don's Heart Valve Journal

Great news, Don. It's what you suspected and most importantly, not your valve. You'll keep that stent open and functioning with your exercise program (and Plavix). Now you can put the scary episodes of angina behind you and live!! Take care. Prayers do work.
Fran

Hi Don!
Thank you for keeping everyone up to date. I am wishing you the best!
I was thinking of you on my road ride tonight when the winds were nearly blowing me over. I thought about how you are a far better athlete than me even after heart surgery and a "few" years older. That gave me the incentive to finish my ride instead of being a big baby and quiting!! You are always an inspiration!
Katey (at Hammer in Whitefish)

Hi Don
Hang in there. Tough that you have to wait so long for the test. Doesn't the medical system see it as an emergency? I'd be totally frustrated. Will keep you in my prayers.
Fran

Don,

You may be correct in that it could be a blockage, however they typically look very closely for any signs of that prior to surgery. That way they can do a bypass at the same time.

As they look for that, also make sure they look to see if any scar tissue is invading the new valve and that the new valve is still operating properly.

Those were items that my surgeon talked with me about prior to my surgery as possible negative outcomes.

Prayers & positive thoughts coming your way.

Chuck Holmgreen
3/20 AVR

Hi Don
Very unexpected, I'm sure. Maybe your heart itself is fine but you have some coronary artery blockage and if so, a stent will solve your problem. Praying for the best for you and will wait for your next post.

Fran

Hi Don

Sorry to hear you are experiencing some difficulties and definitely will keep you in my prayers for favorable test results. Repeat performances weren't part of our original plans but try to keep an open mind until you know for sure what is going on.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Don
How nice to hear from you. I am glad you are doing so well. Sounds like you are back into your presurgery workouts. It is great that you are focusing on what you can do, running is not all that great anyway for your joints. I quit years ago and enjoy wallking just as much. And yes CoQ10 everyday, after I use up the pill form I will get the liquid. I know what you mean about so many meds. Take care and glad to hear from you!

Hi Don,
77 is the year of happiness in my culture. I am truely amazed that you run, swim and bike. What you do inspire me. Mizuki

Hi Don
Congrats on your milestone of one year. I remember your anguish of having to wait for your surgery and wondering if you should have it done in another country (and maybe even another continent?). You are amazing to have done as well as you have, after all you are 77, as you say, but obviously a very young 77. Adjusting one's goals is not always want we want, but you are accomplishing other goals. Stay healthy.
Fran

Don:
We did have surgery the same day. So grateful to have had the surgery. Best of luck and continued improvement.

Don,
We are so thankful to our God for your well-being and doing so well. Love you darlin', Peggy

Don,
You could still swim and run laps around me my friend! You are very inspiring. I hope you find the balance and happiness with running and fitness aspect of this. But overall, I am so glad you are healthy and well!

Thanks for putting in the PS. I had been feeling a bit guilty for "chastising" you, but glad you took it in the spirit in which it was given. We are "pros" at this but there are a lot of new people coming along. Good luck with your endeavors.
Fran

Hi Don
Good to hear from you and learn how you're doing. I am wondering if you cut your beta blocker in half with your doctor's permission, or on your own? You got the result you wanted (a higher heart rate), but taking half the dose without medical approval is not advised (I am an RN). I wouldn't want anyone on the HVJ who is in the same situation to follow your steps without medical advice. Let's all be careful about what we write, please.
Fran

Whoops, forgot to sign the 6:44pm note
Jack and Jo

So good, Don, to see your continued progress and improvement! God has given you a strong body and you are taking very good care of it. Our grandson Aidan has gone through three brain surgeries in the last two weeks of November and was totally paralysed on his right side as a result. Now he is working HARD to get some movement back into his limbs. Check his story here http://aidansupdate.blogspot.com

Amen Don. Praise The Lord. Peggy/Jerry

This is wonderful news, Don. I know what you're talking about re losing muscle tone so quickly - you have to work harder at our age to keep it :-) . Wishing you and Patty the very best for Christmas and the New Year!

