Alfonso's Journal

  Hi Alfonso.... It sounds like you are recovering exceptionally well! God is sooo Good.
Remember to listen to your body, and rest when you need to.
I hope your ... Read more

  Hi Alfonso.... It sounds like you are recovering exceptionally well! God is sooo Good.
Remember to listen to your body, and rest when you need to.
I hope your return to work will be good for you.
God Bless You...

  Amen...Alfonso. I would tell your surgeon or cardiologist or primary care doctor about that strange pain, to be on the safe side!
It sounds like you are doing ... Read more

  Amen...Alfonso. I would tell your surgeon or cardiologist or primary care doctor about that strange pain, to be on the safe side!
It sounds like you are doing very well for two weeks post-op!
God is Faithful.
I agree with Steven.... Some days are better than others....but if you look back at each week.....you can see how far you've come.
God Bless You as you continue to recover.

ian browne  Alfonso,
Sounds like you are making making normal progress. I'm 3 weeks into recovery and finally starting to feel reasonably well. Remember that you had a ... Read more

ian browne  Alfonso,
Sounds like you are making making normal progress. I'm 3 weeks into recovery and finally starting to feel reasonably well. Remember that you had a big surgery so set backs are not unusual. Like with you, my faith and belief in Jesus has been of great strength in this journey. I am grateful for His company, and for my wife who has been helping me.

Lora Lee Peterson  I am so impressed with and encouraged by your progress. I may be rethinking the mechanical valve. My doctor actually recommended it, even though he had a ... Read more

Lora Lee Peterson  I am so impressed with and encouraged by your progress. I may be rethinking the mechanical valve. My doctor actually recommended it, even though he had a porcine valve 8 years ago when he was one year older than I am now. So, I just need to ask more questions when I see him in a few months. I am so happy for you and your progress, and I hope it just keeps getting better!

Alfonso Vasquez  Jeanette Davidson thank you so much! It's God' help, prayers and staying strong! Family, friends and the people here made me realized how important support ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Jeanette Davidson thank you so much! It's God' help, prayers and staying strong! Family, friends and the people here made me realized how important support and communication is for healing. I'll pray for you God is with you, step by step . Be positive we are here for you!! God bless you

Tammy Pilcher  Alfonso, I'm glad things are getting better for you! Praying for each day to improve! I had retained fluid too, but they gave me lasix and I lost 10lbs in ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Alfonso, I'm glad things are getting better for you! Praying for each day to improve! I had retained fluid too, but they gave me lasix and I lost 10lbs in one day! Was so happy to be able to breathe again too! Hang in there! God bless you!

Pat Bluemel  Oh I forgot about the headaches! I had some doozys. They too will go away. Hang in there, after the two week mark things start getting easier and easier. ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Oh I forgot about the headaches! I had some doozys. They too will go away. Hang in there, after the two week mark things start getting easier and easier. Keep moving your body on those walks no matter how crappy you feel. Allow yourself to feel down, but only for a certain amount of time.

Tammy Pilcher  It sounds like you're progressing normally, Alfonso. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to start feeling better. You have a great attitude and that will ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  It sounds like you're progressing normally, Alfonso. Sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to start feeling better. You have a great attitude and that will help so much! Prayers for continued progress! God bless you!

  It sounds like you are doing well for only 6 days post-op!
I am two weeks post-op today. A lot of progress since my 6th day, after surgery.
I had quite a few ... Read more

  It sounds like you are doing well for only 6 days post-op!
I am two weeks post-op today. A lot of progress since my 6th day, after surgery.
I had quite a few cries out to God when I was so short on sleep...or overall not feeling well. He is Always with us and He always hears us.

It's good you are using your incentive spirometer every hour or two when awake. That will help with your lungs. Are you using your heart pillow or another small pillow against your chest when you cough? That eases the discomfort that coughing /sneezing can cause.

Do you turn from side to side in bed, rather than laying in just one position during your sleep?

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
May God continue to heal you, from the inside out, Alfonso; and may you find a comfortable way to sleep, because there is nothing like good sleep.

God Bless You and your wife through all of this.

