Just posting - having had my four year anniversary in October. All has been going swimmingly. Sending best wishes to those awaiting, and best to all for 2020. ...Read more
Just posting - having had my four year anniversary in October. All has been going swimmingly. Sending best wishes to those awaiting, and best to all for 2020.
Rita Savelis Happy late anniversary Charles! All the best.
Marie Myers Congratulations, and I wish you many more healthy anniversaries!
Just checking in on my 18 month anniversary of a mitral valve repair. All has been going smoothly, back to my previous pace of work. Followup echos show success, ...Read more
Just checking in on my 18 month anniversary of a mitral valve repair. All has been going smoothly, back to my previous pace of work. Followup echos show success, and (knock wood) no untoward sequelae have manifested.
To those awaiting - things will get better before you know it.
Hello all, both before and after. 1 year ago as I write this, I was in the OR at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Acker was able to do ...Read more
Hello all, both before and after. 1 year ago as I write this, I was in the OR at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Acker was able to do a successful repair and also close a patent foramen ovale of which I had previously been unaware of before my arteriogram.
Recovery has been uneventful. I was back to the office in about 5 weeks, and after a week in the hospital went home and could do email and writing for a few hours each day ramping up. So far no complications. All positive with my regular cardio follow ups. I see my surgeon for my one year exam in a month and anticipate all will be well. My sleep since the operation has been tremendous (probably almost too so).
Anyway, all the best to you waiting, and there is light at the other side. I'll continue to pop in periodically.
Phyllis Petersen Congratulations on a successful surgery and uneventful recovery! It gives me hope.
Ellen Leng Thanks for updating...I can imagine that you remember being helped by these stories when you were in ... Read more
Ellen Leng Thanks for updating...I can imagine that you remember being helped by these stories when you were in the shoes of those of us who are "in progress". Congratulations, and thank you for giving us great news :)
Anna Jones Thank you for coming to give us updates. I remember your journal from last year and am very pleased ... Read more
Anna Jones Thank you for coming to give us updates. I remember your journal from last year and am very pleased that all went so well for you.
Craig Gay Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!! Thanks for the encouraging update.
All has been going well. I've been pretty close to back to a normal schedule since month 2.5, including a lot of travel. So far (knock on wood) no post-surgical ...Read more
All has been going well. I've been pretty close to back to a normal schedule since month 2.5, including a lot of travel. So far (knock on wood) no post-surgical complications, and my scar (full sterneotomy) has been healing beautifully -- you really need to look close to see it.
My internist and cardiologist are all pleased with recovery.
Positive effects - I've been sleeping better with no snoring, and my breathing is markedly improved.
Those still waiting - the apprehension before (at least in my case) is almost worse than the recovery!
Sue Pluta Love hearing positive things...was just told have a bad valve and going for tee and catch on the 20th ... Read more
Sue Pluta Love hearing positive things...was just told have a bad valve and going for tee and catch on the 20th to see if any blockages before discussing my valve situation. I am petrified and in denial so when I hear good things I feel better. Best of luck to you!
Rita Savelis Hey, if OHS will make snoring go away - I'm going to recommend it to my non-cardiac husband!!
Congrat ... Read more
Rita Savelis Hey, if OHS will make snoring go away - I'm going to recommend it to my non-cardiac husband!!
Congrats Charles on your recovery.
Six month anniversary
Six months ago was preparing to head off to the hospital for a mitral valve repair. Spent a week recuperating.
Good news is that I've ...Read more
Six month anniversary
Six months ago was preparing to head off to the hospital for a mitral valve repair. Spent a week recuperating.
Good news is that I've been back at work since early November, and have resumed all normal activities. Had my six month echo and all is looking good. I thank all in this community for the support, and of course Adam for setting this up in the first place.
To those yet to cross over, I offer confidence that there is another side, and all the best wishes as you approach your dates.
3 months post MV repair and all is well. Been back at work since mid November. Scars have been healing well, and my energy level has been good -- walk 2-3 ...Read more
3 months post MV repair and all is well. Been back at work since mid November. Scars have been healing well, and my energy level has been good -- walk 2-3 miles a day, just in my daily commute and around the office.
