Cathy's Journal

Jennifer McInerney  I am eight weeks post op for bovine AVR. I am full of energy and feel great, even my sternum pain is minimal. You will feel so much better at home!

Susan Lynn  There are days that seem like everything is going wrong. But, from this point on, you need to focus on everything going exactly right! Think of it as multiple steps - each one offering it's own accomplishment. You already have many little successes behind you - which you have achieved with flying colors! Keep the positive thoughts going! Your surgery is almost in the history books. Take care, Cathy!

Kathy Aurora  You are not alone in your feelings! This group has been helping me so much! My surgery is Monday and I’m about ready to jump out of my skin! But I know my family loves me, as does yours. The hardest thing is the not knowing what you will be feeling but it sounds like you have been through some ordeals and I am sure you will come through this one too!!! Hang in there, you got this!!!!!!

Debbie Moriarty  Oh Cathy!! I feel ya, girl!! Your pre op feelings are quite normal. And it sounds like you’ve got big plans afterwards. Just focus on your surgery first- The rest will fall into place. This is a big so totally prepare for it!! I’m in the hospital for six days. I am watching what is looks like to be a patient patient!! You have to let your body heal and it needs time!!
Let Christmas come to you!! 🙏🏼 Praying for you!!

Susan Lynn  Great research! Sounds like you picked the valve that's perfect for you. Move forward with confidence! ❤

Dan Baltazor  Congratulations Cathy. When I made my valve choice it helped me move onto the next steps in this whole process and gave me a bit of peace. I hope it has done the same for you.

Dan Vechiola  Congrats Cathy. Now you can move forward and focus on the next steps in the process. Tthink positive and keep marching.

Rob Sparling  Congrats! Agree that the decision process is a relief. Open a door and close one behind you. “Pick a solution out of the air in front of you and make it work.” -Cardiologist

Susan Lynn  Cathy - I wish I could help you. From what I've read on this site, it appears that newer valves are available that make the mechanical ones less appealing and, since advancements in heart surgery are already offering less invasive valve-in-valve replacement when the first one necessitates it, several folks have opted for bio valves. I realize your surgery is next week, so you definitely want to be confident in your choice. Best of luck.

Brian Havlin  I met with my surgeon yesterday for my mitral valve repair. Dr. Gillinov is regarded as one of the best surgeons in the world. He asked me if I wanted a mechanical valve or a natural valve (pig or cow). That question had not come up before and as I was sitting in front of Dr. Gillinov there was silence while he waited for my response. I had never though about this question so I asked him what he would do. He suggested a natural valve and his reason was that by the time it wore out he believes that we can replace it without OHS. He said we are very close to being able to repair or replace that the bovine valve by going up through the groin. Something to think about or research.

Amy Steele  Hi Cathy! We're almost neighbors... I'm in Tucson!
I went through AVR two years ago at the age of 52. I had some aortic root issues and a small aortic aneurysm (very common with congenital aoritic valve disease) but no other health issues to speak of. Usually a mechanical valve is recommended for 'younger' patients, but I chose to go with the bioprosthetic Medronix Freestyle valve (pig valve). Personally, I didn't want to be on coumadin for the rest of my life... Baby aspirin is the only medication I take for my heart. I know this doesn't help with your question about blood thinners and CKD, but my personal philosophy is that fewer medications (and less powerful) is best. I know that there will be another heart surgery down the road, but like Brian said, I will most likely be able to have the TAVR procedure rather than a second open heart surgery. I was diagnosed in the 1960's and the prospects then were quite bleak... Techniques are light-years ahead of that now, and I'm counting on even more progress in the next 10-15 years. Be sure to carefully consider the recommendations of your surgeon, but remember that the choice is up to you. In fact, my surgeon told me that I could change my mind up until I was being wheeled into the OR.
You'll make the right choice for you.

Cathy Garziano  Thanks! This information does help! I am leaning towards bovine as I have also been told of the technology of repairing without OHS. My doctor told me the same thing....I could change my mind up until I'm out!

David Moore  Cathy - my husband David also went with the Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve after I read about it on this site and asked our surgeon to look into it. Turned out his partner was already using. It's bovine with the longest lifespan before replacement - which should be able to be done thru the groin 20-25 years down the road. God bless - Cheryl

Mark Jaycox  Hi Cathy, you and I have the same surgery date. I chose the Edwards Resilia valve. It's supposed to last 25-30 years so I'll take my chances I live to be 87 years old. Good Luck and I'll be following your story.

Dan Baltazor  It’s good to have a date. It does help to meet the surgical team, it puts some anxiety to rest. I also chose the Edwards Resilia valve. Just keep resaerching it, you’ll find which valve is best for you.

Joy Rose  I got my surgery date this last Monday when I went to meet my surgeon. It's for a fortnight time on 3 December. Good to know when you get it. And yes, I had lots of written down questions to ask as well. This site is great for that, someone on here may be able to answer some.

Dan Vechiola  This is heart not cancer. They have come a looong way with heart surgeries. I am close t 100% at 8 weeks after having my bicuspid valve replaced. I remember when I was young, my uncle who lived with me, had open heart surgery and went on Federal Disability for 10 years! Compared to Cancer this so much different. This is a repair not a disease so we go in and get fixed. The recovery process is all about your body (mostly chest muscles and sternum) healing from the surgery. If you can battle cancer Cathy you got this one!

