Karen's Guestbook

Karen Marvenko  Hi Luke thanks for writing.. my aneurysm was at 4, and while they don’t recommend surgery until at least 4.5 since I was having my aortic valve replaced they decided to replace the root of the aorta at the same time and fix the aneurysm so I wouldn’t have to worry about it in the future (it should last my lifetime). The difference this made was that instead of the TAVR procedure they originally thought they could do, I was now faced with the full open heart surgery. Benefit was that they do it all at once and I would only have to do it once in my life. Well apparently the mechanical valve was too large for my aorta, so he opted for a bovine tissue valve. So I will likely have to have replaced in about 10 yrs, but should be able to do it through the TAVR procedure, or maybe they’ll even have a better way 10 years from now! The great news is no blood thinners, I am simply on 2 aspirin a day. Oh and my cardiologist said that most people who do have bicuspid valve with heart murmurs have very little occurrence of blockages and other heart problems isn’t that crazy?  So same for me no other issues no blockages at all. 

Luke Rodriguez  My cardiologist never said I have an aneurysm, but my aorta is enlarged...at 4, maybe we are talking about the same thing?  I am still learning.  I did not know that about bicuspid valve had a lower occurrence of blockages, that is good news.  I am still waiting on getting a heart scan which the surgeon needs to have in hand before I even get to see him to ask about the type of valve they will use.  I hope I get a mechanical one so it can last for the duration.  My cardiologist said I won't be on any blood thinners, he said this more than once and assured me I would have a mechanical valve so maybe technology has advanced to the point where these valves no longer cause clotting issues?  This is on my list of questions for the surgeon.  I also ordered a spirometer like they give you in the hospital and I am doing breathing exercises now because I read that you can start building up lung strength prior to surgery.  I have allergy induced asthma so I am very aware of my lung health and doing all I can to make sure they are at peak health going in to surgery.  One great thing about being in a hospital setting is my allergy symptoms vanish so I won't have to deal with that at least in hospital.  Please keep updating on your recovery since we seem to share a lot of similarities, I am going to believe if you are OK, so will I.  LOL

Karen Marvenko  Hey Luke, I’m not sure if an enlarged aorta is the same thing as an aneurysm, but definitely a great question to ask. And I for sure would ask about the mechanical valve and the warfarin because I thought they went hand-in-hand. That was one small reason I was happy that they opted at the last minute for a bovine valve, it saved me a lifetime of blood thinners and the ticking sound so many complain about. I’m coming up on 9 weeks post op tomorrow. Much better than I was in those early days for sure, but I do still have aching in my rib cage and odd pains every now and then. My cardiologist said that’s perfectly normal for the first 12 weeks or so, but I’ve gotten used to it. I honestly think the hardest part is the meds and getting them right, the metoprolol To keep my heart rate down definitely causes dizzy spells. And I’m still on the colchicine anti inflammatory to make sure the fluid stays away, and that causes nausea and dizziness too. So I do go out and drive and do things but I don’t venture too far or for too long until that’s under control. Once my heart rate normalizes I’m hoping they reduce the dosage on the metoprolol, if I have to even take it at all. 

  Hi Karen, your medical team seems to be taking good care of you. Your body will get you out of this situation by reacting positively to medication. Will be praying for you and your recovery. God bless you 

Karen Marvenko  Thank you all for your supportive comments…always helps when you feel like you run out of steam and you’ve had all you can take, that just knowing someone else ‘gets it’ means so much. Prayers for all of us heart warriors, hoping we can continue to help others get through the tougher days ❤️

Civita Fahey  Welcome Karen.. I had my aortic valve replaced at 56 with a tissue. If you have any questions, many are here to answer. Best of luck

Mike Tirrell  Hi Karen, I had the exact same surgery as is being recommended to you. Mine was 5 months ago. Happy to help if you have any questions.

Leslie Houseal  Hello Karen, I'm also 57 and have the same surgery scheduled for Jan 24th. Let's stay in touch and encourage each other. You've got this!!

Karen Marvenko  Thanks all, appreciate the words of encouragement and although I’m nervous anxious to get this procedure behind me. Best of luck on your surgery Leslie, please let me know how it goes.

Civita Fahey  I didnt really feel "poorly". I had mostly exhaustion, which lasted a while, at least for the first two weeks, where you do need someone to help you out. I had to sit taking a shower because I couldn't stand long enough. But, I didnt feel "sick" or in pain. Being tired is due to your body having major surgery and needs to recoup. I also was anemic going home from the hospital which is normal, so that added to it. You need to do what you can, but understand that you need to rest a lot. After the first two weeks, it becomes much easier, you have more energy and life starts to get back to normal. I will be honest and say that my tiredness lasted a while, at least a few months. I went to work (desk job) after 10 weeks and I would come home and take a nap for a good 3 months after. But , one day you will wake up and say, "hey, I'm not so tired anymore" ..its normal to be nervous and scared, but you will do great. Trust your doctors, they know what they are doing. let me know if you have any more questions.

Karen Marvenko  Thanks so much for your reply. Just hearing from other people that I’ve gone through this does help me to relax a little bit about the whole thing. I figured I would be tired for the first couple weeks but good to know your assessment of going back to work too, i’m a little concerned about that myself and I feel like that would take me a while to get my stamina back. Appreciate it and thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Civita Fahey  You're welcome.. talking to people how had gone before me is what got me through.. if you want to talk in person send me a message, I'll give you my phone.. it helped me A LOT to talk to someone and get my fears in control. It wasn't nearly as bad as my imagination made it up to be.

Karen Marvenko  Thanks Civita, I may just take you up on that! Getting more nervous as surgery date approaches, but also anxious to get it behind me so I can get on with my life. I have a new little grandson to get better for ❤️