Last night I went into A-fib. 2 years post up, I was not expecting it. I called the cardiologist's exchange. He had called me back within 10 minutes. Of course he told me to go to the ER. Then he called the ER at least 2 times to check on me and give the doctor advice by what meds to give me. Spent about four hours at the hospital and got to come home last night thanks to my cardiologist.
Meredith Bray How nice to have a doctor follow up so thoroughly! Is everything ok now? What did it feel like? I had a feeling last weekend that felt like a baby octopus having ... Read more
Meredith Bray How nice to have a doctor follow up so thoroughly! Is everything ok now? What did it feel like? I had a feeling last weekend that felt like a baby octopus having a seizure in my chest, but it only last for about 3 seconds. It scared me!
Clare Auten Meredith, they gave me meds at the ER like my cardiologist suggested. I converTed to sinus rhythm with an hour and been good since.
John White What meds did they give you at the time and what meds do you need to continue on?
Clare Auten John, they gave me flecainide. I don't have to take anything daily but have a couple of doses for if the a-fib comes back.
Bob Fessler It sounds like your cardiologist came thru big time. I wonder about how available mine will be when I hear the desk telling someone the next open appointment ... Read more
Bob Fessler It sounds like your cardiologist came thru big time. I wonder about how available mine will be when I hear the desk telling someone the next open appointment is the middle of next month. Will he be too busy or will he make time for recovering AVR's? We'll see.
Laura Lamminen How scary and unexpected. Glad they were able to get it back into rhythm fairly easily and how nice that your cardiologist was such an advocate for you.
Clare Auten Thanks guys. My cardiologist has been an great communicator and advocate since the first time I met him. He is a little quirky but he knows his stuff. He always ... Read more
Clare Auten Thanks guys. My cardiologist has been an great communicator and advocate since the first time I met him. He is a little quirky but he knows his stuff. He always returns phone calls personally if you ask to speak to him even if it is 8 o'clock at night. I am so glad I lucked into him. I was supposed to see someone else in the office but my primary care doctor wanted me in sooner so I took the guy with the first available appointment.
At the lab
Journal posted on January 19, 2016
I stopped at the lab on my way to work for my Warfarin check. I was talking to an older gentleman while I was waiting. He has a mechanical valve also and was there for the same thing. He says his valve surgery was 40 years ago and his valve is still going strong. He looked great for his age.
W. Carter I have met in person, and online, people that have had the same valve for 45+ years. These pioneers of heart valves (most are ball in cage type) were at a huge ... Read more
W. Carter I have met in person, and online, people that have had the same valve for 45+ years. These pioneers of heart valves (most are ball in cage type) were at a huge disadvantage compared to today. INR testing only started in the early 80's. Before that the doctors told them to cut back on their Warfarin dose if their urine was red. :-) They were implanting mech. valves for 20 years before INR testing was invented. We are lucky to live these days where it is pretty easy to monitor your INR. That is the key to living a long healthy life with a Mechanical Valve taking Warfarin.
Sophia Ridley I'm sure there are times when we are destined to meet people to hear their stories. I met a elderly lady in hospital whilst I had my bout of post op AFib, her ... Read more
Sophia Ridley I'm sure there are times when we are destined to meet people to hear their stories. I met a elderly lady in hospital whilst I had my bout of post op AFib, her circumstances made me realise how lucky I was to have valve surgery now.
carol navin Oh wow , it is so good to hear success stories... people with valves strong after 40 years.
Days, weeks, months, years.....
Journal posted on January 9, 2016
It's amazing how we mark time following OHS. In the beginning we use days, then weeks, then months and finally, today, I can use years! My AVR and aneurysm repair was 2 years ago today. To say things are back to normal is pretty accurate for most things but, some things have changed. I think my son is a little closer to me. He worried so much about everything at age 7 when I had surgery that he doesn't want to go through that again. My oldest put up a wall so she wouldn't get hurt if something happened. We are just getting through that wall now. My baby had to grow up really quick. She could no longer be carried (she was 4 but still). She and I spent many days home alone with each other. She took care of me in those first weeks. I have a little bit of a different outlook on things. So in most ways, the heart surgery is something in the past that i don't think about every day. In other ways, it is the event that made things they way they are now.
It's been a wild ride. I don't remember every detail of tubes and wires anymore. I have put that behind me. (Or, I am old and forgetful). I do remember how my friends and family helped in so many ways. I remember all the doctors and nurses who cared for me along the way.
2 years and I am genuinely grateful. So glad to have this community for support.
Liz Burroughs Congrats!! I'm glad that you're doing so well!
Corey Sines Awesome to hear things are going well for you! You bring up some important points about how OHS can impact our kids. I will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks ... Read more
Corey Sines Awesome to hear things are going well for you! You bring up some important points about how OHS can impact our kids. I will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks for continuing to post, even when things are going well, it helps those of us who are staring down OHS surgery have hope.
