Robert's Guestbook

Regarding dogs: they are not for everyone of course, like anything. Cats may be the pet of choice. My wife comes from a cat family which i never held against her. Lol. My son has 2 cats. It appears they are more user friendly. There is a bernese poodle mix in our training class. Nice dog. In my case, had dogs my entire life but upon returning home from hvs, cassie was my rock. She would nudge me when it was treadmill time but on other occasions just lay with me. She was therapy. She sensed my situation. Its why her picture on my bed my first day home is on my story. Of course when she died 2 years later , i was crushed and went thru a similar scenario as you. Wife, no more dogs. Thankfully she compromised with smaller and shadow is the result. 

My doctors all like my list now. It moves things along and solves the “ i wish i had asked” question i used to have as i drove home. Any doctor that glances at his watch while i am there gets a boot in the backside. My dad used to address his doctor as yes sir, no sir. Those days are history in my world. 

Hi Robert, Thank you for your quick response. I didn’t find the spirometer helpful, and it is very possible  I wasn’t using it properly. I have better results with belly breathing. My inhalation and exhalation are much better using that method. I am very concerned with my breathing issue and wasn’t getting very far with my cardiac team. I have moved on to a pulmonologist and have an appointment scheduled for 11/6. I wish it was sooner and plan on calling daily for a status update on any cancellations they might receive. I already went to a local ER for the breathing issue and they admitted me the same day. After 4 days, I have to say they did not do much, and had very little experience with treating radiation patients.  Fingers crossed the pulmonologist has a resolution, and nothing happens in the meantime.

You asked a couple of questions i might be able to answer. The little sticky tabs are attached to your skin for an ekg and also during surgery when asleep. Because i was snoozing during my colonoscopy i was hooked up to what i assume to be heart monitors. In this case it was 6. Chest,arms,legs. They then attach wires to the stickies that in turn are connected to bedside equipment. An ekg is usually only 3. For my cataract surgery, also asleep, it was only 3. Back a few years ago during a routine colonoscopy and prior to my ohs, those monitors detected an afib incident which i never knew i had. It resulted in a follow on examination and my mitral valve prolapse was discovered. I was totally asymptomatic. The allergy i have developed later in life to the glue i suspect is not life threatening but makes life very uncomfortable as they turn into bright red, itchy welts in the shape of little squares and can take well over a month to go away after much cortisone cream applications. In one case on my inner arm, a faint outline of it still exists. Long answer, sorry.

Robert thank you for your feedback it is really helpful. I read your story and am certainly inspired by your strength and courage! Were your surgeries all OHS?

Hi, Robert.

I've been a member of this site for several years. Diagnosed with BAV. My problem is with my aorta but I'm good now. I had it replaced in 2014, and never felt better. However, my husband has MVP (mitral valve prolapse). He was diagnosed at 42 years old. He is now 75 and lately he's been noticing a second heart beat. Doesn't seem to be irregular like afib but who knows, I'm no doctor.  

When did you notice you had a problem with your Mitral Valve? Did you have symptoms?  How did they fix it?

My husband is seeking a cardiologist, and I'm sure he'll learn about his condition then. But my questions are out curiosity. I've learned so much on this site.

Thank you

 

Thank you for the advice. I actually got a good vibe from the entire office, nurse, and the doctor. They spent the time with me to answer all questions even when they had explained it already. I luck out with having teens at home who are planning to be there for me.

Researched the prior question suggestions. Not sure how to prepare for after. Have amazing friends and family keeping me thinking positive.

Robert, thank you for your comments especially related to walking.  I am only 3 days post surgery walking 1500 steps per day in hospital with tubes still attached. Prior to surgery I walked 12400 steps per day and I love stairs so I'm hoping my progress will be similar to yours.

Hi Robert ,
I am now over two years post ohs .
I go to the Phebotomy dept. At my local hospital to have my I N R checked , I go 6 weekly now . 
It doesn ‘t cost me anything . I ‘m only there a for about 5-10 mins at the most and the staff are all very lovely .