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Diagnosis: Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: January 4, 2015

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Carlos Ortiz posted an update

11 years ago (February 7, 2015)

Hello Everyone...It's been a little over three weeks since my surgery....overall things are going we'll....I have to say the first week was tough! I mean real tough! If it wasn't for my Brother and Girlfriend I'm not sure how I would have faired, they were a Godsend!...since I left the... Read more.

Ed Smith

Carlos, I'm almost 3 weeks post surgery and I've also had a stubborn pain in my neck (right side) and right upper arm (like I'd done too much yard work yesterday). I've found the application of heat to help, as well as lying on my back with a small rolled... Read more.

Carlos Ortiz

Thanks Ed! Been using Motrin, maybe I'll switch to Tylenol...the heat pad sounds good...thanks!

Tim Goff

Thank you for the update and glad all is going well

Eleanor R

I never had a pain in my chest, but I sure did in my shoulders and back. Fortunately, sleeping in an electric recliner, and taking Extra Strength Tylenol every 6 to 8 hours helped me. The visiting nurse in weeks 1 and 2 told me it is due to the... Read more.

Jim Jones

Hey Carlos - I think you have it exactly right. I had Dr. Adams at Mt. Sinai for MVR on 11/5/13. I found I had to be "my own best friend" especially during the first weeks. No comparisons, no daily expectations. We all are experiments of one. Our bodies know... Read more.

Wiliam Height

Another Mt Sinai alum here, just a week post-op. Definitely have some crooks and kinks in the neck and shoulder, mostly on my right because I think due to a combination of central line, over-compensating, and at the moment sleeping in a recliner. Interestingly, I was Dr Adams first case... Read more.

Tammi Gunwall

Couldn't have said it any better! This community is great for information, support, and encouragement but it can be rough when you're hearing stories of others' surgery or recoveries going better or different than yours. Also, my neck and shoulders were horrible too. Heat helped a lot. So did a... Read more.

Ed Smith

Carlos, since posting this morning, I made an appointment with the massage therapist I see regularly. She'll be able to work on my neck & shoulders while I'm in a seated position.

Rob Wigley

Eleanor above is correct, it's the position that they place us in during the procedure. I was in that position for close to 6.5 hours, and my wife tells me in the ICU that I never said a word about my heart, chest or anything about those main issues, instead... Read more.

Carlos Ortiz

Thanks everyone for all your words of encouragement!!! Means a lot to me! I'm using the heat pad like Ed recommended and some light massage...good to know I'm not the only one---God Bless You All!!"

Meredith Bray

Stand up straight - very straight! Support your head, even while sitting. I found a bit of relief from cramming a pillow under each armpit/upper arm while in the recliner. Your head is heavy, and neck muscles extend a good 8" down your back. Even while sleeping in bad, make... Read more.

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