Bob McRae - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Bob McRaeposted a journal

1395 days ago

Nancy W, Ted Niedziela, Joseph Heinzmann and 4 others reacted to this

Its 6 weeks today since I had surgery and I haven't been on a pickleball court in 7 weeks. Since my second week post -op I've been walking, jogging and have ...Read more

Its 6 weeks today since I had surgery and I haven't been on a pickleball court in 7 weeks. Since my second week post -op I've been walking, jogging and have worked in some individual indoor cycling ( spinning ). Today was a big step getting back on the court ! I was sluggish, feeling a bit off and not playing very well the first 3 or 4 games. I kept at it and gratefully my game came back together pretty quickly along with the rush of physical exertion, that was the best part :) Bob

Jay Heagerty Glad to hear you are doing so well!

Mark Ridder Great to hear you're back in the game, Bob. When you get a chance, let us know how the mini thoracoto ... Read more

Mark Ridder Great to hear you're back in the game, Bob. When you get a chance, let us know how the mini thoracotomy worked out for you, as well as any rigid fixation and nerve blocks. Hopefully, your Cleveland Clinic experience was a positive one overall. My very best to you as you work to get back to full physical capability. Welcome to the heart valve replacement club!

Bob McRae Hi Mark,
My surgeon was able to do everything we discussed, 2 days before surgery after pre -op testi ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Mark,
My surgeon was able to do everything we discussed, 2 days before surgery after pre -op testing except, for a repair, which going in was only a 30- 35 % chance. Turned out one of my leaflets was so fried , I needed the full replacement. My mini thoracotomy was great, 3" incision and I think the main reason, my recovery has been so fast ! I was able to sleep on my side 2 days after leaving the hospital. Yes I did have a sternal plate rather than wire. I don't feel it in there and my chest is not raised on that side. The anesthesiologist called me the night before surgery to discuss my desire for nerve blocks. He said they could use them, but there also had to be narcotics as well to insure my safety ! Thanks for your well wishes and I highly endorse the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Johnston !

Bob McRae Thanks Jay ! Sending you positive thoughts for a speedy and smooth recovery !!!

Bob McRaeposted an update

1460 days ago

Adam Pick reacted to this

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of ...Read more

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Franciscan Health using cryo intercoastal nerve blocks to substantially reduce or eliminate narcotic use. From what I saw, this was used with minimally invasive procedures. I have pre-op testing before surgery next month & will be asking the anesthesiologist & surgeon about this. Any of the highly informed & supportive patients on here have any experience with nerve blocks ? Thanks, Bob

Adam Pick Hi Bob, Here are some links that might help you and the other great patients here!

Adam Pick https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/cryoanalgesia-pain.php

Cryoanalgesia & Heart Surgery Pain: What Should Patients Know?

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/cryoanalgesia-pain.php

Learn the top 6 facts about the use of cryoanalgesia for pain management after heart surgery.

Adam Pick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ3x1dfS1o0

Rapid Recovery Protocol for Heart Surgery: 4 Patient Success Stories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ3x1dfS1o0

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - How has the "Rapid Recovery Protocol" developed by Dr. Marc Gerdisch, a leading cardiac surgeon at Franciscan Health, a...

Adam Pick Also... Here is a brand new video that we are just getting ready to publish about pain management. L ... Read more

Adam Pick Also... Here is a brand new video that we are just getting ready to publish about pain management. Let me know if this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_9SCm-A5MI

New Approach to Pain Management After Heart Valve Surgery: Patient Insights with Dr. Marc Gerdisch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_9SCm-A5MI

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - A common concern for patients before-and-after heart surgery is pain management. Regardless of whether a patient is sc...

Adam Pick Another post about rigid sternal fixation to consider... https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-su ... Read more

Adam Pick Another post about rigid sternal fixation to consider... https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/13/sternalock/

SternaLock Blu: Fast Healing & Less Pain for Heart Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/13/sternalock/

Learn important facts and research about the SternaLock Blu, a rigid sternal system that accelerates healing and minimizes pain for heart surgery patients.