Roger & Susan

Don:
To my co-surgery-date-sharer: Congratulations on the great progress. Merry Crhistmas and Happy New Year.
Terry C.

Hi Don
Wow, what great news. Your recovery is amazing. Be sure to tell us when you enter those triathalons. Yes, God is good. Merry Christmas and all the best in 2011.
Fran

Hi Don, hope you are doing well. Thank you for your note and concern. I reread your last entry. I also wonder about beta blockers, I have cut my Zebata dose in 1/4 per day. My heart rate never really decreases but BP does when I take 1/2 daily. And yes my Dr says the same less stress on heart long term with beta blockers. Sleeping has more of an issue with me since surgery, not to mention the arm pain issue. I am determined that with PT and rehab that I will have range of motion of L arm and strength back in a few months. Seems as time passes energy level for longer periods of time increases, but then as Diana described boom a day of inactivity is on the agenda. Keep in touch
Susan V NC

Hi Don. It's good to read that your recovery is going so well. I too had trouble sleeping, especially when I first came home from the hospital. For me, the answer was to avoid naps during the day & to ensure that my nervous system was calmed down enough to let me relax & sleep. I used relaxation tapes to accomplish the calming part. I'm a yoga teacher so I tend to use yoga techniques & what I used was a guided relaxation method called Yoga Nidra. The idea is to relax your system, layer by layer. Yoga, particularly gentle yoga, is helpful in transitioning from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest/digest). Once I was physically up to it, I just went back to a more physical yoga practice & that did the trick too. Hope your recovery continues on track! Take care, Joy Vera

Don:
To answer your questons: I've known I had a murmur since I was pregnant--52 years ago, but I gave it no thought. I may have had it all my life, I just don't know. When I was a kid, the only time we went to the doctor was if we had measles or something. The attitude about going to doctors was different in those days.
I've been monitored by a cardiologist with a stress test and echocardiogram every year for the past 10 years. We knew about the developing aortic stenosis, but it remained stable for many years. It only crossed the "need to have surgery" point this year. (and I found out that the weight training I'd been doing was not advisable for someone who had valve problems--I probably made it worse by choosing that type of exercise.) From the time I found out surgery was advisable to the day I had the valve replaced was 10 days.
I really appreciated reading your story and admire the "guts" it took for you to do all that research all over the world to see where else you might have the surgery. It's a remarkable story.
Adam does us all a wonderful service with this web site. It helps to hear what other people are going through and to know that many of the symptoms we have are shared by most others.
Oh, by the way, my back pain is between my shoulder blades.
Terry C.

Don:
We pretty much ALL get upper back pain after we've had our ribs spread like that. It does pass, but I still have a problem with back pain when I drive. And I'm the one who had the surgery the same day as you.
Terry C

Don:
We had surgery the same day! I admire your courage in exploring all the possible places you could go for surgery, and I'm so glad that it worked out for you in Canada.
Since you're an athlete, you may be expecting too much too soon. Having had other life-impacting surgeries, I've found that the body heals on its own schedule, and no matter what, even if you feel fantastic after 3 months, you still feel better after 6 months, a year, 2 years, etc.
Very best wishes for your complete recovery.
Terry Chase (another septegenarian who exercised--but not as much as you!)

way to go don. Praise The Lord. are we ever proud of you or what! when is your next triathlon? :-)

Hi Don
What great news. I remember way back when when you were discouraged about the long wait you would have in Canada and you were searching for alternatives. Am sure you're glad you stayed in your country and had an excellent surgery and recovery. Good luck with your fitness regimen.
Fran

YSHOO!!!! PTL

Hi Don,
Thanks for getting in touch with me and for your good wishes.
It sounds like you are doing fantastic after your surgery and trying to get back on track post-op....that is super encouraging.
I am actually looking forward to getting this show on the road, even though I know when the day of reckoning arrives I will be nervous.....having a great doctor in an excellent hospital and wonderful support from friends and family is all I need; so I will keep everyone posted (actually my sons and husband will)on how it goes.
Thanks again for your encouragement and thoughtfulness.
Wishing you continued good health!
Nancy H.

