alan's Journal

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. 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 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!!!!

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?

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.

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!!!!!!!

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.