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On July 12, 2012...

I guess I'm as slow as you, just got to read your update. Don't feel bad about not losing weight - we are manually digging a pond, and i don't think I've lost any weight either. I guess I'm making it up in muscle and calluses.
LizO

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On July 3, 2012...

Glad to read all is going well Chris. As Jim said, with more exercise, your body will adjust. It takes time, but slowly you will be able to do more as your body settles more. Everything you described, sounds very normal. Keep up the good work.

-Mitch Friedman

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Chris Barnes Thanks Mitch - always a pleasure to hear from you. Hope you are doing well.

On July 3, 2012...

Chris,
Great news on the heart rate and absence of afib. You're definitely moving forward on the golden road to recovery. My guess is that at this point post-surgery some torso issues should be attributed to muscle weakness and lack of conditioning. Until about 10 days ago, I did nothing with respect to upper body exercises. Now I'm working at the gym, and I feel it, and as a consequence at other times I'm getting twinges and odd sorenesses. Carry on
- Jim Smith

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Chris Barnes Thanks, Jim! I think you're probably right regarding exercise. It doesn't bother me enough to be a major concern though. In time, all will be good.

On May 26, 2012...

Chris,
Hope you have a great Memorial Day Celebration. I haven't seen any posting updates, so I assume you are busy being WELL and working out. I will keep you in my prayers. Maggie

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Chris Barnes Yes, doing good, thanks. Probably 85-90% recovered. Still limited on a few things. We will be going out to the City Arts Festival in Fair Park today.

On May 16, 2012...

Chris, just heard about this from Dan. I hope you continue to heal and get better.

regards, Bill Mundt

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Chris Barnes Thanks Bill! I'm doing good. Would love to chat with you sometime.

On April 24, 2012...

Chris,

I am scheduled with Dr. Ryan for a MV repair in June. I am debating as to whether I am going to get a second opinion or not, and was just wondering whether you got a 2nd before sticking with or moving to Dr. Ryan .

Trent Viavattene

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Chris Barnes Hi Trent! Glad you're on board with Dr Ryan. In my case, just prior to my surgery, I did not get a second opinion for the following reasons: 1) as you have ... Read more

Chris Barnes Hi Trent! Glad you're on board with Dr Ryan. In my case, just prior to my surgery, I did not get a second opinion for the following reasons: 1) as you have written, Dr Ryan is very highly regarded in his field and comes very highly recommended and 2) in a way, Dr Ryan was my second opinion. I had met with another surgeon about 3 times between 2003 and 2005. I had a good experience with Dr Ryan - rest assured, you will be in good hands. Keep up the positive attitude. I will be watching your journal.

On April 24, 2012...

Hi Chris,
What did you do in rehab on your first day? I'll be doing it too, so I'm curious. Does it feel weird being the young guy on the block? We're you ogled by the Old chicks? :)

Nancy B

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Chris Barnes Hi Nancy! I first went to rehab on Monday for "orientation" which consisted of a lot of paperwork, an interview about medications and medical history, going ... Read more

Chris Barnes Hi Nancy! I first went to rehab on Monday for "orientation" which consisted of a lot of paperwork, an interview about medications and medical history, going over the routine, showing me the equipment, taking my BP, and doing a quick turn on the equipment. Today, my actual first day, I was weighed, fitted with a heart monitor, used the treadmill for 15 mins and stationary bike for 12 mins. My blood pressure was taken about 3 times - in the beginning and after each exercise. That was it.

On April 24, 2012...

I am so glad you are doing so well. I see you are walking a mile that is great. keep up the good work and will be better than you were for a long time. take care Chris

Cathy

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On April 15, 2012...

WOW! Everyone remarked how great you looked on Easter at Mom's house. Maybe you ate too many of Liz's dumplings.... just kidding. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Maggie

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On April 14, 2012...

Glad to here you are doing better. I will start PT Monday after having the Shunt installed in my spinal cord. Jan has an absessed tooth pulled last Monday

Your Father-in Law

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On April 13, 2012...

Hi Chris
I had some "afib" up till about four months after surgery...eventually it went away.
The road to recovery is a life long trip, but I can tell you know I feel so much better 9 months post-op....I FEEL DIFFERENT...but better..
God Bless
John Madonna

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Chris Barnes Thanks, John! I always appreciate hearing from someone with experience - even after my surgery. It's as helpful as all the reassurances prior to the surgery. Thanks again.

On April 13, 2012...