Hi Don,
You are swimming? It is great to hear that. I am also glat to hear that you are being careful. I hope to see you sometime. Mizuki

Hi Don, swimming you know I am jealous, but of course thrilled for you. Yes you are way beyond rehab, but the comaraderie is tremendous. I will cont to follow your progress and know that you have been very encouraging to me.
Susan V NC

Hi Don
Great report. I would have to agree with you about rehab as you are doing so well on your own. As for me, it made a big difference in giving me the confidence to exercise my heart and I did enjoy the fellowship of the other heart patients. Hope you will continue to do well and will be back at your pre surgery prime real soon. Way to go for being a senior.
Fran

Hi Don You were so kind in communicating your support. Up until this point I was pretty strong but a bit on the emotional edge these days. I read your updates on your 4th wk and walking 40 min I was just @ that point a week ago comfortably and feeling pretty spunky. There is no better group of mankind that knows what this process is like so when we unload our feelings it feels so good to have the support even if it is "hang in there". I am glad you are doing great physically you are really a tough guy and so active which is a great attribute these days. Keep in touch
Hugs Susan

Hi Don

How are u feeling,, how are things in Alberta. i start Rehab tomorrow, but i do have still a bit of pain in my chest... not just the incision site but my heart... it will get better.. just wanted to say hi and hope you are doing good..

Adios
Dawna

Hi Don
things sound good for u as well,,, My main complaint is that i hear my heart and the ticking more when i am trying to sleep. since i can sleep on my sides now and not always on my back. the ticking is still heard no matter how i sleep.. and loud. but other then that,, i am just board. i might take a trip to Winnipeg to see my dad and brother. they want me to come out. i have to see how that will work out, with rehab and EI and such. i am glad you are doing good. i see my heart guy on the 12 of Nov. now.. can't wait to get my car back... i am glad you have allot of support from this site. it is wonderful. take care.
Dawna

Dear Don,

Great to hear about your progress, but don't get confused about depression. Depression is not just an attitudinal or emotional thing. It's a physical thing, and that's probably why they associated it with the anesthesia they used on you. In my more recent years I've been waging a serious battle with depression. In my case, it seems to be, at least in part, a result of a genetic inheritance. My mom has it to a great degree, as did her mom, and I have a sister and niece with the same thing. We try to help one another by sharing experiences, as you do about your heart valve surgery with this journal. It's okay to keep your chin up and to count your blessings. It's also okay to fight this depression medically and aggressively. Many people have found their depression to be a more serious burden than the condition that brought it on. One of the many great things we share is that your wife and my wife hang in there and support us on the hard days. There could hardly be a temporal blessing greater than that one. --Bruce in Arizona

Hi Don
I haven't been signing in too much lately and thought I'd get caught up and check on your progress. I remember when you were going through all the figuring out of where you might be able to get your surgery and here you are, all done and well! Remember to take it easy and challenge yourself in a gentle fashion. Glad everything went well for you.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Don,
I was in Dallas last week for Seed Company meetings. Good to hear what's happening in your recovery...the small improvements that will ultimately give you full recovery. I know from personal experience it is a slow process but the God who made these bodies is with you (Ps. 16:8)and he will give you all you need to get to where you want to be. We'll continue to pray...blessings.
Roger and Susan

Hi Don,

I loved the advice from your friend Rebecca M - and I would just add one thing from my own perspective: In an otherwise presumably very disciplined life, this is maybe the first time that you definitely can't do more than you can! Nobody can call you 'lazy', not even yourself!

