Ralph's Guestbook

Ralph, I am lucky that I don't have Afib after surgery. But David Augustus on this website did. He had surgery about a month ago. Maybe you can reach out to him by leaving him a guest book message.

Ralph, I am63. I had my mitral valve replaced with a cow valve last April. Mine was done at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago by Dr McCarthy who is from the Cleveland Clinic. I was able to drive at 4 weeks. Flying will cut down on what you can pack. If there is any way to bring your own pillow, I would do that. There is nothing like having your own pillow at the hospital. Hospital pillows are plastic for sanitary reasons. Plastic pillows make your head sweat. An ipad is nice to have too.

Hi Ralph, Roz here. I'm having my mitral valve mini-invasive repair at Porter Hospital in Denver, CO on May 19th. I've done four months of research and education. I feel confident in my surgeon, Dr. Myles Guber, and my motto is, "All is well, and all is love". Best wishes to you. I hope all goes very well for you.

Hi Ralph, I am also having heart valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic the day after you, the 15th. Two valve replacements and replacing the ascending aorta. I am anxious to say the least! I will be driving back to NJ - don't like flying under the best of conditions. Hope I don't regret that but we'll do it in two four hour days. Maybe we'll see each other in the halls and we can cheer each other on! I saw on here that a woman by the name of Ellen Cooper will be operated on also on May 14 at the CC, maybe you'll run into her as well. You can add me to your list of people who will be praying for you and all the other folks going into surgery in the next few weeks! May we have successful surgery, heal comfortably, and Sto Lat (which means "May you live a hundred years" in Polish!

Hi Ralph, To answer your questions, it took me about 2 1/2 weeks to get off the pain meds. Don't cut back on those until you are ready though……your body will let you know. As for driving, that will depend upon what type of incision Dr. G does. I had a mini sternotomy because I had two valves involved, but if you have it done robotically, you can drive after 3 weeks. I was told not to drive until six weeks, but I cheated and drove at 3 1/2 weeks out. It really hurt to turn the wheel though…..I wouldn't recommend it. I had mine done at age 57, and while I was not working at the time, I felt like I really got my energy back at about 3 to 4 weeks out. After that it is just muscle soreness. I would highly recommend going to cardiac rehab. While it isn't always necessary, it is really helpful in so many ways. Good luck!

I too had Dr Gillinov. He knows his stuff which gave me confidence during my roller coaster surgery/no surgery time. Can't say enough wonderful things about Cleveland Clinic -the facilities and staff. Started cardio rehab about week five-more because of scheduling-I was ready week four. Driving was never really restricted by cardiologist after two weeks but personally did not want to drive while on narcotics so was frequent passenger and walker until off pain killers.

Good luck-waiting is the worst. You will be in wonderful hands at Cleveland Clinic. I had mitral valve repair there at the end of February and am now back to work part time. Who is your doctor? Also fire away if you have any questions.