Richard Munson I just got a similar i have to go bad wake up call from my main squeeze shadow at 4:30 am. I learned ... Read more
Richard Munson I just got a similar i have to go bad wake up call from my main squeeze shadow at 4:30 am. I learned over the years when they speak i listen. Beats an accident on the rug every time.
HI Sue, hope you are doing great! I have been following you but knew you needed some time post surgery. You give me so much hope! I know you are from Toronto ...Read more
HI Sue, hope you are doing great! I have been following you but knew you needed some time post surgery. You give me so much hope! I know you are from Toronto and I live outside of Calgary. If you're up to it, you had indicated in your story that you got some additional opinions and also you commented on that when I posted my story. I wondered if your second opinions were from doctors in Canada and the US or just Canada. I am getting a second opinion October 2, 2024 in Calgary and I have been trying to get a second opinion from a doctor in Chicago (was a presenter on Adam's site) but have been finding it hard to get imaging etc from our Canadian medical side into the US side. I gave all hard copies but they want to see actual imaging. I have another CT Scan October 29th so am hoping they send directly to the US for me. I just want to get a couple of other opinions before I make my decision. It makes me so happy to here that you are doing okay! Happy healing to you !
Sue Maize Hi Sher! Thanks for your message—I’m doing well, thank you! Happy to hear that any of my posts ma ... Read more
Sue Maize Hi Sher! Thanks for your message—I’m doing well, thank you! Happy to hear that any of my posts may have encouraged you—we certainly benefit from others who’ve “been there”.
I sought opinions from only 2 surgeons in Canada (Toronto and Kitchener) but that was because I was initially wanting to have the Ross procedure. In the end, I didn’t have it because it would have been too dangerous in addition to other surgical procedures I needed. There are many great surgeons here in Canada and, to my knowledge, your provincial health insurance will likely not cover something in the US that is already offered here—ask your cardiologist because healthcare may differ from province to province. Otherwise, out of pocket, that’s a lot of $$$. I hope you get the answers you need for your peace of mind and best possible outcome! ❤️🩹🙏🏻
Shadow is a sled dog thru and thru but the canadian tundra might be a bit much for our spoiled little guy as he lays on the bed while i write this with head ...Read more
Shadow is a sled dog thru and thru but the canadian tundra might be a bit much for our spoiled little guy as he lays on the bed while i write this with head on pillow.
I just read your story. I hope youre doing well post surgery.
Sue Maize Thank you John! I haven’t bounced back as well as you have it would seem, but recovery on the whole ... Read more
Sue Maize Thank you John! I haven’t bounced back as well as you have it would seem, but recovery on the whole is going well. You seem to be doing really well—good for you and may it continue. 🙏🏻❤️🩹
I just came upon your story. I have been diagnosed last year with a rheumatic heart valve involving my mitral valve.
I have a mitral valve regulation which my cardiologist is following.
Glad to hear that all went well with you.
I live in Napanee, ontario and was wondering which hospital did your surgery. Who was your cardiologist?
Sue Maize Hi Liza, thanks for your note! So glad you found this community—these folks have been indispensable ... Read more
Sue Maize Hi Liza, thanks for your note! So glad you found this community—these folks have been indispensable to me on this journey. ❤️🩹
My surgery was done at Toronto General by an excellent surgeon named Maral Ouzounian—her whole team was amazing and mine was not an easy one. Entrusting myself to her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. God bless you and please be sure to reach out if you have any questions! ❤️🩹🙏🏻
Sue, I miss your posts and am just checking in. How are you doing?
Sue Maize Aww Valerie—that’s so kind of you—bless you. 🥰 I am doing well, just had a very busy weekend ... Read more
Sue Maize Aww Valerie—that’s so kind of you—bless you. 🥰 I am doing well, just had a very busy weekend and I’m still battling fatigue and experiencing what I describe as small heart tremors—sometimes it looks like my chest is actually moving but it may be an optical illusion too, who knows? Recovery is quirky. I haven’t been online as much lately but I love to check in and follow the news feed. How are you doing these days? You always seem to be recovering well, but I sometimes wonder what’s happening with folks between posts. ❤️🩹🙏🏻 Recovery is not a straight line I’m finding.
Hi Sue I had open heart surgery April 3 @ Mass General and they did an outstanding job!I now use vitamin E oil on it daily and it’s barely noticeable! As ...Read more
Hi Sue I had open heart surgery April 3 @ Mass General and they did an outstanding job!I now use vitamin E oil on it daily and it’s barely noticeable! As far as the surgery they repaired a mitral valve prolapse and a double bypass graft, thankfully my doctor sent me for a second opinion ! Mass General is top shelf!
Richard Munson I echo brians sentiments about the mass general experience assuming its the one in boston. They treat ... Read more
Richard Munson I echo brians sentiments about the mass general experience assuming its the one in boston. They treated me right. Wish it was easier to get to.
