Bob's Journal

Barbara Wood  Oh no Bob, so sorry! I've been on eliquis for close to a year & had no bad effects- but you're right, there is currently no antidote. I'm pretty active, I mountain bike & hike- I'm alot more cautious on my bike now, but I've never had a problem- had dental work, blood draws etc. no bleeding problems at all. And no bruising. The upside too is no testing, no watching what you eat. It's supposed to be a bit more effective than coumidon in preventing stroke too. It's worked out fine for me.

Don Catoe  Bob, whenever the eliquis ad comes on tv they always say at the "not for use by people with artificial heart valves"??

Ellen Leng  Eliqius (as well as Xarelto and Pradaxa) does not have a specific reversal agent, but it CAN be reversed with medication in the hospital. It's MUCH easier to take compared with coumadin because of the monitoring issue. And it keeps you anti-coagulated more predictably.
In terms of the ads, they are talking about Eliquis not being appropriate specifically for anti-coagulating due to the heart valve (mechanical). It's fine to use if you have a tissue valve.
3-4 months of anti-coagulation goes by pretty quickly :).
Best!

Bob Jensen  Thanks everyone - I am just getting on with it with great advise from this group of great people. I love turning 60- last may. OHS in January, now leg clot - the party just keeps going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last night a nice conversation with Doctor Grey Goose Vodka was so in order. LOL.

Angelo Varrone  Hi, Bob. I'm 3+ years post op. I experienced this just after my surgery,too. It would be best to ask your cardiologist. It's likely nothing, but after OHS there is no reason to take chances. I also had a bout with tachycardia, which feels the same as you're describing with the exception of heart rate, which goes through the roof.

alan holland  I had tricuspid valve repair in 2014 which resulted in full heart block and a pacemaker. I have a lot of pvc's/pounding esp when I lie down to go to bed but they don't last long. Your cardiologist should refer you to an electrophysiologist if they're really bothersome and/Dr is concerned. Main thing is to get exercise and eat right. I don't even think about the pounding when it occurs.

James Roberts  Hi Bob, I'm just 4 weeks post op but am getting plenty of these as well. I'm hoping they go away too. I did have normal migraines before surgery, in fact increasingly so in the weeks leading up to surgery so I'm convinced it's related to it.

Meredith Bray  I had very problematic aural migraines before surgery, to the tune of several a month. I was hoping that post-op would show improvement, as those migraines impacted my quality of life more than my cardiac symptoms. I had about one every few weeks or so, and they have dwindled off to maybe every other month or so, and less intense. When I get them now, I know that I've probably been working myself too hard - too much stress, work, not enough sleep, poor eating, too much caffeine. A cold compress and about 15 minutes of shut-eye seems to do the trick for me. I hope yours improves as well!

Catie B  Bob, I had a number of times when the field of vision in my right eye would mostly white out for a few minutes. Yes, scary stuff, and I did get checked. That hasn't happened in awhile. However, exertion headaches were a new development, and aura migraines returned, which I hadn't had in the last seven years.

Bob Jensen  Thanks folks - just getting used to the new "normal". LOL. I love this group - you all are so helpful.

Lilly Black  I have never noticed an odor or a strange smell. What does it smell like? is it getting fainter or stronger?

Cathleen Weed  It's the anesthesia. I felt like a rubber chicken lol. It will go away soon probably. You may be sensitive to meds like I am.

Phyllis Petersen  I, too, found guided imagery to be immensely helpful while prepping for surgery and after, especially for getting to sleep in the hospital. I have them on an MPlayer and still use the general relaxation one.

Mike Czaplewski  I am also 4 weeks post op (1-9-17) and have the same thing but it issue is that it starts on my right side but spreads across my entire chest. Still dealing with it...I've been told by my sugeon and nurses that it is "normal." What about vision issues? Blind spots? Going cross-eyed and getting dizzy? Being entirely blind in my right field of vision with shooting stars coming out for about 1 minute?