Chris, these bumps on the road do happen. Atrial fib within three months after surgery is very common. Sounds like the medics have come up with a plan to keep you going forward. Blessings
- Jim Smith

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On April 12, 2012...

Just thinking about you! Hopefully your new meds will do the trick. Take care!

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Chris Barnes Tsk, tsk, tsk. Remember to sign your name... otherwise I have no idea who wrote this. :) Thanks!

On April 12, 2012...

I hear you, I've been there, a week after my surgery I felt like you described minus the afib and ended up in emergency and several more times after that. Only my tests all showed up good, but I wasn't feeling good so they would send me home and a month later I would be in the emergency again, I started paying attention and this usually happened when I walked more or did more on that particular day, still a year after when I take a longer walk I get so tired and I feel my pulse racing and get lightheaded again albeit not as much/bad as before, I haven't gotten any answers from my doctors, the telll meI should walk 2 miles, yeah right, if I do I would have to rest for two weeks to recover. Hang in there, take it easy and don't rush yourself, listen to your body.
Will pray for your recovery.

regards,
Patricia De Leon.

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On April 12, 2012...

Chris, so sorry to hear that happened to you, praying your new line of meds fix the situation and your recovery continues!!

Best of luck, keep us posted.

Cindy Pastrano

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On April 12, 2012...

That's scary. I hope the new meds work out for you and that you're feeling better. Lily Cardlin

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On April 6, 2012...

Good news Chris...glad you are doing well. The tornadoes were just terrible this up in Dallas...glad to hear you are OK. I don't know what happens with the sleeping and OHS!! I still have a time going to sleep...I think for some reason I get myself worked up at bedtime...or think tooo much....but I have the same hard time. Rehab has been great for me...I feel much better and get better everyday. It is a big committment but I think it is well worth the effort. You learn to trust your heart again since you are monitored so closely, The back will get better as time goes on....I even had lots of shoulder issues and they are much, much better now. So good to get your good surgeon report. Keep up the good work! Jamie Todor

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Chris Barnes Thanks, Jamie! I always appreciate hearing from someone with experience. I plan to start rehab soon.

On April 6, 2012...

Great that you and Alice will make it to Aunt Carolyn's for Easter lunch..... I'm making my 3 Layer Delight dessert..... Maggie said you were coming!!!! See ya Sunday!!!

Laura

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On April 6, 2012...

Hi Chris:
We were so stunned to hear of your recent heart surgery. Bless you. After reading your post surgical update, it sounds as if your progress is quite remarkable, all things considered. Please know that we care and are praying for your continued positive recovery. Take good care of yourself.
With our warmest wishes and concerns,
Joanne & Charlie Zinger

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Chris Barnes Thanks! It's quite a surprise hearing from you. I'm doing OK, all things considered.

On April 6, 2012...

GREAT! I was gonna eat a couple of extra dumplings just for you. Liz said she hopes they rise like Jesus while she's making them. I'll e-mail you the menus from all the family members on your private mail. We'll reserve Mom's chair for you so you will be comfy...See Yah soon, Maggie

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On April 5, 2012...

Chris, I too had to do those breathing exercises when my lung collapsed. I still remember the soapy taste of that spirometer, and that it hurt like crazy for the first few days to even breathe much less breathe deeply. But if I didn't do my exercises this heavy-set female nurse would come in and make me walk around for 20 minutes which hurt even more. We will miss you and Alice at Easter. We will send food. Maggie

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Chris Barnes Maggie, we will probably make it over to Easter lunch.

On April 4, 2012...

It's good to be able to get some updates so we know how your doing. Some of our customers also were concerned so it's great that I can read your posts and let them your doing good. Keep it up.

Scott

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Chris Barnes Thanks, Scott! Guess you survived the tornados in your area. ;)

On April 2, 2012...

Chris, You're doing great. My sleeping is improving more slowly than I wish, but like you, it's gradually getting more comfortable. Keep the ball moving forward
- Jim Smith

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On April 2, 2012...

Thats great
Getting into comfortable sleeping positions is difficult
I used to waske up 3-5 times a night and sewating..
It will all get better...JOHN

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On April 2, 2012...

Chris:
am really glad you are doing so much better. i know you will be happy to lay flat again but for now hang in there. We miss you at work. Get well and come back soon

Cathy

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On March 29, 2012...

Hi Chris, my doc told me on the early days, very unlikely you can do damage, but may cause some pain. Also, call your doctor and ask questions if you are unsure. Chances are it is nothing, but you will get some piece of mind. Do what feels right to you. Also, try sleeping propped up a bit, may help.