Bob McRae Adam, Thanks for the info. I'll dive right in !

Susan Lynn Bob - I had it for minimally invasive mitral valve repair. I had virtually no post-op pain, but I h ... Read more

Susan Lynn Bob - I had it for minimally invasive mitral valve repair. I had virtually no post-op pain, but I had numbness and 'pins and needles' sensations as the nerves regenerated for more than a year. I didn't have a problem with it and would choose it again, but I would be sure that everything is fully explained before making your decision. Best of luck to you! ❤

Bob McRae Hi Susan, Thank you for your insight. More info for my pre-op discussions with my surgeon & the team

Jill Boroniec Hi Bob - I had this with my mini-sternotomy in May and was surprised at how little incisional pain I ... Read more

Jill Boroniec Hi Bob - I had this with my mini-sternotomy in May and was surprised at how little incisional pain I had immediately after the procedure. After it wore off (maybe 24 hours post-op), I definitely noticed a difference and noticed that I was using my PCA pump more. I will say that my pain in the hospital never exceeded 4-5/10 and was much lower at home afterwards. Would absolutely choose it again. Good luck to you!!

Carlos Banuelos Don’t know much about the cryoanalgesia, but definitely recommend the rigid sterna fixation. I sur ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Don’t know much about the cryoanalgesia, but definitely recommend the rigid sterna fixation. I surprisingly had very little chest pain post surgery, and I’m now back to doing all my sports with no pain or discomfort.

Scott Kinghorn I recommend the Block. What seemed to cause me the most pain/discomfort was the chest tube. 1st nig ... Read more

Scott Kinghorn I recommend the Block. What seemed to cause me the most pain/discomfort was the chest tube. 1st night it was controlled and then with toradol(ms). Once it was out I was good to go.

Bob McRae Hi Jill,
Thanks for your insight, that is encouraging. My first choice is a mini thoracotomy, then a ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Jill,
Thanks for your insight, that is encouraging. My first choice is a mini thoracotomy, then a mini sternotomy. Of course that won't be finalized until my pre op testing ( heart cath, chest scan & others) are completed & reviewed with the surgeon

Bob McRae Hi Carlos,
Hoping I don't need a full Sternotomy ( after pre-op testing) but I did tell the surgeon I ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Carlos,
Hoping I don't need a full Sternotomy ( after pre-op testing) but I did tell the surgeon I wanted the plates rather than wire if I have to go that way. Great to hear you had very little pain !! What sports do you play ? I hoping to resume playing pickleball as soon possible as long as I can use my arms fully ! Thanks, Bob

Bob McRae Hi Scott, Thx for the endorsement of the nerve block. I've heard that chest tube is a real bear ! I'l ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Scott, Thx for the endorsement of the nerve block. I've heard that chest tube is a real bear ! I'll have to make sure I get toradol ( ms). I like that its a non steroid, anti inflammatory and not a narcotic ! Was the tube in 24 hours or longer ? Thanks for your feedback, Bob

Sharon Losekamp I had a full sternotomy and the pain is not too bad if you make the pillow they gave you your best fr ... Read more

Sharon Losekamp I had a full sternotomy and the pain is not too bad if you make the pillow they gave you your best friend for a while

Bob McRae Hi Sharon,
Great news that you are doing so well. I am also having mine done at the Cleveland Clinic ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Sharon,
Great news that you are doing so well. I am also having mine done at the Cleveland Clinic and will hug the heart pillow. I also have a wedge pillow coming. Wishing you continued smooth recovery ! Bob

Scott Kinghorn yes unfortunately it was in over 24 hrs. They like to make sure there's a certain amount of fluid th ... Read more

Scott Kinghorn yes unfortunately it was in over 24 hrs. They like to make sure there's a certain amount of fluid that's been draining I believe.

