Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello Michael and Sandy. Sorry for your leg trouble Michael and hopefully
you will have not to difficult a time getting them in better shape. There are many
things that can be done to correct the circulation in the legs and I hope yours turns not to be so difficult a fix. I know this is not what you were wanting to run into after surgery but when you look at it---look at all you have already experienced and pushed past you two? You will get past too. Just a note. I had blood clots in both of my legs after surgery just above both knees where I thought I had gotten in great shape from all of my bike riding outside for a full year prior to surgery. I spent the first two months home dealing with superficial phlebitis(clots) in both legs which eventually worked themselves out but boy it was a pain to deal with that something extra so early on. Hope all goes well with your tests and you can get back to your healing soon.
Michael Poe Thank you Terrie, my clots are below the knee. My calves are very painful as well as my left leg and foot going to sleep at times whenever they seem to want ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you Terrie, my clots are below the knee. My calves are very painful as well as my left leg and foot going to sleep at times whenever they seem to want too. I am confident in my surgeon who will be performing the angiogram as well as any other needs I might have. I know that it is bad but we myself,Sandy and the surgeon do not know exactly how bad and to what extent. Thank you for your note, Michael
Terrie Syvertsen Good luck with your angiogram and you and Sandy keep hoping for the best. I'll be watching for updates from you two! Love and prayers, Terrie
Peter Duplin My friend Sandra had a lot of problems with her legs but avoided a femoral to femoral bypass they were able to use a stent and she was up and walking the next day.
On November 8, 2014...
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello Michael and Sandy. Just a note to say I was thinking of you two and hoping that things were getting better for you both. I haven't caught a post from you of late and maybe I missed it but thought I would check in. So, here is hoping your healing time is going well and things have gotten better with work, etc. If you feel like an update that would be nice! Take care....Terrie
Lynne posted a note for Michael that says:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the encouragement. I use a product on my forearm because of severe nerve and skin sensitivity. I really didn't put much faith in it but to my surprise it actually brought down the inflammation and soreness fairly rapidly. It is called LivRelief Pan relief cream. It contains Rutin 0.4% made from the Asteracaeae/Compositae/Daisy family. I get mine in Toronto at Shopper's Drugmart. I don't know if you can order on line bt I would think any major drug in the US would/should carry it. It is expensive but you use so little to work. Hope you can find it and try it. Who knows. It doesn't say anything about open skin but you can look at their website www.livrelief.com. It is manufactured for Delivra Inc. Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Just checking with you to see how you are doing. How is your arm? I hope your recovery is going well now. You started out with it going really smoothly so I hope you are back on that smooth track again.
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello Michael. Just a quick note before I head to bed myself. I am so glad to hear that you are home and doing so well. I guess now isn't the time to tell you I mailed you an envelope filled with black pepper, chuckle!!! I bet you remember that first sneeze for quite some time to come! I never walk without this little pillow that I have as if I have to cough I want it right under my arm pit as I walk! I get it out pretty darn fast when I am outside in the fresh air as the grass always makes me want to sneeze.
I bet Sandy is happy for you being home and the stress level is going to drop soon!
It is good you are getting around and I like you got out with just the use of Tylenol on a good steady schedule and that is all I have needed as well. I think It is easier to get up and move if you aren't having to fight so many medications after surgery. if you are lucky this will continue to be at a pain level you can handle. How is the sleep going? For both of you? I kept Gary awake having to get up and down during the night at first. I have been home 14 days today and it is getting better every day.
Hope it goes well for you too. Just be careful not to try to do too much as it Is easy to do with the excitement of having things done and out of hospital. You two take care of each other and know things will just keep getting better. Looking forward to reading about all your progress. Good night from one more of your heat Sisters! Terrie
Michael Poe Terrie thank you. Yes I will remember that fist sneeze it just crept up so suddenly. Sandy felt so bad for me but she could not stifle the laugh she had for ... Read more
Michael Poe Terrie thank you. Yes I will remember that fist sneeze it just crept up so suddenly. Sandy felt so bad for me but she could not stifle the laugh she had for it. It was really good that she could laugh and feel good about it. I slept pretty good woke up a couple of times but stayed in bed as to not wake her up. I know that she needs her sleep too. So I do what I can to help alleviate some of her burden. Yes I am attempting to take things one day at a time. I am accessing my home situation as for what I can and can not do. I am allowed to use the stairs just not to pull myself up the stairs but use my legs. So I can pretty much do everything I was doing except taking laundry and up and down the stairs. So I have been blessed to be given the abilities to further improve my level of fitness as I am able. I am very grateful that you my heart family are pulling for me as well as each other and the support on this site is top notch. Adam all the improvements that the site is making implementing are awesome thank you. I'll post a journal later on.
