News Feed For Patients With Heart Valve Disease

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Cheryl Bast I just read your post and I am so sorry that you have to go through this trauma again. I can't help y ... Read more

Valerie Allen Oh, I’m so sorry you have to face this situation yet again! I would be beside myself. Heart surgery ... Read more

Alina Wilson Kate, as you know, I have been so touched by your story already - by your resilience and courage to d ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi Kate,
Reading your story and wishing you well ❤️‍🩹.
When I was preparing for my su ... Read more

Nancy Bukowski Hi Kate, I am sorry to hear this. I too just found out that I am most likely faced with a second mi ... Read more

Michael Ponzio I’m so sorry that you’re going through this. I will be praying for you. 🙏🙏🙏

Kate Watson Thank you all so much, truly appreciate the words and suggestions from all of you.

Will follow up o... Read more

Nancy Bukowski Here’s one more I found for you- Read more

Daisy Tannergot a new guestbook post

14 hours ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Deena Z writes, "Almost there, Daisy. Hang-in-there. With robotic you’re recovery is usually so much easier.
"

Simon Mezzposted an update

19 hours ago

Hi everyone, I’m going to need surgery in the next 12 months for bicuspid valve and anerysuem.
I’ve been thinking about recovery in ICU and wondering ...Read more
Hi everyone, I’m going to need surgery in the next 12 months for bicuspid valve and anerysuem.
I’ve been thinking about recovery in ICU and wondering what people’s thoughts are on sedation? Personally I’m not a fan of sedation, particularly when it also causes amnesia as I feel it takes all control from me and I prefer to know what’s going on.
Has anyone gone down the path of minimal sedation or no sedation in ICU and if so, did it help longer term mentally?
I’d prefer the focus to be on pain relief, reassuring that I’m safe, having a family member with me and being part of the journey rather than having drugs to make me forget.
I have a feeling a lot of people might disagree, however I’d be keen to hear from someone else who dislikes amnesia to see what’s possible….

Marie Myers I believe you would only be sedated if you were still intubated , ventilated, and not ready for extub ... Read more
Marie Myers I believe you would only be sedated if you were still intubated , ventilated, and not ready for extubation yet, or if you were unusually disoriented and in fighting mode. Otherwise, as you will be slowly waking up from the anesthesia, and when ready for extubation, the sedation is stopped. General ongoing sedation during the ICU stay is not the norm.

Simon Mezz Thanks Marie, what’s the purpose of sedating a patient while intubated? It seems this is standard p ... Read more
Simon Mezz Thanks Marie, what’s the purpose of sedating a patient while intubated? It seems this is standard practice rather than allowing someone to wake up and then be managed for pain while intubated. I just have fear of becoming confused if Im sedated and having to deal with a tube down my throat, as well as the many other tubes etc. I think I’d cope better if I was allowed to orientate myself without being sedated while intubated. Seems there were lots of intubated people during Covid that we alert and not sedated so just wondering if it’s ever like that in icu after surgery..

Rose Madura I think you are worrying too much about it. I would discuss it with the anesthesiologist when the ti ... Read more
Rose Madura I think you are worrying too much about it. I would discuss it with the anesthesiologist when the time comes. That being said, I had the breathing tube in when I woke up but don't remember if I was sedated or not. I was aware of everything going on from the moment I awoke.

Simon Mezz Thanks Rose, I will discuss when the time comes however I’d like to just have the same experience y ... Read more
Simon Mezz Thanks Rose, I will discuss when the time comes however I’d like to just have the same experience you had where you were aware from when you woke up. Do you know how long it is (average if all is ok) from when you wake up to when you’re extubated?

Marie Myers It Isn’t always easy to be awake and intubated. It will bother some people more than others. If you ... Read more
Marie Myers It Isn’t always easy to be awake and intubated. It will bother some people more than others. If you are tolerating it well, they will not probably give you ongoing sedation. And yes, there are plenty of people who are intubated and can manage it with nothing, or only with the as-needed pain medications. Every case is different , and depending how your case goes, how you react, and your vital signs, you may not get sedation in ICU. The goal is letting you wake up from the anesthetic, not to keep you sedated. Some people get extubated in the OR, and some people go to ICU intubated. Once again, it all depends on how your surgery goes, your condition and vital signs, and the preference of the surgical team. Hope that answers some of your questions.

