Brian's Journal

Hope everyone is doing well and following this website, what a godsend this website is for all of us going through these surgeries. THANK YOU ADAM! As for me I am now 7 months out from surgery and doing great. My current medication list is now atorvastatin, entresto, carvedilol, baby aspirin. Feeling great, I really feel good with my new normal. I am hoping to be able to be off most of the meds in the near future, We will see, my next follow up appointment with my Cardiologist is in March. I hope other find comfort in my postings of those going through or planning to have surgery.

Hey gang, Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I am doing great, slowly getting back to normal, more physical activity like walks in the neighborhood and trail hikes. No issues will have follow up appointment in January. My current meds include Metroprolol, Coumadin, Valsartan, Antorvastatin. I cannot say enough about Sequoia Hospital, Dr. Luis Castro, Dr. Mary Larson. My hope that all of you are doing well on your road to repair and recovery.

Hi Everyone, Approaching 7th week post mitral valve surgery. Feeling good, very little to no pain. I was also cleared to fly home to Idaho a couple of weeks ago, yeah!! Nice to be home, even got to sleep on my side a few times, nice! I will see Dr. Larson in September for follow up. While I have located another reputable Cardiologist in Idaho, I really like Dr. Larson and the follow up care I have received. The great experience continues with Sequoia Hospital!! Dr. Larson cleared me for Cardiac Rehab, so I will be looking for a local rehab center. I am walking an hour plus a day, I would do a second walk, but just too hot right now. Those out there waiting for surgery with Dr. Castro, I will tell you that you can't be in better hands with his team that includes the facility and staff. If you need a Sequoia Cardiologist, Dr. Mary Larson is great!

I am doing well, no more pain medication ( I was good with only Tylenol, since my release). Feeling stronger and up to about an hour plus of walking in multiple increments, usually two 30 plus minute walks and several 15 minute walks. 1 month follow up with Dr. Castro and Dr. Larson next week. Hope to be able to return to my home In Idaho. I credit my progress to my wonderful and talented doctors.

Post Op approaching my 3rd week. Overall, I am getting around pretty well ahead of the curve according to recovery Journal provided by Sequoia. My multiple walks a day are getting easier. I seem to have more energy and I certainly have my appetite back! Perhaps it is the weight I lost during this adventure! I wish everyone a speedy recovery as well. I had a truly great overall experience with Dr. Castro, Dr. Harmon, and Dr. Larson. Truly amazing professionals. Sequoia Hospital is an amazing facility, including their staff of professionals. I cannot think of a better hospital experience.

My surgery was completed last Thursday. I have to admit I was anxious about a few aspects of the surgery, and I will say Dr Castro and Sequoia Hospital mitigated all of them. There are no words that can describe the deep appreciation I feel towards Dr Luis Castro, Dr. Harmon and their team. It indeed is a team. I have never felt more comfortable with hospital staff than at Sequoia. I understand why so many of them have been working hear for years. They truly enjoy their work and it is reflected in their patient care.