i'm 5 months postop from repair of my tricuspid valve at CCF. Echo over a month ago showed only trace regurgitation so things seem to be looking good as far ...Read more
i'm 5 months postop from repair of my tricuspid valve at CCF. Echo over a month ago showed only trace regurgitation so things seem to be looking good as far as the valve goes. However, I developed complete heart block in January and finally decided to have a pacemaker put in last week after EP told me that my rhythm could turn dangerous in a short period of time......no way to predict. Was curious how many on this site have had to go the pacemaker route after valve surgery?
I got a Biotronik Entovis DR-T dual lead model that downloads data to Biotronik while I'm sleeping and alerts my Dr immediately if rhythm doesn't look right. Didn't run one of the leads thru repaired tricuspid valve, put it in coronary sinus where it stimulates left ventricle. The other lead in right atrium.
To be honest, the pacemaker doesn't seem like a big deal so far but I'd obviously prefer to not have one (if for no other reason, the cost). Supposedly, recent studies show you can live a normal lifespan with pacemaker assuming the heart is healthy otherwise. We'll see how the coming weeks go.
Tomorrow 4 weeks post-op and I'm getting in two a days of exercise.....30 mins of walking and arm exercises along with 25 mins on stationary bike later in day. ...Read more
Tomorrow 4 weeks post-op and I'm getting in two a days of exercise.....30 mins of walking and arm exercises along with 25 mins on stationary bike later in day. Nothing too intense; just getting the heart rate up to near 2x from resting heart rate. Also eating good. Gotta get myself in best shape possible for 12/29 followup with cardiologist. Hopefully I'll get a good report regarding a low amount of regurgitation and improvement in A/V dissociation rhythm issue. Anyone familiar with a Mobitz 1 2nd degree block?
Put in a full day at work yesterday at 2.5 weeks postop (had a driver and no violation of the 10 lb lifting ie: office work). Probably go in to work 2-3 days/week ...Read more
Put in a full day at work yesterday at 2.5 weeks postop (had a driver and no violation of the 10 lb lifting ie: office work). Probably go in to work 2-3 days/week next week as well. I believe getting out of the house and being productive around other people is good for the healing process as I had no ill effects and slept pretty good last night.
At nearly 3 weeks postop, I believe the irregular beat due to AV dissassocation is getting a little better. Walking a mile or so at least 2x a day, drinking at least 2 green smoothies a day (spinach, carrots, banana, asparagus, orange, blueberries, strawberries, vanilla protein powder......sounds somewhat hideous but is actually quite good), and limiting sodium. Regarding exercise, I'm gradually working in some hills with my walking and handling with ease. Gradually getting my max. heartrate up (hit low 140's bpm today on hill).
If you have that big knot (hematoma) at top of median sternotomy like I do, I found out today that some dermatologist will lance/aspirate and drain......have an appt for next Tues to get this taken care of.
Remember, it's a package deal on full healing from heart surgery..........the surgeon's does his/her job but we have to do the follow up with good diet/exercise to give ourselves the best possible outcome!!!!
Eleanor R I had just a little incision, with a mini sternotomy, but I had a big "golf ball" at the top of the i ... Read more
Eleanor R I had just a little incision, with a mini sternotomy, but I had a big "golf ball" at the top of the incision, too. It went away on its own, and was never red or puffy, just a big mass of tissue. The best and the worst explanation given to me was my a very folksy visiting nurse, who always checked the incision and vitals for the first two weeks home. She told me the lump was like receiving a package from Amazon, not liking the product, and trying to fit it back into the original packaging. Hard to do, always some sticking out since we don't have access to the original shrinkwrapping, at home. Not what I wanted to hear, or imagine, but graphic enough. She told me it would totally go away as the sternum heals and the muscles go back into their prior alignment. Turns out she was right. Of course if something gets infected or needs draining, that may be a different story, but I was concerned about a huge lump over a small scar. The lump faded away, today I can't even see where it used to be. I hope you continue to heal well, take it easy on yourself, and rest as well as walk, a good combination. Best wishes, Eleanor
I too have the " knot" and was told it will go away.