Michael McMullen  Bob I am approaching 3 weeks post op on Wednesday...and yes, I have same issue with chest pain, all on right side and wraps around shoulder to my back (24/7)...really stinks...just started (three days in) Zanaflex...cant really tell if helps or not. ...I am also experiencing bright floaters in my left eye...daily, sporadic during the day. I see my Cardio tomorrow and will see what he says about this.

Bob Jensen  I had all of these vision issues the same as you have the blind spots the fuzzy vision in the field of vision. The vision daily issues slowed for me about 3 weeks post up. It still happens every few days and and also crossed eyes for a minute. I am told this is normal and will go away after a while. It is actually subsiding as I recover. Hopefully it happens to you too

Pat Bluemel  HI Bob/All - Congrats on the progress on this side, slow and steady wins the race. The aches and pains in your chest (and likely eventually upper back) are normal. The way the hinge us during OHS on the table messes up all the muscles groups, and they can take months to remember how they are supposed to behave. I think I was sore here and there for about 7 months. Vision stuff hung around for about 2 months. Stay hydrated, lots of Gatorade. And if you aren't tired of hearing it yet, get up and walk, walk walk, rest and then walk. I was just stopping by the site, and your posts have reminded me of recovery - the good part is that eventually you are going to forget all these minor annoyances until you come back and read up andremember them:-).

Michael McMullen  Oh yes, for me on the right side, I equate it to the trauma of surgery and lack of "normal" use of my right arm/shoulder. I see my PC and Cardio Doc in next few days, I plan to discuss...it really is uncomfortable, for me all day yesterday dealing with it. Good Luck Bob, please share if you can on what your Doc say.

Steve Lewis  Sounds like what I'm dealing with just some muscle atrophy. I guess its different for everyone, for me its across the top of the chest in the collar bones. and the top and bottom of the sternum. My Doctor says it is from the surgery (they tell me that the surgeons are not to gentle ;-) ) and because I am not exercising like I use to so the muscles are weakening.

The pain from surgery has been gone for a while now and it has just been the residual issues i've had to deal with.

Definitely bring it up with your Doctors he may be able to give you some exercises to help.

Lisa Ferguson  The healing that needs to take place is so complex...and it takes a while for all that tissue to grow back under your skin. My scar is still tender at 9 months! And I also still have stiffness in the upper left side (pectoral muscle I think). Not pain, but I notice it when I am in the gym.

Kim Jones  Take a walk and really breathe down deep and enjoy the full breath that you don't take when you smoke. Helped me. It's easy to make an excuse to do those things which don't serve us, it's just a b.s. excuse though. I know how hard it is.

Civita Fahey  Hi Bob.. I don't smoke, but, I think your will to NOT want to be a smoker again will get you through. Like Kim said take a walk and look around you and breathe in the gift you have been given for a new chance on life.. We all have bad habits and unfortunately, at times we go back to them for the mere sake of going back .. so, my heart friend, breathe in and enjoy the wonders around us.. I fear the depression myself after surgery (not for a few months and I like sugar!!!, so I will need some encouragement myself not to hit the cookie jar or bakery aisle).. best of luck.

Emily Rowley  I know people who have tried hypnotherapy and it worked for them, you have a strong will to quit which is great step.

Laurie Baglio  No one is perfect. We all struggle with some demon. Do the best you can. I am going in for surgery today and knowing there are people who are going through this with me helps tremendously. Keep up the good work!

James Roberts  Hi Bob, I was a smoker up until about 10 years ago. I still have lapses during stressful times but these lapses have become less frequent over the years. It's important not to beat yourself up about it when you do have a lapse. Some people give up straight away but it took me a while. I remember thinking it was like someone had taken something away that I really enjoyed and that depressed me. Must be even harder with the recovery from surgery too. The thing that most helped me was nicotine gum. I'd chew some of that as a substitute and eventually did become dependant on that but it's much much easier to kick that. Stick with it though because if they're not causing you bad health now then they probably will later. All the best!

