My surgeon said the important choice for me was tissue or mechanical, but he would like to reserve the right to insert whichever valve he felt was a better fit to my aorta, once he was in there, had removed the diseased on, done any repairs, etc. His "go to" valve is bovine, but he said he also uses porcine, with equal success. I left the decision up to him, and he inserted a small bovine valve in my case. Since there really is not much difference, I was ok with either, knowing that he knows more about this than I can using the internet. He told me he's been doing this for some 30 years and has inserted a wide variety of valves over those years, and has kept us with the latest trends. He's also on the Quality Board of surgeons who review valves and their outcomes, so I trusted him, and so far, so good. I wish you the best outcome, the waiting and second-guessing yourself is really the hardest part.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve,
I have the cow valve. As I mentioned, I was leaning toward mechanical, but just before surgery my surgeon lead us to bovine. I really wanted to avoid having to do this surgery again since I am just 59 years young but with my other health issues, it really was the better choice. In any case, I am sure your surgeon will discuss all of the choices with you and help you choose the very best one for you. Keep on in your fight dear brother. You are not alone. Good luck tomorrow. I will be waiting to see what your surgeon has to say. God bless you. I will be praying for you!
Robin

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye,

Just a quick note to wish you luck tomorrow with your appointment. I hope once you speak with the doctor that your decision regarding the type of valve you want will be a little easier and clearer for you. I think once you get that settled you will feel like a major weight has been lifted from your shoulders. It's so hard to have to make all of these decisions. I respect and admire how you are looking at the many options though, and educating yourself regarding the different valves before making your decision. I think you will make the decision that is best for YOU.

I hope all goes well tomorrow Steve. You will be in my thoughts. Let us know how the appointment goes and what valve you decide on.

Good luck.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Popeye-
My surgeon said to me that at our clinic they are using Bovine. So that it what I will be having. Sorry I do not know of anyone with the pig valve at this time.
Hope you can reach a decision when you speak to your Dr. on Monday? I am
sure it will be easier after talking more with him. Have a good Sunday!

Mary (mia) posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello brother,

The choice of mechanical versus tissue was a difficult choice.

After lots of research we felt the tissue was the best for me. Tissue his bpretty close to what are valves are like. Usually after 2 the 3 months blood thinners can bed stopped.

The noise of the mechanical valve is also something to think about.

Choices, choices, you will figure it out.

My choice was povine. I now oink a lot!!

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve, You have jumped the first hurtle. You decided to go with the surgery. As for which to choose, your Doctor knows you the best. I am sure he will give you great advice. Then, if you are still not settled (I wasn't) Let God decide for you. I had decided one way, then on the morning of my surgery when my surgeon came in to see me, we talked and prayed,and I felt that God was tugging at my heart to go in a different direction. This may not help you, all I am saying is that if you are not comfortable with your decision right up to your surgery, you can change your mind. After all this is about you and no one else. Be encouraged my friend. It's scary, but, God will be holding you and you can do this. I am 18 months out of my Aortic Valve Transplant surgery and have not regretted my decision to change my mind. Yes the thought of having to replace this some years down the road is scary, and yes I do think about it. Often. But God has that to. And I guess like with all human beings nothing is for certain. He is teaching us to trust Him. So know that I and my bible study group are praying for you and we will be carrying you in prayer right through your surgery, and recovery. Be strong and of good courage my friend. You too can do this with Jesus by your side!

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: I think you are in the right place for now Steven. You know you need the surgery, its scary but you are beginning to realize that you can probably handle it (by reading our own journals, you see us go in, and come out of hospitals across the world). I wish the same for you.

