Guestbook of Anna Rakowicz

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Anna Rakowiczgot a new guestbook post

459 days ago

Richard Munson posted a note for Anna that says:

I was intrigued reading your recent post regarding heart surgery vs. knee replacement surgery. After living a full life of 24/7 sports and experiencing numerous ...Read more

I was intrigued reading your recent post regarding heart surgery vs. knee replacement surgery. After living a full life of 24/7 sports and experiencing numerous knee nips and tucks including a full zipper back in 1966, before the scope, plus having ohs 3 years ago i can give a little non medical advice without knowing the severity of your heart or knee issues. Firstly, your heart is way more important than your knee. I have fought knee replacement for 20 years, now 82 and still walking 5 miles a day with shadow. Yes, its uncomfortable upon returning. Bone on bone is the pits. Knee braces and sometimes ice pack after. A cortisone shot now and then. As you might guess i know many knee and hip replacement folks. Some are doing ok but some seem worse off than before. Not sure success rate %. But to a man, or woman the pt was grueling. Plus my elaine is a pt so i know. Long story long, depending on how bad your heart valve issue is you might give it a priority over your knee. With your knee, you can live to fight another day, your heart is a different story. Good luck in your decision. I feel your pain.

Anna Rakowicz Hi Richard, yes it’s been a dilemma for sure. But have decided to hold off on the knee surgery. It� ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Hi Richard, yes it’s been a dilemma for sure. But have decided to hold off on the knee surgery. It’s really going up stairs that hurts the most, but we recently got a stair lift installed and that has been great. I am bone on bone in right, and close to it on left, but can still tie my shoes, and have no pain while trying to sleep. I’ve been doing PT and I think this has helped me tremendously, plus trying something called shockwave. You’re right, my heart is more important. Right now, don’t feel strong enough to go through the painful recovery of total knee replacement, as I have been told it can be grueling.

Valerie Allen We talked before I think about acupuncture. For knees. My guy has helped so much. It takes time. 2 mo ... Read more

Valerie Allen We talked before I think about acupuncture. For knees. My guy has helped so much. It takes time. 2 months once a week, now starting to feel really good. Important to have a good one (that uses moxibustion) in my opinion.

Richard Munson Good idea picking the heart. The problem with bone on bone, is that its bone on bone. Its like a movi ... Read more

Richard Munson Good idea picking the heart. The problem with bone on bone, is that its bone on bone. Its like a moving part with no grease. I tried a gel injection which is a cushioning agent but had a huge negative reaction to it. Broke out in hives. Called uflexa if you are interested.

Anna Rakowicz Haha, Richard, I just got Euflexxa in August!! Didn’t get hives but I had some sort reaction, as i ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Haha, Richard, I just got Euflexxa in August!! Didn’t get hives but I had some sort reaction, as it increased the pain 10 fold. Much better now that it’s worn off.

Richard Munson Well, now i know it was not just me.

Kimberly Eisenhut I have also been told I need raplacement, but am putting off until absolutely needed. Richard explai... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut I have also been told I need raplacement, but am putting off until absolutely needed. Richard explained it best, I pick my heart first. I am also in wait and watch mode for tricuspid (moderate to severe) and makes me too nervous to do it now, as well as hearing how some do great and some do not. My mother did great with her double knee replacements, but knowing me, I'll have all the reactions under the sun, LOL! I cannot do cortisone, as I had a reaction to it, and as Richard said, I do not want to find out if I'd have a reaction to gel either. For now, I have a cream Dr prescribed, (diclofenac), as well as going up my stairs one a a time so I do not put too much stress onto my right knee. Have a brace if I feel unstable and I may try acupuncture also if i have another bad flair up. Only you can make this choice after discussing all of the options and outcomes with your orthopedic and cardiologist for their opinions. Good luck in making your final decision and wish you all the best!

Anna Rakowicz Thank you Kimberly, I have decided to hold off even though I’ve had clearance from cardiologist. I ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Thank you Kimberly, I have decided to hold off even though I’ve had clearance from cardiologist. I just don’t feel like I have the cardiac reserve to go through the tough recovery. But I am working with a physiotherapist to help me get stronger. If you have stairs , you may want to look into a stairlift. This has been a lifesaver for me, we just got it in September. We found a place that will rent to buy.

