Michelle's Guestbook

So glad to hear you’re on the other side and on the mend! Like you I had a few complications from my AVR 3 1/2 yrs ago, including the dreaded a fib, but recovery was actually easier than I’d anticipated and I was soon back to strength training and rowing at the gym 💪 Very best wishes!!

So happy for you that your surgery is behind you and you can concentrate on your full recovery! I just had my one year anniversary from my OHS for an aortic arch aneurysm repair due to a bicuspid valve I never knew I had! I believe it is an important birth defect to find out about as soon as possible! May God continue to bless you and see you through your recovery!

I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 years ago with an On-X valve. I too had complications after surgery A heart block which required a pacemaker. I am doing fine and just turned 74. you look suprisingly well keep up the good work and be patient with yourself it takes a little time to regain your strength. Cardiac rehab really helped me. Check out a group called Mended Hearts I joined 5 years ago it is a good resource for heart patients.

Hi Michelle Hope all went well with your surgery If you don’t mind I have question if you had good experience with Dr Takayama and the hospital . I may soon be needing surgery for Biscupid Valve replacement as well Thanks

Just started following you. Have the same story...murmur to echocardiogram. Within a year the aortic stenosis has gone from moderate to severe. The odd thing (and I am just learning about this) is that I do very well under stress. I only felt dizzy when I'd gone past my peak on the stress echo. I have a follow up consult in a couple of weeks and hope to learn more. Surgery is in my future, but I function well. BP just kept going up from 110 to 156 when I quit the treadmill. I have ridden the 100 mile AIDS Ride for Life 14 years running. Unsure about this year! This is a surprise. Best of luck in your surgery and I look forward to hearing about the amazing things in store for you!

Hi Michelle, Hope all goes well for you. I had Aortic bicuspid valve and Aortic root replaced 2014. Surgeon Michael Tolan did the surgery in the Mater Private Hospital Dublin Ireland. My cardiologists Dr.Murtagh in Galway clinic assured me that Dr Tolan was [the] expert and not to worry. Although Aortic Bicuspid Valve replacement is serious work, today's surgeons and the equipment used in surgery are so good that it has become routine. Trust in your surgeon, success is his game! You will be in good hand.

Hey Michelle...hang in there! My surgeon at Cedars Sinai was able to get me in before we all had to deal with the virus. On March 20th I had my Aortic valve replaced, my Aorta replaced, and the Maze procedure. In the ICU for 5 days, hospital for another 5 after that. Came thru it just fine! Amazingly, I do not recall experiencing any pain the entire time.....up and including today. Was up and walking the second day in the ICU. Not very far and out of breath but doable. Tomorrow will be 10 weeks post surgery. Feeling very good. About two weeks ago was walking 25 minutes per day and working out with some light weights. Strange, but my improvement actually feels like it has accelerated over the last two weeks. Good luck....

I needed my husband to keep working and take care of the mutts. This was pre-pandemic. It wasn't that hard. You are pretty self focused and doze a lot too afterward. I loved having him pick me up though. It is very doable. All the best to you!

Just went thru AVR surgery for my husband and he was alone too. We planned ahead to video talk via Facebook. So if you have anything like that, plan ahead to take your phone. That was very helpful to be able to see him in person and talk with him during his hospital stay. He called me when he was up to it every day. And the hospital staff was great as well the day of surgery keeping me updated on his status thru out that day. Good luck!

Hi Michelle, so glad your surgery is back on! As for having to face this alone, do not be afraid. You really will not be alone as the doctors and the nursing team will be extremely supportive. They will be with you 100% of the way from start to finish. Good luck!

Yay, you have a surgery date! The waiting is almost over! My best piece of advice is to start planning something for 3-4 months after surgery. A family reunion or a special trip. It'll give you something to think about and look forward to during the waiting (which I though was the worst part anyway) and the recovery (lots of time to sit and think about things). Feel free to ask any questions - most of us seems to be happy to encourage others :) Meredith Clearwater, FL