Joseph's Heart Valve Journal

Hi Joe. I may need a third opinion on whether or not to get surgery. Any recommendations on local nyc cardiologists?

Also, did you have any symptoms?

Damian

Hey Joe. Great journals! Glad to hear you enjoyed Lake Placid. I'm in NYC and will need surgery in 4-6 weeks. When you say you looked at surgeons "ratings", where would those ratings be published? Also, did you consider the Ross Procedure at all?

Cheers
Damian Kudelka

It is scheduled for the 19th. As much research as you did and decided on the cow valve; then that relieves more of my anxiety. Just need to find out which one the Dr is planning. Thanks again, you're a big help. Don

Thanks so much for the response. Joseph, it helps relieve some of the anxiety visiting with others that have been throught this. Two Drs I met with chose minimal invasive technique. Told them, just wanted them to do whatever they felt best to get everything done correctly the first time; did not want issues afterwards. The anxiety at times is very great and other times, I feel like, no problem, just get it done. Will try to find out today from the Dr what type of valve he may use. Thanks again and so glad you're doing well. Don

Thanks Joseph for the reply. I'm also concerned about the mechanical and shying away for the same reasons. I'm 66 but not sure how long the cow valve will last. Have you heard? I'm new to the site and did not catch the part about calcium supplements; could you clue me in? My valve is calcified and don't want to do anything to mess the new one up. You look so much younger than I and thanks for the letting me know which valve you chose. My surgeon mentioned cow valve but not any particular one. Should I ask? Thanks for all the help. Don

Joseph, great news; glad your doing well. Have similar questions as you did before pre op. Which valve to choose? Did you go with the pig or cow? I'm still confused and no decision yet. Thanks, Don

Hey Joe,

Did you get an answer on your P90X question? My surgery was recent - Aug 13, 2012. I was interested in moving towards a P90X workout rather than all the running I've been doing since 2009.

Hope all is well with you. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Regards,

Lee Castro

Hello Joseph,

Glad to hear the good results of your one year e-val!

excersise does lower BP and also provides the body with a lot of other good reasons to join a gym. just remember to take it slow and build up gradually.

Terry Tannenbaum

Joseph,
So great to hear you reached this milestone and are doing great. I remember you going through surgery, I was before you and celebrated my one year anniversary on March 2. I wish you many more anniversaries.
Take care,
Theresa C.

Joe Minnucci,

How ru? I left you a msg a month or so ago I guess u didnt get it because i know u always call me back. lol I hope you are healing well. Im sure u are back to your usually cocky self.

Cindy

Great to see you at the Barefoot event last week Joe. I read through your journal, really interesting. Also, the videos to the right are very informative.

-Rob

Dear Joe,
I am doing my cardio rehab at a local hospital in NJ CentraState Medical Center. I am sure Mt. Sinai has a great cardio rehab program...I have nothing but praise concerning every encounter I have had at Mt. Sinai. It is a top notch hospital. How is your heart rate? This is my only issue, it has come down since surgery but still a little high. Let us know where you decide to go for rehab.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan

Hello Joe,
It was a comfort to me to view your journal,and photos. As I write this, my dear friend Peggy is undergoing valve replacement at St. Luke's in Milwaukee.She was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. Her husband is with her and he promised to call me when she is in ICU. She is in her mid 60's and this is her first major surgery.
Please keep her in your prayers that she will recover as you did and be as good as new!
God bless you and hope you are doing well.

Diane

Congratulations on your heart surgery. I hope my recovery goes as well, my valve surgery is June 2nd.

Congratulations on success of surgery . Your experiences and observations will be a comfort to anyone going through similar surgery. A fan.

Hi Joe

Great piece Adam did on you. I see you are needing a little tweaking as well now which I'm sure the doctors will help you get under control through medication. Appreciated the extra information regarding the calcium situation, thanks. It's so great to be able to share that type of information for those who are looking for answers, isn't it?

Hope things get sorted out quickly so you can continue healing and move on with confidence.

Cheryl, Ontario

Joe,

These pictures were too good not to feature:

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2010/04/23/xray-heart-valve-replacement-tissue/

Thanks so much for sharing!

Adam

Joe,

Great to read that you are doing so well.

And, thanks for sharing your finding about the calcium issue.

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Dear Joe,

I love to read your journal every time it's up. Thank you for sharing your real live story with us. I am glad to hear that your recovery processing is going well.
I cannot wait to see you again.
Be well and see you soon.

Thank you,
Master Park in NY

Hi Joe

I really appreciate your update regarding the calcium issue. Thank you for taking the time to clarify what your doctor's reasonings were in guarding against overuse of supplements. Being on supplements already made me interested in being sure I was up-to-date on all available information.

