Alan's Journal

Ocular migraines after heart valve replacement: I had very infrequent ocular migraines early in my life. They were very infrequent. However, after AVR in Sept of 2019, they returned and recently have become very frequent. Typically, there exhibit 30 minutes of aura then fade away without headache and I can get 3 or 4 a month. Has anyone had any experience with the affect of AAVR on migraine visual aura?

Eight weeks post-op and doing great. Pain is almost gone except when I cough or sneeze. My energy level is 90%, and I start cardiac rehab on December 2. I have to say the folks at Cleveland Clinic were fantastic. Everyone was kind, considerate, and the hospital is wonderfully efficient. My surgeon, Dr. Gost Petterrson, came highly recommended by several cardiologists in D.C. and my scar is almost invisible. I also got a Relias Inspira valve. Thanks to evryone on the blog for their support.

This Wed I complete 7 weeks post op. Overall, I feel pretty good. I as walking two miles each day an feel reasonably energetic. However, although my incision look very good, I stall have a fair amount of discomfort. It feels sore and itchy. The pain has only required minimal use of Tylenol. Has anyone had a similar experience? I had a minimal invasive surgery, 3 inch upper chest.

Post Surgery Pain I am just over four weeks after surgery. I had a mini sternotomy and still am experiencing a lot of soarness at incision site. Otherwise, I feel pretty good. Managing the pain with Tylenol. Wondering when the pain might dimish.

Recovery is slow but progressing. I am walking 5-6 city blocks each day. Biggest complaints are pain around the incision and weekly migrane attacks, mostly aura with little or no headache. I had these earlier in life, around 3 to 4 each year and the surgery seems to have brought them back. I am told that the increased blood flow to the brain might be responsible and have read about others with this problem. All in all, I am doing pretty well and am very thankful. I also found that Cleveland Clinic has a 24 hour nurse hotline to answer any questions which is very helpful. Thanks to all of you for your continued support.

I returned home to Arlington, VA. I am 12 days post-surgery. While I am still very sore - especially around the incision, I am ok. I have to say, the entire episode went flawlessly. My coronary arteries were clear. So, I had a minimal incision - only 4." The Cleveland Clinic was fantastic. Not only did I have one of the top surgeons, Dr. Gosta Petterson, but the entire team was superb. I am so glad I came to Cleveland Clinic. These folks are masters at what they do. I also received one of the new Edwards Relias Inspira valves which not only has unique calcification resistance but is TAVR ready should it ever need to be replaced. I look forward to a successful recovery and appreciate the opportunity the CC folks have given me to enjoy the rest of a full life. Thanks to all of you for your support. I will continue to post as my recovery progresses.

Tomorrow is the day. The good news yesterday was that my coronary arteries are clear. So, I am going to get a minimally invasive surgery. So far the Cleveland Clinic folk have been wonderful. Everyone has been kind and considerate. The surgery is tomorrow at 6:00 AM. Dr. Gosta Petterson is the surgeon, and I am completely confident in him and his team. Everyone says I will be fine, and I am optimistic although a bit scared. Will post again as soon as I can. Thanks to all of you for your very kind comments.

4 Day to go. I'll be having my aortic valve replaced at Cleveland Clinic. I still have no symptoms, but the valve area is down to 1.0 cm2 and I have severe AR. Dr. Gost Petterrson is the surgeon. It's been 18 years of watchful waiting with ultrasounds every six months or so. I'm 68 and the Drs say there will never be a better time to get this done. The aortic route is normal size, and I have no other history of heart problems. Will have a Relias Inspira valve and hoping that this will be the only heat surgery I will need. This is all very scary, but I know Petterson and the Cleveland Clinic are the best bet. Any good wishes welcome.

Scheduled for an aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Gosta Petterrson. It's a bi-cuspid valve discovered 18 years ago and watched continuously every six months by doctors at John Hopkins. I'm 68 and in good health otherwise and am hoping for the best. Anyone have experience with Dr. Petterrson. Two cardiologists recommended him, and he seems to be one of the best.

I am 68. Nearly 18 years ago, I discovered I had a leaking bicuspid valve in a routine physical exam. The first cardiologist I saw did a stress echo and told me that if I didn't get heart surgery in one year, I would be dead in five years. After the initial shock, we ended up at John Hopkins where they determined that while the valve was leaking, it was nowhere near time to operate.

I am 68. Nearly 18 years ago, I discovered I had a leaking bicuspid valve in a routine physical exam. The first cardiologist I saw did a stress echo and told me that if I didn't get heart surgery in one year, I would be dead in five years. After the initial shock, we ended up at John Hopkins where they determined that while the valve was leaking, it was nowhere near time to operate.

I have moderate aortic stenosis. 12 years ago it was discovered that I had significant aortic regurgitation and likely had a bicuspid aortic valve. I have had echocardiograms every six months for the last 12 years and the prognosis is that I will need surgery in the next year or two. Pretty scary but I am thankful that I have been able to live to 66 years as so many need the surgery earlier. I have done so much research and will I Iikey have the surgery done by Dr. Paul Stelzer who I have known since the condition was first discovered. Will continue to right and post as I get nearer to surgery.