Robert Miller I am not sure I understand the question. If you go through heart surgery, you will get full sedation. ... Read more
Robert Miller I am not sure I understand the question. If you go through heart surgery, you will get full sedation. There is no other way around it. I am not sure about minimal invasive surgery but I suspect you will also get full sedation. You will be in an ICU room for probably 2-3 days. They don't keep you sedated there. Check out the learning center. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Learning Center for Heart Valve Disease & Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Get important facts about heart valve disease, symptoms, risks and treatment.

Yumiko Ishida I would talk to the anesthesiologist as Rose suggests. Sedation always knocks me out, so I make sure ... Read more
Yumiko Ishida I would talk to the anesthesiologist as Rose suggests. Sedation always knocks me out, so I make sure I communicate my concerns before any kind of procedure. As Robert says, there is no way around general anesthesia with heart surgery. Pains meds affect your brain, too, so it really comes down to having to weigh risk vs benefit. Compared to anesthesia, sedation’s effect on your brain is minimal in the long run. Being in pain or frightened or having elevated anxiety is not good, either. The good news is you will recover eventually. I knew I would need help after my surgery, so requested neuro therapy ahead of time.

J Alexander Lassally I believe you're speaking of the grey zone between surgery completion and extubation... many patient, ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally I believe you're speaking of the grey zone between surgery completion and extubation... many patient, myself included, do have to be sedated further to keep calm while waiting for key breathing parameters to normalize... Each patient is different - many, myself included, could not follow commands for a period of time. Extra drugs keep things safe. I would not behave for a period of time and needed these drugs. This was in my best interest, and I am grateful for the drugs...
You can talk about it - but honestly, amnesia will be the least of your problems in the 24 hours post surgery!!!!

Simon Mezz Thanks for the feedback everyone. This might not be an issue and is something I’m trying to underst ... Read more
Simon Mezz Thanks for the feedback everyone. This might not be an issue and is something I’m trying to understand. Yumiko, what is neuro therapy and did it help you?

Robert, I am referring to the time in ICU between coming out of the general and being extubated. I don’t have concerns about the general but after some research Dr Google has provided differing views about what happens in ICU and some problems people can have during this time. I’ll check out the learning centre too, thanks for the link. So far, this forum has been awesome as there is nothing better than sharing real experiences.

Simon Mezz I just read the “emotional changes” after surgery in the learning centre. This is what I’m tryi ... Read more
Simon Mezz I just read the “emotional changes” after surgery in the learning centre. This is what I’m trying to learn about and to see if there’s anything during recovery that could mitigate this. I might be wrong, but do feel the stage between waking from general and being extubated is important and could create longer term issues depending on drugs used, patient reactions etc…

Susan Lynn Seek out a surgeon and anesthesiologist who believe in early extubation. There are some who remove ... Read more
Susan Lynn Seek out a surgeon and anesthesiologist who believe in early extubation. There are some who remove the tube in the ER.
I'm not sure if you're referring to cardiac depression when you say emotional changes. It does happen to some people, but I'm not aware that it's been scientifically tied to post-op sedation. Good question.

Simon Mezz Thanks Susan, agree that early extubation would no doubt be very helpful. I'm grateful that I have ti ... Read more
Simon Mezz Thanks Susan, agree that early extubation would no doubt be very helpful. I'm grateful that I have time to research and ask about all these details. Next step will be finding a good surgeon...

New Posts About Atrial Fibrillation

Patient Alert: New Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines to Prevent Stroke Risk
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Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and mitral valve regurgitation are often interconnected. Mitral regurgitation occurs when... Read More.

Daisy Tannergot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Daisy Tanner, Rose Madura, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Ana Brusso writes, "Praying for your successful surgery and recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️"

Daisy Tanner Thank you so much Ana! 🙏🏼 it’s getting real. I was fine until today realizing I’m a couple ... Read more
Daisy Tanner Thank you so much Ana! 🙏🏼 it’s getting real. I was fine until today realizing I’m a couple days away.l’m feeling some nervousness creeping in. Yikes!

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Best wishes for you and your surgery!

Corey Potter Best wishes to you on your surgery and recovery!