Bob McRae See you're closing in on 2 months post op. Congratulations ! I hope to your back to your normal fitn ... Read more

Bob McRae See you're closing in on 2 months post op. Congratulations ! I hope to your back to your normal fitness level ? Working out is very important part of my lifestyle. Since I'm totally asymptomatic and pushing myself harder than ever, this surgery and being laid up will hit me like a ton of bricks. Best wishes to you !!!

Carlos Banuelos Hi Bob, looks like we have a lot in common. Doug Johnston was my surgeon too and I picked up playing ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Hi Bob, looks like we have a lot in common. Doug Johnston was my surgeon too and I picked up playing pickleball during Covid! I had a mini-sternotomy and then got the plates. I mainly surf and play beach volleyball. I was back at it about 3 months post surgery. Was able to do a lot of walking then running much sooner though. You’ll be back to playing pickleball in no time. I highly recommend cardiac rehab which helped my confidence in pushing my recovery. Happy to answer any other questions you may have - you’re in good hands.

Bob McRae Hi Carlos, First of all congratulations on your 2nd anniversary coming up. Thanks for your additional ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Carlos, First of all congratulations on your 2nd anniversary coming up. Thanks for your additional dialog. Wow, we do have alot in common starting with Dr. Johnston. Besides pickleball, I do indoor cycling ( spinning ), I did an hour class this am. I have been asymptomatic the entire time. I'm have pre-op tests 2 & 3 days b4 surgery and meet again with Dr. Johnston 2 days before surgery. What did Dr. J. see in your pre-op tests that you went from a mini t to a mini sternotomy ? Did you see Dr. J after surgery in the ICU and how was the follow-up ? I'm going to ask for conference call with anesthesiologist next week to request a intercoastal nerve block and rather than narcotics and ask for a non steroidal, anti inflammatory product called toradol. You also have surfing in common with Adam the founder of this great website. Stay heart strong ! Bob

Carlos Banuelos Hi Bob, Dr. J told me he could do a mini-t but bc I had an ASD repair when I was 5 there could be sca ... Read more

Carlos Banuelos Hi Bob, Dr. J told me he could do a mini-t but bc I had an ASD repair when I was 5 there could be scar tissue that could limit access. He said it was 80% chance he could do it via mini-t but that he would not know until he got in there. He said 100% chance he could do the mini-s. He also said bc I already have the scar he would just follow the same incision and it would be half the size. I went with the 100% mini-s option. I’m sure your situation is different unless this isn’t your first OHS. Dr. j did come by briefly when I was down in recovery but mainly I was consulting with residents and fellows post-surgery, which was fine with me as everything went fairly smooth. Feel free to email me directly if you have specific questions. I dont check this site as often as I used to check it. Cbanuelos75@gmail.com

Bob McRae Hi Carlos,
Thanks for answering my question. Everything starts happening next week. Pre-op testing ... Read more

Bob McRae Hi Carlos,
Thanks for answering my question. Everything starts happening next week. Pre-op testing and then surgery. Trying to get everything in order with my life before going to the C.C. Thanks for the opportunity to reach out directly. I may take you up on that after I come out the other side of surgery ! Take care, Bob

Bob McRaeposted an update

1460 days ago

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of ...Read more

Bob McRaeposted a journal

1460 days ago

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of ...Read more

Bob McRaeposted a journal

1460 days ago

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of ...Read more

Sharon Losekamp I had my surgery at the Cleveland clinic. You will be in very good hands. Best of luck to you.

Upcoming Surgeries

Corey Potter
Aortic Regurgitation
July 11, 2025

Tricia Casey
Mitral Regurgitation
September 1, 2025

Jonathan Calleja
Mitral Regurgitation
October 1, 2025

Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.

Search Now

HOME

ABOUT US

COMMUNITY

LEARNING CENTER

DOCTOR FINDER

HEART HOSPITALS

VIDEOS

ADAM'S BLOG

NEWSLETTER

STORE

CONTACT

JOIN US

SIGN IN

Bob 's Journal

Bob 's Journal

Upcoming Surgeries

Surgeon Finder

Surgeon Spotlight