The struggle to determine mechanical or tissue is something everyone of us goes through. Sometimes, age determines. At age 45 mechanical might seem the way to go, by 70 tissue is the clear winner. At age 60-70 probably either, and would depend upon our own bodies, what else is going on with us, how easy or not it is to get year round to a lab for testing, our own comfort with trying to test our own blood, etc. Reoperation vs. Coumadin, not an easy decision. I would listen to the cardiologist, and the surgeon. I initially had though mechanical, as in "no way am I going to do this again!" but researching, reading, and listening to cardiologist and family doctor (kinda non-committal, but worried about long-term Warfarin therapy in an older patient), and the surgeon (more of the same), I went with a tissue valve. I can still feel my heart thumping, but I could before surgery too, and everything seems to be fine so far. Whatever you choose, you will learn to cope with it, what else can we do! As my surgeon said, in the kindest possible way, either of the two valves is superior to the one you currently have". Best wishes to you.

Angelo Varrone posted a note for Steven A that says: Steven,
I'm 67 and had the same debate with myself. I finally opted for a tissue valve for the reasons you stated. What I've been told is that they average about 15 years. At that point a transcatheter would be a very viable option at the age of 82. I don't even know my tissue value is there; not sure I'd be able to say that if I went with a mechanical valve.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Good morning Popeye! How are you doing today?
I see you got some good information from Alex.
I think you are getting to the point where you are ready to make a decision on your Valve, yes? And you are going in on Monday to talk to your cardiologist? Great time to have him weigh in on that decision as he will know with your age, activity level what might be the best for you. I hope that after talking to him you will feel a whole lot more confident.
I am going for my pre-op next Friday and into surgery on the 20th. if all goes according to plan and I am going to come out of it with lots of answers and comments to try and make you feel more sure that you are going to come through this buddy. Once you loosen up on some of th anxiety that's got hold of you Stephen you will feel so much more sure of what is happening! The waiting and fear is hard on each of us but it is in facing it that we take back our Power. And Popeye, you have the Power. Look at it another way, you in your service to your country put your life on the line for us. Now you are doing the same thing only for yourself.
And Your Self Can Do This!!
So you have a good day today and read that little book"Keep Calm and Carry On" some more over the weekend! Take care buddy,
Love, Terrie

Clare Auten posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve,
I am mechanical. :)
I got an On-x valve on 1/9/14. My surgeon recommended this valve for me because of my age, 45, and because my INR only needs to be kept at 2.0-2.4. Other valves are much higher. I do need my blood checked every 3-5 weeks. They can now do it with a finger stick.
There is a clicking sound. I used to hear it all the time. It really does blend in to life now. I only hear it at night when things are quiet. My husband can not hear it. My kids do hear the click when they are sitting on my lap. I told my 5 year old that it just means my heart is working.
Choice of valve is a personal decision. Fortunately, my husband was able to help me. I am also lucky that I really only had 2-3 days to make the decision. Once it was made, I felt like a load was lifted off my mind.
Take care. Hope you can come to peace with your decision.

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: Oh Steve how hard this must be for you! When I was talking to my surgeon about having a mechanical or tissue valve ( for the second time ) it was difficult for me too. There are pros and cons to each and this was my second replacement and I knew I'd probably live long enough to have to have a third replacement too if I got a tissue valve . I asked how loud it was and he said my husband would probably hear it laying next to me , well , that was too much! I knew I would never get used to the sound . I also was more afraid of bleeding from the Coumadin than having another surgery . I was in a car accident 3 years ago and might have bleed to death if I'd been on Coumadin was my thought. So that's why I chose a tissue valve but I'm afraid it is going to be up to you in the end :( only you know how you feel about these things . Perhaps your surgeon can help you decide . I know it's hard. But I'm sure whatever you decide will be right for you!! I really don't think there are any wrong choices here. The important thing is to extend your life and improve the quality too !!! Keep us posted !! Wishing you peace of mind .

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve (Popeye),

I haven't had to make a decision about the type of valve I will get yet because I am not scheduled for surgery yet. I have been told that I will need to replace my valve but it is undecided if now is the time. I will find out more tomorrow when I get the results of my recent tests.