Good luck.
-Mitch Friedman

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On March 28, 2012...

Walmart sells a watch that it takes your pulse and is also a pedometer in one, it's very convenient, you should try it, it may work better for you than your phone app.

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Chris Barnes Thanks for the tip! I'll look into it.

On March 28, 2012...

Hey Chris, sounds like you are doing great. You can use www.mapmyrun.com to get distances around the block, down the street, etc. Also apps on iPhone that use the gps to figure distance traveled (Gaia GPS, etc). -- DVB

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Chris Barnes Thanks! According to the mapmyrun site, the route I took yesterday was about 1 mile. Cool website!

On March 28, 2012...

Chris,
I'm really happy for you and enjoying the updates! Candidly, the cat's gotta go!! Sorry, I had to.

I'm curious about the valve selection. I saw your update and the switch to cow valve. Can you offer additional info on this? I assume mechanical wasn't where the surgeon would have gone given your initial focus on a Ross procedure.

Thanks and keep on walking!

Steve

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Chris Barnes Any time you have a Ross procedure scheduled you have to select a secondary option in case the Ross can't be performed. The surgeon won't positively know until ... Read more

Chris Barnes Any time you have a Ross procedure scheduled you have to select a secondary option in case the Ross can't be performed. The surgeon won't positively know until he opens you up. My secondary choice was a tissue valve because the surgeon recommended it and I wasn't interested in being on a blood thinner. In my case, the surgeon had to do a lot more work on my aortic aneurysm than expected and it would have taken too much time and risk to do the Ross after all the extra work on the aorta, so he went with my secondary choice. He says I am still a candidate for the Ross in the future if needed.

On March 28, 2012...

Chris,

Glad to hear you are doing very well and are out walking. Today is my day to move my walking from indoors to outdoors. I've got a nice track in my house, but I'm about to wear a track in the floor.

I completely agree with you about the hot/cold stuff. I could do with less of that, however, I can feel it starting to decrease in frequency.

I look forward to reading further updates.

Chuck Holmgreen

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Chris Barnes Thanks Chuck! Glad to hear you are doing better too. Yeah, I think my temperature changes are starting to lessen also. Walking outside is so much better (but ... Read more

Chris Barnes Thanks Chuck! Glad to hear you are doing better too. Yeah, I think my temperature changes are starting to lessen also. Walking outside is so much better (but I have a really small house so not much room to walk inside). Luckily, we've had mostly great weather to walk outside.

On March 28, 2012...

CHRIS, I JUST REALIZED THAT I DID NOT SIGN THE POST ABOUT MY NEIGHBOR AND HAVING MOM CALL.... IT'S ME, MAGGIE. OH AND JUST TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP CAROLE TURNS 70 TOMORROW MARCH 29.

LUV YAH MAGGIE AND XENA

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On March 28, 2012...

HEY, CHRIS..... YOU DID SCARE ME. I HAD MOM CALL ALICE BECAUSE I HADN'T SEEN A POST. MY GIRLFRIEND TWO DOORS DOWN HAD TO HAVE BOTH HER VALVES REPLACED. BUT SHE HAD TWO SEPARATE OPERATIONS. SHE SAID SHE WISHED THAT IT HAD JUST BEEN ONE BIG ONE. SO MAYBE YOU ARE BETTER OFF ENDURING TWO AT THE SAME TIME. DID THEY GIVE YOU TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE? JUST KIDDIN. SHE SAID THAT LAUGHING IS WHAT HURT HER FOR THE LONGEST TIME.

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Chris Barnes Yeah, I've been wanting to post again but haven't gotten around to it. They ended up only replacing the aortic valve. I didn't get the Ross procedure after ... Read more

Chris Barnes Yeah, I've been wanting to post again but haven't gotten around to it. They ended up only replacing the aortic valve. I didn't get the Ross procedure after all, maybe in the future (although I'm not looking forward to doing this again - ugh!). Laughing can hurt some, but not too bad.

On March 26, 2012...

Walkin' around the block! Woo-hoo! -- DVB

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On March 25, 2012...

Hi Chris,
Hot flashes?? You better carefully check the meds they put you on
- Jim Smith

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On March 25, 2012...