  I did smoke five a day up to surgery, since getting home from surgery I've been using Nicotrol inhalers if needed, some days nothing, other days a couple. These are available by prescription and do a ok job with nicotine withdraw control and a better job with the feeling you get in your lungs when you smoke. Like you said, the boredom of recovery is the worse part when trying to quit smoking and I've found these to take the edge off.

Bob Jensen  I am so grateful for all of you the great comments and the great encouragement thank you for helping me get through this and I'm going to do my best I love being part of this community

Rita Savelis  I hear you Bob. Don't be hard on yourself. I understand feeling broken and having depression. You do what you have to do to get through a hard time. Recovery can be long. It gets better, but it's not easy. There are good days and bad days. Sometimes lots of bad days. Perhaps you can find another way to "reward" yourself for the hard times rather than a cigarette. But if not, don't be ashamed.
You're amazing and have been through a lot.
Take care.

Lilly Black  Bob, when I saw your post, it reminded me of my mom, who passed away of lung cancer. When she was diagnosed, we all quit smoking cigarettes in 1987...I quit cold turkey. I never ever went back because it scared the crap out of me! My sister quit for a year then she went back again....smoked for 40 yrs and ended acquiring polyps in her throat. Polyps were removed and she recovered. She hasn't touched a cigarette since and feels SO MUCH better now, besides saving $3,000 annually. I realize it is a hard time for you.....and you use the cigarettes to relieve stress, and give you pleasure. You are doing great by cutting down the amount of cigarettes substantially! so pat yourself on the back for that. But I encourage you to please stop smoking cigarettes. I wish you luck! and I hope you quit when you are ready.

Pat Bluemel  Oh that blasted nicotine. Bob, this is how I see it - you have been through so much, you have conquered so much by making it through this surgery. You can do anything now. My last smoke was on 59th and 9th in Manhattan, I'll never forget it. I knew I was getting surgery when I flew home from my second opinion on that trip and needed to change up my wild ways. You can do this - don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about cessation. There is wellbutrin that helps with the blues and the desire to smoke, there's also chantix.

Terrie Syvertsen  Hi there Bob. Your body will take awhile to adjust to the trauma it experienced and the meds you are coming off of also have side effects. Going hot to cold is also common as the body is recovering. The fact you have just had surgery I would give a call to your Doctor and explain you are having these dreams as they are most capable of setting your mind at ease on whether or not this is due to the recent surgery and have suggestions for you on how to proceed with your recovery. You don't want to add stress to this healing time and you have everything to gain by talking to someone who is still on your team for advice. Most of all be patient with yourself as your mental wellbeing is part of this healing time.
It is more than likely your coming off meds as well that is triggering this response but what will it hurt to contact your Dr. to be sure?? Good luck to you and continued smooth healing heart brother.

Adam Pick  Bob, Whoa... You just reminded me of the similiar issues I experienced during the early recovery. Yes, I had bizarre dreams. Yes, I had serious body temperature shift. Yes, I was WAY WAY WAY emotional. I even did some sleep walking early in my recovery. I'll post a few links below to help you better understand that this can be part of the early recovery process -- as I've learned from my experience and those of other patients.

Adam Pick  https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/09/30/problems-sleeping-after-heart-surgery/

Steve Lewis  Bob I'm also at 3 weeks post op. I can't say I've had any phycotic dreams or any kind of nightmares. Emotionally I have been fairly stable just some fustrations with myself and the restrictions. Not sure if maybe a factor or not but I was off the pain meds 4 days after I got home. (Except Tylenol ).

Being hot then cold I was told is a common issue. For me I still get hot/cold but it is diminishing with time.

Remember it has only been 3 weeks and you are still not completely healed. Your body is still putting alot of energy into healing. Once I excepted that it has been only a few weeks, even though it felt like forever, It helped me realize I still needed to give my body time to heal. Then things stated to get better.

It may be a good idea to contact your Doctors and ask about the dreams and emotions. They should be able to answer if it is meds issue, and if nessesry make changes for you.