But to answer your question about tissue vs. mechanical valve, When the time comes for me, I am pretty sure I have decided that I will get a tissue valve. I also am a bit nervous about the idea of having the surgery again to get a second operation because the tissue valve doesn't last as long. But I figure if I get the mechanical valve then I run the risk of the coumedin and bleeding plus from what I read and from what others have told me, there's a clicking sound that the valve makes. That would drive me nuts..

It's a personal decision though. And a hard decision.

Hopefully the doctor on Monday will have some addional information for you.

Hang in there Popeye.

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Ugh - so sorry. Now my response to your question posted twice. You can just delete one. Sorry about that.

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Try this link Popeye. You can read the reviews. This doctor looks like he's excellent.

http://www.vitals.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&type=name&provider_type=0&q=james+c.+todd+III

I tried submitting this a little while ago but for some reason, it disappeared so I'm trying again.

If you can't go to the link then just go to www.vitals.com and put the doctor's name in the search box at the top.

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye,

I usually check doctors and hospitals on Vitals.com to see what others may say about their experience. Here is the link to Dr. Todd. I looks like he has excellent reviews.

http://www.vitals.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&type=name&provider_type=0&q=james+c.+todd+III

I hope you're able to open the link. If not, just go to www.vitals.com and put his name in the search box at the top.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Popeye-
Yes dry couch is one of the common symptoms of aortic stenosis. I find that I have a dry cough during the night more often than at any time. Stress and worrying seems to also exacerbate the cough at anytime though too. It is a good idea to report the cough to your physician as it is a noted symptom.
Once you and I have our valve replacement's this should be another one of those symptoms to leave us!
So carry on Buddy and take care.
Any more news about getting a surgery date lined up?- Hugs! Olive Oil

Maron Faulkner posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven - hope you're feeling better as the day wears on. Thanks for the tip about the webinar - my surgeon says I get to pick mechanical or tissue and really, I have no idea - so I will check it out. Thanks!

Dora posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve, hope you're having a better day today. I got a cow valve in Feb. and I'm doing great. I did develop a dislike for red meat though, I just cannot bring myself to eat red meat any more. People find that amusing, but I don't miss it at all. I think if I would have known before I would have enjoyed a nice big steak. I do eat chicken with no problem. You'll always have support on this site, but always remember that God is always by your side. He will never leave you.

Joan R posted a note for Steven A that says: steve your not alone god is with you always. I understand the alone feeling my parents and brother are not with me either all gone I do have sons and a husband. I need aortic valve replacement soon , I am scared too. but all these people did so well and we will too. bless you on your road to recovery I will be reading your journal. wish you well Joan

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: Oh Steve! I'm so glad you read the webinar!!! I think the difference in cow or pig valve is the cow valve is larger, at least that's what my surgeon said. But do ask your cardiologist. I'm so pleased you have an appt on Monday too!! You know I have a husband and 2 daughters and they are a great help, but I was in the hospital 11days and in no hurry to get home because I felt safe and well taken care of. So do take advantage of any nursing care because it's wonderful from my experience. And as much as we can be there for you over the distance, we are!! The great thing on this site is that we all have been through it or are waiting to go through it!!! So even though each person's experience is a bit different... We've all felt very similar ways and that is quite a bond!!! It's a big surgery even though doctors do it daily and you're very brave to confront it!! We care a lot!!! Keep posting please... Good or bad, we want to hear it !!! Big hugs!!!

Eleanor posted a note for Steven A that says: I have not had a coronary artery bypass. An uncle did years ago, and it served him well for the rest of his life. You can find a lot of information on this operation, using Goggle or any search engine. Here is an example:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cabg/

Ask your cardiologist to explain more, as well as the valve choices and what he would recommend for you personally.
Best regards to you.

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hey Popeye,

I am so glad you were able to at least read the webinar. I wonder why the video didn't work for you. Glad though that there is the written version.

See, when I saw that webinar and I also read it, I felt so much better about a tissue valve. I think by the time any of us would need to replace our valve again if we choose tissue now, the transcatheter procedure might be available to all patients. I'm all for quality of life now. 8 or 10 years from now, I'll worry about that if and when I need to. I want to live today. And without blood thinners if possible.