You have really been healing quite nicely and now that the good weater has arrived it will make outdoor exercise for all of us easier and more enjoyable. Wishing you continued succes.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joe
Glad you;re doing so well. The calcium update was of interest to me as I have been taking calcium supplements twice daily to prevent bone loss. Seems it's somewhat of a gray area in the medical community. My surgery was March 18th and still have weight (fluid) gain to get rid of to help my breathing. Pain is okay. Seems to be worse lying on my back, between the shoulder blades. Siting is not a problem, just pressure on that part of my back. My bed is elevated as are the legs, so sleeping position is correct. Anyway, will get through this as so many of you have. Keep healing.
Fran Z

So glad to hear that you had a wonderful follow-up visit with your docs! No more slipping and falling though, okay? Rest when you need to, 'work' when you can! I can think of some easy projects for you if you get bored or anything (grin)!
HUuugs
JeanK West Point Pa

Thanks for the information Joe. I will have to check out the calcuim for Richard. Wnaat his valve to last a loongg time.
Glad your doctor's visit was a good one. Ouch on the falling down I was told that if one did damage to the chest area, that you would know it because you would hurt worse than the oepration (nurses cautioned us on that sevral times in the hospital so hopefully you did not do damage. That was one of my biggest fears with my husband along with the coughing or sneezing part. I still get nervous with him driving now because of the airbags, but I guess you have to get started getting back to life by doing things It takes time.
Glad you are doing well.
Richard's wife, Susan

Hi Joe,

So glad to hear that Your surgeon is so pleased with your progress. Ugh- what a time to fall down! But glad it turned out OK

All of us are following your progress and rooting for you.

when are you back in New York?

Albest,
Margot

Hi Joe

Good to hear a follow-up saying you are doing so well, except for a little clumsiness! Got to safeguard that sternum for a while yet.

I am really interested in what your doctor had to say about the calcium supplements because that is something I haven't heard before and I would think many of the women in particular take calcium supplements. I must try and remember to write that question when I do a new journal and let's see what feedback we get.

Wishing you continued success on moving forward.

Cheryl, Ontario

So happy to hear from you. It's been a
while, glad all is well (except for
pain) It too will pass, so says one
who doesn't have the pain!!!
Are you still with your parents? By the
way Uncle Stan found therapy the best
and until this day he goes 3 times a
week. Talk soon, Aunt Sally

Joe,
So glad you are progressing nicely. Rehab is something I want to look into also. I know I have awhile to go since I am only home a few days now.I had my surgery at Mt. Sinai in NYC and had a great experience. I am slowly progressing and happy to be in recovery.

Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Hi Joe
Nice to see you are recovering well and looking forward to rehab. One thing I found with rehab is that I am constantly being monitored and being re-evaluated as opposed to guessing on my own and I think that is good information and training for when I do exercise on my own. How did you figure out about the little tip regarding the coughing? I'm going to make sure Kathy checks into your journal because she has a post-op cough. I coughed for 3 months steady. It's great that you are adding to the HVJ's data base of helpful tips. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning Joe, Great to hear from you and know your doctors were pleased at your progress. Hopefully you will be able to get off the BP meds and the fatigue will lessen. They do a great job, but in slowing your heart rate they do tend to slow everything down, including energy. Thanks for the tip on finger pressure, will have to try that post op. My surgery is next week, the 18th and can't wait to get past it and post from the post op side. Keep healing and thanks for the hints.
Fran zilko

Hi, been thinking of you....hope you will soon be well and back to you're old self... :) Love T

Joe,

Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Hope each day finds you feeling stronger.

Just thought I send you a quick message. I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. B in May for an ascending aortic aneurysm and possible valve spating or replacement of a bicuspid valve. It was good to hear of someone else selecting the same hospital and doctor.

My prayers and best wishes are with you.

Elaine

Hi Joe
I'm five months post-op and sneezing is still painful. I go along most of the day not really feeling much pain at all unless I bend a certain way or lift something heavy, but when I sneeze - WOW! I quickly grab anything close, even my purse if that's all I have. I can see where Tylenol 3 could be a strong drug but if you are still experiencing some pain getting to sleep at night, what about Tylenol Extra Strength or something similar? Do be sure to ask your drug supplier about any new drug you take.