My sleeping had much improved from pre-surgery (I thought I was asymptomatic, but probably was not), and my wife says that before OHS I was breathing loudly while sleeping, but now very very quiet (it unnerved her the first few weeks back).
To all waiting, best wishes and there is a lot of good on the other side.
Gary Stripling Great report, Charles! I'm 4 1/2 months post OHS for MV repair (among other things) and your post is ... Read more
Gary Stripling Great report, Charles! I'm 4 1/2 months post OHS for MV repair (among other things) and your post is very encouraging to me. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Lorenz Love to hear this!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Happy New Year to all.
It was probably around April when the prospect of surgery started to become real, and then I found this site and Adam's book. Both the ...Read more
Happy New Year to all.
It was probably around April when the prospect of surgery started to become real, and then I found this site and Adam's book. Both the friends on the site and the book were very helpful in walking thru the various steps leading up to my successful mitral valve repair in early October. I've been doing very well since (knock wood), and in retrospect, even though I thought I was asymptomatic, I had started to have some breathing problems which I (erroneously) wrote off to asthma.
I will post a photo of my incisions in a few days as I come up to the 90 day anniversary.
To all awaiting, there is hope and lots of advice on this site to learn from. Happy New Year to all.
8 weeks + 4 days from MV Repair
Just got back from a 4 day work trip to California. Did well. If anything, I slept better with the time zone change than I ...Read more
8 weeks + 4 days from MV Repair
Just got back from a 4 day work trip to California. Did well. If anything, I slept better with the time zone change than I ever had. Carried my regular bags (including a computer backpack) with no problems. So for all of you waiting, there are positive outcomes very shortly.
Sophia Ridley Congratulations on such a milestone. Gives a marker in the sand for us behind you.
Christine Oliva Charles, thank you for letting us know you are doing fine. I'm a few days behind you so have to inspi ... Read more
Christine Oliva Charles, thank you for letting us know you are doing fine. I'm a few days behind you so have to inspire me to keep on keeping on! Congratulations on your progress.
Jean Knappik Great to hear that! Sounds like you are really moving in a positive direction.
Liz Burroughs Hi Charles, I'm glad that you're doing so well!! It must be nice to be able to carry your bags withou ... Read more
Liz Burroughs Hi Charles, I'm glad that you're doing so well!! It must be nice to be able to carry your bags without any worries! Congrats!! Take care. Liz
I wish all my fellow US folks on the board a joyous Thanksgiving. I am 51 days out from my MV repair (on October 5) and am pretty much back to normal. My ...Read more
I wish all my fellow US folks on the board a joyous Thanksgiving. I am 51 days out from my MV repair (on October 5) and am pretty much back to normal. My surgeon, cardiologist and internist have all cleared me for normal activities, and I have my first business trip Monday (a transcon to California).
I am back to my medications pre-surgery (only a blood pressure pill and a thyroid pill). My pulse is probably not as low as it should be (70-115 or so), but presumably as I increase my activity (I usually walk 2-2.5 miles a day), that will resolve.
I am thankful for all the incredible medical personnel that make our trip to the other side of surgery possible (I need to send the nursing staff on the floor a holiday card), and to the useful fellowship and information found on this site.
To those of you who are waiting, you will soon find yourselves successfully "remodeled"!
Tammy Pilcher Happy Thasnksgivig, Charles! God bless you, heart brother!
My sternum is healing nicely as are my incisions, and I am cleared of restrictions on movement, lifting, etc. And also have been removed from Coumadin so can ...Read more
My sternum is healing nicely as are my incisions, and I am cleared of restrictions on movement, lifting, etc. And also have been removed from Coumadin so can go back to normal eating habits.
Steven A Husted GREAT NEWS I PRAY YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT RECOVERY
Suzanne Moore That is wonderful! Very encouraging as I lead up to surgery. Thank you!
Emily Rowley That's excellent to hear you've making good progress during recovery.
May I ask how come they placed ... Read more
Emily Rowley That's excellent to hear you've making good progress during recovery.
May I ask how come they placed you on a blood thinner for mitral valve repair?
Also did you use Incision Shield? I've just ordered one.