My valve was replaced June 10 2024 as well. My scar is red and my recovery is going well. I'm hoping to be back to my job August 8.👍
Sue Maize May you continue to recover well Donnie! I hope your job isn’t too physically strenuous—I couldn ... Read more
Sue Maize May you continue to recover well Donnie! I hope your job isn’t too physically strenuous—I couldn’t imagine returning to work tmrw! Blessings! ❤️🩹🙏🏻
Hi Sue. WalMart sells a Fruit of the Earth vitamin E skin care cream. It comes in a white plastic 4 ounce jar. Just apply it every day after you take a... Read more
Hi Sue. WalMart sells a Fruit of the Earth vitamin E skin care cream. It comes in a white plastic 4 ounce jar. Just apply it every day after you take a shower I've been using it for almost a year and my scar is the color of my skin. It's also minimizes development of a keloid.
Sue Maize Thanks so much for the tip Jo Ann! My gp suggested Vaseline for now but I know a lot of people have h ... Read more
Sue Maize Thanks so much for the tip Jo Ann! My gp suggested Vaseline for now but I know a lot of people have had good luck with the Vit E cream. I will keep an eye out for this one next time I’m in Walmart. 😊
Wear it with pride. Who needs a tattoo? My scar is still red-ish since feb '20. It's a scar afterall, and great to be alive.
Richard Munson Now i’m getting jealous with all this scar talk. I got this measly little minimally invasive scar. ... Read more
Richard Munson Now i’m getting jealous with all this scar talk. I got this measly little minimally invasive scar. I might get a scar tattoo in the middle of my chest.
Sue, it will fade over time and it is healing nicely. Some people get tattooed and we get a lifeline marking. It reminds us everyday to count our blessings ...Read more
Sue, it will fade over time and it is healing nicely. Some people get tattooed and we get a lifeline marking. It reminds us everyday to count our blessings to be alive and help others going through the same health experiences. It will lighten up.
Karen Hommel My scar is over 8 inches long, healed quickly. It reminds me that i am a valve warrior. My husband ke ... Read more
Karen Hommel My scar is over 8 inches long, healed quickly. It reminds me that i am a valve warrior. My husband keeps asking me to stop showing it to people, but I can’t help myself lol. ❤️
Marie Myers At 7 years, my scar is hardly noticeable! It is just a thin, pale line…Give it time!
Christine Maiorano Hi Sue ,my surgery was 4-10-24 and my scar is healing beautifully. Plus I'm kind of proud I'm a true ... Read more
Christine Maiorano Hi Sue ,my surgery was 4-10-24 and my scar is healing beautifully. Plus I'm kind of proud I'm a true warrior.My incision is called an Evening Gown scar, about 8 inches long.😊
Daneen Douglas Mine is redder below the part that shows. I thought it would be reversed but I have been endowed whi ... Read more
Daneen Douglas Mine is redder below the part that shows. I thought it would be reversed but I have been endowed which probably makes that lower area under a little more strain, lol!🤣🤪 Vitamin e oil is helping though! I’m proud of my scar too! My husband says he likes my scar which is cute!
It’s very normal. I had the same very skilled surgeon in October 2020. My incision healed beautifully. Do not worry give it time. The most important ...Read more
It’s very normal. I had the same very skilled surgeon in October 2020. My incision healed beautifully. Do not worry give it time. The most important is that u are improving each day. Listen to your body and advocate for yourself. Good luck and speedy recovery .Sending u virtual hugs.Agi
Saw your photo and question. 5 weeks I bet is completely normal for redness in a surgical incision of that magnitude.
Other than signs of skin infection, healing deep tissue scars normally show red like yours in my experience. Obviously ask your surgeon or cardiologist if it really worries you. Mine was red for probably 15 weeks or so before it started fading to plain 'skin' color.
For me, Aortic Stenosis remedied with a bovine valve on Sept 27 2023. Progressed from minor to severe stenosis in less than four years, which troubles me still. My valve seems to be working great, my resting heart rate seems to be coming down with greater activity, plus I live in the Hot Central Valley of CA, which means I lose weight in summer just by sweating.
Good luck to your ongoing recovery, every day I am reminded I was really fortunate to wake up in ICU and see my wife there. It's definitely a new day for us.... something to be joyful of for sure!
Sue Maize You’re so right about our good fortune Scott—it’s quite an experience to feel so acutely aware ... Read more
Sue Maize You’re so right about our good fortune Scott—it’s quite an experience to feel so acutely aware of your own mortality, but to then go on to live a better and healthier life! Wow, such a gift! Thanks for responding and prayers for even better days ahead. ❤️🩹🙏🏻 P.S. Stay well hydrated!! 💦 😉