Rodrigo Ponce  The pain will eventually go away.
Your health will remain with you.
Don't fall into despair (and listen to the doctors) because the toughest part is over. ... Read more

Rodrigo Ponce  The pain will eventually go away.
Your health will remain with you.
Don't fall into despair (and listen to the doctors) because the toughest part is over. The first post-op days are not pleasant, but I'm on week 10 and it feels great. A couple of weeks ago I'd get tired after walking for 30 minutes or so. Today I walked for an hour and went up 4 stories using the stairs two times. And I didn't get tired or had to stop to catch my breath.

You're doing great. You'll do better.

Glad to know you're doing ok!

Tammy Pilcher  Alfonso, I had the coughing and hoarseness for a couple of weeks. It gradually went away. The spirometer really helped me, as well as walking after I first ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Alfonso, I had the coughing and hoarseness for a couple of weeks. It gradually went away. The spirometer really helped me, as well as walking after I first woke up in the mornings. Prayers and best wishes for your recovery!

Pat Bluemel  I had it a week. Take a lot of hot showers to help clear your lungs just don't soak your incision during them. I remember taking three or four a day breathing ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  I had it a week. Take a lot of hot showers to help clear your lungs just don't soak your incision during them. I remember taking three or four a day breathing the steam deeply till the hot water ran out.

Terrie Syvertsen  Alfonso, Good morning to you and congratulations on being on the other side of surgery. Time to Heal and get back to being the "Love of Jessi's life"!
while ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Alfonso, Good morning to you and congratulations on being on the other side of surgery. Time to Heal and get back to being the "Love of Jessi's life"!
while recovering! Hope the progress of each day fills you with Joy as you make your way closer to heading home! Take it slow and easy!

Terry Shermeister   Hi Alfonso: Yup, I'm with you. There is so much to do before the surgery for me. I arranged for one of those power recliners, did my POA for health care, ... Read more

Terry Shermeister   Hi Alfonso: Yup, I'm with you. There is so much to do before the surgery for me. I arranged for one of those power recliners, did my POA for health care, arranging contact list. I'm scheduled for 7 am and need to go to the hospital by 5:30 am. Get it over the sooner the better. Went swimming today, that really helped deal with my stress. Sleep is always a challenge especially at this stage. Thanks so much for your prayers. Terry

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you! Patrick Kennedy, Kenneth Cole and Barry Van Gemert!! I'm trying went to work today and the day went so fast, my best friend came to visit me today ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you! Patrick Kennedy, Kenneth Cole and Barry Van Gemert!! I'm trying went to work today and the day went so fast, my best friend came to visit me today that was great, talking to her and hearing all the support and positive things are making me feel a lot more comfortable. I am a very positive person, my beautiful wife Jessica Renee and my kids Mike, Kiara and Ethan are ready for me to get it done lol, so we all can start hiking and Diving, I'm ready , I am very bless to have all of you friends, my family and God. Thank you guys so much! I'll keep you posted. God bless everyone of you

Rodrigo Ponce  You are rocketing to a successful surgery, Alfonso! 6 days from now you'll be a different person, you and Sana will have a healthy, functioning heart.

6 days ... Read more

Rodrigo Ponce  You are rocketing to a successful surgery, Alfonso! 6 days from now you'll be a different person, you and Sana will have a healthy, functioning heart.

6 days from now this will be over. 6 days from now you will reborn. That's how I felt, that's how I feel.

You will be blessed once again with your life, as will everyone who is in for a trip like this.

Terry Shermeister   Yes, it feels good no? We'll be getting our surgery at the same time at least on the same day. Mine is tentatively scheduled for 7 AM. That means I need ... Read more

Terry Shermeister   Yes, it feels good no? We'll be getting our surgery at the same time at least on the same day. Mine is tentatively scheduled for 7 AM. That means I need to arrive at 5:30 AM. It will be good to get this behind use in the rear view mirror.

Alfonso Vasquez  Sana Syed, hello there sorry I didn't replied sooner. we decided to go with the mechanical valve. since the beginning I wanted to get the pig valve but after ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Sana Syed, hello there sorry I didn't replied sooner. we decided to go with the mechanical valve. since the beginning I wanted to get the pig valve but after researching and talking to the dr my wife and I decided to go for it, because I don't want to have another surgery later on, with the pig the dr told us I may have to get it replace in 10 to 12 years so.