Wow, I had no idea you were going through this. You, Alice and our family need to get together more than just at Christmas, Easter & Thanksgiving. There's alot about you guys I don't know and would like to. So much happened when Alice and I were kids that might have driven us apart, but now that we are adults we can overcome those obstacles. I'm glad to see you are walking around, albeit bruised & sore but nevertheless recovering nicely. Take it slow and easy - before you know it you'll be running laps around the block instead of just walking! haha! Please do keep in touch.
Renee Oberle and the rest of the family.

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On March 25, 2012...

Glad it is going well for you Chris. Keep up the good work. Push your self a little more each day, but be sure to listen to your body and give it what it needs (naps!). Take care, - Mitch Friedman

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On March 24, 2012...

Was beginning to wonder... Welcome to menopause! Oh wait that's just hot flashes. Maybe you'll be over all that before the weather warms up.
Liz O

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On March 24, 2012...

Hi Chris,
Glad to hear you are feeling better!!
I remember when I had my first shower after surgery, it took me about 40 minutes!!! But it felt amazing.
The hot and cold flashes and night sweats lasted about two or three months. I would go through three changes of shirts in a night
It took me three weeks before I was able to sleep in bed.
So it sounds like you are on a great course of progress !!
JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV

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Chris Barnes Thanks, John! I want to sleep in the bed so badly but it's the getting in and out that is the show stopper.

On March 23, 2012...

Glad to hear things are going good for you. Let me know when your feeling up to some company and my wife & I will come see you.

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On March 23, 2012...

I'm glad you are ok. I had a aneurysm in my brain in 1996, and I survived the Mahdak curse..... 2 strokes due to the bleeding aneurysm in my head, paralyzed on one side, could not talk, lost some of my memory, but I'm back to normal now. So I know you can do it! Hang in there and take care and get well soon!!

Laura Mahdak - Gosnell

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Chris Barnes Wow, that's fantastic that you can recover fully from something like that! Thanks, Laura!

On March 22, 2012...

Just wanted to say: Have a good day Chris. And watch those cat naps with your attack cat. I hope you are getting stronger every day.
Luv Yah
Maggie and Xena

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Chris Barnes Thanks Maggie! We ended up boarding our cat after just one night home with him. It was just too much trying to keep an eye out for him all the time. He will ... Read more

Chris Barnes Thanks Maggie! We ended up boarding our cat after just one night home with him. It was just too much trying to keep an eye out for him all the time. He will probably be mad at us for a bit after he returns.

On March 20, 2012...

You think about what you are going to do each day now that you are home. Then you say to yourself," I want to get up and walk!" Take your time and make sure that you nap because it will make you feel better. Take care.

Robert Hartner

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On March 19, 2012...

Hi Chris, glad it all went so well for you. Welcome to the other side of surgery. During recovery, do what you can and push yourself a little more each day, but also do what your body needs (naps!).

Take care,
-Mitch Friedman

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Chris Barnes Thanks, Mitch! Yes, naps are wonderful thing.

On March 19, 2012...

Chris,

So Glad to hear that you are home...Cat's just aren't Cat's if they aren't being helpful.. God Bless You.. Can we bring some food over
Love and Prayers Always Jerilyn

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On March 19, 2012...

Sometimes we think about waterboarding our cat, he's that obnoxious. But he did alert me to a problem when he walked across my chest and I felt a pain where I shouldn't have. Brings new meaning to "cat scan." All good now.
Liz O

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On March 19, 2012...

Hi Chris!

Glad to hear you are home safe and sound. I have 2 cats, one of whom is 17 pounds. When I got home from surgery they wanted to lay on top of mommy like they always have. When I was laying down, I placed a pillow on my chest and that really helped. (I did have a mini so that could make a big difference in this case.)

Feel good!
Ricki Shine

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On March 19, 2012...

Glad you are home. We all heal better in our homes. I can not gelieve you got to keep your goatee. Way to go kido. Take care Chris is nice to see these post from you and Alice, this way frinds and family (besides parents) can read about you and not have to call right now.
Glod bless you chris and know you are in my prayers.

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On March 19, 2012...

It is great feeling to be back home....yes keep the cat away from jumping on you for while
JOHN MADONNA

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On March 19, 2012...

Great news buddy! When do we get more details on the Cow valve? ....Mad Cow disease? Prairie grass diet? A new affinity for the words "Stump broke"?

Terry

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Chris Barnes LOL, thanks Terry! So glad to hear from you.

On March 19, 2012...

I have everyone I know praying for you...I'm glad you will make it home before the storm. It sounds like you are ahead of the whole game.
Maggie and Xena

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