This is a precious opportunity for yet another 'discipline', i.e. to 'surrender', let go and let God! It's certainly been the greatest blessing in my case: to see how unproductive it can be to always want things to be different from the way they ARE!

Enjoy! It's not forever!

Love
Ros

Hi Don. I can sure relate to the coughing as I was doing a lot of that at about 3-4 weeks. For me it turned out to be fluid around my lung. Since your lungs sound clear, that must not be the case, but I'm sure you'd like it to stop. Fisherman's Friend cough drops did give me some temporary relief.

I also experienced some depression around the 3 week point. I'd just had enough of feeling weak & tired & not able to do much & it just seemed to hit me right about then. Sandy from Albuquerque told me that it seemed like everyone needed to put in their time on the road to recovery. For some reason, that made a whole lot of sense to me & made me feel a better about "putting in my time". Also, Diana told me that there was a specific point when she could tell things were turning around for her & that was encouraging too. For me, I'd say that was at around 5 weeks - shortly after the second procedure to get the fluid out of my lungs. Anyway, at that point, I felt way better, had more energy & steadily improved.

So, hang in there. It may not feel like it now, but it does get better. I'll be following your journal & thinking of you.

Take care, Joy

Hey sweet Don,
Glad the end of your week is better than the first and middle part. Gotta tell you that 2 steps forward and 1 backwards is a lot better than 1 step forward and 3 back. :-) I been there. Not from heart surgery - physical surgery that is. Just life!
Sure do love you,
Peggy

Hi Don
So nice to hear from you. I am so with you on the loss of muscle tone. Because I had been ill and not exercise regulary as well as not doing any laps from 2-28 to present, my upper body especially detoriated. I was always so proud of my shoulders and upper arms. Then to add to the flacid muscles I have lost 25 lbs. I am pathetic as I jsut completed my 3rd week of reahab, treadmill 3.0 most incline I can manage is 2.o grade for 10 minutes without slowing down and I am 10 wks postop. I look at the weights @ rehab and dream knowing soon I will be there. Here is the good thing for those of us who have worked out for years, WE WILL GET BACK THERE AND STRONGER. Some days I am OK as far as fatigue some days I am done for the day after rehab. As far as the clicking I have personally not experienced the sensation, but I have read and heard especially many men that they have experienced the clicking as well, most subsided. As far as feeling blue some days, I just read an excellent book by a PHD who is a regular stress management contributor here in Charlotte @ rehab, Dr Wayne Sotile "Thriving with Heart Disease". Although it centers mostly around bypass etc, I found sections helpful. As you know it is not uncommon for blue days, we are all encouraged to talk with someone trained if the feelings continue. Just recognizing the blues is a step forward, as long as it does not immobolize us. I also found the primary partner and caretakers really go through emotional ups and downs. My husband just returned to his employment after 10 wks, as he travels 4 days week, and he shared how difficult it was to be away from me this first week. I cannot tell you how many times he called each day. He had not missed a day of work or travel in over 30 years. I think of you often and know you are so insightful that you will do great. It is wonderful that your lungs are clear. Take care and I am praying for your continued recovery. Being grateful each and everyday is so important.

Susan V NC

Don,
Please remember that you have had major surgery and that you are 70+ years old. Healing and recovery will take some time. It is often said these sorts of things are hardest on athletes who have had the abilities of pushing their bodies and getting results. Focus on your end goal and take this time to enjoy your wife, your family, yourself, and your Lord. Set yourself a long term goal, like coming up North to do a sprint triathlon with me next summer. Even that might be unreasonable. But it will give you something to dream about and shoot for. It is tough to do only so much but then no more, but you must. Regard it as another kind of discipline or training if you will. :This too shall pass".

Hang in there Don.

Rebecca M.

Hi, Don,

I guess this is where you want us to respond, though it seems too public for my taste, and an e-mail message comes more natural. I have been praying, and Bruce and I are glad to see progress, even though it has been slow. Walking may seem pretty tame to you, but please make yourself do it every day. After shoulder surgery, which was relatively painless for me, it was months before I could do anything with even a w2-pound weight, but now I can.