And Steve, I know what it feels like to be alone. I have one grown daughter but she's busy and I don't see her much and most of what I deal with, I deal with alone. It sometimes gets depressing and I have to keep pulling myself out of the depression because again, it's about the quality of my life so I try not to be depressed. Not for too long anyway. Sometimes it just is what it is though.

Hang in there brother. Concentrate on the fact that you do have the option to go to the nursing care place after surgery to help with your recovery. We out here are going to be so anxious waiting to hear from you though. I know I will be.

And I know having the nursing care for recovery is something you appreciate but I also know it doesn't replace family so I won't pretend that it isn't something that makes a person sad. I know it does. I just hope you know that you also have touched some lives out here and we all do really care about you. So although there are many miles between us, we really do care and will pray for you. So in a way, you aren't entirely alone.

We will all help keep your spirits up. You have a family here.

Peace and blessing to you Popeye!

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: That's right Steve! Just follow Karen's instructions and it's easy to watch and it just may put your mind at ease and clarify things for you!! It really helped me!! Making these decisions can seem very overwhelming but putting it off too long could put your life at risk!! We're all with you and are convinced of a good outcome for you!! Statistics are with you !!!

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye,

If you go to Adam's Blog which you will find a link to at the top of this site, along the menu bar. Click on his blog and scroll down to the third post. It will be about an e-book you can download and read the content of the webinar but if you scroll just below the e-book download, you will see a red icon that you can click on to watch the webinar. I found it very, very informative and interesting and quite honestly, I was undecided about what type of valve I should get until I saw the webinar. After that I decided I would get a tissue valve regardless of my age.

Let me know if you find the webinar.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Well, well, dear Mr. Popeye! Terrie here!
Still haven't made that decision yet, eh?
Hard decision for many reasons.
I am going to weigh in here buddy. I am going to say that (and I think I have told you in one of my posts to you) I am pretty sure your surgeon is going to suggest the best choice for a person of your age and they type of activity level would be better off with a tissue valve.
I am 100% sure that It is the right choice for me and I will be given a Bovine tissue valve hopefully on the 20th. Karen gave you great advice on this subject, and Lynn brings up one of the reasons I chose tissue as well. The noise/ticking is something that I would not like either. In the end it is your choice. More importantly I wish you would feel better about the fact you have an opportunity to get your wonderful heart fixed and they have such great technology to do it. I don't think any of us wants a second go round at surgery for this so better yet, set your mind to the fact you will get your heart the help it needs and come away with a great "replaced" valve that will now give you years of life without the shortness of breath, limits to what you can and can not do every day.
Quality of life Mr. Popeye! That's what you get compared to what you have now. Something great to look forward to! Look forward Buddy! I know you hate spinach but Popeye....You can do this!
Love, Olive Oil...........

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye,

Check out the webinar from a couple of weeks ago that Adam did with Dr. Allan Stewart. He talks a lot about the subject of tissue valves vs. mechanical. He said he really advises any patient over 50 to get a tissue valve. With the progress of the transcatheter valve replacement, by the time a new valve might be needed, the option for the transcatheter surgery (which I believe takes about 10 minutes) will probably be used more and more. So a second major open heart surgery will probably not be necessary.

I'm 53 and I would definitely go with a tissue valve. I do NOT want to be on blood thinning medication, my blood is already thin from low platelets

Also, I had an uncle who had a tissue valve and it lasted at least 15 years. You never know.

But seriously, if you can take a little time to watch that webinar it might ease your mind and help you make this difficult decision..