Charles Haas They use a ring to reinforce the mitral valve - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitral_valve_annuloplasty
and the month or so after surgery they want to prevent clots around this device - at least that is the practice of my surgeon. I did not use Incision Shield.
Mitral valve annuloplasty is a surgical technique for the repair of leaking mitral valves. Due to various factors, the two leaflets normally involved in sealing the mitral valve to retrograde flow may not coapt properly. Surgical repair typically involves the implantation of a device surrounding the mitral valve, called an annuloplasty device, which pulls the leaflets together to facilitate coaptation and aids to re-establish mitral valve function.
Doing well - have been going back to the office since Wednesday, 5-6 hours. Sleeping a lot, which I suspect is part of the natural healing. Last night slept ...Read more
Doing well - have been going back to the office since Wednesday, 5-6 hours. Sleeping a lot, which I suspect is part of the natural healing. Last night slept 10 hrs!!!!
On Wed, I have a chest x-ray and meet with my surgeon. Hopefully he'll take me off warfarin and clear me to start doing some travel.
Day 25 post MV repair
just took an unaccompanied 2 mile walk. feeling fine afterwards. pulse went up only to 103 during walk.
Christine Oliva Awesome. I just started walking again and I'm only at 20 minutes twice a day. I'm 16 days post op AVR ... Read more
Christine Oliva Awesome. I just started walking again and I'm only at 20 minutes twice a day. I'm 16 days post op AVR you will push me to do more. I want to go up five in the next two weeks, fingers crossed. Good luck Charles!
anita egden It's great to read about your successes! I keep thinking about "after surgery" and it's just a big b ... Read more
anita egden It's great to read about your successes! I keep thinking about "after surgery" and it's just a big blank slate of what I can't do... I have to look at how things progress into what I can do over time... keep posting!
3 weeks post op, 2 weeks post discharge
I think the sternal pain is starting to ebb -- need less tylenol! Just got back from my INR test and I am down to a ...Read more
3 weeks post op, 2 weeks post discharge
I think the sternal pain is starting to ebb -- need less tylenol! Just got back from my INR test and I am down to a weekly schedule (I meet with my surgeon on 11/11 who hopefully will take me off at that time since I only had a mitral valve repair). I've been upping my walks to 1.5 - 2 miles per day and gradually going back to my normal sleep cycle (with a nap about every other day now - most often right after lunch).
Steven A Husted you are doing fine i love my cardio rehab phase 3 it helps to be around other heart patients
Sophia Ridley Charles, fabulous news - sounds like your recovery is going very well.
I've seen a number of posts ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Charles, fabulous news - sounds like your recovery is going very well.
I've seen a number of posts where people are walking considerable distances in the first 6 wks. Please can I ask how active you were before surgery, was walking 1.5-2miles a day normal for you? How many short walks are you doing to total this?
Charles Haas Pre-surgery, I was walking 3-4 miles. Last week I was splitting this up into about two equal sized w ... Read more
Charles Haas Pre-surgery, I was walking 3-4 miles. Last week I was splitting this up into about two equal sized walks (starting from a total of 0.5-1 mile, but now I am more like one longish walk plus one shortish walk.
Sophia Ridley Thank you. You sounded rather fit before op and it's paying dividends now, and must be very satisfyin ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Thank you. You sounded rather fit before op and it's paying dividends now, and must be very satisfying to cover such distance. I'm thinking of buying a pedometer to give me incentive, I want to figure out my limit pre op so I know my goal. Keep it up! Posts like yours are so positive for us pre-op!
Charles Haas Just paying back all the wonderful folks who posted when I was pre-op. I've got an iPhone which has ... Read more
Charles Haas Just paying back all the wonderful folks who posted when I was pre-op. I've got an iPhone which has a built in step tracker, and just before surgery got an Apple Watch, which takes pulse every 10 minutes or so.
Took two largeish (>15 min) walks today. Took a bus to my cardiologist for INR and then had a good walk back.
Then my wife and I walked to a neighborhood ...Read more
Took two largeish (>15 min) walks today. Took a bus to my cardiologist for INR and then had a good walk back.
Then my wife and I walked to a neighborhood restaurant for lunch, and had an afternoon nap afterwards.