Un abrazo (but a very gentle one),
Barbara

Don,

Please continue to pray for your doctors, nurses and your family and you can pray for a healthy and Godspeed recovery for both of us!

God Bless!

Daniel

Don,
You just had a major surgery! Please take good care of yourself. It makes me sweat when I find out you try to walk fast!! Mizuki

Don,

I've been following your journal entries and want to thank you for your post on my guestbook. Please continue to keep us updated on how you are recovering.

Personally I am five days post-op at home and on my way to recovery. I'm no longer on pain killers and primarily using Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I'm considering taking an oxycodone before bed, because it seems to help me with the pain in the night. In addition I have taken a number of supplements (Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and a homeopathic immune supporter) pre-op and continue to take them post-op. Supporting my body with minerals and eating well really helped me through this surgery. I'm using my spirometer several times a day and able to reach the 2000 level. In addition I was able to get out today, meeting with friends and took a short walk to the mailbox.

All the best to you, Don. Please let me know if there is anything I may do to help out.

Peace,
Daniel

Hi Don I have been following your journal and wanted to drop you a note. I too had an issue of postop fluid in my lungs the first 2 times and had a thoracentesis once and a collapsed lung the other. It took a month or so for my lungs to clear with Lasix and other diuretics. This time I used 3 different typf of spirometers and they left my chest tubes in a bit longer. As far as pain I am now 10 wks tomorrow and I still have rib, and sternal pain especially when I fatigue, which is all too often. I also had L arm nerve injury during surgery notice immed the next day and had a nerve block by anesthestiologist last week, all apart of opening the chest X 3. I feel like I am way behind recovery schedule most days even with cardiac rehab. Now I know why the Dr warned me that I will not be swimming laps until 6 mos out, no way could I do freestyle, backstroke or breaststroke. Sooo hang in there and be patient, I know it is so hard but you are only a few weeks out. I must really be a wimp as I still cannot lay down flat for more than a few minutes. But the last week I am actually able to walk 20 minutes wihout feeling weak, but then 2 hr naps almost everyday. I have learned to listen to my body this time and cut myself some slack I am 60 now not 47 like last time. I say this often think of all things we can do, not what we can't do! I have been praying for you
Susan VandenBussche NC

Hi Don. I too had problems with excess fluid - my left lung was where it tended to gather. Hopefully the Lasix will do the trick for you, but should you need to have fluid removed, it is a quick procedure. I felt better immediately afterward &, even though it wasn't pleasant, the result was well worth it. Fran's advice on the spirometer is good too. One of the nurses explained it to me as exercise to strengthen the lungs. She told me to try & get that little ball up slowly & steadily rather than focusing so much on trying to reach a certain number. That clicked with me more than any other explanation & helped me stay with it. So glad things are looking up for you! Joy

Don
Yup, that little pillow is a way of life now, and even after it is gone I found myself walking down the school halls or in a crowd with one of my arms crossed across my chest as peoople passed. Still do today. By the way that "huggie" will fit very nicely between your sternum and the safety belt while driving (and it is comfortable.)
Just a small vignette.... My first trip driving to the dentist (with "huggie" in place) I had to stop at a stop light. I noticed the NEW BMW ahead of me. The light was red, he was turning right and so was I. Out of the corner of my eye, He moved forward while I was looking at oncoming traffic. OOP's he didn't move! I did! BUMP! Very slightly as I had jumped on the brake. He came storming out of his car, I lowered my window half way, his tirade would have made any ol' salt blush. When he finished I pointed to my "huggie" and said, "Heart surgery! Take your best shot and I will own your NEW BMW!" He looked down at my chest, went white as a sheet, turned and stomped away, got into his car and sped away (almost getting hit by oncoming traffic.) Oh that huggie came in handy.
Corky