On September 1, 2014...
Adam Pick posted a note for Michael that says:
Hi Michael,
On the eve of your surgery, I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep on tickin! Adam Pick
Eleanor R posted a note for Michael that says:
Best wishes for tomorrow Michael, and many thoughts and prayers to your wife, who will have the hard part of waiting to hear while you're asleep. The surgical team will do their magic and when you wake up, you will do your part of breathing, waking up, and before you know it, up and walking with help from the nurses. I wish you the very best, a smooth and uneventful surgery, and a strong recovery. Then you can be offering information and encouragement to those still waiting for their surgery. Know that you two will be in my thoughts and prayers this week. Best wishes, Eleanor
Michael Poe Thank you Eleanor, Sandy will indeed have the hard part. She will inform everyone on the post when she has time. I will post as soon as I am able to do so. ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you Eleanor, Sandy will indeed have the hard part. She will inform everyone on the post when she has time. I will post as soon as I am able to do so. I'll have at least 5 days in the hospital and will I believe find some time to write. Best wishes and prayers Michael
On September 1, 2014...
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Michael and Sandy,
We will be thinking of you tomorrow and saying prayers that all goes "according to plan!. Have faith and think that this will be over soon and you will be waking up to those ice chips we are all "bragging on"!. Everything from that waking up is a step towards home and being able to say "wow I am so glad to be home and let the healing begin!!! You will be fine and look how many people are going to be waiting with Sandy to cheer you and your recovery on! The wait is the worst and it is almost over. Try to get some sleep and have some great gentle hugs and know you both are going to get past this and become healthier for it. Lots of love, Terrie and Gary
Mary Myers Michael, Will be thinking of you and Sandy tomorrow. Before thou know it you will be back home sweet home. Remember to make sure bto take the pain meds. If ... Read more
Mary Myers Michael, Will be thinking of you and Sandy tomorrow. Before thou know it you will be back home sweet home. Remember to make sure bto take the pain meds. If they are not working ask for something else. Try to rest as much as you can. All of your heart family will be praying for you. Please have Sandy journal so we know your okay! Looking forward to when your back online. Hugs from your heart sister Mary (,mia)
Michael Poe Thank you both, Terrie and Mia. I will rest the best I can tonight. Sandy will inform everyone as she is able. Ice chips sound great, I know they will be after ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you both, Terrie and Mia. I will rest the best I can tonight. Sandy will inform everyone as she is able. Ice chips sound great, I know they will be after surgery anyways. I'm sending out prayers for those who are still in the process of healing and recovery. A big thank you to all who are praying for a great surgery and recovery process I am waiting to be on the other side. Michael
On September 1, 2014...
Best of luck to you tomorrow Michael. I will keep you in my prayers. May you have a successful surgery with no complications whatsoever so you can get back home and enjoy the next chapter in your life.
Michael Poe Karen, thank you. I am looking forward to the healing and recovery to my new lease on life. I know it will be different but I think that is what's been missing ... Read more
Michael Poe Karen, thank you. I am looking forward to the healing and recovery to my new lease on life. I know it will be different but I think that is what's been missing all a long. My prayers go out to all of you and to my wife Sandy who does have a hard part ahead of her, the wait. Michael
On September 1, 2014...
Nancy D posted a note for Michael that says:
Wishing you a safe and optimal outcome with your surgery tomorrow!! Soon, you will be in recovery mode, resting relaxing and insentive spirometry!! You will do well, just have faith.....
nancy
Michael Poe Thank you Nancy, I am looking forward to putting this past me and being in recovery mode to healing and back to work.
Nancy D It's better when it is in the rear view mirror going forward!! Stay positive!!
nancy
On September 1, 2014...
Meredith Bray posted a note for Michael that says:
You got this! I'm looking forward to your first posting saying, "Well, it wasn't as bad as i expected!" Hopefully by this time tomorrow your wife will be holding your hand and you'll be struggling to keep your eyes open. Enjoy the ice chips!
