E's Guestbook

Hi Erin I wasn't getting messages for awhile and just found your reply, I was impressed with your positive cheerful frame of mind and the lovely photo of you and your wife. I am past three months post op, attend the cardio rehab classes three times a week which i find very interesting especially learning why the other folks are there, amazing how many heart attacks the men seem to have. I am feeling fine, able to walk especially uphill without much trouble, I just do it at a slower pace, the college students practically run up and down the steep hill near a local college, I enjoy raking leaves and being able to resume most activities pre opt, I am indeed fortunate to survive this surgery so well since I delayed it for four years, some damage to heart muscles resulted but cardiologist wasn't specific. did you have the full sternotomy or minimally invasive, I was lucky to have the minimally invasive, faster recovery, no robots used!! Keep tickin!

Thanks so much for your note in my guest book. You are right about finding the right pace and amount of help. It's hard. My kids are starting to step up, which is nice, and my husband is get. Yes, the church is providing meals, and I understand they are going to take on offering to help us get the leaves raked - a major ordeal. At 11 days out what is really bugging me is a cough. I do have pain along the incision, but not so much the pec muscles at this point. Walked a half mile yesterday. Wish they had given me some goals to shoot for. And I know what you mean about gaining weight! My taste buds are coming back, and I actually feel hungry once in a while, and there is food everywhere! Glad you are on a good plan to continue your healing. Stay in touch! Sue

Hi, My left pecs were really sore for about nine months, and then it just went away. I was tols it was probably nerve damage, and it usually take six or more months to go away. Good luck,

Hi, I recently had the minimally invasive aortic valve replacement, no robots involved, I was amazed at the skill of the surgeon Dr. A. Speir at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax,VA; he has a stellar reputation as does the entire surgical team, Dick Cheney's heart replacement was done by this surgeon here in Virginia; not too far from Pennsylvania Good luck and God Bless you in your decision, p.s. I am in my seventies and doing great

Thanks for getting back to me. Have heard concern he is past his prime at age 70. Dr. Morris at Abington does minimally invasive thoracotomy. I liked him very much but some concern about his volume. He's done plenty in the past but more aortic these days. Dr. Guy at temple is amazing but my docs aren't excited about robotics. Big decision, isn't it? Sorry if this comes 2x. Couldn't see it post!

Hi? I'm in Philly too. Like Dr. Acker, but don't want that cut! Also talked to Dr. Guy at Temple who does robotics, and Dr. Morris at Abington. Can you tell me about the other surgeon you saw at Penn? Great to have someone local.

E, I had my repair done at Greenville Heart Institute at East Carolina University. Which is a leader in the field of Robotics! However, fortunately we have many great doctors in the USA and whom every you choose I'm sure will do a great job. You will be amazed how fast you will bounce back. May God Bless you on your journey!

If by chance you are a candidate for minimally invasive I would go that route. I had my mitral valve repaired this past Dec and choose the robotically assisted minimally invasive procedure over all other options. Yes it is a little bit longer procedure but recovery is much faster with less pain. I went in Monday and was home Friday. I was walking daily, able to shower and dress myself. All surgeries carry risk and you will have some pain but it goes away quickly. Also You really want to get a REPAIR if at all possible not a replacement unless there is no other option! With a repair you will not have to be on blood thinners for the rest of your life. I would encourage you to visit with several doctors before you choose one. You want to make sure you have explored every option and gotten different opinions. I interviewed #3 different surgeons before I made my decision. I would also not worry about traveling. You want the best doctor for you know matter what city or hospital he or she is at. This is a great website and everyone on hear has been in your situation. I know it can be scary but the more info you have the better off you will be. Ask questions?

The minimally invasive is a longer procedure but recovery is much easier. Pain would be quite less and chance of infection is lower. I would highly recommend minimally invasive. I had a echocardiogram via my esophagus to see if it was possible. Than I had a catscan to check the condition of the arteries before the surgeon would give the ok. I wish you good luck