Update on my scar
Journal posted on November 8, 2015
Back in August I went to a plastic surgeon about my scar. It was raised, red, itchy and very sensitive at 19 months post op. She recommended scar strips (did that) and kena log injections. After much debate about warfarin and the kenalog, the two doctors developed a plan. I had the injections directly into my scar about 2.5 weeks ago. It was painful while she was injecting me despite the numbing cream. So, the big question, did it work. My scar is definitely flatter. It does not itch anymore and is not sensitive to the touch. It is bruised from the injections so it is dark purple for now. I am planning to cancel the next set of injections. I am not bothered by the cosmetic aspects of the scar and have so much relief that I don't think I need to go through all that again. If anyone has questions, please ask.
Kimberly Biddick I am so glad that your scar is looking better... it sounds like it has given you a very rough time. Keep us posted!!!
Doran Herritt Has anyone used vitamin e on a scar. Do you wait until it is completely healed?
Elaine Cutri So glad to hear you have some relief Clare.
Emily Rowley I've used Vitamin E (and bio oil) on and around my scar when it was fully healed. It helped but I didn't notice a huge difference, probably due to scar already ... Read more
Emily Rowley I've used Vitamin E (and bio oil) on and around my scar when it was fully healed. It helped but I didn't notice a huge difference, probably due to scar already healed over. My scar still gets itchy and blackheads form there. I always wash well+exfoliate+scrub any dead skin away etc. I wonder if many others experience this and what helps?
carol navin Mine has started to itch after the 14 months and as i mentioned i think the discomfort is from the wires... I dont want to go for an injection until i find ... Read more
carol navin Mine has started to itch after the 14 months and as i mentioned i think the discomfort is from the wires... I dont want to go for an injection until i find out if its the scar or the wires.. I hope you are feeling relief.. cause like you i dont care so much about appearance as i do comfort/
Hypertrophic Scar
Journal posted on August 24, 2015
My scar is still red and raised 19 months after surgery. My husband reminds me that my aneurysm is gone and the valve repaired so it doesn't matter. However, some days I am jealous of people whose scars have faded.
So, I have talked to a plastic surgeon. Basically, my body was overzealous on the healing and produced too much scar tissue. She also said that it is best to work on the scar within 6 months of surgery (so I have waited a little bit long). She recommends the silicone scar strips instead of the creams. She said she felt the patients got better results. There are other options for me but they all sound painful and it is truly a cosmetic issue so I am not sure how far I will go.
Hopefully this information will be helpful to some of you.
Rita Savelis I'm sorry that your husband didn't acknowledge your feelings and say: It's no fun to have a chest scar.
Do whatever you have to do to help you move forward. ... Read more
Rita Savelis I'm sorry that your husband didn't acknowledge your feelings and say: It's no fun to have a chest scar.
Do whatever you have to do to help you move forward. I can't even look at my scar because it makes me feel queasy and reminds me of things like anticoagulants....
It's okay to mourn the body you once had and to make yr scar less prominent with treatments if you can.
Daniel Spurgeon I also developed a keloid scar. My scar looked great until week 6, then grew dark pink and lumpy. A dermatologist gave me some injections in the highest portions ... Read more
Daniel Spurgeon I also developed a keloid scar. My scar looked great until week 6, then grew dark pink and lumpy. A dermatologist gave me some injections in the highest portions of the scar, which helped reduce those specific areas.
Mary K Are you going to try the silicone strips? I am considering them.
Clare Auten Mary. I am doing them. The plastic surgeon says they work best within the first 6 months post op. She also said to use them consistently for 2 months.
Linda Wiebe I am at 8 months post on the 15th of Dec. I would like to try the silicon scar strips. do you need a script for them? I have been using benedryl gel and it ... Read more
Linda Wiebe I am at 8 months post on the 15th of Dec. I would like to try the silicon scar strips. do you need a script for them? I have been using benedryl gel and it helps with the itching and the pain but still VERY sensitive.
Mary K I have been using the strips for about three months. I am about six months out from my surgery. Do not know whether they helped, because I have no other comparison ... Read more
Mary K I have been using the strips for about three months. I am about six months out from my surgery. Do not know whether they helped, because I have no other comparison on my body. I will post a pic if I can, I have had problems uploading pics here before.
I really do not like the scar. I know that the surgery saved my life, but the scar is a blemish. I wore an evening gown this weekend, and hooked the neck opening closed to hide it.
Reduced Anticoagulation
Journal posted on May 12, 2015
I got a letter today from On-X the maker of my valve. The FDA has apparently approved reduced anticoagulation for the On-X valve. The letter says 1.5 - 2. I guess I will see what the surgeon says..
