Katherine's Guestbook

Katherine Jensen  My valve repaired not replaced and no bypass.  I don't think that will make a difference in your post op.  They told me it's all about opening the chest and touching everything in there that causes inflammation etc... .  Keep up your daily routine until your surgery as best you can, it won't seem like it helps right after but I'm sure it has for me.

Katherine Jensen  My hospital stay was 7 days , but that was due atrial fibrillation on the 5th day , kept me for 2 more days... only 2 days in ICU... woke up without breathing tube so that was great,....all other tubes except IV's of course, were out by my transfer to step-down unit.... not much pain in sternum, only when trying to get up/out of bed , by the way, is the same or next day!...the only really bothersome part of the hospital stay is the extra days and virtually no sleep(at least for me).  Like I said, I'm 5 weeks out today and walking on treadmill every day 2-3 miles although slowly, no heavy/weight lifting at all, a lot of boredom because i'm usually very active/working 2 days a week still/golf etc...still tire easily after a lot of activity but no longer napping in the afternoon.  Appetite ok.  Keep me posted as your date gets closer and I will do my best to answer any more questions.  Hopefully starting cardiac rehab in a week or two to start doing a little more at the gym.  And lastly and most important, I don't remember a single thing after I talked to anesthesia in pre-op and then woke up in ICU..

Jill Porter  I have procedure approaching also so hearing how it has gone for others is very helpful so thank you. I especially like the part where you don't remember anything until you woke up in ICU.

Marie Myers  I did not remember anything after leaving  preop either. Next thing I knew it was 6 hrs later…Glad to hear you are doing well Katherine! The fatigue will lessen with time. I felt well enough to go back to work at 8 weeks ( 2 days a week). I sure did need a nap when I came home, though. Is your hemoglobin back up? That makes a big difference also.

Richard Munson  Same thing with me on lack of memory. I think i recall me asking if i could leave and come home but it was too late at that point. Besides my wife had already left me to fend for myself. Covid, not cruelty. Maybe a little cruelty. 

Katherine Jensen  Hey crew, I was wondering if anyone has had same problem.  I am 5 1/2 weeks out and have developed pain in my rt. scapula  up to my neck now for the last 7 days.  No response to ice/heat ,lidocaine patch, massage..I know it's probably muscular but wondering if anyone else developed this after their procedure?  Thanks, Kathy

Katherine Jensen  Marie, yes done with surgery, 3 weeks already.  The first two weeks a little rough but getting better with each day.  I’m still very tired after walking or a lot of activity… napping a lot.  Not much pain from the incision area but getting itchy now.  Saw cardiology and surgery post op visits yesterday and they say I’m good to go home to Florida….  And I’m certainly ready!! There’s no place like home…

Katherine Jensen  Thanks so much Valerie…hopefully tomorrow at this time it will all be behind me.. thanks to all for the good vibes

Katherine Jensen  Well it’s been 8 days already and I think I’v definitely crossed over the threshold… I just walked about a half a mile and although I was really tired it only took about 15 min to recover… wooohooo! Thanks to everyone for all the wishes and prayers….

Katherine Jensen  Hi Grace…. Yes we discussed it and I am opting for a tissue valve should that be necessary… he is confident however that it will just be a repair since all the numbers on my echo have not changed over the years…

Katherine Jensen  Grace, yes my knowledge of what’s going to happen is sometimes frightening… but most days I put those thoughts away and choose to trust my team who does these surgeries daily…

Grace Mason   Yes, I saw there was a video of "cracking the chest" out there but thought that is probably more than I want to see beforehand.
I have some calcium on my bicuspid but it functions well enough now, so hoping it can be cleaned up. Was your surgeon recommended for you or did you choose him in particular?

Grace Mason   I have had recommendations about him. You sound like you are in excellent hands. I will be thinking of you on your upcoming date. Sending you well wishes