Chris's Journal

Hi all, it's just over 5 weeks post mini-AVR. I was uncomfortable the first 4 weeks, but not bad. Stopped Oxy after a week at home, now just extra strength Tylenol PM at night. My walking is up to 3 miles in 60 minutes, and the chest pain is greatly reduced, but still there. I hope to start cardi rehap in a couple of weeks. For all who are coming up on surgery.... It's not half as bad as we all fear. You can do this!

Made it home.

Arrived about an hour ago. Flights from Cleveland went well. My daughter was here to cook dinner. My son is coming tomorrow night. 
The neighbors also made food. 
Wonderful kids and great neighbors.

 My wife is being a solid nurse and taking good care of me. Thank you Darlene.
All is good. 

Can't say enough about Dr Roselli and his surgical team at Cleveland Clinic.  The operation went very smoothly.

Heading to bed, tired. 

 Goodnight all.

Made it to the other side.
One and a half days in ICU. Now in a stepdown room at The Cleveland Clinic. Things seem to be progressing nicely.
Dr Roselli told my wife that it was a very "ugly valve". Thanks for the thoughts and prayers from this site.

Hi, my Grandkids sewed me a personal heart pillow to take with me this weekend. 5 yrs and almost 3 years old. With a little help from a great daughter-in-law. 
This side is from the 5 yr old grand daughter

Just completed my pre-op evaluation at The Cleveland Clinic on Monday, 10/13/25.

Lots of tests, full day's worth. Blood tests, EKG, CT Scan, Echocardiogram. Met with Cardiologist, Dr Kalahasti and Surgeon, Dr Roselli.

All went well, but, Dr. Roselli noted a congenital chest bone irregularity, that apparently will prevent the use of a mini-AVR. It might be a full SVAR. Not the best news.

Surgery is still on for Oct 27th. Trying to decide on either the new Edwards Resilia bio-valve (only 8 years of data, positive data) or the Magna normal bio-valve with decades of data. Thoughts?


Oh, by the way, if you have a Heart Catherization coming up... be prepared for some extensive bruising. I was told minor bruising at the hospital in Wilmington NC., but bruising up and down the thigh is somewhat normal. just watchout for swelling, indicating possible internal bleeding. 

Hi all, I'm heading to the Cleveland Clinic this weekend for PreOp testing. Aorta Valve Replacement Operation is 10/27, using a tissue valve. I was wondering what the longest lasting model might be... looking for any guidance available. Thanks in advance.