Joshua's Guestbook

Joshua Nowack  In reading your story I can’t believe you all went home next day. The protocol for me is hospital for five days after surgery. Now I don’t have a typical support network at home. But that’s just fantastic to be able to resume life so quickly.

Joshua Nowack  @robert not many centers to move robotically. And yes, he uses Da Vinci for it. When they rolled it out for MVR, they really restricted the centers for which Medicare would reimburse so that the success rate would be high. It worked. Go figure. While I’m not 29 - how long did it take for you to get back on the road? At 43 I’m actually in decent shape going into it. My doc told me to stop running once diagnosed back in February. So I’ve lost some capacity but I’ve stayed pretty trim and active. By remaining pretty asymptomatic I’ve been able to kind of not be a couch potato.

Robert Thompson  I was in a similar situation. I was in great shape going into surgery, which I think really helped quicken the pace of my recovery. My activity was restricted after my diagnosis but my doc said I could keep walking, which was great because I was going crazy sitting around anticipating surgery.

I took it easy after surgery and had the benefit of a live-in nurse (my mom). My cardiologist actually encouraged a regiment of walking that seemed pretty challenging. I tried to get back into running and regular activity a little too aggressively after about six months and probably set myself back a little. I started to feel comfortable returning to my exercise routine and building my wind back up at about 9 months.

Walking often and eating healthily really made a big difference for me. I felt like I was making progress, just like when you're pyramiding your distance for a half marathon. I also get a big psychological/mental boost from being active/healthy. It really helped fight back against the feeling of being cooped up and losing some of your independence.

Message me anytime if you'd like to chat.

Joshua Nowack  Thanks, Robert. My surgeon has a pretty optimistic view of my ability to resume running. Even the nurse thinks it a bit overly optimistic. But - from the other side - the doc has basically said - let my body be my guide vs some arbitrary timeline. Thanks for your insights. One day at a time.

Mike Roskowinski  Welcome Joshua. You will find a lot of us out here that found out by fluke. Read my story but I went in for a random echo in February and found out I had a monocuspid valve and a 5.3CM aneurysm in my aorta. Had surgery May 6th. Get it fixed quick so you can move on with your life. The recovery is not as bad as you might think. There are a lot of us out here to help guide you through the process.

Joshua Nowack  Spot on guidance Mike. Delaying anything is futile. I’m not getting any better. And admittedly these symptoms are not fun. So no good reason to postpone. Went ahead - as you did to find the best we could get. West of the Rockies it’s Cedars Sinai. So that’s where I’ll be.

Joshua Nowack  Thank you! Yes finding Dr Trento has been incredibly reassuring. I’m on the young side for a busted valve and didn’t want the trauma of a midline incision. So here I am - just under two weeks out. And yes I think it’s full robotic - I don’t think he does it any other way?

Joshua Nowack  Thanks Jeff. Seems like you’ll be right behind me on this one. Here’s to our mutual speedy and complete recovery.

Jeff Baker  Hi Joshua. I too found out on a fluke. Just an appointment with my primary care physician. Said "I hear a murmur." After all these years and doctor appointments and someone just now noticed? LOL. Anyway, did you request the minimally invasive surgery or is that the standard where you are going?

Joshua Nowack  I specifically sought out Dr Trento at Cedars for the minimally invasive / Da Vinci approach. I’ve heard many a favorable review