Wes's Guestbook

Wes Edens  The anesthesia for and after the surgery fogs your memory. I can say that before the procedure, I was worried about what it would be like to wake up with a breathing tube. While you do have to be "awake", you're definitely not awake like you are at this moment. I vaguely remember the nurse telling me to cough as they removed it. It didn't hurt and was not frightening. I don't remember much at all about being in the ICU after surgery. My wife was impressed by how well I was taken care of. No pain, really. I think they removed the urinary catheter before I left the ICU. Again, it sounds awful but it's not. Nurses know how to do this in the blink of an eye. Later, in the longer-term recovery room (Mayo Clinic) some other tubes and wires were removed and disconnected. No problem. I was pretty worried about what it would feel like when the chest tube was removed. It was nothing at all!  I think I was in the hospital for a total of five days. 

At home, I had been anticipating an arduous recovery and had bought a high-priced leather recliner with power. It wasn't really necessary. At first, I thought I would get by with Tylenol, but the discomfort did increase to where I needed something stronger--tramadol, I think. After a couple of days, I didn't need it. I took 3 weeks off work, I think?  I have a desk job, and I probably could have gone back earlier, but they don't want you to drive for 2-3 weeks.   I had to go to a clinic to have my INR tested pretty often because even with a tissue valve, you are on warfarin for a while. Like a month or two?  I can't recall exactly.    After a month or two I started cardiac rehab, which meant going to a specialty rehab clinic and doing some treadmill, bike, and weightlifting exercises while wearing a portable EKG monitor. I only did a month of it, because on my insurance it was about $30 per session.  But I liked the rehab and highly recommend it. 

Walking during recovery is *extremely* important, so I walked about 2-3 miles per day with my wife in our neighborhood for the first month I was back home.

It was a very smooth, and pretty much pain-free experience from surgery to full recovery. I've had much worse times at the dentist!

I had a minimally-invasive procedure rather than going in through the sternum.  The surgeon made a 4" incision on my right side. That gave her a clear look at my mitral valve on the left side (the mitral valve faces over to the right).  My recovery would have been a little longer and more difficult, I think, if she had done it the regular way, through the middle of the chest.

Incidentally, Mayo found out I had lymphoma during the workup for the surgery. The surgeon ordered 3D CT scans to help her map out the procedure, and a bunch of lymph nodes showed enlargement. They did a biopsy and found I had follicular lymphoma. They checked with a lymphoma specialist before rescheduling my procedure. It turns out follicular lymphoma is usually indolent, and doesn't need treatment for a long time. I still haven't been treated for it. I see a hematologist, and we just monitor it closely.

All in all, don't be anxious. You'll have a whole team of people looking after you, and for them it's just another day at work.  As far as valve choices go, hopefully you won't need a replacement. I think at 59, it's really okay to go either way. My wife was a little concerned that mechanical valves make a clicking noise that is audible when it's very quiet!  But I really went with tissue because of the blood thinners. After I was on blood thinners for a few weeks, having to get my finger poked frequently to test INR, I was glad I chose tissue. 

As far as the durability goes, yes, I'll have to get a new one at some point if I'm still around. But technology is changing rapidly, and my surgeon seemed pretty confident that when the day came, I would be able to have the new one popped in via a blood vessel (TAVR) rather than having surgery.  


Make your choice, and don't worry about it. You'll be fine, and probably won't even need a replacement!


Best of luck,


Wes

Walter Bonnett  Wes, you lucked out with the urinary cath. Because I also have BPH. They had a difficult time with insertion of mine.  Consequently,  I STILL have it.  Seeing my urologist Monday AM  to see if I can finally get rid of it. 

Richard Munson  Bill is correct. We are all a little different. I was 78 at the time and the first few nights home i had trouble getting out of bed. Almost but not quite situation. My little tiny wife gave me that little extra boost i needed. Then i rigged up a rope tied to the end of the bed for that little extra tug and i was home free and independent. Just recalling that stabbing pain gives me the shivers. Now 6 months later it is just a faded memory. I had minimally invasive and it still hurt . A recliner was not an option for me due to length of leg in fact the hospital found a bed extension for me and it fit the bill.

Wes Edens  All of this advice and commentary are so helpful. I’m 59 and not in bad shape. I did pull the trigger on the recliner though! So necessary or not, it’s on the way. I can use it, anyway. I don’t have a great place to watch tv or read, and I read a lot!

Wes Edens  Ruby, I found a deal on a new VIVE bed rail on eBay and it's on the way. I have a relative who can use it after me, or if I don't need it. I really appreciate that piece of advice!

Wes Edens  Hi George--I'm pretty new to all this! You might want to post this question to the whole group on the news feed (like under your journal). I will say that I'm watching a great video on the site at this moment, and Dr. Chikwe, a renowned heart valve surgeon, is discussing treating multiple conditions during the same surgery. Maybe that will help you!  https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/life-expectancy/

Liz Draeger  Nichimura is amazing. He is a cardiac god! He will not steer you wrong.
I had mitral repair, tricuspid repair and aortic valve replacement.

Wes Edens  Thanks Dee! I went ahead and ordered a pretty fancy one from La-Z-Boy after trying a bunch out. I've wanted one for a while anyway, for TV watching. Hoping it arrives before I need it!

Wes Edens  Thanks! My insurance is BCBS of AZ which limits me to AZ. My employer has added the contract with Mayo Phoenix/Scottsdale. My existing cardiologist explained the hazards of waiting, so I’m a little anxious. Since technically I should have access to Mayo, right in my backyard, I’m dismayed that I may have to go elsewhere in the state. I appreciate all the feedback here!

Wes Edens  You need an appointment to get in the door. As soon as you step in, you get asked that, along with your COVID screening. You then get a wristband. I know this because I’m being seen in the ENT (ear nose throat) department at Mayo. There are other places doing heart surgery—I’m hoping for a Da Vinci surgery and only Mayo does mitral valve repair with Da Vinci in the state. I’m still hoping for that, but time may dictate otherwise.