Starting to feel more confident. The "pulling" pain from my incisions is less than yesterday, and keeping up with the tylenol seems to make it manageable.
Elaine Cutri This sounds like wonderful progress. I loved my afternoon naps!
W. Carter Congrats! Walking is the best exercise for recovery.
Met with my cardiologist and internist. Mitral valve repair was successful, and all signs are on track. Today I walked a total of 1.9 miles. Cardiologist ...Read more
Met with my cardiologist and internist. Mitral valve repair was successful, and all signs are on track. Today I walked a total of 1.9 miles. Cardiologist says I can go back to work, at least part time, in two weeks.
Incisions healing well.
Best wishes to all starting down the path.
Michael Bowes Congrats on the successful surgery and how fast you are recovering! So happy for you. =)
Enrique K Charles, great to hear you are recovering fast!
Gerald Schaffer It sounds like you're doing great for just 16 days post op. I hope things continue going well for you ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer It sounds like you're doing great for just 16 days post op. I hope things continue going well for you.
W. Carter Glad to hear your on the road to recovery! Take it easy and slow. Listen to your body, if it says res ... Read more
W. Carter Glad to hear your on the road to recovery! Take it easy and slow. Listen to your body, if it says rest lay down and rest. It will all come around and when it does you will know it. You will feel better than you have in years. :-)
1 week post op
I am glad to be back home in recovery mode. Had successful mitral valve repair (with ring) on Monday October 5. Was out of CICU into stepdown ...Read more
1 week post op
I am glad to be back home in recovery mode. Had successful mitral valve repair (with ring) on Monday October 5. Was out of CICU into stepdown on the afternoon of the 6th. Took till Thursday to remove chest tubes, which somewhat limited mobility, and they were titering my meds to balance rhythm and pressure (and imagine this will continue to occur).
My first visit with my cardiologist is Thursday (and also the visiting nurse and physical therapist will start this week (perhaps tomorrow).
Good luck to all going thru this, and glad to be back on line to share.
Elaine Cutri Congratulations Charles! Best wishes on your continued recovery. Be kind to your body, time will heal ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Congratulations Charles! Best wishes on your continued recovery. Be kind to your body, time will heal and you'll feel good soon.
Ihn Kim Congratulations for your successful surgery and steady recovery! I have one quick question if you don ... Read more
Ihn Kim Congratulations for your successful surgery and steady recovery! I have one quick question if you don't mind..
Did you arrange VN and PT before you went into the surgery? How did you do that? Thanks, and wish you continued uneventful recovery.
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on being home. You'll find your recovery will go so much better now that your out of the hos ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on being home. You'll find your recovery will go so much better now that your out of the hospital, eating good food and not being woke up every 4 hours.
Charles Haas Ihn - I have always had all my health care (at least for the last 15+ years) in the University of Pen ... Read more
Charles Haas Ihn - I have always had all my health care (at least for the last 15+ years) in the University of Pennsylvania Health System) and have a pretty good benefits plan. So the surgeon's office has set up the VN and Phase I PT -- in fact I expect to have my first visits at home tomorrow. I also have coverage that would cover Phase II (and possibly some Phase III if needed). So it really has been a pretty seamless process. They also at the time of discharge set up the appointment for my cardiologist later this week. I just have to call my internist for an appointment next week, and my surgeon in about 4 weeks (with a chest x-ray, which I can do a few hours before).
In fact basically the internist referred me to a cardiologist I was happy with some years ago, and the cardiologist referred me to the surgeon who I was happy with. All the virtue of living in a large city with a top ranked system.
Jean Raber Ihn, my mother had her heart surgery at a smaller regional hospital, and visiting nurse and physical ... Read more
Jean Raber Ihn, my mother had her heart surgery at a smaller regional hospital, and visiting nurse and physical therapy were arranged before she left the hospital by the discharge nurse, and it all worked like clockwork. Your doctor's office staff can probably give you this info or refer you to someone who knows.
Liz Burroughs I'm glad that you had a successful MV repair & that you're back home. Good luck w/your recovery!