Kimberly Eisenhut Unfortunatley I rent, so not an option for me. I am doing o.k. right now. I just try to not move my ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Unfortunatley I rent, so not an option for me. I am doing o.k. right now. I just try to not move my knee any funky ways and am very careful of how and where I am walking so I do not "tweak" my knees. I am glad you are moving along and wish you all the best with the physiotherapy. Just paying these crazy rent prices on my townhouse and bills takes every cent and then some to make it these days on my own. Blessings to everyone today

Anna Rakowiczgot a new guestbook post

566 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Anna Rakowicz reacted to this

Karen Hommel posted a note for Anna that says:

Welcome Anna, I had mitral valve replacement, tricuspid repair and a maze procedure I did very well except for a few fluid issues. The waiting is difficult ...Read more

Welcome Anna, I had mitral valve replacement, tricuspid repair and a maze procedure I did very well except for a few fluid issues. The waiting is difficult but I did well with that too. I told myself every day, I’m not having surgery today, I will enjoy this day. It really worked. We are all here for you!

Anna Rakowicz Good advise Karen, on taking it one day at a time, and knowing that I will have some time before sur ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Good advise Karen, on taking it one day at a time, and knowing that I will have some time before surgery is scheduled.

Jamie Griffith Hi Anna. Sounds like you are gathering all the proper information and seeking multiple opinions to f ... Read more

Jamie Griffith Hi Anna. Sounds like you are gathering all the proper information and seeking multiple opinions to fix your heart. Tomorrow will mark 8-mo since my OHS to repair my mitral valve (It was my 2nd surgery for a congenital disorder). I had amazing care at UM and they have several mitral valve surgeons that specialize in repairs and replacements. This website has amazing resources, as well. It’s overwhelming to process, but soon you will have a plan, have surgery, and be on with the rest of your life. Hang in there! Fyi my surgery was Dr Steven Bolling who has many interviews available on this site.

Anna Rakowicz Hi Jamie, I actually made an appointment with Dr. Bolling on 8/20. He did my friends mitral valve and ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Hi Jamie, I actually made an appointment with Dr. Bolling on 8/20. He did my friends mitral valve and she’s doing great also. However, I also have the aortic valve that needs to be replaced and I was told Dr. Bolling doesn’t do those, so I am seeing another surgeon at U of M.

Jamie Griffith Hi Anna, they have great Aortic specialists too there. Good luck with your upcoming appointment. I ... Read more

Jamie Griffith Hi Anna, they have great Aortic specialists too there. Good luck with your upcoming appointment. I met with Bolling last July (he also repaired my father’s mitral about 7 yrs ago). Waiting for surgery, the procedure, and rehabilitation was a challenge to say the least. But 8 months later, I am grateful for all the care I had and the reset on life that it has provided.

Valerie Allen Cleveland Clinic has one of the top, if not the top, aortic surgeon. Dr Eric Roselli. Highly recommen ... Read more

Valerie Allen Cleveland Clinic has one of the top, if not the top, aortic surgeon. Dr Eric Roselli. Highly recommend.

Anna Rakowicz Thanks for the feedback. It’s crazy this all started because I needed cardiac clearance (PVCs) for ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Thanks for the feedback. It’s crazy this all started because I needed cardiac clearance (PVCs) for knee replacement surgery early this year, and I found out things were not right with my heart. Still haven’t had the knee replacement, but I was getting regular gel shots every 6 months and am getting another series starting today.

Anna Rakowicz Thank you Valerie, I have not yet met with a surgeon from CC, though I did go there for a second opin ... Read more

Anna Rakowicz Thank you Valerie, I have not yet met with a surgeon from CC, though I did go there for a second opinion in May for my reduced EF and cardiomyopathy dx. following a routine echo. I have viewed Dr, Roselli’s video on this website. I also see Marc Gillinov has high marks as well.

Valerie Allen Anna, yes Gillanov mostly does mitral valve issues. Also great.