David's Guestbook

David Smith  Marshall-idk but look at my pics. I posted my implant pic. I thought it might be sleeved on the outside but I don’t know. We didn’t talk details really but kinda wish I knew just for knowing.

Marie Myers  Usually, the enlarged aneurysmal portion of the aorta is cut out, and the Dacron sleeve portion is sewn in to substitute. I believe the picture shows an all-in-one-valve and ascending aorta replacement, for easier placement.

David Smith  Hey thanks Adam! Yes I feel great! I finally start my rehab next week. Very much looking forward to it. I am back to work full time but have not been on the golf course yet. Soon enough though.
I did want to ask though... I was reading about Afib after OHS and how patients get it “temporarily” post op. I listened to the video you have posted. In my instance, it worked backwards. I had Afib pre op, but it went away (thank God) post op. Knock on wood, it has not come back but I am still being medicated for it. If you could, reach out to your vast connections of surgeons and maybe they would have some insight. Thank you for all you do! Much appreciated!

Adam Pick  That's great David! Real quick... Did Dr. Svensson perform a Maze procedure on your during the heart valve procedure? Often times a Maze procedure can stop AFib following a heart valve procedure. Here's more about the Maze procedure for you and the other members of our community. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/atrial-fibrillation/

David Smith  Not that I can tell from reading my surgical notes and summary. Looks like a few phone calls may answer my question though. I think I was so overwhelmed by everything else I didn't think about it at the time. Time heals all. Including my memory. lol

David Smith  I’m also 6’4” tall. They say my BMI is a tad bit on the high side but family doc said I’m in the correct range.

David Smith  Sure I am open to that. Always willing to share my experiences. I will try to keep it somewhat short and sweet. I will say everyone heals differently but there are many similarities. I am currently 8 weeks post op. My surgery was 2/12 and I was released on 2/19. I was back to work after 6 weeks. Driving now as well. I walk a lot and have no difficulties. After five weeks I walked a mile and talked on the phone the whole time. My vitals are usually a little higher after a walk but not much. I have much more energy now and can do things I couldn’t leading up to the months pre op. ( hiking, hunting, biking, golfing - which I am still careful with this one swinging a club full power but that will come). I would get winded walking a 1/2 mile but now can walk 2 miles easy. As long as you follow all your post op care, you should be fine. I’m 52 and I feel awesome except a little skin tightness around my incisions which goes away when I get up and move around. This is normal. I will be mowing before long. I still have another month or two I believe before I am completely healed. Let me know if there is anything else you need. Pep talk and what not. 🙂 we are all here to help! Stay positive and strong! Mentally and physically. I would also suggest not reading negative stuff on the net! Come here for advice and always go to your doctors first and trust them. I gave Cleveland Clinic and Dr Svensson a 4.8 star rating! They were great to me and I was always comfortable.

David Smith  Not right after but like 2-3 days after. I walked out of the hospital and three blocks to my hotel on 2/22. 10 days post op. I was in a lazy boy recliner the day after surgery eating breakfast. Lol. Walking was my therapy and still is. I can do 3 miles easy. (As long as my knees hold up!!)

David Smith  They technically released me on 2/19 but I stayed over that weekend in the hotel and had a follow up with the surgeons’ nurse practitioner on Monday the 22nd. Headed home after that as it is a three hour drive from home. I had to sit in the back seat and didn’t want to travel twice in two days with my wife behind the wheel.
Thank goodness I had Xanax. 😜😜

David Smith  Hi Marshall - thanks for asking. I will have an update after Friday when I get tested yet. I can tell you that I was having bloody sinuses and nose for the last six weeks but my INR was within range. Last Friday 4/2 it was 3.7 which is considered high. I went and bought some big Brussels sprouts for “snacks” and boiled and blanched them and stuck them in the fridge. I eat a couple a day and haven’t had a bloody nose since. They are high in vitamin k so I am hoping my numbers read better this Friday. 4/9.

David Smith  Heart surgeries in general have come a long way since then!! I am doing a lot of walking 3-4 times a day plus going up and down steps. I take my bp before and after as well.
warm up stretches help as well. I haven’t officially started rehab yet. Dr Svensson was awesome and the Cleveland Clinic is truely impressive. I am blessed to have been referred there

David Smith  Thanks Ana! I hope my story can and would inspire future patients around the globe. I have truly been blessed by the unmatched graces of God.

David Smith  Thanks Ana! I hope my story can and would inspire future patients around the globe. I have truly been blessed by the unmatched graces of God.

  David, your story is already inspiring people on this community. Glad you are a grateful soul. . God bless you and continued healing.