Home > Community > Patient News Feed > Andrea Babcock

Andrea's Photos

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Mitral Regurgitation, Atrial Fibrillation

Member Since: November 12, 2023

Send Andrea a Guestbook

My Photos

Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Week 8 was Dean's 65th Birthday weekend in Palm Desert. First swim in a pool and hike in Joshua Tree National Park. He is feeling back to normal, full of energy and no issues at all. The fast dry Tank top worked out well. He is driving his RAM truck.... Read more.
❤️ Pamela Gregory, Yumiko Ishida and reacted to this
Andrea Babcock
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
He never had many symptoms prior to surgery and he has no symptoms now after. We are very happy.
Valerie Allen
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Andrea, this is a wonderful report! So glad your husband is doing so well!
Dan Fouratt
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Awesome, enjoy Europe
Pam Dahl
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Great news! Have a fabulous trip! My hubby's surgery is this Friday.
Sue Maize
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Wonderful news that we love to hear! So glad he's doing so well! Enjoy Europe—I can't wait to re-schedule my Italy trip that was planned for right now.
Ana Brusso
2 years ago (April 16, 2024)
Great positive post Andrea. Thank you
Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
Day 17: We had been doing small walks and today Dean and I walked our dog around our whole block. Dean felt good and strong. At which point after surgery did you guys start using small 5lbs dumbells for arm exercises? He wants to start in another week because he... Read more.
❤️ 👍 Nancy Romero, Yumiko Ishida and reacted to this
Dan S-otts
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
In my case I started using 5/8lb weights sitting in a chair and doing curls about week 3. As long as Dean doesn't experience any pain, or feel sternum shifting. As you know everyone's on a slightly different adventure to the same Goal! Take Good Care! 💔❤️🩹❤️
David Rasmusson
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
Because my surgeon primarily installed plates, I was allowed to lift 10 lbs the day after surgery, although I didn't have the opportunity until 5 days later when discharged.
Ana Brusso
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
Go Dean go. Progress is progress and you are doing great. Andrea, thank you for posting. 🙏❤️
Brady Busch
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
My surgery was in November and cardiac rehab started in March,which included using light weights.One of the aids commented,that it was a little late and a lot of people start,a few weeks after.
Rose Madura
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
Great picture and progress. Thanks for the update. I wish I thought to use weights.. I now have those "old people flappy arms" so I'm using weights now. 🤪🥺 I would ask the doctor if it's ok.
Susan Lynn
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
I had a five-pound lifting restriction for three months and didn't have a sternum cut. The weight is taxing on the heart, chest muscles, and probably puts unnecessary strain on internal sutures. Definitely a question for the doctor. ❤️
Pam Dahl
2 years ago (February 25, 2024)
So nice to be 19 days out! Maybe do 2 or 3 pound. My hubbys dr said no more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks.
STEPHEN MORRIS
2 years ago (February 26, 2024)
Mine was in cardic rehab as well.
Andrea Babcock added photos to a journal post
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Day 9 after surgery - Dean came home on Day 7 doing very well per the Surgeon. Dean continues to feel good and better every day. He had no complications. He walks all on his own, has no problem getting in and out of bed and chairs. He does not... Read more.
❤️ Yumiko Ishida, Lie e Van Acker and reacted to this
Andrea Babcock
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
His blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen are all good in normal range. His Afib still comes and goes but we are told it could still go away. He never feels it. They just told us at the hospital. They did the maze ablation during surgery. Fingers crossed that it... Read more.
Pam Dahl
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Such great news! That must so nice being done with the surgery. Continued healing and strength for both of you!
Susan Lynn
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
He looks great for Day 9! The fatigue does linger for quite awhile and showers were exhausting for me for a long time. Keep them short and warm - not hot. I never knew a shower could drop blood pressure. I wish Dean continued success with the remainder of his... Read more.
Dan S-otts
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
👍🏻 Good to hear. Dean, the scar will be a reminder in a few years that you actually had OHS. Some days I look in the mirror and can't believe it happened. Take Good Care! 💔❤️🩹❤️
Daneen Douglas
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Such great news! Be proud of your battle scar! I know I will be despite the horror, lol!
Ana Brusso
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Home sweet home. Congratulations Dean. Don't mind the scar, it saved your life. Continued good health and God bless you and Andrea. 🙏❤️❤️🩹
Rose Madura
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Wonderful news! Don't worry about the scar, I. A year or two, you won't even notice it. Remember, slow and steady. Glad you are taking naps when you need them.
Barbara DeLoache
2 years ago (February 16, 2024)
Wow! Looking good! Congratulations !
Anonymous, heart valve patient
Anonymous
2 years ago (February 17, 2024)
Quote from Arnold: Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. Looking good Dean 👍. Maybe you can add an impersonation video for us.😀
Susan Eckermann
2 years ago (February 17, 2024)
Great news! He's doing amazing and fortunate to have a wonderful caretaker. I also had Maze and it took 3-4 months until my A-fib resolved. The scar will fade, but it is an earned badge of honor. I was so concerned about mine initially, but 1+ year post-surgery, it's very... Read more.
Daneen Douglas
2 years ago (February 17, 2024)
Mitchell, I love the quote!
Teresa Karwan
2 years ago (February 18, 2024)
So encouraging to see and hear. Thank you for sharing. He is blessed to have such a wonderful wife!
Joanne Heckmann
2 years ago (February 21, 2024)
He could use Vitamin E oil to rub gently on the scar.
Andrea Babcock
2 years ago (February 21, 2024)
I just read all your nice notes to Dean. He appreciates them.

Upcoming Surgeries

Paul Turban, heart valve patient
Paul Turban
Aortic Regurgitation
July 31, 2026
Glenda Pates, heart valve patient
Glenda Pates
Aortic Stenosis
July 31, 2026
Peter Florance, heart valve patient
Peter Florance
Mitral Regurgitation
August 4, 2026

Surgeon Finder

Heart Valve Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.

Search Now

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.

Patient's Guide