-Meredith Bray
Michael Poe Thank you Meredith, I will try to relax and my wife says she'll try to inform everyone as appropriate. Thank you to everyone for your on going support. Michael
On September 1, 2014...
Virginia (Ginger) French posted a note for Michael that says:
Michael,
Wanted to give you a heads up and let you know that you are and will be in my prayers for at least the next week. I am just one month out with a tissue valve. The best thing one can do for themselves when surgery is this close is to decide there is nothing left to do that is so important that it must be done now. Give yourself a break, relax, rest, and store up energy for the surgery and healing process.
Tia Phillips posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello, Michael.
You are in my prayers as you prepare for and go into surgery. The surgeons and staff can do miraculous things. They have done these surgeries many, many times before, and they are excellent at what they do. I am sure that all will go well. You also have a very loving and supportive wife in Sandy. You are truly blessed.
I had open heart surgery in February 2011, and it went well and was not nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. I healed well, and I now have a healthy heart because of that life-saving surgery.
You will look back on this and be thankful. Your life will be so much better.
I hope and pray that your surgery experience is at least as good as mine was or even better. I am so glad you found HeartValveSurgery.com. It is indeed a blessing.
Michael Poe Thank you Tia, I am ready for surgery. I am concerned now for my Wife So has finally let it all sink in and is having trouble talking to me about it. She is ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you Tia, I am ready for surgery. I am concerned now for my Wife So has finally let it all sink in and is having trouble talking to me about it. She is worried that i am going to give up when the surgery is all over and the pain too much to bear. I have tried to comfort her on this subject but to no avail. I do not know what it will be like after surgery but I am not willing to give up either. Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Michael
Eleanor R My thoughts are with your wife as well Michael, for it is a difficult thing for family and caretakers. I felt so bad for my adult daughter sitting in the family ... Read more
Eleanor R My thoughts are with your wife as well Michael, for it is a difficult thing for family and caretakers. I felt so bad for my adult daughter sitting in the family area the day of surgery, so I made sure my brother and sister in law were with her, and my best friend and her husband who are like Auntie and Uncle to my daughter, also came to wait with her. My best wishes to you both, I with have you both in my thoughts and prayers. Eleanor
Eleanor R Actually, Michael, by the time you come home you won't have that much pain. In the ICU they take good care of you, and they find the right medicines for you ... Read more
Eleanor R Actually, Michael, by the time you come home you won't have that much pain. In the ICU they take good care of you, and they find the right medicines for you to come home with, so you are not in great pain, and certainly not ready to throw in the towel. My daughter was my caregiver, and we made a pact that when they let her into the recovery room after surgery, I would let her know I was OK. She told me she was so relieved when she saw me, and even with the breathing tube in, I waved and gave her a thumbs up. I had warned her, however, that I might be drugged and not responsive, but as soon as I was awake, I would let her know, and she would let me know (by saying "The operation is over, you're fine"). So you see, we all worry, patients and caregivers alike, but we all come through it. Once you have a repaired or renewed valve, you will be making strides towards good health. We are very lucky to live in our time and to have medical procedures that give us a renewed life. I wish you and Sandy the very best. Love to you both, Eleanor
Eleanor R In the hospital where I had my surgery, they allow family members to come back as soon as the patient begins to wake up, just for a few minutes to see that ... Read more
Eleanor R In the hospital where I had my surgery, they allow family members to come back as soon as the patient begins to wake up, just for a few minutes to see that everything is ok. My daughter had pushed them that she really needed to see me, even if I was still sedated, so when she first came back, I was still on the ventilator. But honestly, it was no big deal. I was able to wave, give her a thumbs up, and indicate that I had the breathing tube in. As thought she could not see that!! Anyway, I do remember the nurse having the family leave and telling me "we are going to take the ventilator out now, on the count of two, count with me, one, two...: and it was done. It was no big deal, probably thanks to being sedated. My throat was very dry and scratchy, hence the references to ice chips that you will read on this site. The ICU nurse gives you a few ice chips at the time, not many so that you won't have nausea as your stomach is still asleep, so just an ice chip. The best thing in the world at that time. I had been afraid that I would not be able to breath, that I would not tolerate having a tube in my mouth. Silly stuff, it was all fine, our imaginations are much too active! Reality is not as bad as our imagination. Eleanor
On August 30, 2014...
