Kaaren's Guestbook

Kaaren Carone  Jeff, I’m at 7:30 on the 12th of July! Which means check in at 5:30, I feel sorry for my husband lol. Time has flown since I scheduled it, will be glad to be working on recovery instead of thinking about the procedure! Best wishes for a smooth surgical experience and swift recovery!

Jeff Baker  Hi Kaaren, wishing you a successful surgery, I don't know what I would do without my wife on this journey and I feel sorry for her too. Keep us posted!

Calvin Hall  Kaaren, I'm 53 years old and had aortic valve replacement at 51. It's interesting journey as your first year you think your progressing so well but much of that has to do with the fact your valve is working again and you just feel so much better. Now after 2 years I haven't felt better than when I was in my 30's. I opted for the bovine valve. So to answer a few of your questions as I extensively researched everything. First there are 3 options in my opinion based on my research. (1) UCLA - one of the best with a several good surgeons (2) Cleveland Clinic but given where you live I would opt for something closer. and (3) which was my choice "Dr. Ryan" at Baylor Heart Institute in Plano. As far as what to take with you. Something to keep your drinks cold so you don't have to ask for ice all the time. You should have no more than on nurse to 3 patients. You should only go to a surgeon that can outline a real strategy. Bovine or mechanical? I kept hearing it's up to me but heck I didn't know then I sat Dr. Ryan down and made him list me the pro's and cons and like magic we were able to create a decision tree to lead me to my choice. Happy to share more but both the surgeon and after care program is crucial so I would keep to one of the top tiers surgeon center/hospital systems that specialize.

Calvin Hall  Kaaren, One last thing. Ask the doctor about the risk of intubation. Apparently post surgery I found out that my throat passage made it difficult for the anesthesiologist and they damaged my vocal chords which is not uncommon. I lost my voice for almost 2 months.

leslie terjesen  I would have loved a different mattress and never thought of that. But my own, very old, feather stuffed pillow was wonderful. When not a pillow seemed to be a stuffed animal to me!!!

Margot Swann  For me a long, light robe felt good. It didn’t impede my walking or exams and helped me feel like me.

Louanna Miller  Kaaren, Last May I learned my MVP had worsened and I had severe regurgitation requiring OHS. This was quite unsettling, but I quickly started researching the surgery and surgeons. In August I had OHS and was able to have MV repair. This is a journey and I will answer question you may have.

You will be fine and feel much better after surgery.

Kaaren Carone  Louanna, I see you had OHS on my birthday last year! Thanks for your input, I have an echo scheduled for April (6 months from first one) and am trying to prepare myself for whatever comes of it. My cardiologist is predicting surgery this year and, truthfully, I’d rather get it over with. How did you select your surgeon? I keep going back and forth between staying in Phoenix and going to Mayo and traveling to a higher rated heart hospital out of state. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Phyllis Petersen  I'm in Tucson and traveled to Cleveland Clinic because I knew I was a good candidate for minimimally-invasive robotic surgery and that wasn't available here. My cardiologist worked closely with my surgeon, so that a lot of preliminary testing was done here. Find out what is available where you are, what the highest level of experience is with the procedure you'd prefer and discuss it all with your cardiologist both the pros and cons. What you most want is to feel confident when they wheel you into the OR.

Kaaren Carone  Thanks, Phyllis. Who was your surgeon at Cleveland Clinic? My cardiologist in Phoenix told me the minimally invasive procedure results in more pain post surgery than OHS especially for women because of breast movement jarring nerves around the path of the surgery. How did you find recovery to be? I have been doing enough research to know I will be traveling for surgery. How was your stay in Cleveland?

Phyllis Petersen  Dr. Gillinov did my surgery. There is some intense pain initially (have them give you a surgical bra as soon as possible to prevent pulling on the incisions). Recovery, however, progresses more quickly. I was driving 4 weeks after surgery for short distances. My rehab was also able to progress more quickly because I didn't have to worry about a cut sternum. My sister met me in Cleveland and we stayed at the Holiday Express right on the campus. I was able to walk to surgery. The staff at CC were great. They want you to ask for what you need, so you'll be comfortable and heal quickly. They have a slew of resources for the patient and the family. Little things, like having my teeth brushed in ICU, body wipes to clean myself up, heat for my aching back, and being able to shower were added blessings.