Susan Lynn  You go, Girl! You'll have many good days. You choose your attitude every day - might as well make it a great one! Keep smiling! 😁

Sommer Russell  Cathy, I get this. I relate so much about this topic. OHS is the biggest surgery that one could have, right next to brain surgery. I often think it would be so much easier if I had a cardiac event that landed me in the hospital and was told I had to have OHS right now. The waiting really gets to a person. Cathy, I started keeping a journal that I am giving to my husband on the day of surgery. The writing really helped and gave me peace of mind. I, too, often find myself listening to conversations and think, well, that is 5 minutes of my life that I will never get back. Maybe, this whole event makes us lucky because we can see the urgency of living life. Best wishes. The waiting game is a &$!*&.

Susan Lynn  Don't be surprised if your family is trying to distract you or they may be experiencing a bit of denial. I know that my husband and sister took the news about my diagnosis pretty hard. They tried to stay strong for me.
This site can be so valuable because sometimes only people who have been there can really understand. We're here for you before, during, and after. ❤

Cathy Garziano  Thank you, ladies! It does help to actually hear from people feeling just like I do. I sometimes feel selfish by mentally knocking down my family's small live events. I am not looking for attention, I just can't seem to care about trivial BS. The time is coming...people I don't really know...will hold my life in their hands. The nurses. The anesthesiologist. The assistants. The surgeons. What kind of day will they have that day? Does someone have a sick parent? Get a flat tire that morning? Have to put their dog down the day before? One mistake and I could die. Even if everything goes perfect...which is what I actually do expect...anticipating the painful healing process alone take my breath away. From the ICU to going home to 2 months down the road. Will be a lucky fast healer? Will I be one who handles it all well, or will it change me? My moments of doubt are few and far between, THANK GOD...but when I allow them in...They just swallow my soul.

Susan Lynn  Cathy - The cardiac professionals with whom I came in contact have a level of commitment that I have never observed in any other occupation. I had tests and my surgery at 3 different hospitals and attend cardiac rehab at a fourth. They are laser focused on exceptional patient outcomes. You will get the best care when your day arrives. Focus on the destination, not the trip. Positive thoughts starting right now. ❤ You can do this!

Molly Ivers  I get this! When I told some former co workers I was going to have OHS they just acted like "so what, isn't that so routine like getting a root canal?" I found that some "friends" on FB just can't deal with my diagnosis and must have snoozed me. The stress is real folks.

Sommer Russell  I so understand all this. It has become such a well known surgery that people forget how serious it is. I know many times people are playing it down because they don't want to feed into that anxiety. I recently met with my surgeon and we discussed a lot of that. I took someone else's advice that I read on here, be such a good person that everyone wants to take care of you. My surgery is the week after Thanksgiving. I told the surgeon what day would be good to ensure that I get the A Team. He said that it is such a specialized group that they are all the A Team. He said his team sets him up for success because they are so good at what they do. I asked which day are the people the happiest. Keep in mind we are standing at the nurses station. The staff looked at me and said, Dr. Moore is ready to go anytime. Even on a weekend, he will be here for you. They let me know it wasn't about them, but it was ALL about me. Plus, they have 2 surgeons in there for OHS. My Cardiologist will be present to do the TEE and I even requested my favorite Tech for the TEE. I was wound up so tight before having my consultation, and I am so very calm now. My healthcare team has done everything to lessen all my stress. Cathy, my surgeon told me to expect about 4 days at the hospital and said I could even return to work as little as 4 weeks. I am young with no co-morbidities and a non-smoker. I am trying to get in the best shape for this surgery. As far as the pain, I have told myself that when I wake up and feel that pain- well, it means that I am alive. For that, I will welcome pain because I have some really awesome kids and husband that I can't wait to see.

MARIE PICUN  This is why we are all here. We understand the meaning of OHS. We support one other. Plus we get thru OHS and RECOVERY with the help of our family here. The heart warriors brothers and sisters

Michael Cline  The anticipation leading up to your surgery is far more stressful that the actual surgery. when you are on the recovery side you will say "It was not so bad after all".

Susan Lynn  I agree with Marie - forego the bra as long as you can. If you prefer to try something, a stretchy top with a built in shelf bra might be more comfortable or you can try purchasing a bra that fits loosely. Don't spend too much money - you'll be back to your regular ones before you know it.
Good luck!

Sommer Russell  I've seen women post about loving a cami type bra because it isn't to tight, supportive, but no wires. I have recently become a fan of them myself and they will be my first bra that I try after surgery.

Cathy Garziano  Thanks for the replies, ladies! Unfortunately, I CANNOT go braless. My girls are too LARGE and WILL cause damage to my healing processes of not kept under some sort of support. I will definitely going to look up Cami type! Thanks Sommer!!

Barbara Wood  I asked my surgeon about this & was told that the hospital would supply a surgical bra if they thought it was necessary - my roommate got one, but I didn't. I wore tanks with built in shelf bras for the first couple weeks. I wore a cardigan over it if I wanted to be extra modest. This was perfectly comfortable for me. I'd call the surgeons nurse & run the question by him/ her.

Roxanne Baumgartner  I asked the pre-op nurse about a bra (my surgery is next week at CC), and she said the nurses would fit me with one if necessary.

Phyllis Petersen  Welcome to the community! Congratulations on fighting the cancer and all the best going forward with your AVR.

Jill Mullikin  Hi Cathy! You are having quite a year! It’s too bad everyone here couldn’t be “special” in a different way. Keep on smiling and you are absolutely correct your condition is very fixable!!

Rob Sparling  Hello, Cathy! Cancer Warriors welcome! The surgeons and cardiologists don’t seem to care how many leaflets we start with! They get us straightened out.

Barbara Wood  Hi Cathy, tough year for you! The Phx Mayo is a great place- I had cancer treatment there too! All good wishes going forward, so glad you found us here - this is the most wonderful support group, & so glad you are being treated at the Phx Mayo!