Lynn posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve! I chose a tissue valve because I know myself and I could NEVER get used to a repetitive sound no matter how quiet plus the blood thinners ... My numbers each time I took them would never level out and mine would get dangerously high meaning I could be internally bleeding. With a tissue valve they only keep you on blood thinners for about 3months as a precaution against stroke. I couldn't stabilize on them for even a week. So no mechanical valve for me. Some people do fine though.
Also I had a double by pass and although they took the vein ... I guess it's a vein... Out of the inside of each leg, the incision is very small and not really all the big a deal . But ask for more detail from your surgeon.
Again I suggest to get it done ASAP and you'll be glad you did! Keep strong and keep communicating!!!

Lynn Quast posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve ,
I'm 67 and this is my second open heart surgery and believe me the healing of the breast bone is not the terrible pain you imagine and can be handled very easily by following advice and pain medication ! I adamantly advise a motorized recliner for about a month after ( I rented one) . I didn't have one the first time and it was much more uncomfortable sleeping and getting up and down . The body has amazing healing power with the right amount of rest and activity. You will feel so much better when you can breath better!!! It's worth it !!! Just be sure to find an experienced surgeon then don't wait too long !!! Remember nothing is as bad as the pictures we create in our minds about the unknown! I had a double by pass with my new tissue valve replacement too !! These operations are an everyday thing for experienced surgeons and their team !! You'll do great!! Keep posting !

Meredith Bray posted a note for Steven A that says: I've never had a broken bone in my life, so I don't have anything to compare the breastbone healing. My husband seems to think I was normal - the area was tender to the touch, but sometimes it was itchy. Sometimes there would be small stabbing pains in the bone, but nothing more than tylenol could handle. Even today - 21 weeks post op - I still feel some twinges and prickles. Mostly I was just aware that the breastbone was healing. The incision was scab-free after 10 days or so (except the drain-tube holes, they take longer unless they're stitched). The first 10 days or so I kept my elbows close to my body, afraid to move my ribcage too much. At the same time, it also felt good to move my arms, and stretch a little. Maybe if you practice stretching now you won't have as much pain after? I wish I had done that!

Joe Kuiak posted a note for Steven A that says: Hello Steven,
It will be a year for me on 8/2. I also had severe aortic stenosis. After getting over the shock I came to terms with my mortality. All is very normal. We handle these types of life events differently.
I can tell you that the surgery is a very distant memory to me now. I am still very grateful but do not think at all about my new valve, old heart and repaired chest. The recovery is fairly long. Coming out of anesthesia was my most unpleasant moment. And ICU was tough but day by day it became easier and I got stronger. Do the breathing exercises. Walk as much as you can. Rely on friends and loved ones. Get on a schedule for your meds so you are always a little ahead of the pain. Then reduce your meds once home for a week or so. It goes by surprisingly fast. Do as much as you can to stay healthy and active. I strongly recommend cardiac rehab.
Hope this has helped.

Angelo Varrone posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve, next week will be my one year anniversary. I'm 67 and like you, needed to replace my Aortic valve. However, I didn't need a bypass. My murmur was diagnosed about 6 years prior to my surgery. I had surgery before any symptoms appeared. At first, like you, I was very nervous. My wife convinced me to calm down, "man up" and get with the program. So, I did just that. I tuned out my fears and put my full trust in a very capable surgeon. I was moderately anxious the day of surgery, but the hospital staff took care of that (along with some very good drugs). Before I knew it, I was in recovery. Others have said this here on this website and I know it sounds crazy, but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as my fears. I actually was back to work 4 weeks after the surgery (I own a small trade show company). I was home in 7 days (a bit longer than planned thanks to a bout with Atrial Fibrillation) and was off ANY pain killer 5 days after that. I was shocked and amazed. The rehab part is challenging as it takes time to get your strength back and doing some normal things (like sitting up, standing up from a chair, etc.) are somewhat challenging. Like others have said, you can do this. They're right. All you have to do is let those fears vanish.

Patti posted a note for Steven A that says: So glad to learn you have made the decision to take charge of your situation by visiting rehab and reading the little book!!

Glad to help and in a small way repay those on this site who were so important to me when I went from disbelief to fear.
Many wonderful folks out there with real life experience and wisdom beginning with Adam.