I report at 6:15am for a scheduled 7:15am start. Nice to be early (and not having to fast too long...) and also having the team rested to get me as the first ...Read more
I report at 6:15am for a scheduled 7:15am start. Nice to be early (and not having to fast too long...) and also having the team rested to get me as the first in the day.
Doran Herritt Good plan. Sending you thoughts and prayers. I'm seeing dr Bavaria at penn on the 21st. Take care, d ... Read more
Doran Herritt Good plan. Sending you thoughts and prayers. I'm seeing dr Bavaria at penn on the 21st. Take care, drn
Tammy Pilcher Mine was my surgeon's first case of the day too. I also was glad I didn't have to wait that morning. ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Mine was my surgeon's first case of the day too. I also was glad I didn't have to wait that morning. Prayers and best wishes, Charles. God bless!
Charles Haas Thank you. My wife also reminded me that when we met with my surgeon he said he likes to do the leas ... Read more
Charles Haas Thank you. My wife also reminded me that when we met with my surgeon he said he likes to do the least complex cases first of the day.
anita egden Best wished for every success in the surgery, Charles - and a speedy recovery too
Gerald Schaffer Charles, you'll do good at Penn. I don't remember too much about ICU but the nurses at Silverstein 10 ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Charles, you'll do good at Penn. I don't remember too much about ICU but the nurses at Silverstein 10, the step down unit are all great. The food is not the best and its not very quiet but they take care of you well.
Charles Haas I've already loaded up my ipad and ipod with podcasts and audiobooks. My wife is strategizing about ... Read more
Charles Haas I've already loaded up my ipad and ipod with podcasts and audiobooks. My wife is strategizing about what she can cook and bring me, since we live right across town.
Enrique K Good Luck Charles with your upcoming surgery.
Lori Rees You and I will be doing it the same day. Good Luck!
Terrie Syvertsen Charlie- You are lucky to go early in the morning as you will get to see the activity as you enter an ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Charlie- You are lucky to go early in the morning as you will get to see the activity as you enter and how wide awake and ready to go the whole hospital staff is. Being right near by will be great for your wife as well and it is going to be a fine day when you get to take your first walk down the hospital corridors together knowing that this is behind you and what lies ahead is some mighty nice healing time and a closeness the two of you will share that fills your heart even more than you thought possible! Have a nice evening and best wishes that the Universe is kind to you tomorrow.
Alma Mater You are in my prayers tonight, Charles! Get a good night's sleep!
Jo Rizzo Will say prayers for you Charles . I didn't go in until 3 .
Christine Oliva Charles, our best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery. I'm only eight days away so I f ... Read more
Christine Oliva Charles, our best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery. I'm only eight days away so I feel your concerns. Go all October Heart Brothers and Sisters and lets all recover quick! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you tomorrow.
more blood, chest X-ray, another EKG
The surgeon is 95% sure he can do a mitral valve repair. If not, he recommended a mechanical valve because of my overall ...Read more
more blood, chest X-ray, another EKG
The surgeon is 95% sure he can do a mitral valve repair. If not, he recommended a mechanical valve because of my overall health and his experience with greater durability. He indicated tissue valve mitral valve replacement may only have 10 years, and given my lack of other complicating factors, it'd be nice not to have to face that.
So I'm hoping to be in the 95%.
Tammy Pilcher Praying for you to be in the 95% Charles. God bless!
Jean Raber Here's hoping for the repair, Charles! I was happy to learn this is the probability for me, too. Pret ... Read more
Jean Raber Here's hoping for the repair, Charles! I was happy to learn this is the probability for me, too. Pretty sure they'll ask you what kind of valve you prefer if they have to replace, so make your wishes known to your doctor, your family, and nurses. John Lyons had the repair also, and is doing well. You might want to go over and check out his profile.
Charles Haas Thank you all. My wife and I have very good confidence in my surgeon and the entire team, so will go ... Read more
Charles Haas Thank you all. My wife and I have very good confidence in my surgeon and the entire team, so will go with his recommendations. I have been totally impressed so far with the staff and systems at University of Pennsylvania. It is wonderful to live in a city with such a top flight facility.