Joan Napier Wow, you're jumping right in there Alan. You're give me inspiration in returning back to work. Easing ... Read more
Joan Napier Wow, you're jumping right in there Alan. You're give me inspiration in returning back to work. Easing in to it sounds like a good plan, along with all of your other healthy steps. Thanks for the encouraging words!
I had a median sternotomy to repair my tricuspid valve 2 weeks ago on 11/20. I have a large knot (pretty ugly!!) at the top of incision that doesn't seem to ...Read more
I had a median sternotomy to repair my tricuspid valve 2 weeks ago on 11/20. I have a large knot (pretty ugly!!) at the top of incision that doesn't seem to have gone down since surgery. It also is more black & blue in the last few days. Fortunately, I don't really have pain other than very mild soreness in area over to shoulders. Nurses at Cleveland Clinic said knot was normal but that mine was larger than most. At what point out from surgery would I want another doctor to take a look at? Assume many of you with the full sternum cut have experienced the same thing?
Melinda Hacker I didn't have a full sternum cut. My incision is 4 inches but I had the lump too. I'm 6 weeks post ... Read more
Melinda Hacker I didn't have a full sternum cut. My incision is 4 inches but I had the lump too. I'm 6 weeks post op and my lump is much smaller now, but still there. I was told this is normal and it will go away.
Tom Elliott Hi Alan. I had the full sternotomy, and had a smallish knot at the top. It gradually went away and is ... Read more
Tom Elliott Hi Alan. I had the full sternotomy, and had a smallish knot at the top. It gradually went away and is not noticeable now (12 weeks post-op).
Joseph Ballett Mine went at about week seven not noticeable
Joan Napier Hi Allan, I had the full sternotomy (3 1/2 weeks ago, about 8 inches long) I had a very large lump at ... Read more
Joan Napier Hi Allan, I had the full sternotomy (3 1/2 weeks ago, about 8 inches long) I had a very large lump at the top of the incision for the first week and a half. My husband described it as the size of a golfball (larger than most). It is shrinking slowly and looking better, and now it's about half a golfball. My CV NP said it usually goes away between 6-8 weeks, maybe longer for some. Funny, if people say anything it's about the lump, and not the incision. Anyway, it's a normal result of the OHS sternotomy caused by trauma and inflammation of tissues. I put cold packs on mine several times a day, and it seems to help with discomfort and swelling.
Eleanor R I had a small incision for the smaller sternotomy, a 4 inch scar and a huge lump which I felt would n ... Read more
Eleanor R I had a small incision for the smaller sternotomy, a 4 inch scar and a huge lump which I felt would never go away. Slowly it shrunk and one day I noticed it was totally gone. No lump, nothing there now. Nice how our bodies heal themselves.
I was told to meet with my cardiologist two weeks post op, they faxed all info to him prior to my app ... Read more
I was told to meet with my cardiologist two weeks post op, they faxed all info to him prior to my appt I made. Maybe that's who you can go and see. I had Minimally invasive surgery, 3 inch incision, and my bump was pretty big, and at two months post op, it's basically gone now. Funny thing is, I had no idea that was coming, as I could only handle so many details about this surgery, and after a while, I had heard enough. My understanding is just keep a sharp eye out for any drainage, and immediately have someone look at it if it does, since it could be a sign of infection. Wish you a continued, positive healing experience.
alan holland It's amazing how much the hematoma has gone down in 12 days. Sent photos to nurse who forwarded to Dr ... Read more
alan holland It's amazing how much the hematoma has gone down in 12 days. Sent photos to nurse who forwarded to Dr. Gillinov. He recommended it be aspirated based on photos. By the time I was able to make an appt. with a dermatologist, it had gone down so much he decided there wasn't much left to aspirate and he left it alone......I would have to agree with him.
Feeling good with almost no pain at 2 days post op with full sternum cut. Getting in plenty of walking and breathing exercises. I was in surgery about 2.5 hrs. ...Read more
Feeling good with almost no pain at 2 days post op with full sternum cut. Getting in plenty of walking and breathing exercises. I was in surgery about 2.5 hrs. Got tricuspid regurgitation reduced from 4 to under a 1 (valve repair). Still troubleshooting a slow heartbeat/irregular rhythm that I already had going in to surgery but Dr's optimistic of situation even if it eventually results in pacemaker. Keeping fingers crossed on being home by Thanksgiving.
