Jeff's Posts

It's hard to believe that it's already been three weeks to the day since my surgery. I went in expecting to have my aortic valve replaced with a tissue valve and my ascending aorta replaced. When I woke after the surgery, I was informed by my doctor that he was able to repair the valve. I was thrilled. He had told me there was a 5% chance that he would be able to repair it, but would not know until he saw the valve. My ascending aorta was replaced as planned. I want to give a word of encouragement to those about to go through OHS. I was never in great pain - ever. On a scale of 1 to 10, probably a 2 or 3 at the most. Also, I was only on pain meds for the first 2 weeks, and even then on a pretty low dose. I've been walking a mile or so a day and feel pretty good - but I do get tired and need to take a few naps each day. I plan on starting rehab next week. I've had one complication post surgery. I've gone two rounds with AFib both of which required visits to the emergency room. It is now under control with drugs and is likely something that go away on its own. If you are about to go into surgery, you can do this, the wait is the hardest part, and you will come out the other side a stronger and whole person. May God truly bless you. Jeff

Thanks to my amazing, strong and very loving wife for taking great care of me and writing journal updates while I was unable. She spent the night by my side each night, except for one - Thursday night where we both felt very comfortable with her leaving. The nursing staff has been awesome and I have been progressing quite well. I'm able to walk around the floor for 10 minutes at a time and have begun to regain my appetite. We're having a date night tonight by watching a movie in my room. We're checking out tomorrow. That's all for now. Jeff