Neal's Guestbook

Neal Syverson  Well that's somewhat disappointing. That's why we do all the pre-surgery testing.  But fortunately you can still have a minimally invasive procedure. Just a few more weeks.

Neal Syverson  They started a couple years ago and until surgery just a handful of episodes.  Then once I had surgery They occurred quite frequently and were some of the strongest ones yet.  Never any pain.  Flashing zig zag patterns that block my normal vision moving gradually from the peripheral vision on one side through the center of my vision and eventually across to the peripheral vision on the other side.  Usually mainly the left eye.  In ICU I thought I might be having a stroke since it only affected the left eye.  The hospital staff was of course curious on to what was going on and when it eventually went away were of the opinion that there was nothing to be worried about.  Now after 3 months it seems to be infrequent again.  I just think of it as a minor inconvenience and am glad to have a repaired heart. 

Neal Syverson  Hi Kristine, I am doing fantastic.  Much better than I expected.  I am not using any sort of pain medication.  My stamina is nearly all returned.  All my incisions have healed well.  I have a follow up  appointment Wednesday and I want to discuss returning to work earlier than planned.  I start cardiac rehab Thursday.  It has been just over a month since surgery and I am surprised by the progress thus far.

When I received my surgery date I was excited.  Seems strange to be excited about surgery but I wanted resolution.  Hopefully you will be excited when you get your date too.

Keep me updated on your progress. I will be in your corner rooting for you!

Kristine Schroeder  Thanks for the support. I am absolutely ready to get on the other side of this and excited it will be minimally invasive. It’s very encouraging hearing how well you are doing.

Neal Syverson  I am getting better every day.  I have found out pain is not the problem.  Rather fatigue is.  I guess that is normal as it is part of the healing process.  It is very easy to overdo things.

Neal Syverson  Yes I could move my upper body as soon as I was awake.  I went between bed and a chair under my own power once in ICU with some difficulty.  Once they removed the chest tube moving around became much easier.  I did have restrictions though.  No pushing or pulling.  No raising arms above head. No lifting more than 5 pounds.  I still have those restrictions today but find myself inadvertently cheating all the time but don't seem to be having a problem.

Neal Syverson  I sent my medical records to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion in early January.  They reviewed it within 2 days and recommended robotic mitral valve repair with Dr. Burns.  I then scheduled surgery at the earliest opening at just over 2 months later.

Neal Syverson  I believe there are four surgeons at Cleveland Clinic that do robotic mitral valve repair.  Dr. Gilinov is very well known. You can ask Ginny Turner or Randy Chapman about him.  They both had him as their surgeon recently.  His wait time might be longer.

Neal Syverson  Randy I was just discharged an hour ago.  Back to the clinic in the morning for follow up appointments and hopefully head home tomorrow.

Neal Syverson  Randy it looks like I am on the floor above you. That explains why I haven't seen you.  If things go to plan I should be discharged today and have my follow up s tomorrow and  then head home.  Had a bout with AFIB but hopefully that is all done.

Neal Syverson  That daughter of mine spent the day in the nurses office at school the day of surgery but felt all better when she heard everything went okay.