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello Michel and Sandy. I am just heading for bed and thought of you two again and wanted to add these thoughts(most that were passed onto me right before my surgery on Aug. 20th.
When your thoughts stray to what if's and what can happen during and after your surgery please try to remember these things. One. Your life is in the hands of a higher power whatever your belief system is. God or just a vast Universal Power or BOTH! Whatever is going to happen, will happen and you can pray and have faith that the Team you are going to be in the hands of Knows exactly what they are doing or they wouldn't be at the front lines when your surgery takes place. I remember my surgeon kind of sauntering into the pre-admitting area and smiling down on me saying "How are you doing?! It was in that moment that I told him just that. I said smiling right on back at him "I am doing very well and was ready and knew that I was in the greatest of hands and had every confidence in him and his work" He gave me his wonderful smile back and I didn't see him again until hours later. This is similar to what you hopefully will feel at your time to "head in to the game". There isn't one person more than another of that(YOURE) surgical team that wants your surgery to be a success than that Surgeon who has decided to do all that He can to save your heart and give you and those you love a second chance to do just that. Please spend the next hours believing that even after surgery the team is in place to make sure your every need is in place to be met. You will be under the greatest of trained professionals who will guide your way through. Much love to you tonight and have a great day tomorrow. Love, Terrie One of many of your heart sisters.
Michael Poe Thank you very much Terrie, my wife will be glad to hear the news. I do have apprehensions but am being positive about the surgery and the team that will be ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you very much Terrie, my wife will be glad to hear the news. I do have apprehensions but am being positive about the surgery and the team that will be doing the surgery. I know that god has not brought me this far just to quit. We as humans try to do whatever we can for a great outcome but it is in his hands. I have faith that I will pull through just fine, I think it's the after part that worries me. But I have to have faith in that too. Everything will be as it should. Praying for a smooth recovery for you and those who have had their surgeries that the pain will lesson each and every day. Good night, Michael
On August 29, 2014...
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello Michael. Just fresh from having my Aortic Valve replaced on Aug. 20th. Had all of the feelings one would expect to have, all the questions, doubts and fears but let most of them go when encountered the site here of ours (Thanks to Adam Pick) and once able to engage with people who were headed towards or coming from the same valve surgeries was able to put things in perspective and move forward.
I know you are already starting to feel you are not alone and there are many of us out here ready to offer our love, prayers and support to you and those you love. Keep the Faith new Heart Brother and keep at heart that we are here for you, your loved ones and Family. Thinking of you and wishing you a smooth journey from here on out. Terrie from Manteca and all of your other Heart Brothers and Sisters
Michael Poe Thank you very much Terrie I indeed have been listening to advice from other heart brothers and sisters here on this web site. It is very good to have a resource ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you very much Terrie I indeed have been listening to advice from other heart brothers and sisters here on this web site. It is very good to have a resource such as this to get information especially the kind that is needed for my/our types of surgery. Michael
On August 25, 2014...
Eleanor R posted a note for Michael that says:
Hello, Michael. I would guess that most people on this site have gone through the same type of questioning that you are regarding which type of valve, what the surgery will be like, and how you will do in recovery. I'm 68 and six weeks post-surgery. I chose a tissue valve, but either type of valve will serve you well, both have pros and cons. I love what my surgeon said to me when I was fretting about which type to choose: "Either valve will be better than the one you currently have". Since I had severe/critical aortic stenosis, my original valve was not very useful any more. He also said that whichever I chose would be perfect for me, as it was a chosen valve and I would adapt to it. The surgery is do-able, for me it was not as traumatic as I had anticipated, and the recovery has been steady. You will definitely need some assistance the first couple of weeks, but even in the hospital they will have you getting up, sitting down and up by yourself, walking around, and in my case, learning how to go up and down stairs before I was released. Best wishes to you and your family. Eleanor
Michael Poe Thank you Eleanor for your words of encouragement. I have decided that i am going to have a mechanical valve put in God willing it should last me the rest of ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you Eleanor for your words of encouragement. I have decided that i am going to have a mechanical valve put in God willing it should last me the rest of my life. My question that I have now is hard difficult was it to get used to using coumadin? Again thank you.