Melinda Hacker Great to hear you're doing as well as you are 2 days out. Best wishes for you that you will be home ... Read more
Melinda Hacker Great to hear you're doing as well as you are 2 days out. Best wishes for you that you will be home for Thanksgiving.
Tammy Pilcher Yeah!! Alan, I'm so happy to hear you're doing so well! Continued prayers for a great recovery! Ha ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Yeah!! Alan, I'm so happy to hear you're doing so well! Continued prayers for a great recovery! Happiest of Thanksgivings!
Louise Llewellyn So good to hear that you are doing well. Look forward to hearing your updates.
Jeff V. Sounds like you are on track to catch that flight home on Wed.! Does Dr. Gillinov think the rhythm i ... Read more
Jeff V. Sounds like you are on track to catch that flight home on Wed.! Does Dr. Gillinov think the rhythm issue is related to an electrical problem or related to the valve and repair? It seems to be a common occurrence following valve surgery. Good luck and I'll soon follow you in Cleveland!
alan holland Jeff, I had the rhythm issue/slow beat before surgery. I may get out Tue instead of Wed. I'll see a ... Read more
alan holland Jeff, I had the rhythm issue/slow beat before surgery. I may get out Tue instead of Wed. I'll see a electro cardiologist after I return to Atlanta to further evaluate rhythm. Cleveland Clinic is first rate. Thanks to all for well wishes and prayers.
Jeff V. Was an electrophysiology test part of your pre-op in Cleveland? I also have a slow beat with occasio ... Read more
Jeff V. Was an electrophysiology test part of your pre-op in Cleveland? I also have a slow beat with occasional palpitations and will be having a pre-op EPS.
alan holland They will check all these rhythm/slow beat issues before surgery. I had a lot of testing done up here ... Read more
alan holland They will check all these rhythm/slow beat issues before surgery. I had a lot of testing done up here to compliment the testing done in Atlanta. Note that they didn't require a redo on the heart cath or stress testing previously done.
Dr. Gillinov's nurse called today and has an opening to do my surgery next Thursday (11/20) due to a cancellation...........I jumped on it. Flying to Cleveland ...Read more
Dr. Gillinov's nurse called today and has an opening to do my surgery next Thursday (11/20) due to a cancellation...........I jumped on it. Flying to Cleveland Sunday and will do all the preop at Cleveland Clinic Tuesday and Wednesday. I set up a return flight with 1st class seat for Wed 11/26 (6 days after surgery) hoping I can be released at 6 days post op and be home Thanksgiving........we'll see how that works out.
Here we go!!!!!!!
Tammy Pilcher That's great, Alan! You will be so happy to have it behind you. The waiting really is the worse par ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher That's great, Alan! You will be so happy to have it behind you. The waiting really is the worse part. Praying for success!
Michael Meyer Good news for moving up your surgery Alan. Make sure to take care of yourself especially the week le ... Read more
Michael Meyer Good news for moving up your surgery Alan. Make sure to take care of yourself especially the week leading up to surgery, lots of hand sanitizer and stay away from colds, illnesses etc. I do not think I washed my hands so much as when I was preparing for the surgery.
Jeff V. You leap-frogged me Alan! I was going to track you down in Cleveland but you will be long gone befor ... Read more
Jeff V. You leap-frogged me Alan! I was going to track you down in Cleveland but you will be long gone before I arrive. Looking forward to hearing about your quick recovery and return home before Thanksgiving!
alan holland I originally was offered Monday 11/24 as a potential date but that would have meant a weekend stay an ... Read more
alan holland I originally was offered Monday 11/24 as a potential date but that would have meant a weekend stay and being laid up in hospital over Thanksgiving so I took 12/11. Now with the revised date of 11/20, I at least got a descent shot of getting out 6 days post op which is Wed (day before Thanksgiving). I set my flight out after recovery for around 4 pm (1st class seat no less) on Wed afternoon and I'm sticking to it!!!!!
John Noriega Praying for your successful surgery Alan! Onward & Upward!
Lori Way I had my operation in Cleveland with Dr. Gillinov as well. Good luck to you.