On Tuesday, my wife and I did the pre-surgery class at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They usually do this in small groups, and in our case ...Read more
On Tuesday, my wife and I did the pre-surgery class at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They usually do this in small groups, and in our case it was just us and two nurses who led thru a very effective presentation of how to prepare for surgery, the overall "flow chart" for the process, and what they do to prepare people for release (including meeting with a social worker). Overall I continue to be impressed. After, we took advantage of the opportunity for a tour thru the various units I will traverse -- from intake to CICU (just looking outside) into the actual stepdown unit (which is dedicated to cardiac surgery patients - and looks like they probably have 20 or more beds).
The class was a great demystifier and quite a relief to my wife.
Next week, pre-op meeting with my surgeon's office plus some more testing.
Just told all my colleagues about my impending surgery. A relief to share the news with all and get the outpouring of good wishes.
Jean Raber You know, trying to keep all this a secret from co-workers is a pretty big burden. I'm glad you got g ... Read more
Jean Raber You know, trying to keep all this a secret from co-workers is a pretty big burden. I'm glad you got good wishes and hop that's a load off your mind.
Had a dental cleaning and checkup yesterday. Fortunately no urgent work. I'll need a new crown, but the dentist said that it could wait six months - so on ...Read more
Had a dental cleaning and checkup yesterday. Fortunately no urgent work. I'll need a new crown, but the dentist said that it could wait six months - so on my after surgery to-do list.
Ruth Valenzuela I will wrote my experience of my OPS as soon as I feel stronger. Love u all
Antibiotics before dentistry pre-op
I have scheduled my MV repair for October 5. This week I have my semi-annual dental checkup, and it could be that I'll ...Read more
Antibiotics before dentistry pre-op
I have scheduled my MV repair for October 5. This week I have my semi-annual dental checkup, and it could be that I'll need some work done before my surgery. My cardio was adamant that the historic use of high dose prophylatic antibiotics pre-dentistry was no longer best practice.
So, when my dentist asks about routine changes in my health, should I say no since I am still pre-op (and asymptomatic)? Anyone else getting pre-op advice on antibiotics and dentistry?
Clare Auten My surgeon still says to get antibiotics even though it is not common practice anymore
Lynne Ladd My surgeon was insistent on antibiotics as well.
Jason Leber my dentist and cardiologist insist on antibiotics. I've had some dental work post-op and I've taken 4 ... Read more
Jason Leber my dentist and cardiologist insist on antibiotics. I've had some dental work post-op and I've taken 4 x 500mg pills 1 hour before my visit. Even for cleanings. I was also told to do cleanings every 3 months instead of every 6.
Jean Raber I'm pre-op, and the cardiologist said no antibiotics before dental work, the research doesn't shows i ... Read more
Jean Raber I'm pre-op, and the cardiologist said no antibiotics before dental work, the research doesn't shows it offers any benefits.
On the other hand, my mother is OHS post-op and she was told to have the antibiotics. So maybe there's a difference between pre- and post-op advice?
Bob M Antibiotics before dental work according to my cardiologist
Cheryl Batzing My dentist also says to keep taking antibiotics post surgery, even though it is not common anymore. M ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing My dentist also says to keep taking antibiotics post surgery, even though it is not common anymore. My hygienist is a dear friend and speaks world-wide on dental hygiene issues...and she says to take them as well!
Rita Savelis It's true that many doctors now feel they are unnecessary pre-op (I stopped then too) but post-op, th ... Read more
Rita Savelis It's true that many doctors now feel they are unnecessary pre-op (I stopped then too) but post-op, they still seem to be recommended.
Mary K I have a bioprosthetic valve and was given a card to carry with me that lists prophylactic antibiotic ... Read more
Mary K I have a bioprosthetic valve and was given a card to carry with me that lists prophylactic antibiotics and suggested doses for dental work.
Jean Raber Thanks for starting this discussion. (Which reminds me I'm overdue at the dentist, but he's gonna hav ... Read more
Jean Raber Thanks for starting this discussion. (Which reminds me I'm overdue at the dentist, but he's gonna have to wait. Remember when they just cleaned your teeth once a year and told you to floss and didn't try to sell you whitening treatments, cosmetic procedures, and you could get a gold crown for $100? Where did those dentists go???)
