Daryl's Guestbook

Hi Daryl, I saw your post and wanted to get back to you. You raise a REALLY important point about social distancing. So you know, I am just now posting a new article about this. Here is a link. I hope it is helpful. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2020/03/17/covid-19-social-distancing/. Keep on tickin! Adam

Hi Dary I am 9 weeks post op AVR and feeling fine, although I am retired and much older than you, so don't have all the work a younger family entails I walk 40/50 minutes , some uphill portions, fortunately I haven't noticed any pain, lately I did notice some soreness around the sternum area but I overdid with trimming branches on a small tree, a pulling motion which I shouldn't have done otherwise I am looking forward to the cardio rehab classes in a few weeks, am missing yoga and fitness center but was told to hold off until later best of luck Geri

Thanks for the info about the pain, interesting. I don't know how far I walk but it is up and down. I am doing 40 minutes a day and it seems manageable but I have pain in the shoulders and chest area which builds up more into the evening. I have to be on top of it with meds (ibuprofen based) before it goes out of control. If I do any activities different than the norm then I feel it as well and I hope that diminishes over time. Overall, I'm making progress and it feels good!

Hello Daryl and Lovely Wife! Thank you for your response about your valve surgery! I am amazed by all of the different information we receive and share at this site! I too was not wanting a mechanical valve for my choice in valves largely due to not wanting to take blood thinners the rest of my life. I have asked for the Bovine valve and that is what the surgeon will be planning on but as he explained it might not be my choice should there be a problem of "fit" so fingers crossed I can add "Cow" to my Family Tree, chuckle. I am amazed that you don't remember much until your second day but glad that it went that way for you! Do you know how long you had your breathing tube in as I am hoping that comes out quick! I am 65 yrs. old now and in regards to the mechanical valve lasting longer, I believe I will live long enough with my Bovine tissue valve to see the next surgery(if needed) to be one where they have come up with a "hinge" sternum gadget that makes getting to and from the heart "a breeze". Probably one with "LED" lights lining each rib to light the way! As you can tell I allow my imagination to help with the anxiety at times. It really helped to hear your story and air hugs from California to your wife for going through this time in your life by your side as I can imagine it is as tough on our loved ones as it on us. My husband read your journal page and response and said thank you as well as he was wondering if your wife wanted to pass any ideas on things the "spouse" might want to be aware of that she learned with your surgery. I will take your advice about getting up and moving and behave well with the staff per my sister-in-laws directive since she has been an ICU Nurse for many years and knows her stuff!!! I will also use my Spirometer as advised and pretend it is a kazoo, just kidding. I imagine it will be a bit hard at first but everyone agrees getting up and moving and using the spirometer is a big thing to getting better. By the way, sorry to hear about the "nick" as that can't have been easy either but so glad they were on top of things and you came out well. Glad you mentioned the recliner as I am opting for this as I have one worn in! My husband and I both have recliners and mine is positioned to watch all of the activity in the backyard and where I will be able to cat nap and read in between hopefully getting out to walk! Did you have many symptoms(shortness of breath/cough etc. prior to your surgery or were you asymptomatic? Sounds like you are on the mend and a place I imagine myself to be in the near future and for now I am trying to keep on my stationary recumbent bike to get my legs strong for the walking I am looking forward to doing(that I can't do too much of now as I am beginning to get more short of breath when walking outside with allergy season here in Sunny California. I will keep in touch to see how you are progressing, the two of you! Thanks again and may you grow stronger and healthier day by day! I dream of the day when I will awake from surgery and be able to say "Moo"! Take care heart-brother.

Hello Dary. I read you had Aortic Stenosis and if you don't mind I am curious what kind of valve replacement you had(if that is what you had done! Glad it seems you are on the mend. Out walking already 2 miles to me right now seems like 10. I also have aortic stenosis and will have my surgery if all goes well on Aug. 20th. Would like to hear what you thought of your experience! Continued good health on your path ahead.