Michael's Guestbook

Hi Michael -
I am 7 weeks post tricuspid valve repair surgery and feel really good. I used to have sleep problems and after several changes, I can sleep 7-8 hours. I no longer need to take any sleep aids. I find that being mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day really helps me sleep well. I do online word puzzles; research travel online; go to the movies; watch multiple TV shows and read multiple books. That keeps me very busy mentally. For physical activity, I take a one hour (2.5 mile) walk in the morning while listening to podcasts. I then take another 1 hour (2.5 mile) walk in the late afternoon while listening to music. 
I limit caffeine to 1 cup of coffee before noon. I drink the majority of my water before 5pm to avoid needing to get up several times at night. I also stop exercising by 6pm. Have dinner by 7pm and start my sleep routine at 9pm. I end the day with good sleep hygiene. No electronic devices, a nice hot shower, brush teeth, and put on clean pajamas.
I then settle into a comfortable bed with clean sheets and comfortable pillows. Room temperature is on cooler side. Finish off by reading a non-exciting book and happily drift off to sleep. I hope some of these tips might help you get the much needed rest you need as you continue to recover !!
Wishing you well !!

I understand.  Keep good records and it’s okay to question everything you’re the best advocate.  It took a bit of patience and time, eventually I stopped fighting expectations and realized everyone’s journey is different.  It’s also scary being in unknown territory.  

Hi Michael; Wishing you well for your surgery on March 19. My open heart surgery from aorta stenosis is on March 20.
What has calmed my nerves is joining this community. We should listen to  the people who have, been there, done that. Their support means everything, especially right now at crunch time. We got this, we can do it! Can't wait to hear how well you managed, after. Sending many prayers and support. ❤️Sue Lambkin

Hi Michael! I'm from Queens and moved to Dallas in 1980. My surgery is April 3rd. I'll say a prayer for you that you'll be at home and well on your way to full recovery by then!

Good luck to you! Im still trying to find a surgeon out here in California and Im terrified ! I already have cancer and its been a battle for 5 years. But, God has my back. God bless you on your journey🤗

Michael,
Thank you for posting on my update yesterday. I also completely understand the anxiety and stress associated with this type of diagnosis with our heart valves. I have not had surgery yet, but am having TEE next month and then meeting with the valve clinic team at Northwestern in Chicago. Part of me is ready to fix my tricuspid, but the other part hopes I do not need it yet, as the longer I can wait, the better the outcomes will become for primary Tricuspid repair, as Tricuspid has just, these past few years, become more studied and having better outcomes.
I will keep you in my prayers, as that is the best way I know to help deal with this. I am not a person that goes to church every Sunday or is very vocal about this subject, but I was raised in a Lutheran Church and do believe in God, Jesus and a higher power on this Earth. I find Jesus to be my compass when it comes to the kind of human being I want, and strive to be in this world. Kind, compassionate, empathetic, loving, thankful, non judgemental, and most of all have a forgiving spirit. I am trying to retrain my brain to realise that we are not the ones in total control and have to accept what is out of our control and strive to make each and every day the best it can be Even the hard ones have something to teach us and we can find a little something positive to be thankful for. You will do great and come out the other side feeling better and your new heart will be stronger and keep on tickin', as Adam would say :)

You are having your ross done at one of the top Ross programs in the US. You chose well my friend! Are you having your aorta replaced via a Dacron graft, as well?

I look forward to following you along your journey!

If you are on Facebook, please join my Heart Warrior Community page.. it’s called Heart Warrior Community: By Andy Dial

Hey Michael! I just popped on and saw your post. I’m about 3 months post op from a mitral valve repair. I can really relate to your post, my anxiety was off the charts pre op and I understand how it can completely steal your joy. I have anxiety to begin with so it got really exacerbated. Please feel free to message me and we can exchange numbers if you ever want to talk, I’m happy to be a support anyway I can.