Andrea's Posts

Dean got is final follow up Echocardiogram 4 weeks ago but they could not see enough due to the noisy mechanical valves. They thought they saw some regurgitation and that word now causes PTSD for us. So his cardiologist ordered an esophageal echocardiogram. This was a somewhat invasive procedure and the last thing my poor Dean needed. However, the good news is that his Cardiologist was able to see everything and the valves are working great, heart is doing great too and there is just some very light paravalvular regurgitation that he told us is expected with mechanical valves. Basically a jet of blood that gets through but very normal and nothing to worry about which Dean's Cardiologist explained to us. He is very happy with Dean's outcome. Next follow up visit with his Cardiologist is in 6 month and we are off to lots of snorkeling and kayaking on Grand Cayman in 2 weeks. Dean has been doing his physical home improvement work just as normal for 7 weeks now and he tells me that he feels strong and completely normal.

We have been back from 3 weeks in Europe and Dean did great with all the traveling. 6 flights and lots of walking and fun. My new title is "Luggage Wrangler" since I handled all of the luggage lifting. It was not easy to keep Dean away from the luggage wanting to help since he is feeling so good. I would not allow it since they were big heavy rolling duffle bags. Unfortunately, Dean caught Corona Light version on the trip back (I did not get it) but was over it in 6 days. After 4 months, he is finally back to his physical work in Home Improvement as of Monday and he tells me that he is feeling strong and really good. Fun Fact, Dean was losing slowly a lot of his hair (on top of his head) awaiting the surgery for the last 2 years and his hair has been slowly growing back. Amazing what 2 new mechanical heart valves can do.