Won't be long and you too will be looking back and sharing your experience and wisdom.

Take care.

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye,

I know how you feel because I find myself in the same boat at times when I think about this operation. I also have aortic stenosis and I'm in the wait and see mode so I can't share my operation story yet. I've had 4 echos and the results show a progressive downhill. I find it sad that you feel so alone and I want you to know I'm be praying for you. Cry out for God's strength and remember to eat your "spinach"!

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye,

I am SOOO happy to hear that you checked with the rehab and that it did ease your mind a bit. That is fantastic.

Please, PLEASE do not apologize for venting. This is a big deal. It is not easy for anyone and being alone (as I am as well), it's very hard to keep thinking about it and fretting about it without anyone to talk to at home. Or anyone to help distract you for a little while, have conversation or laugh with. When you are home alone, it's so hard to turn off the constant "thinking" and thinking brings on worries and fears and that increases the lonely feeling.

This is a wonderful place and I also feel less alone since finding this site. Please don't apologize for venting your worries. The thing to concentrate on is that we all understand AND you took action and went to that rehab for information. THAT is something you can be proud of.

We are all watching and caring about you. There are many people here who are very happy to help. We all either needed the same help in the past, or need it now or are anticipating surgery and will need it in the future. But we ALL need this support. We are here for you.

Now take a deep breath and feel good that you got that rehab worry feeling better. :)

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Way to go Popeye! Moving forward!
Onward and Upward buddy!
Glad You got the book and I hope it helps as I am reading it and it has helped me step forward too.
Glad you listened to your Heart-people about checking into rehab information.
See!!! Things will work out for you.
Just move forward one step at a time and keep your focus on getting that heart of yours mended!
Love and Prayers to you and all our heart-community!

Meredith Bray posted a note for Steven A that says: What Karen said! When I went in for my pre-op consult about a week before surgery, the nurse spent a lot of time asking me questions about what would be waiting at home for me - help, food, bed/recliner, transportation. After every question was answered, she made SURE that I knew that if there was something I needed that I should ask for it. She asked what kind of car I would be riding home in! We even talked about what options were available in case my babysitters backed out. No hospital in their right mind is going to discharge you for home if they know there's no one there to help you the first few days!

I know this part is the worst - the waiting, the wondering. And panic and anxiety are always right there around the corner, waiting to pounce. It's ok to feel that way, it's normal! can you get a phone referral to a counselor, just someone to talk to? Maybe you have a contact at a VA who can help you find someone, even a telephone counselor? (Sometimes it's easier for me to talk about stuff if I don't have a person staring at me!)

You're in my daily thoughts and prayers :)

Karen Pineda posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve,

First off, don't listen to people who say, "get over it". None of this is easy and nobody walks in anyone else's shoes. And I'd be willing to bet that the people saying get over it have never had to face heart surgery, compounded by loneliness. Steve, I know how you feel. Feeling alone is hard enough without facing surgery but thinking about heart surgery and feeling lonely is very difficult.

May I make a suggestion? Speak with the surgeon and your cardiologist and if possible, speak with someone at the hospital where you intend to have surgery. Ask them what services would be available to you after surgery if you don't have anyone to help you at home. Most (probably all) hospitals have a social worker and case manager. Find out if they can hook you up with one. They will check with Medicare and if you have supplemental insurance, they will check with them too. They will find out what is covered and they can advise you.

I don't know about Maryland, but here where I live, before the hospital will send a patient home after heart surgery, they ask who will be there to help and if nobody is going to be, then they apply for the patient to have a visiting nurse. Depending on the insurance, it might be for a couple of hours a day or all day and maybe overnight. I have a friend who had a by pass surgery and she lives alone. They would not let her go home without first arranging for help. It's worth checking into sooner rather than later.

Please Steve, ease your mind and ask the doctor about it. Ask for a social worker of some kind to help you explore your options. Be open and honest with them. They NEED to know if you are unable to care for yourself temporarily after surgery. Try to find out what your post op options are before you schedule surgery so you can go into surgery without all of those worries on your mind. You will heal and recover more quickly if that stress is put to rest.