Linda McHugh My dentist would not do any work without the antibiotics
Jean Raber Linda, I wonder what your dentist knows that the doc's don't ... Interesting.
Question for those post-surgery:
How long after your surgery were you cleared to travel by air? Any special precautions?
Will be looking to schedule my surgery ...Read more
Question for those post-surgery:
How long after your surgery were you cleared to travel by air? Any special precautions?
Will be looking to schedule my surgery in October (call back from the surgeon today) but thinking about my calendar for late fall and beyond.
Mary K Hi Charles. I flew home from Cleveland Clinic to Florida two weeks after my mini sternotomy aortic va ... Read more
Mary K Hi Charles. I flew home from Cleveland Clinic to Florida two weeks after my mini sternotomy aortic valve replacement. The airline was great: gave us bulkhead seats at no extra charge when told I was post surgery.
Cheryl Batzing Charles, I was cleared to drive at 4 weeks post op, and took my first business flight 2 months later ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Charles, I was cleared to drive at 4 weeks post op, and took my first business flight 2 months later by myself, luggage and briefcase in tow. I had minimally invasive MVR. It was hard, I have to say, lugging a suitcase and briefcase through the airport. Plus my energy was not full steam, so was pretty exhausted at the end of each day. But was a quick trip and I was home resting after 3 days. Just use your own judgement if doctor has okayed!
Resting for a few hours in recovery then home. Surprised to find out that they want me to stay home tomorrow. But good news is all pipes are clear. Friday ...Read more
Resting for a few hours in recovery then home. Surprised to find out that they want me to stay home tomorrow. But good news is all pipes are clear. Friday on to a CT scan.
Gerald Schaffer That's not that unusual. They want to make sure your artery is well healed before becoming overally a ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer That's not that unusual. They want to make sure your artery is well healed before becoming overally active. I'm glad you have clean pipes that certainly helps things.
Tammy Pilcher Glad you have that done, Charles. You're one step closer to having your heart fixed. God bless!
I met with my cardiologist yesterday to discuss options and the pathway towards surgery. He ordered the cardiac cat, and also a CAT scan of my aorta as a check. ...Read more
I met with my cardiologist yesterday to discuss options and the pathway towards surgery. He ordered the cardiac cat, and also a CAT scan of my aorta as a check. I will have these by the end of August, and then my plan is to talk to my surgeon and schedule a date. I think I've resolved in my mind not to try to go for minimally invasive (it looks like this is a mitral valve repair) since my understanding is that there is a tradeoff between length of surgery (longer for minimally invasive from what I've been told) and potential recovery time (doesn't sound like a great deal of difference). I'd rather the surgeon has a good view and does it quickly and it looks like I've got the top doc at Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.
So in a few weeks, will have more data, then will need to schedule.
Jeanette Davidson You are on your way! Sounds like things are moving along. One step at a time! You will be so relieved ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson You are on your way! Sounds like things are moving along. One step at a time! You will be so relieved when you are on the other side. Stay optimistic until then and take real good care of yourself heart brother!😉
Just returned Friday from a trip to Brisbane and Singapore on business. I am a professor of environmental engineering and a department head, so a lot of technical ...Read more
Just returned Friday from a trip to Brisbane and Singapore on business. I am a professor of environmental engineering and a department head, so a lot of technical conference stuff. Am in town this week for a meeting with my cardiologist, after having met with a prospective surgeon a month ago. I have a two week domestic trip starting Aug 1, and then I need to schedule the cardio cath.
I guess I was worried with the travel, but still seem to remain asymptomatic. One day I wound up walking about 8 miles with no problem, not to mention the schlepping thru international airports. Though I am getting my mid wrapped around having to do the full OHS procedure, which is what the surgeon recommended and is highly experienced at - being the chief of cardio surgery at Penn.
Have done two light readings thru Adam's book and have also given my wife the paperback. This site was a wonderful find, and the journals are inspirational, and hope to contribute as I go thru the process.
An Introduction.
I was diagnosed with a heart murmur about 18 months ago and had my first visit with a cardio. After echocardiogram, I was diagnosed with mitral ...Read more
An Introduction.