Angelo Varrone Michael,
I'm 67 and chose a tissue valve just over a year ago. My doctor said it should last 15 years. My wife's grand mother is on Coumadin, which requires ... Read more
Angelo Varrone Michael,
I'm 67 and chose a tissue valve just over a year ago. My doctor said it should last 15 years. My wife's grand mother is on Coumadin, which requires her to have her blood chemistry checked often- I think every 2 weeks. My strategy was to have the tissue value, no Coumadin and then, if necessary, get the transcathether procedure down the road. Good luck with whatever you decide. Angelo
Angelo Varrone Michael,
I'm 67 and chose a tissue valve just over a year ago. My doctor said it should last 15 years. My wife's grand mother is on Coumadin, which requires ... Read more
Angelo Varrone Michael,
I'm 67 and chose a tissue valve just over a year ago. My doctor said it should last 15 years. My wife's grand mother is on Coumadin, which requires her to have her blood chemistry checked often- I think every 2 weeks. My strategy was to have the tissue value, no Coumadin and then, if necessary, get the transcathether procedure down the road. Good luck with whatever you decide. Angelo
Michael Poe Thank you Angelo i appreciate all the support that I am receiving o this web site it is amazing. My wife is thankful that I have a resource such as this to go to and get advice and support.
Angelo Varrone This website is awesome! Couldn't have had the positive experience I did without it.
On August 22, 2014...
Adam Pick posted a note for Michael that says:
Hi Michael... Welcome to our community! I can relate to how you might be feeling now. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. Adam
Leslie Hawtof Hi Michael, I'm just getting going to on this. Nice to meet you. Leslie
Leslie Hawtof Hi Michael, I'm just getting going to on this. Nice to meet you. Leslie
Mary Myers Welcome Michael! We are here to help you through your journey.
Meredith Bray Hi Michael! (Mike?) Please ask any questions, we're all together in this. I hope reading other's journals will ease your concerns!
-Meredith
Meredith Bray 42/f/AVR 3/5/14, mechanical I received differing opinions from my cardio and my surgeon about valve choice. One said, "You're young and active, get the tissue ... Read more
Meredith Bray 42/f/AVR 3/5/14, mechanical I received differing opinions from my cardio and my surgeon about valve choice. One said, "You're young and active, get the tissue valve so you don't have to worry about blood thinners!" And the other said, "You're young, and tissue valves don't last as long in young people. Get the mechanical one and it [probably] won't wear out!" I did a little research and deduced that with a tissue valve I would probably need another surgery in <10 years. i can't image going through the health decline and worry again, let alone another surgery. HOWEVER, one of my coworkers just had a tissue valve put in, he's close to 70, and probably won't need a re-do. It seems the older the patient, the longer the valve lasts. Anti-coagulation hasn't been an issue for me, I was already on cholesterol meds, so it's no big deal to add another pill. I get tested about once a month, it takes 5 minutes and BOOM I'm done. I can hear the ticking, but it doesn't keep me awake at night. i was worried about the noise because I have the ability to not let go of something once I hear it or notice it. (I'm a counter - I count cars, steps, mailboxes, license plates....) Have you met with your surgeon? What do they recommend? How do you feel about that?
Michael Poe Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me to this site. I am trying to patiently wait for my surgery date. As it gets closer I am feeling a little anxious about ... Read more
Michael Poe Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me to this site. I am trying to patiently wait for my surgery date. As it gets closer I am feeling a little anxious about it. Thank you Meredith for sharing with me. I have met with my surgeon he did say that I would be a good candidate for a mechanical heart valve because of my age (57). I'm just doing research and trying to get some answers for my brain to wrap around the whole thing. I realize that the operation is going to be a life altering change for me as well as my wife and extended family. I am just trying to make the best of it and get some answers for myself.
Uploading your photo!
you will have not to difficult a time getting them in better shape. There are many
things that can be done to correct the circulation in the legs and I hope yours turns not to be so difficult a fix. I know this is not what you were wanting to run into after surgery but when you look at it---look at all you have already experienced and pushed past you two? You will get past too. Just a note. I had blood clots in both of my legs after surgery just above both knees where I thought I had gotten in great shape from all of my bike riding outside for a full year prior to surgery. I spent the first two months home dealing with superficial phlebitis(clots) in both legs which eventually worked themselves out but boy it was a pain to deal with that something extra so early on. Hope all goes well with your tests and you can get back to your healing soon.