Continued good wishes on your recovery. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joe,
Thanks for keeping up with your journaling. You are brave, and compassionate! Thinking of you and always, wishing you well.
West Point Jean :)

Hi Joe,
I'm still stocking up on your post op advice so please keep the entries coming in.
Not sure if your sore butt is muscle or skin, or both. I remember from previous bed rest episodes that I have sometimes experienced 'cotton burn' from the pj fabric but if you're running after dogs reckon you will be in trackie pants? Also try a good body moisturiser (you'll need a pal to put this on for you!)as dry skin can get more easily irritated than moistened. Warmest wishes Penny (Scotland)

Joesph,
That does not sound like something I can look forward to when I have to have surgery.
Patrick in STL

Hi Joseph
Some good points you made for Penny, especially your colouring. After having read that I remember some of my guests whispering about my lack of colour. This surgery comes with lots of wires, tubes, gadgets and so on and I believe that would tend to melt all hearts to mush.

Good to hear you are improving though. Patience. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joe,
Good talking to you today, sounds like quite an experience...one to avoid (if possible). Puts my health in a whole different perspective. I'll try to ditch the kids (aka germ factories) for a visit this week. Don't drive your parents too crazy, they're good people!
Rob

EEEEK...glad the dog/mailman episode didn't have any ill-effects (either to you or the mailman)....
Good luck without the pain meds. You might be pleasantly surprised? But keep alot of the tylenol handy...
HUuugs
Jean

Hi Joe,

You are just terrific- really working all this out.

Of course the dog escaping to chase the mailman was not what the doctor ordered but you're getting better or you couldn't have done what you did.
I hope the USPS appreciates you.

Albest,
Margot

Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for the advice, it was all new and so helpful. I have printed off to show Steve and Georgie. I had already experienced one night in the hospital when I went in for my tests 2 weeks ago and commented on how noisy it was - not just the beeps and monitors etc but my room was next to the nurses station and I am sure that were speaking (and laughing)at normal volume but at 4am it sounded really loud. Can you move enough to get your earphones in? Doesn't it just irritate when the nurses move away your bed table while they do whatever and then don't move it back when they leave the room?
Like you we have the equiv of tivo (sky +)so vey selective with what we want to watch and we can fast forward the commercials. In the hospital they only have 4 basic channels and a tiny tv screen so I won't be bothering with that. Like you I will rely on my books, ipod, smart phone and laptop for entertainment.
Looking forward to your progress (but slowly) and 'a day in the life' while you are still imprisoned might be good too if you're really bored. I would enjoy that!
Warmest wishes
Penny

Hi Dear Joe,

It is so good to read your updates and keep in touch this way. Your journaling is a gift to many on so many levels.
Rest when you need to, 'work' when you can..
Sending Light and Love
huuugs,
Jean West Point Pa

Hi, Joe.

How nice to be updated! Nice journal writing.
I'm sure many people would appreciate of sharing your real time experience.
Thank you very much for your kind effort.

With prayer,
Master Park

Good morning Joe
Just read your journal with all the great info for people such as Penny and myself who have yet to have our surgeries. I had already prepared to bring an eye mask and ear plugs. Thanks for the tip on preparing my family for what I will look like afterwards. Have told them about the multitude of tubes but didn't think about the grayish color. This forum has been so helpful to me as I await my March surgery. Continue to heal well.
Fran Zilko

Hi, glad that you're coming along. I will continue to pray for you.

Love
T

Hi Joe,
Mum rules OK! Someone has to keep you on the straight and narrow. Can I ask you if, after all that you read before, that you and your family felt prepared? Not for the op so much as we are all out of the room for that bit - but for the first few days after? Any last minute tips?
Warmest wishes
Penny (Scotland)

Great progress report! I read that your incision was glued not sutured? I've read this is a relatively new closing technique. From reading journals of other post ops the rule of the day and every day is not to push yourself too hard and rest. Keep posting.
Fran Zilko

Hi Joseph
Your mother is very diligent in reporting your so instead of lifting your laptop - slide it which doesn't count!

At two weeks post-op I awoke one night with a terrific pain in my heart area which lasted about 30 minutes. I slipped downstairs and called the cardiac ward at the hospital and we went over all the symptoms I wasn't experiencing and they told me to go back to bed, that my heart was having a normal reaction. I'm trying to make you feel a little better about that moment.

You are young and strong so your recovery should be a quick one. And, mom knows best. You can tell her I said that.
Cheryl, Ontario

Dear Joe,

I hope you continue to have a speedy, safe recovery while being surrounded by all your friends, family and loved ones.

My prayers and well wishes go out to you from the very bottom of my heart and soul.

Thanks for keeping us informed.

Many Blessings,
Amy

Dear Joe,

I am very happy to hear that you are doing great. This is a great way to be connected and informed each other who loves you and who needs your wisdom from a real experience for their loved ones.

My prayer is with you and for all of your supporters.

Thank you,
Master Park

Joe,
thanks for answering my question.
Jerry