Nancy D  great news about no blockages and your heart being in good condition...that is a couple less things to be concerned with!!! Try to stay calm and positive that ... Read more

Nancy D  great news about no blockages and your heart being in good condition...that is a couple less things to be concerned with!!! Try to stay calm and positive that you have assembled the best team, you are in the right place to get fixed and begin you journey to health!!

Dan D.  Hey Alfonso, I will be having surgery four days after you. After all the preparation, I can't quite believe it's going to happen. I hope that yours goes very ... Read more

Dan D.  Hey Alfonso, I will be having surgery four days after you. After all the preparation, I can't quite believe it's going to happen. I hope that yours goes very smoothly and that you're writing good stuff about your post-op.

Eleanor R  We were all just as nervous, scared and anxious, trust me. The hardest part is the waiting, and the worrying. Wish there were an app for that! If you were ... Read more

Eleanor R  We were all just as nervous, scared and anxious, trust me. The hardest part is the waiting, and the worrying. Wish there were an app for that! If you were not nervous, that would be a concern, that maybe you didn't really understand what is going on. I wish you peace and nerves of steel on the morning of the surgery. It really is not as bad as we imagine, and I had become the queen of imagination. Best wishes to you, I hope it goes smoothly and successfully.

Wiliam Height  Know exactly how you feel, you will be fine. Prepare for your recovery and then break everything else down into the smallest increments and denominator of ... Read more

Wiliam Height  Know exactly how you feel, you will be fine. Prepare for your recovery and then break everything else down into the smallest increments and denominator of time. Don't put yourself in surgery on 4/29--keep you mind at bay.

Lenore Mitchell  I'm sure every one of us was nervous before surgery. It's normal. But for me, the closer the date got, the better i felt about it. Resigned, maybe, but calmer ... Read more

Lenore Mitchell  I'm sure every one of us was nervous before surgery. It's normal. But for me, the closer the date got, the better i felt about it. Resigned, maybe, but calmer than I'd expected. I've seen others make the same comment. Take care, and soon you'll be telling us all about your post op recovery.

Virginia (Ginger) French  Alfonso, My take on it is that you are doing exactly the right thing. Most of our fear comes from the unknown, and as we learn that knowledge replaces fear ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French  Alfonso, My take on it is that you are doing exactly the right thing. Most of our fear comes from the unknown, and as we learn that knowledge replaces fear with confidence, comfort, and peace. Blessings to you and all still on the runway waiting for take off.

Alfonso Vasquez  Good morning from Danville Arkansas! So happy to hear from you guys! the last 2 days I have not been able to sleep. Wednesday night didn't sleep at all, last ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Good morning from Danville Arkansas! So happy to hear from you guys! the last 2 days I have not been able to sleep. Wednesday night didn't sleep at all, last night I got up around 2 am. my wife is a Register nurse and she thinks im just to stress I don't know I don't think so, Im always been a very positive person but I think I just don't want her and my beautiful kids to be worried about me. Anyways I keep preying for all of you. pls keep it up be strong, the lord is in control. Have a great day friends.

Terry Shermeister   The thing that helps me with my sleep is that I think in the moment. I have two weeks to the day from my surgery. All that I've herd is that I'm healthy, ... Read more

Terry Shermeister   The thing that helps me with my sleep is that I think in the moment. I have two weeks to the day from my surgery. All that I've herd is that I'm healthy, no symptoms and all this should benefit me. I'm sure as I get closer the more anxious I'll become. Take care Alfonso.

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you Terry Shermeister. makes me feels good, I always been an outdoor person lots of sports lol, coaching my kids, hunting, I was part of the dive recue ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you Terry Shermeister. makes me feels good, I always been an outdoor person lots of sports lol, coaching my kids, hunting, I was part of the dive recue team in my county till the dr told me to stop 6 months ago, cant be still lol, I believe im healthy but little afraid. Ill be praying for you and family! take care and God bless you.

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Alfonso, it's nice to meet you and you have a beautiful family! I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve almost 10 weeks ago. ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Alfonso, it's nice to meet you and you have a beautiful family! I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced with a bovine tissue valve almost 10 weeks ago. I'm doing great and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. You can do this! Prayers and best wishes!