Bob Jensen  Thanks everybody I am seeing my cardiologist next Thursday and my surgeon next Wednesday I'm bringing all of this up at that point currently I had an issue regulating my blood pressure but my surgeon told me to up my blood pressure medication and that seems to have done it. Another issue I am seeing is that when I'm really worn out and my body is very tired I get a blurry spot in my vision that lasts about 15 minutes and then goes away has anybody had this happen to them?

Rita Savelis  Body temperature changes are very common. Every organ in your body has been shaken up by surgery, including those that control body temperature.
(My thyroid levels were crazy for a year after surgery!)
Dreams/nightmares can also come from some meds (betablockers for example). It really takes some time for everything to settle down.
Of course it would be nice to know all this in advance so that we don't expect to feel "normal" so quickly and that we realise these changes/side effects are normal.
Four months after my OHS I was still feeling very cold (all summer!) and my appetite was gone. It was very hard to sleep for at least about 6 weeks after surgery. I occasionally took sleep meds on the advice of doctors who said that sleep is very important for the healing process. I didn't want to, but I did. And gosh, I certainly napped every afternoon for months.
Yes, the blurry vision comes and goes as well.
It is still so very very EARLY for you Bob. Your body is doing what it does in order to get things back in order. Recovery takes time.
Take care.

Robert Harris  Hey Bob, glad to hear you are doing well. Not sure I can help you with the strange dreams, but, if your pain medicine includes acetaminophen, (tylenol) that may explain the sweating.

Civita Fahey  Great News Bob.. Wow working at two weeks.. Its encouraging.. I'm having surgery in April and hoping I will have the same smooth recovery.. keep up the good work..

Civita Fahey  Stay positive Bob.. I'm sure it's nerve wracking.. I have surgery scheduled April 24th and I know I will be a wreck the closer it gets.. prayers are with you.

Ed Miskovic  Bob, I hear you. I agree with your choice of "turning this all over to God and rest in his peace and understanding." Recovery, I found, is a wonderful thing that began with the moment I saw the first face after surgery. It was my surgeon's face, Dr. McCarthy of Chicago's Northwestern Memorial. When I saw him and heard his voice, I knew I had taken my first step in this up and down yet in may ways wonderful journey. The best to you.

Cathleen Weed  💛 Waiting is ick but after the surgery is over you will be happy you had a couple more days to have fun because it will be a little while until you're out and about again 🌟 Think of something fun and memorable to do today or tomorrow that you wouldn't normally do (within reason lol). This is like a hall pass or a snow day or just ditching school lol 😊 🌟🎉. Create a memory so you can look back and say "remember that time my surgery got delayed and I ........, that was awesome!" 😊

Bob Jensen  I am blessed to have you all. Tonight I'm feeling a scratch in my throat hopefully it's not a cold but if it's worse in the morning I guess I'm going to have to call and tell them that I'm coming down with a cold and that will delay my surgery even more this is getting crazy

Craig Gay  Prayers to you Bob. I hope you wake up with a clear throat and a pep to your step, so you can enjoy an extra day doing whatever you want to do. Take a nice bubble bath and just breathe...you've got this!!! We are here for you to support you asking the way. Hugs and prayers!Yvonne

Barbara Laurie  Dear Bob, Recovery happens with or without you. 😐 That has been my more than 9 month experience. So, reading your post your hopes and desire to be well will serve you well. Praying your recovery is short and fruitful❤️❤️

Cathleen Weed  Like flight delays for a trip you really don't want to go on anyway. Insult to injury 😕. Hope all is well in the morning and Friday goes on as planned!

Briana Morgan  Praying for healing from your scratchy throat, Bob. It is hard when all you want is to get this over and done with.

Candas Jones  Mine was moved because I came down with strep throat! The extra wait is agonizing! Good thing too because I am having it done at UCLA and Carrie Fisher would have been sharing the ICU!!! I can't imagine being there with a celeb, must have been crazy! Good luck!!

Bob Jensen  Canvas. I am so looking forward to waking up after the surgery and the team telling me everything went unbelievably well and then I'm doing great I just can't wait to hear those words. I have put all my worries in the hands of the Lord. This entire experience is becoming major spiritual maturity. So everything will end up OK no matter what