Angelo's Heart Valve Journal

Today is the 5th anniversary of my AVS. Time really zips on by. Only had one short-term bout with tachycardia about 2 years ago. A change in meds corrected that quickly. Just sent a letter to my surgeon to again thank him for all that he and his team did. Fortunately, I'm able to do everything that this 71 year old body allows me to do. And, again, thanks to Adam and his team for this wonderful website. It was and remains a highly valuable resource for heart surgery patients.

August 6th was my 3 year anniversary. These days I hardly even think about my AVS, thanks to the amazing doctors, nurses that helped me get through it successfully.

I'll be turning 70 next February and am fortunate to be going into my 7th decade with a healthy heart. But, there's still a need to "stay on guard." About 9 months ago I had issues with tachycardia and almost went through an ablation procedure. Luckily, everything got back to normal prior to the procedure date. My cardiologist indicated that scar tissue from the AVS was the likely cause. Some changes in my medication settled it all down nicely.

My very best wishes to all of those who were "traveling" with me through this experience 3 years ago, and to all of you that are currently in the journey.

The best advice my highly-skilled surgeon gave me was to "do EVERYTHING the doctors and nurses tell you to do. They are VERY experienced at all of this and your recovery will be speedier and more successful if you do." He was 100% correct.

Finally, all of us can't thank Adam enough for creating an supporting this wonderful website. Don't know how I would have gone through all of this (sanely) without it!

I'm a bit tardy, but August 6th was my 2 year AVS anniversary. So much of this experience seems like a distant memory now. And, of course, I'm greatful for the very successful outcome, my continued good health and the very fact that this is behind me. I keep reading posts on this website from time to time both to be in the position to offer feedback (which I very much valued when I was leading up to my surgery) and to, well, keep it real. There was a time when this surgery was all I thought about from day to day. Now, not so much; but I don't want to lose sight of what happened and I want to remain as thankful as I was the day after surgery and the many days after that. My best wishes to all of you who have shared this experience as well as those getting ready to do so.

You are all probably aware of the ALS Challenge that's getting amazing attention across the country. A few months ago I learned from a dear friend, Hank, that was diagnosed as having ALS. It's a dreadful disease. When I think about Hank and his plight, I reflect how lucky we all are to have a disease that is mostly curable. Despite the difficulties and concerns about what we all must face (open heart surgery), we have the odds in our favor for a successful outcome. I know it's sort of ironic to be thankful for needing open heart surgery, but things could be a lot worse. That makes me both humble and thankful. My best wishes to all who have just had or are heading to their surgery.

What do you know? My one year anniversary is today. The year went by fast and thankfully uneventful from my heart's perspective. Most days go buy without a thought about my heart, a real testimony to miracle of this surgery and the skill of all of those who treated me. As you all know, this website and the people who contribute to it is invaluable. Though I don't post as often, I still read regularly and contribute when appropriate. Thanks, Adam for creating this wonderful resource. Best wishes to all of the 2013 "travelers" who made this journey about the same time I did. Good luck to all of you who are just getting started or just had your surgery.

Half a year since surgery! Just visited my cardiologist this week, too. The good news is that I'm healthy enough that he won't need to see me for another 6 months. It's been quite a ride. Thanks to all of my online friends for helping me navigate this "event." My best wishes to those about to head into, or have just completed surgery.

Can't fathom that it's nearly 6 months since my surgery. At this point, I don't feel like i've even had open heart surgery. But, because this time of year causes reflections about what has occurred and thanks for the blessings we've received, I just wanted to reach out and express my best wishes to all for a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

Angelo & Karen Varrone

Today is my 11 week anniversary. Feeling very normal these days, thankfully. Still have an occasional chest muscle pain now and then, but other than that, I'd never know I went through very major surgery such a short time ago. Best wishes to all that are heading into surgery over the coming weeks.