Kimberly Eisenhut Daisy, you will do great! I just know it! We will be here to welcome you when you are on the other s... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut Daisy, you will do great! I just know it! We will be here to welcome you when you are on the other side of this and know we are praying for you and sending lots of hugs, love and peace your way

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Educational Video About Aortic Stenosis

Women's Heart Alert: SMART Clinical Trial Reveals Medtronic Evolut TAVR Treatment Advantages

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Roxana Mehran

Women's Heart Alert: SMART Clinical Trial Reveals Medtronic Evolut TAVR Treatment Advantages

Nancy Bukowskijust updated her profile

1 day ago

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Denise Agnewposted an update

1 day ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Hi there everyone. My operation was May 9. Was supposed to be a three hour surgery with mitral valve repair or replacement and Mase procedure to correct aFib. ...Read more
Hi there everyone. My operation was May 9. Was supposed to be a three hour surgery with mitral valve repair or replacement and Mase procedure to correct aFib. Ended up being more then five hours because the surgeon attempted two repairs that wouldn't take so I was given a mechanical valve (which I knew ahead of time might happen.) I ended up getting a pacemaker a few days later because my heart rate wouldn't maintain any higher than in the 40's without it. So I was in the hospital ten days. Feeling pretty good at present and was happy to finally get rid of most of the water weight I accumulated (especially the puffy ankles) just this last Friday. Question: I still have a "ticklish" throat and my voice is more hoarse than normal. I've heard that it can take a while for the throat to get back to normal. Anyone else have this experience?

Rose Madura Hi Denise it sounds like you've have a rough day to go! I'm sorry you've had to deal with so much bu ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Denise it sounds like you've have a rough day to go! I'm sorry you've had to deal with so much but glad you are on the mend. Yes, scratchy throat is normal from the breathing tube. I don't remember how long mine felt that way but do know it will get better in time. Throat losengers will help.

Robert Miller They put me on a temporary pacemaker and initially that think really zapped me. In any case, to addre ... Read more
Robert Miller They put me on a temporary pacemaker and initially that think really zapped me. In any case, to address your question about the throat, I did feel a bit bad for the first couple of day or so. But it goes away. Try to eat food that is easier to swallow like jell-o, soup, salad, etc. Eventually, it should go away.

Denise Agnew Thanks Rose and Robert. Fortunately my throat has never been sore, so that’s a plus. This is just s ... Read more
Denise Agnew Thanks Rose and Robert. Fortunately my throat has never been sore, so that’s a plus. This is just scratchy, hoarse throat that sometimes becomes a cough. I’ve considered the throat lozenges and thought I’d check with my pharmacist if they recommend a particular kind that don’t in any way interfere with meds I’m taking.

Daniel Gillbanks got a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Scott Mills writes, "Hi Daniel,

I’m just under 3 weeks out from a Ross / Aneurysm repair done in Kitchener. Feel free to reach out if I can answer any questions. Scott"

Don Wiggintonjust updated his profile

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St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Edgewood, KY - Sponsored

Gary Fabre

“I just went in for an annual check-up. After listening to my heart, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. I never knew I had a heart murmur, and I didn’t know much about them. The images ... Read more.

“I just went in for an annual check-up. After listening to my heart, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. I never knew I had a heart murmur, and I didn’t know much about them. The images showed that I had a severe mitral valve prolapse.

We made the decision, at the time, to keep an eye on it for a year because I had no symptoms. Based on my second echocardiogram, it was determined that my mitral valve prolapse had progressed, and it was time for surgery. Now, I am ecstatic to say that my wife and I just returned from a 10-day holiday in Saint Lucia which included four scuba dives.

Dr. Castillo-Sang gave me the confidence that I would be able to dive again, and he was 100% correct."

-- Gary Fabre, heart valve patient

Kim Neuhausgot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Ruth joy writes, "Hi Kim ,
Welcome "

Ana Brusso Hello Kim and praying for your upcoming surgery to be successful. Blessings 🙏❤️

Diren Pjust updated his profile

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Łukasz Roggenbuck got a new guestbook post

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Ruth joy writes, "Hi Lukasz ,
Welcome "

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Tony Westgot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Ruth joy writes, "Hi Tony ,
Welcome
Lovely photos !!!"

Linda Klasjust updated her profile

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Richard Munsongot a new guestbook post

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Kimberly Eisenhut writes, "Richard, Just checking in to see how you are doing. hope your car has gotten fixed and you are able to go to some shows soon :)
Give Shadow a pet for me and... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut writes, "Richard, Just checking in to see how you are doing. hope your car has gotten fixed and you are able to go to some shows soon :)
Give Shadow a pet for me and tell Nancy hello"

Richard Munson Car fixed thank you. When i doubt replace everything. Not hearts of course.

