Amanda's Journal

Today marks five weeks since I had SAVR and then 24 Hrs later a mediastinal exploration due to bleeding. I’m up to walking a half mile daily, which is twice the distance I could walk prior to surgery. My sternum is sore, but I don’t have pain. My last home health visit will be on 8/3, and then I’ll no longer be “home bound,” and can get out of the house for more than a doctors appointment. Overall, I’m feeling well and will be starting cardiac rehab on 8/31.

I hope everyone else is doin well!
Amanda

Well, tomorrow is the day! I’m my surgeons first case of the day. I saw him today and told him to sleep well tonight because we have a date in the morning 🤭.

Hello everyone,
I saw my heart surgeon on 5/18 and the plan is ohs to replace my BAV on 6/27. I had a CT of my chest on 6/25. No aortic aneurysms found, thank the Lord, but it did show a small a small cyst in the lower lobe of my left lung. Has anyone else dealt with that?

Update on my journey. The TEE showed severe aortic stenosis, and that I have a bicuspid aortic valve. It also showed I have a small pericardial effusion. The cardiac catherization showed the same, but no blockages. I do have two small areas of plaque buildup but only diet change and exercise recommended after I’m over surgery. I’ve had Pulmonary Function Studies done, which were normal. I will be having carotid Doppler studies tmr. I see the surgeon 5/18. I was told he may want a CT of my chest done, but insurance companies often require notes from the surgeon bf it will be approved. That’s why I see him bf having that test done. My Cardiologist has taken me off work bc of chest pain and sob, which I have daily. I stay tired.

Thank you for all the good thoughts sent my way!
Amanda

I saw the Nurse Practitioner in my Cardiologist office today. He took lots of time talking to me and said the next step is a TEE. I’m scheduled to have that on Wednesday (4/27) and cardiac catherization on 5/1. For the surgery, I’ll be referred to the chief of cardiothoracic surgery at the hospital. I was told to relax and read a book until after the testing, nothing strenuous allowed. I will work tomorrow because I work from home. This is all getting very real!

Hello, I’m new here. I just found out my aortic stenosis has progressed from moderate to severe. I meet with my Cardiologist on 4/24. Since I’m having some symptoms (chest pain and fatigue) I’m assuming the recommendation will be to replace the valve, but have no idea yet how soon. I’m really feeling stressed over this.