I had aortic valve replaced on Aug 27, 2018. I recovered and went to back to work in 4 weeks. My resting heart rate used to be 55-60 bps before surgery, now it is 70-80 bps. Does anyone else have similar experience? Jake

I have crossed all of my t’s and dotted all of my i’s. I have written, signed, witnessed, & notarized my will, living will, and medical power of attorney. I have packed my bag for the hospital stay (estimated 5-7 days). I have my list of what I need for rehab after (estimated 7-10 days). I have completed all of my pre-surgical tests & appointments. Thanks to this web site & Adam’s book - I feel prepared & ready for what will come after my ❤️ Surgery.

I just wish I had more energy to complete a few more chores before I fly up to Seattle from Pasco, WA (Tri-Cities area, S. Central WA State) on Thursday evening, 12/20/2018. But, I can only do what my body allows me to. Love & Peace, ❤️✌🏻👼🏻

Had a great visit at the surgeon's office today. All meds are gone, all bans are lifted - I feel like my transformation is complete. My former human dynamo, sassy self is returning:) Also that thing on my incision that we all thought was the scab that wouldn't go away turned out to be a stitch that was pushing through like a daisy! Imagine that. Now all I got to do is win the lottery.

Mariann writes, "HI Karrie,
My daughter was 17 when she had surgery18 months ago, at an "adult" hospital.Talk about scary, she was the youngest one on her floor by decades. Her HR stayed in the 130-150 for about 6 months after surgery. She actually was on about 150 mg. of metoprolol a day. Then all of a sudden, it went back to normal. She has been in the 100 range for about a year now. I did go out and get a Kardia monitor. It was the best $90 I spent. Sounds like he will do great. "

Merry Christmas! Haven't posted in quite a while, but try to keep up with everyone's postings. My valve leak continues to stay the same, as I continue to have my echo's. Problems with the visual disturbances continue, but I have learned to live with that. Not pleasant, but it is a complication that sometimes happens being on the heart/lung machine. I am on a medication which does help some, but this fall and winter have really been hard on me. Headaches continue, some worse than others, and our weather doesn't help. It is so rewarding to read everyone's posts, and knowing that we continue to pray for speedy recoveries for all. We are a special group, and I for one certainly thank Adam's Blog for getting us together to share our ups and downs. A blessed Merry Christmas to all.

Spent several hours today going through pre-surgery tests, including ultrasound of my carotid, ultrasound vein mapping of my legs, chest xray, EKG, and lots of lab work. Tests mostly ok, although some labwork came back abnormal and I have to start some antibiotics tonight. I also got to talk with a CICU nurse and see the CICU. One thing I found interesting was the nurse told me that their patients don't complain about the pain in their sternum after surgery, but mostly about the pain from the chest tubes. Anyone have thoughts on this and if this is the case, any suggestions from those who have been there on how to deal with it. Also, I am nervous about being awake and alert before the breathing tube is removed. Any suggestions or recommendations on how not to panic?

Hard to believe it was 60 days ago that Dr. Robert Lancey performed open heart surgery on me to replace my calcified and bicuspid aortic valve with a bovine valve. Again the prayers and encouraging comments before and after the surgery played a big role in the strong recovery. I’m sure my friends are tired of my heart updates but I’m proud of them. Here’s a recap of some of the highlights during the recovery the past 60 days.

Oct 15 - 4+ hour surgery
Oct 16 - Walked four times in the hospital
Oct 18 - Lou and Betsy treated me to a Chick Fil A chocolate milkshake
Oct 19 - Released from the hospital and back home
Oct 28 - Attended Community Church
Oct 30 - Attended my weekly Rotary club meeting. Walked 1.3 miles outside
Nov 3 - Walked 3.8 miles outside
Nov 9 - Allowed to drive a car
Nov 12 - Walked 5.3 miles outside
Nov 14 - One month check-up with Dr. Lancey who released me from his care
Nov 17 - F3 workout (modified)
Nov 18 - Ran 2 miles
Nov 19 - Back to the office
Nov 25 - Ran 6 miles
Dec 2 - Ran 3.4 miles
Dec 8 - Played a game of one-on-one basketball.
Dec 12 - Led an F3 workout
Dec 14 - 60 days since getting a new aortic valve

I am looking for anyone who has had repair done at Kaiser (Portal Entry) and who their Dr. was. Otherwise I need to talk with someone who has switched from Kaiser to another plan in order to get a good heart surgeon and how they did it or could afford it? Its all a foreign language to me. Covered Ca is closing tomorrow (Saturday) and I need some help

Hard to believe that today, Dec 14, 2018, will be 4 years since my heart valve replacement! My heart is doing really well, so grateful! thanks to my incredible heart surgeon, Dr. Sharo Raissi!

Not so great news, 2018 has been quite a roller coaster ride! I've been preoccupied with a new problem. I’ve spoken about in my journals. My symptoms started out with migraines, pressure headaches as if my head was in a vice grip, pain on the left side of my head including left ear tinnitus, and panic/anxiety attacks that I thought were seizures. I thought my body was giving up! There were multiple symptoms, and I felt vulnerable and sensitive to everything. The tinnitus was freaking me out, causing major anxiety, and would get quite loud in my left ear. An ear plug in my left ear is helpful as I’ve become very sensitive to noise, which also causes the head pain.
In the midst of all this, I went to 5 different doctors, my GP, an ENT doctor, 2 neurologists and a neuro surgeon. The 1st Neurologist took multiple tests, and basically found nothing! The 2nd neurologist found a benign meningioma tumor in my brain and about 10 punctuate microhemorrhages. He prescribed anti-depressants! But I refuse to take them. I am not depressed….I just want to know what is going on so I can fix it! He also said that the microhemorrhages are from the heart surgery, but the Neurosurgeon says that it is typical for an aging brain. I am 67 yrs old! The neuro surgeon recommended that I see him in a year with a new MRI to compare with the one from last year. And that’s all I can do for now besides maintaining my health by eating right, getting enough sleep on a nightly basis and exercising.
After several months of frustration and devastation, sickness and generally feeling at a loss, I have finally come to terms with myself. It’s been difficult, but it could have been worse. So I dusted myself off, pulled myself together and put things into perspective! I also found a great formula that is working for me, keeping migraines and pressure headaches at an all-time low. I sleep better and I feel better. I meditate, walk more often, and eat healthier. My headaches, migraines, and symptoms were greatly reduced! CBD is my miracle medication. I take half a dropper under my tongue each night, and I vape a mixture of CBD, & CBG throughout the day. It keeps me calm, headache free, and I can sleep at night! No side effects whatsoever, so awesome! It helps with arthritic pain, inflammation, nausea, and mood. It also helps keep the tinnitus volume low. As long as I can sleep and manage my headaches and migraines, the tinnitus is more manageable! I am hanging in there!
Back in July 2018, saw my cardiologist’s assistant, and all is great with my heart! I am due for an Echo next July 2019. My only problem is a bit of tightness in my chest when walking on an incline, but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything that I want to do. I am grateful every day for 4 successful heart years! I wish all of you the best experience. It is a journey that no one else can understand except for us, who have gone through it…..we are heart warriors! May you enjoy the holiday season…this too shall pass…..one day at a time!