Tony Westposted a photo

2 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Suzette Schear, Rose Madura and 3 others reacted to this

Richard Munson Cute

Rose Madura Great picture!

Ana Brusso Adorable baby 🥰

Meet Dr. Michael Bowdish
Los Angeles, CA
Sponsored

Meet Dr. Michael Bowdish

Los Angeles, CA - Sponsored

Hello! My name is Dr. Michael Bowdish and I am a cardiac surgeon having graduated from Washington University School of Medicine in 1998. To date, I have performed approximately 2,500 cardiac surgeries, of which more than 1,500 involved heart valve procedures. I regularly perform surgery at hospitals including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Huntington Health. Read more...

I believe my greatest strength is I have an unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Second, I desire every patient to make an informed decision in a manner that is respectful, compassionate, and respectful of patient autonomy. Ultimately, my goal is to help patients work through the fear and concerns associated with having heart surgery to live better, longer, more fulfilling lives.

Tony Westposted a photo

2 days ago

Suzette Schear, Rose Madura, Daisy Tanner reacted to this

Kimberly Eisenhut Beautiful couple! This is beautiful You are truly blessed

Rose Madura Great picture again!

Tony Westjust updated his profile

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Łukasz Roggenbuck just updated his profile

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Dan Fouratt Welcome to the group. None of us are here because we want to be but we are all here to support each ... Read more
Dan Fouratt Welcome to the group. None of us are here because we want to be but we are all here to support each other. Please ask any question on your mind.

Vicki E.posted an update

3 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Daisy Tanner reacted to this

I am due for my 2nd open heart surgery on July 15th. 3 valves will be replaced. Aorota, Mitral valve which is calcified both with be replaced with mechanical ...Read more
I am due for my 2nd open heart surgery on July 15th. 3 valves will be replaced. Aorota, Mitral valve which is calcified both with be replaced with mechanical valve and tricuspid that will be replaced via tissue. I am going to KU Med in Kansas City same surgeon I had last time, 10 years ago. I am 67, 100lbs less than last time. I walk on the treadmill 3 miles every day. However doctor says there is a 2-3% risk of stroke, heart attack or death because the mitral valve calcification. It will be tricky. I am SO scared. I am trying to look at the 97-98% success! Anyone else have anything similar? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Robert Miller This is how I look at it. If you don't do anything, your chances of having a stroke, heart attach or ... Read more
Robert Miller This is how I look at it. If you don't do anything, your chances of having a stroke, heart attach or death are probably a lot higher. If the unfortunate 2-3% happen in the OR, you have surgeons right next to you. If something should happen during recovery in the hospital, you have nurses right outside your door and doctors close by. One thing I would ask is about removing the appendage of the heart. It's not addressing the calcification part but it's an area where blood clots can form especially if you should develop afib. And to my knowledge, there is no good reason to have that part of the heart. So if you have open heart surgery, I would take care of this. I am confident you will be doing just fine and keep up the work on the treadmill. On the treadmill it can become boring (I usually read news or watch a movie). But if that doesn't work for you, go for walks. Maybe with a friend.

Rita Savelis I had stenosed mitral and aortic valves replaced 10 yrs ago (age 53) and tricuspid valve repaired. I ... Read more
Rita Savelis I had stenosed mitral and aortic valves replaced 10 yrs ago (age 53) and tricuspid valve repaired. I was exhausted afterwards and recovery took some time but now10 years have gone by. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. You sound like you're in great shape which is the best way to go into surgery. There is risk with everything we do, but one moves forward. Take care Vicki.

Marie Myers Congratulations on your 100 lb weight loss! That will go a long way in reducing your risk for surgery ... Read more
Marie Myers Congratulations on your 100 lb weight loss! That will go a long way in reducing your risk for surgery. Keep up with your activity like walking, as I think the better shape you are going in, the better shape you will be coming out of surgery.

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Dorothea Jenkinsjust updated her profile

3 days ago

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Bob Le Vaillantposted an update

3 days ago

Suzette Schear, Susan Lynn, Daisy Tanner and 1 other reacted to this

3 months after TAVI and signed off from the hospital in Brighton back to my consultant in Ashford (Kent). From a week after surgery I've walked between 3-4 ...Read more
3 months after TAVI and signed off from the hospital in Brighton back to my consultant in Ashford (Kent). From a week after surgery I've walked between 3-4 miles each day with my dog. No longer breathless. My whole body regained warmth. I sleep up to 7 hours a night and have a good appetite. I have no idea who operated, but I shall be eternally grateful. Good luck, America..!