Good luck to you Steve. And try not to wait too long to go forward with the surgery. It sounds like your symptoms are really becoming uncomfortable.

Take good care of yourself.

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye. Got the book that Patti suggested to you yesterday. It is a small book called:"Lottle Ways to Keep Calm and Carry On" By Mark A. Reinecke, PH.D. Twenty lessons for Managing worry, anxiety and fear. Got into it first thing this morning and I think patti was correct that it would help you and others! Good luck to you. You can also order it from Amazon.com. It only costs $10.00 here at the store. Later!

Kels posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven I cant answer about the medi care. As I'm from the Uk we dont have that here and My fionce will be looking after me once I leave hospital. I'm sure it will and all will be ok. Like you I'm also have the Aortic valve done. This a scarey time for everyone waiting. I had serious panic attacks for 3 weeks I'm settled at the moment. I'm still waiting for a date for my op. Wishing you all the best with your operation. Keep positive all will go well. All you will feel a lot better for it afterwards. take care

Susan Smith posted a note for Steven A that says: Steve, I have a Medicare Advantage plan and it covered by rehab. I too live alone and was discharged from hospital to rehab facility. stayed about 3 weeks. I am in my 70's and it worked fine.

Kathleen posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven,
Medicare should pay for you to stay in a Rehab center. I would suggest that you visit some of them and find the one that you like. Go at a meal time and ask for a tour. That will give you an idea of the care they give. Talk to the admissions director. He/she can tell you what Medicare covers.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steven! I just wanted to let you know that I had Aortic Valve Replacement Jan. 25, 2013. I was 58 at the time. "Just get over it", is pretty harsh. This is a huge thing for you and for anyone that goes through it. Because of allergies, I had to face it and get through it with no pain meds of any kind. How did I do it? I didn't! God carried me through it. I don't want to get all preachy. I just want you to know that He loves you, and sees you and your fears. He is a pretty big guy. Give it to him. He can handle it and carry you!

Terrie posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Popeye- Terrie here in California.
I was just wondering whether or not you have a Senior community center near you that you could visit and maybe find out if there are any people who might be looking to help out people needing your type of help after surgery? I would think that other retired Seniors might have connections to places with aide to Seniors.
I also think your VA might be able to help line up people to help out once you return home or have places themselves that you could stay until you become stronger? Have you checked into the VA? I know you were talking about doing that.
I see you have some excellent advice from "Patti". I am going to go out and buy the book she suggests and I would be happy to get an extra copy and send it to you if you give me an address to ship it. I am going out today so let me know. On my way out to shop for a wedge pillow and the book as it is the second time it has been mentioned.
Take care Popeye!

Patti posted a note for Steven A that says: Hi Steve-
Like you open heart surgery was not my first surgery. That already puts us ahead because we know that we will be awakened in the night, won't get served our favorite foods , our wardrobe will be same 24/7 and we will be asked "how are we feeling ?" when half of the we probably feels Ok and the other half not so hot.
Pain is not bad but mobility is slower.
How to overcome anxiety which is normal:
1. Find a hospital and surgeon you trust then check that off your list. Your surgeon is probably doing several surgeries before yours with great success, yours won't be any different.
2. Make a list of 5 things you will do when this is in the rear view mirror.
3. Read keep calm and carry on by mark Reinecke a little book that keeps it real.
4. Turn your focus to thinking how much medicine has improved since your last surgery ( the medicine not the food) and how we not only survived the kidney surgery but we much better for having it done.
5. Find a comedy show and watch it. Big Bang worked for me.
6. The surgeon will do fine and you will do better tho our work takes longer and we aren't paid we do reap other benefits.
Read about others especially those having similar surgery.
This site demonstrates lots of folks with challenges and lots of folks with success.
Good luck - pre surgery is the worst and they have yet to find a pill for that!!!