Suzanne Hunter Duane I love your sense of humour . When we are all going through the waiting times and then the healing times sometimes you just have to laugh and appreciate ... Read more
Suzanne Hunter Duane I love your sense of humour . When we are all going through the waiting times and then the healing times sometimes you just have to laugh and appreciate life. As someone with a mechanical valve it's ticking keeps me focussed on living .
Clare Auten Duane I actually thought that same thing....
Elaine Foster Great news Clare. My surgeon told me this was coming soon, but I still opted for tissue valve instead. Happy for you
Rita Savelis I HATE the ticking! But what great news about the anticoagulant reduction.
I'm terribly jealous of anyone allowed to have a tissue valve....
Emily Rowley That's great, look into if it's only reduced for certain valves being replaced. I didn't know they could change the dosage of already implanted valves, I thought ... Read more
Emily Rowley That's great, look into if it's only reduced for certain valves being replaced. I didn't know they could change the dosage of already implanted valves, I thought it was individually based. How do you find your tissue valve Elaine? Why jealous Rita? I think I might be heading to a tissue one.
Yard
Journal posted on April 18, 2015
Mowed the yard for the first time this spring. Feels good to be able to do normal things like that.
Clay Rowe Lookin good Clare...I'm calling mine a racing stripe.
carol navin You are so beautiful and healthy looking. I have a friend who says when she first went to the beach... people were looking at her scar like they were freaked ... Read more
carol navin You are so beautiful and healthy looking. I have a friend who says when she first went to the beach... people were looking at her scar like they were freaked out and she said" knife fight" you should see the other woman"
Ed Smith What a wonderful picture of your Daughter. We're certainly blessed with a terrific zoo and several great heart surgery hospitals.
officially registered
Journal posted on January 25, 2015
I have officially registered for my second post op half marathon. I will be doing the Go! St. Louis half in April. As always my goal is to cross the finish line. Of course I would also like a better time than the one in October. Training is underway.
My scar at 1 year. Wishing it was flatter and faded but I still don't hide it.
Bob M That's our initiation to the open heart surgery club! Nice scar!
Tammy Pilcher Clare, I don't hide mine either. I'm so proud of it! I'm going to post a picture too, but I have to wait until someone can help me. I'm technically challenged!
Barbara B. Bryan My scar is still very much visible after almost 14 years. I just with my surgeon had been a tad more centered! lol...
Duane Beeman I'd tell 'em I dropped a curling iron just to see the look on their face.....
Lin Casebier I am thinking I will ,too.... I think with some help from my sis when the time comes . WOW seriously not far away now . Getting a little freaky to say the least!!!
It is so hard to believe that it has been one year since my Open Heart surgery. I am so thankful for my team of doctors and nurses. My family has always been supportive. I still use the OHS as a reference for when events happened. For example, my daughter was talking about something yesterday and said "you know, that was when you had just come home from your surgery". The experience has changed my attitude and outlook on life in a positive way. Normal is different than what it was before surgery but normal is still great. Ticking away here in Missouri.
Michelle Maring That's the same valve my surgeon used on me.
New Year
Journal posted on December 31, 2014
As I lie here, alone in the hospital, (Husband is home tending the 3 kids), I have time to reflect on 2014. I met my surgeon for the first time on 12/29/13 so just a year ago. I was comfortable from the start. Surgery was a short 10 days later. All that has happened since then has been shaped by my surgery and my new outlook on things. I met some goals like the half marathon but didn't quite meet other... only 984 of the 1000 miles I wanted to walk this year. Both my surgeon and cardiologist stopped by to see me even though they didn't have to. Happy with the choices I have made. Sad to be missing the new year with my kids but am looking up to a good 2015. Happy New Year everyone.
Mark Alafita You are an inspiration. I wish you a wonderful 2015, even if it starts in the hospital.
Tammy Pilcher Claire, Wow! 984 miles! That's great! Happy New Year and hope you get everything taken care of soon!
Jim Kelly-Evans Sending hugs your way, Clare...best wishes for a wonderful 2015!
Linda Crawford Happy New Year Claire -- you are not really alone while we're here.
Bob M I pray your doctors will dial in your correct medicine.
You are doing great Clare. You have such a good head on your shoulders. I hope by now as I am writing this message they have figured things out. Happy new year ... Read more
You are doing great Clare. You have such a good head on your shoulders. I hope by now as I am writing this message they have figured things out. Happy new year to you and your family. Take good care of yourself.
INR trouble
Journal posted on December 30, 2014
So, for some mysterious reason my INR hit rock bottom when I had it tested today. Got to go back to the hospital for a heparin drip. Will be spending the night.
Tammy Pilcher Sending prayers and best wishes your way, Clare!
Lenore Mitchell Hope you're soon back home and that pesky INR behaves. The Hot Chocolate 15K sounds like fun. