Bob's Posts

For Holly Wade's question about scar dissipation. I'm 12 weeks post surgery. I had a mini Thoracotomy with a 3 " incision ( on the right side of this picture) I've used a product called Mederma advanced scar gel ( recommended in Adam's book) every day since mid August and periodically some aloe as well. This is a close up picture so it looks bigger than it actually is. Hope this helps Holly and continued speedy recovery to you ! Bob

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!

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 - 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! ❤

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!!

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

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

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 !!!

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.

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

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

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