Jerry Kenney Best of luck Alan, you are out of surgery by now, but I am three months removed from mitral regurgita ... Read more
Jerry Kenney Best of luck Alan, you are out of surgery by now, but I am three months removed from mitral regurgitation repair, left side for me, a new leaflet was implanted. I feel great, and I'm also an avid runner....so keep us posted on recovery. Best!
Scheduled to have surgery on 12/11/14 (sooner if there's a cancellation) to correct my severe tricuspid regurgitation w/leaflet tethering. Going to Cleveland ...Read more
Scheduled to have surgery on 12/11/14 (sooner if there's a cancellation) to correct my severe tricuspid regurgitation w/leaflet tethering. Going to Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Marc Gillinov will be doing surgery. Anybody else out there had isolated tricuspid surgery done?? Heard you can't go wrong with Dr. Gillinov for heart surgery.
Dr. Gillinov has successfully treated over 100 patients from our community. To learn more about him, please click http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gillinov-Cleveland-Ohio.php.
Also, you might want to ask your cardiologist about tapering off the running just a bit as you prepare for surgery.
If you need anything, please let me know.
Keep on tickin!
Adam
alan holland Thanks Adam, that's the type of Dr I was looking for as surgery for isolated severe tricuspid regurgi ... Read more
alan holland Thanks Adam, that's the type of Dr I was looking for as surgery for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation is rare from everything I've read. Fortunately I caught it before significant damage (although the right side of heart does have some dilation).
Michael Meyer Alan:
I was one of Dr. Gillinov's patients. My condition was different, I had mitral valve prolapse, ... Read more
Michael Meyer Alan:
I was one of Dr. Gillinov's patients. My condition was different, I had mitral valve prolapse, but I had a good experience. I did have a minimally invasive procedure but this is probably more painful than a sternotomy. Physicians have told me the sternum has few nerve ending while the various minimally invasive approaches cut/disturb muscle.
Dr. Gillinov was primarily concerned about patient safety and risk and I was prepared for mini sternotomy if they found the minimally invasive procedure is not a go. I do have some specific recommendations in my journal and would also be happy to speak to you off-line if you need any additional information.
Just let me know how I can help. Sorry I had not gotten back to you before now. Did not see your questions.
alan holland Micheal, I might be a candidate for minimally invasive sternotomy but I simply want Dr to use any app ... Read more
alan holland Micheal, I might be a candidate for minimally invasive sternotomy but I simply want Dr to use any approach that will be the safest and give the most durable fix........I know Dr. Gillinov will do just that. Hence, I'm not worried about the approach; was just trying to minimize my downtime. I'm on his surgery cancellation waiting list trying to move my 12/11/14 up if possible. Don't know if there typically are any cancellations when waiting up to 2 months to have surgery done with Dr. Gillinov? I'd go on very short notice if something came available as I want to get it done and over with. I'll probably be in touch with more questions as I get closer to the date.
Michael Meyer Alan there is a chance for cancellation. I was called by them based on a cancellation and they worke ... Read more
Michael Meyer Alan there is a chance for cancellation. I was called by them based on a cancellation and they worked me in so it is very possible. I have had an excellent recovery with the minimally invasive procedure. Fingers crossed for an earlier surgery for you.
Victoria Lopez My surgery is set for 12/8/14, Alan. I also have Dr. Gillinov. Mine will be OPHS due to high surgic ... Read more
Victoria Lopez My surgery is set for 12/8/14, Alan. I also have Dr. Gillinov. Mine will be OPHS due to high surgical risk. Will be having MVR and other repairs (PFO, atrial septal aneurysm, Lingl's on aortic). Also have pulmonary hypertension.
alan holland Michael, you're right I got a call yesterday and my surgical date was rescheduled from 12/11 to next ... Read more
alan holland Michael, you're right I got a call yesterday and my surgical date was rescheduled from 12/11 to next Thursday (11/20). Guess Dr. Gillinov's nurse got tired of me asking about the status of cancellation list:)
Prayers and best wishes on your 12/8 surgical date Victoria. Know that you're going to one of the top cardiac surgery hospitals in the world and there's almost nothing they can't deal with.
Hopefully all will go well a week from today and I'll be in recovery. Flying out to Cleveland this Sunday afternoon for my 11/20 surgery.
Victoria Lopez Thank you, Alan! Wishing you the best as well!