Larry's Guestbook

Hello Larry! I knew about having Afib since '08, went on Warfarin then Eliquis, but nothing further done, the AVS was found when I went in hospital this July for something else entirely. Because I am 58 and "young" according to my docs, the discussion of TAVR/bioprosthetic valve now includes the possibility of open heart/mechanical valve/MAZE. For now, I am in "hurry up and wait" as things are being worked up. Seeing you at Machu Picchu was so kewl! I don't know how I'd do at altitude but I'd love to see it as well. I'll keep posting as I go, it gets a bit easier as I do. I used to do a handwritten journal but this way isn't much different. It's almost faster to type than to write lol. From Oklahoma, all my best! Mark Hall, LPN

I have thanked others on here for their posts, which have been so helpful - and I want to thank you, too. I went back and read through your journal (as I have many others) after your recent post - AMAZED at how well you did at Machu PIchu (I was affected by the altitude there, though I didn't realize how much until we spent our last few days at the ocean!) I especially appreciate your day before surgery post - as I, too, have been trying to decide whether surgery is really necessary when I don't feel like I have much of an issue. THANK YOU - for the reminder that while it may be quick and easy for us if we wait for the catastrophic event - we don't know who else may be negatively affected by that decision. Thanks for all of your helpful info (equipment, etc.) - but especially for that, and congrats on a very successful trip with Bessie.

I will keep you updated as to when I am having my surgery Larry hearing of your success has really put my mind at ease I have to get my 4 wisdom teeth out on March 2nd and hopefully two weeks after that on the 16th of March my cardiac surgeon will perform the surgery i bet your first night back at home was wonderful as much as the doctors and nurses are amazing they say there is truly nothing like your own bed

Just found this site, very informative. I am 10 weeks post op from Aortic valve replacement. I am finally starting to feel somewhat normal. I was back at work at about 4 weeks and full time back at work at about 5/6 weeks. My advice is get off pain meds as soon as you can. I was on oxy and stopped taking that soon after discharge. I used it at night for help sleeping. Get a wedge pillow to help sleep. This helped a lot. Walk as much as you can. There were times when I did not feel like doing anything, but forced myself to get up and move. Started out a 1/2 mile a day and worked up to 2 miles a day. Now going to cardiac rehab once a week, highly recommended. I work in the ski industry, so I am skiing regularly and back to XC skiing for rehab. Good luck in your rehab!! I hope it goes smoothly. You'll be able to sneeze before you know it. Feel free to ask any questions.

Hi Larry I am so grateful you made a full recovery I bet it's been a challenge for you mate but the main thing is you are not alone your family and doctors will be with you every step of the way you Sou d like a very positive person and that's the key to well healing and good living I live in Australia but read your post two days prior to your surgery on the Tuesday I was actually thinking about you that same Tuesday hoping you would be ok and you are so that's awesome have a lovely day kindest regard Ryan

Thoughts and prayers are with you for tomorrow. I'm glad you got to enjoy something special by going to the concert before your surgery. My surgery is February 16th. I'll be having my aortic root and upper ascending replaced and hopefully my aorta repaired; if not repaired then replaced with a mechanical. I myself am still very nervous and I will likely spend the day before by the ocean which is one of my favorite places to be and always seems to bring me comfort.

Hi Larry my name is Ryan I live in Australia I am 27 years old I was born with a bicuspard aortic valve and over the last few years my ascending aorta has ballooned out causing a 5.1cm saccular aneurysm on only one side of my aortic root I am having surgery to correct the problem in early March of this year I will also be having the Bentall button procedure I have done lots of research and there is a very high success rate for this type of procedure my coronary arteries are perfectly clear so it will just be the replacement of the valve and the aorta I have personally decided the mechanical valve as I don't want to go through this again but I will unfortinatly be on warfarin for the rest of my life good luck I wish you a very speedy recovery and really look forward to you letting me know how you went as it will help ease my mind thanks a lot take care from Ryan