Jeff Wagley  Alfonso, I am not sure because it's a two valve issue he is reccommeding bio valves. At age 48 3weeks ago I had a mechanical valve placed inside and a thoracic ... Read more

Jeff Wagley  Alfonso, I am not sure because it's a two valve issue he is reccommeding bio valves. At age 48 3weeks ago I had a mechanical valve placed inside and a thoracic aneurysms repaired . I am sure there are other patients out there that can provide input to your situation

Olga Landry  Hello Alfonson., My name is Olga. I am 46 years old. I am also waiting to go into surgery on Sept 30. I am getting a pig valve, This is a great website to come ... Read more

Olga Landry  Hello Alfonson., My name is Olga. I am 46 years old. I am also waiting to go into surgery on Sept 30. I am getting a pig valve, This is a great website to come and learn on.
I was in your boat 3 month ago when my Cardioligest told me I need open heart surgery. It is a very scary, I fely like I was hit by a brick wall and felt all alone. Then I found this site.. where you get alot of support and help. You should watch the videos that are posted,
The pig valve is the best valve because it closes to the human valve.
I hope this hepls you. YToi are not alone,

Take care
Olga

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you so much to all of you! I've been reading and researching about it, I don't want my wife and kids know that I am a little afraid, I want to be strong ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Thank you so much to all of you! I've been reading and researching about it, I don't want my wife and kids know that I am a little afraid, I want to be strong for them. I think the more I read about all the positive results the more comfortable I fell. Ill be posting more about it. Again thank you all for your support, God bless you

Eleanor R  Alfonso, it would be unusual to not feel a little scared, I would guess most people on this website have felt fear, especially when confronted with heart surgery. ... Read more

Eleanor R  Alfonso, it would be unusual to not feel a little scared, I would guess most people on this website have felt fear, especially when confronted with heart surgery. In my case, the more I researched the issue (and I highly recommend reading Adam's book, that really helps), and once I had a date for the surgery, I was able to overcome the being scared. Like you, I wanted to be strong for my (adult) daughter, but she was also fearful, so we read the book together and she started a Caregiver journal on this site, so that she could ask questions of those who have had the surgery. We did fine, both of us! I am now 8 weeks after surgery, and just about back to "normal", only without the heart symptoms of tiredness, shortness of breath, and mysterious nighttime "indigestion". If you read several journals, and you're welcome to read mine, I hope you will feel inspired, that you too can do this! Best wishes to you. Eleanor R

Alfonso Vasquez  Hello my friends! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write or post back. My beautiful wife Jessica my Heart Dr and I have decided to have the surgery done ... Read more

Alfonso Vasquez  Hello my friends! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write or post back. My beautiful wife Jessica my Heart Dr and I have decided to have the surgery done at the end of May. talking and reading you guys post and of course talking to the surgeon made me feel very comfortable! I was very very scared, now I can tell you guys I feel much better about it. Btw it'll be a Aortic valve replacement

Heather Wilson  I just discussed tissue (not which animal) or mechanical. At 40 I chose tissue even though I know it won't last as long bc I didn't want to take Coumadin. My ... Read more

Heather Wilson  I just discussed tissue (not which animal) or mechanical. At 40 I chose tissue even though I know it won't last as long bc I didn't want to take Coumadin. My surgeon placed a bovine valve at the time of surgery bc that was what fit best. I am hoping it lasts long enough for there to be additional minimally invasive techniques when this valve wears out.

Janea Christensen  I am really interested in everyone's valve choice. I too chose a pig valve for my first valve replacement surgery. I loved my valve but It only lasted 9 years ... Read more

Janea Christensen  I am really interested in everyone's valve choice. I too chose a pig valve for my first valve replacement surgery. I loved my valve but It only lasted 9 years which is very typica lfor younger patients. It was put in when I was 31. I am trying to decide which valve to do next. Most doctors will tell you to do mechanicle at this point. I only did pig valve so I could have more children. It was nice not being on coumiden. Are you guys okay with multiple surgeries? In younger patients tissue valves rarely last beyond 10 years.