I was diagnosed with a heart murmur about 18 months ago and had my first visit with a cardio. After echocardiogram, I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation, which has now proceeded to severe (based on a TEE two weeks ago). I'm meeting with my cardio in two weeks and have already met with one surgeon (who was pushing me to go in within three months --although I am asymptomatic) -- but he wanted to do it the traditional way, so I am bit unsure (though he is one of Philadelphia's top docs).
My main concern is, assuming this, which the surgeon believes would only need a repair not a replacement, would be the recovery time for minimal versus traditional entry? I am a university professor, and so want to get back to my students as soon as I can.
Also, I see very little here on the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania and welcome any comments from others who have had their surgery at HUP. I had a thyroidectomy there 10 years ago (for thyroid ca) and my experience was wonderful.
Nancy D Welcome to the group!
There is a wealth of information here and folks of many different experiences ... Read more
Nancy D Welcome to the group!
There is a wealth of information here and folks of many different experiences that love to share information and encouragement! There are several of us who have had Mitral Valve work done, and some even the "minimally' invasive approach.
There are a few ways the doctors do these, mine was a right thoracotomy approach so my incision is about 3-4" beside my right breast on the arm side. I know some have had an under the breast incision, and still others on the upper chest. I have read that minimally invasive has a shorter recovery as you aren't as restricted as long as a traditional approach- while waiting for the sternum to heal. I also read prior to mine, Minimally invasive is more painful in the initial recovery period but people get back to work and life quicker. I can't compare the pain levels as I have never had an open heart to compare it to.
I wish you well in the testing phase, and the decision making phase, and hope you are able to make the choice as to the best approach for you! Take good care!
Mary Ann Espelage Hello, Charles, my cardiologist and surgeon also recommended the traditional open heart surgery. I t ... Read more
Mary Ann Espelage Hello, Charles, my cardiologist and surgeon also recommended the traditional open heart surgery. I trusted my doctors and went that way. while I had a little e pain as my sternum healed it was not bad. My energy level was low at first but gradually increased over time. I was back to work in two months. Mine was aortic valve replacement, different from yours, so your recovery might be shorter. After six months I was back to my normal exercise routine. Good luck to you.
Tammy Pilcher Hi Charles, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced and an aortic root enlargement on Oct. 31,2014. ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Charles, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced and an aortic root enlargement on Oct. 31,2014. My surgeon did what he called a hemi-sternotomy, which I guess is the same thing others call a mini-sternotomy. It's 3 inches long on the upper sternum. He told me prior to surgery that the pain and recovery would be no different than a full sternotomy. It would just be a higher incision, but shorter. I had very little pain and it was manageable with Tylenol. I've done really well and I'm very pleased with my choice. Prayers and best wishes for your surgery and recovery! God bless!
Sonny Abbasi I have heard Penn is very good from somebody who had a procedure there. But that is just one person. ... Read more
Sonny Abbasi I have heard Penn is very good from somebody who had a procedure there. But that is just one person.
Susan Wozniak I had minimally invasive three weeks ago. Very Littlr pain but he numbed the area and it is still ve ... Read more
Susan Wozniak I had minimally invasive three weeks ago. Very Littlr pain but he numbed the area and it is still very numb. I was in the hospital four days. At about 2.5 weeks I started feeling so much better. I know I wouldn't feel up to going back to work yet. I would give yourself at least 6-8 weeks to recuperate before even thinking about going to work. The walking wears you out. Good luck with your surgery. People questioned my getting the minimally invasive because I had Barlow Mitral Valve but I trusted my surgeons opinion and left it in his hands. Good luck!
Tom Elliott Hi Charles. I also had mitral regurgitation and had a valve repair via full sternotomy. My surgeon wa ... Read more
Tom Elliott Hi Charles. I also had mitral regurgitation and had a valve repair via full sternotomy. My surgeon was also planning to repair the tricuspid as long as I was in the shop, and wanted the extra flexibility. He also pointed out that cutting the sternum involves relatively little muscle cutting, which is mostly what causes recovery pain.
After discharge (6 days) I never needed anything but Tylenol. Except for a ten pound lifting limit for three months I had no real limitations as a result of the sternotomy.
I was back at work part time in six weeks. I probably could have made it a little sooner had I been a bit more motivated ☺