Tomorrow is the 8 week anniversary of my surgery. Still very thankful for all of the care givers that helped me through this, including my surgeon, his staff and all of the nursing staff at St. Joseph's hospital in Atlanta.

My wife and I took a 3 mile walk yesterday (Atlanta had a spectacular fall-like day on Sunday), which I breezed through including the hills.

So, those of you waiting for surgery or those just starting rehab.., keep the faith. You can do this just like so many others of us have.

And, I can't say enough about this website and its participants. The information and conversations have been invaluable to me as I traveled through this process. Thanks to all!

Hey, time flies when you're recovering from AVS! Really can't believe it's been 6 weeks, though. Am able to walk 2.5 miles now and actually did a spinning class with my wife. Granted, I took it easy and only exercised for 45 of the 60 minute class (at 66, I'm taking no chances). Still have some aches and pains in my sternum area, but otherwise, feeling good. Next hurdle is to get back to golf just as soon as Mr. Sternum is 100%. I do go out with my wife on the weekends, but I only putt; it takes a good measure of willpower to do just that and that alone. My best wishes to all that are recovering and those getting ready for their own surgery.

Had my one month anniversary on the 6th. All is going well, except that I came down with an upper respiratory infection that had me coughing and sneezing more than I'd like. The antibiotics that I was given have knocked it out of my system, but not before my sternum took quite a beating. I guess that will set back my healing a bit.

Overall I feel great. Walked 2 miles this AM with my wife and am feeling "almost normal."

Tuesday, 8/27 was my 3 week post-op "anniversary." I met with my surgeon yesterday and got the green light to drive and go back to work next week-- great news!

My recovery has been great and am walking 45-60 minutes each day. My doc said that puts me in the upper 2% of AVR patient recoveries.

Next goal is to ensure that my sternum heals properly, so I can finally put all of this behind me.

Couldn't have handled the recovery as well as I have without the support of my family, especially my wife Karen, an angel of a caretaker.

2 weeks post surgery today. Other than the discomfort I feel when sneezing or coughing (I will never take those for granted EVER again), I feel great.

Not much pain and my strength keeps getting better every day.

Still some nagging issues about sleeping through the night, but I'm sure most of that will evaporate once I'm free to sleep on my side, rather than only on my back.

Words just can't explain my profound amazement about how "routine" our medical professionals have made a major surgery like this.

Back home after surgery and 6 days in the hospital. All went better than expected, other than a "curve ball" that arrived 2 days after surgery. Irregular heartbeat gave me a set-back to an otherwise perfect surgery and post op experience.

Can't thank the entire cardio team at St. Joseph's in Atlanta; totally professional, proficient and caring.

My energy level is WAY below where it was prior to surgery, but each day I'm feeling stronger.

The big day is August 6th. I'm very comfortable with my surgeon after a long meeting to go over my questions and to get his advice. With 20 years experience and over 1500 AVR procedures, he's well-experienced.

Can't say that I'm "looking forward" to the surgery, but I do feel sort of relieved that this will get done and, in time, be behind me.

Procedure done! It was less of a "big deal" than I was fretting about. Aside from getting shaved in areas that Italians don't really appreciate, it was no big deal.

St. Joe's has a great heart facility. The nurses and staff couldn't have been nicer.

Actually, I found the process quite interesting and fascinating (OK, that's the nerd side of me talking).

Next Thursday I'll meet with my surgeon, who actually stopped by today to say hi (OK, that was a surprise and very impressive).

Based on today, I'm feeling much more confident about the upcoming surgery.

I'll be heading to St. Joseph's Hospital in Sandy Springs, GA on Friday for my Angiogram. Sure hope my Cardiologist, Dr. E., has a steady hand that morning:).

Next Thursday it's "meet the surgeon" day. I've started compiling a list of questions. Hope I don't get so annoying that he'll want to give me anesthesia on the spot!

Thanks to all who have posted in their journal's. The information and inspiration is priceless.