Marie Myers Congratulations on your sucessful TAVI!!

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Congratulations, best wishes for you.

Rose Madura Wonderful news

Deena Z What a renewal on life.❤️

Kimberly Eisenhut What a cute dog! Good for you Bob!

Susan Lynn Great news! Wonderful photo!

Ana Brusso Great post Bob, congratulations and continued good health. God bless you and your dog. He is beautifu ... Read more
Ana Brusso Great post Bob, congratulations and continued good health. God bless you and your dog. He is beautiful 🙏❤️

Jamie Griffithposted an update

4 days ago

Rose Madura, Yumiko Ishida reacted to this

Today marks my 18-mo post-op for my 2nd OHS. I had a MV repair at Michigan Medical, performed by Dr. Steven Bolling, December 5, 2023. My 4-week and 6-mo ...Read more
Today marks my 18-mo post-op for my 2nd OHS. I had a MV repair at Michigan Medical, performed by Dr. Steven Bolling, December 5, 2023. My 4-week and 6-mo post-op echos presented with LVEF falling from pre-op 50-55% to 35%. I have since learned that a post-op decline is typical. In July 2024, my cardiologist increased my medical therapy to include Entesto and Jardiance. I was also prescribed a beta blocker (Carvedilol) and Aldactone post-op. Today my echo results were posted, and my cardiologist sent me a note. My LVEF is now near normal at 50%. Since I do have some “side effects” from all the meds, I was dreading that my EV was perhaps lower than it was a yr-ago. Waking up from surgery was one of the best recent days in my life. Today’s news was not quite as great, but a close second (medically). I continue to review this site weekly to check-in with all my heart warriors. Knowing I needed surgery was always something I dreaded. This site helped me know what to expect. I felt prepared and knowledgeable going in and at peace with what was ahead. 18-months later, I am relieved at my current scenario. For everyone currently “in waiting”, you can do it!

Rose Madura Jamie, what a great post and what wonderful news! Thanks for sharing. 👍

Jamie Griffith Thank you, Rose.

Marie Myers Wonderful post!

Deena Z Jamie, what a relief for you and an optimism to share with others as they approach surgery.

Ana Brusso Thank you for your very positive post. Congratulations and God bless you 🙏❤️

Thomas Reidposted a journal

4 days ago

Daisy Tanner, Rose Madura reacted to this

Quick update. Did a little hike this last week for my 60th birthday. Grand Canyon - South Rim to North Rim to South Rim in one day. 45 miles, 11,550' of climbing.The ...Read more
Quick update. Did a little hike this last week for my 60th birthday. Grand Canyon - South Rim to North Rim to South Rim in one day. 45 miles, 11,550' of climbing.The heart doing well!
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Daisy Tanner Wow! I love these success stories of those going back to their lives and feeling great! Thank you fo... Read more
Daisy Tanner Wow! I love these success stories of those going back to their lives and feeling great! Thank you for sharing.

Rose Madura Wow! That's to fantastic and great to hear! Congratulations! 👍

Deena Z Keep on trekking, Thomas. All you, post surgery.

Robert Miller 45 miles in one day?! If you walk at 4 miles/hour, which is a pretty good pace, that's some 11 hours. ... Read more
Robert Miller 45 miles in one day?! If you walk at 4 miles/hour, which is a pretty good pace, that's some 11 hours... After my second surgery I did ~15 miles in Yosemite with some 5k feet elevation (up and 5k down) and even our son was looking forward to a cold drink... I was still energized, though. My wife left me behind at Glacier Point after some 5 miles and 3,300 feet incline. But our son joined going forward. I think he just wanted to make sure I am fine.

45 miles in a single day is incredible.

Robert Miller View from a higher elevation. We went up on one mountain side, walked over to the other mountain side ... Read more
Robert Miller View from a higher elevation. We went up on one mountain side, walked over to the other mountain side to that waterfall in the center, then down to the three waterfalls below and finally back down to the valley.

Yumiko Ishida Rim to rim and back in one day? That’s crazy!

Thomas Reidjust updated his profile

4 days ago

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