Patrick Schweitzer - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3344 days ago

Surgery went well on Wednesday. It was only 4 hours but they kept me under anesthesia until the evening where I woke up with the breathing tube still in. I ...Read more

Surgery went well on Wednesday. It was only 4 hours but they kept me under anesthesia until the evening where I woke up with the breathing tube still in. I bit disconcerting but in all it was a non-event and went quick to remove it. My upper palate and throat were sore for a couple of days. I had two real bad nights with pain but on the evening of the third day I took one more percoset to help me sleep and that was it. I have a some pressure on my chest, but no pain at the moment and very thankful for that. They also through me out of the hospital on Saturday, 4 days after surgery! It was time crunch also because of the major snow event we had here in Northern VA, but my wife who hates driving in snow got me home safely and really love sleeping in my own "chair". Best thing about being home, taking the first shower in 4 days. Now I just need to listen to my body. My surgeon said he used a smaller incision to help me heal faster as he knew I was an active type. I guess 6 inches is small but it looks like a full sternectomy. Small victories, that is all I need.

Terrie Syvertsen Patrick and your lovely wife! So only 4 days! Glad you are in your "own chair" but happiest to read y ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Patrick and your lovely wife! So only 4 days! Glad you are in your "own chair" but happiest to read you say is "Now I just need to listen to your body" as this is the most important thing you can do as you progress with your recovery. Don't feel bad that your wife is going to be running circles around you because that snow event can't /won't hold a candle to what She will do to ensure you have proper, loving care. Just when you think you can't love someone more! This will bring a newer greater meaning to your relationship! God Bless all the caregivers/spouses/family and friends who will make your journey smooth, hopefully! Be good to yourselves and enjoy being on the other side!

Pat Bluemel Great. News! Happy healing.

Cheryl Batzing Glad to hear you are recovering well at home Patrick. Will pray for your continued healing!

Bob M Great recovery! Home is where your fixed heart is. God bless and rise up!

Virginia (Ginger) French Wonderful news! Agree with Terrie who, as usual, hits the important points. Take your time, relax, an ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French Wonderful news! Agree with Terrie who, as usual, hits the important points. Take your time, relax, and heal. Remember to give yourself a break!

Patrick Schweitzerposted a journal

3350 days ago

Had my pre-op work last Friday and got my arm band. My young engineers at the office were curious about the band. I just said that I can buy the beer 😀. ...Read more

Had my pre-op work last Friday and got my arm band. My young engineers at the office were curious about the band. I just said that I can buy the beer 😀. We are due for about 8 inches of snow tonight, so one last chore before I go into surgery I guess.

Gladys Waters You will be just fine. Praying for you!

Eleanor R My daughter says my red wrist band made me look like an escapee from a hospital. I was afraid it wou ... Read more

Eleanor R My daughter says my red wrist band made me look like an escapee from a hospital. I was afraid it would come off, or get really messy so I ended up covering mine up with a tennis sweat band. I had freaked myself out about germs going into surgery with me, and that still seems a problem to me, but apparently it is not as our arms are secured and come no where near the operation. You will be fine, and I hope we don't get the snow tonight, but it is indeed predicted. Better check with your surgeon's office and the hospital to see what is the snow plan. Best of luck to you for a smooth surgery and steady recovery. Eleanor

Wiliam Height Not sure how close you are to hospital, but I found it relaxing to stay near the hospital the night b ... Read more

Wiliam Height Not sure how close you are to hospital, but I found it relaxing to stay near the hospital the night before--just me and my wife. We had an unbelievable dinner and time the night prior talking and only had to take a short cab ride to hospital.

Patrick Schweitzer Funny about closeness of the hospital. I will have my normal commute Wednesday morning as I have to b ... Read more

Patrick Schweitzer Funny about closeness of the hospital. I will have my normal commute Wednesday morning as I have to be at the hospital at 7AM. I work for exxonmobil which is directly across the street from Inova Fairfax. The other coincidence is that Just last week Inova announced that they were buying our property as we are relocating to Houston later this year. I am really glad it is going to them and a new cancer research center.

For some reason I am not really that nervous about this operation. Kind of in the 'let's get it done' mind. Maybe Wednesday will be different. I know that things will be better after, that is for sure.

Wiliam Height Great attitude--there is no reason to be nervous, we had the threat of snow storms the night prior to ... Read more

Wiliam Height Great attitude--there is no reason to be nervous, we had the threat of snow storms the night prior to surgery in NY and being close made it helpful / more relaxing. I felt the same way--once you know it has to be done, move on. just make sure you have your recovery planned, that helps (tons of tips here) and you are good to go!

Bob M Almost there. Wednesday will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Patrick Schweitzerposted a journal

3364 days ago

kathy lesnau reacted to this

My surgery is Feb 18th unless an earlier opening comes up. My pre-op is Friday the 13th. Hope that is not an omen. Looking to get this done.

Kimberly Biddick Patrick, I read your story and it sounds like you are very blessed to have had this happen in the US! ... Read more

Kimberly Biddick Patrick, I read your story and it sounds like you are very blessed to have had this happen in the US! How large is your aorta dilated? I am sure you are very much looking forward to getting this done and behind you. You will find an incredible amount of support and knowledge in this community, welcome!! And I have always regarded Friday the 13th as a lucky day... my first son was born on that day and he was the best thing to ever happen to me! Best of luck to you over the next few weeks!!!

Patrick, welcome to the community. I'm also glad to hear that you are back in the US so you can have ... Read more

Patrick, welcome to the community. I'm also glad to hear that you are back in the US so you can have your surgery here. Best wishes to you. You'll not be alone in your journey with the people here. You'll get plenty of support and more prayers than you might imagine.

Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes for a successful surgery, Patrick.

Patrick Schweitzer I think my aorta is 5cm and normal for me is 3.9cm or that is what cardiologist and surgeon told me. ... Read more

Patrick Schweitzer I think my aorta is 5cm and normal for me is 3.9cm or that is what cardiologist and surgeon told me. That rupturing was actually scarier than the valve issue. I've always been active cycling and in my younger days speed skating so working out at aneoribic threshold was normal for me. Now it looks like I was at another limit that was a little more serious and really glad they found it. My stamina was decreasing over the last year which was the valve issue, but stupid me thought I needed to work out harder which I know now was actually living on the edge.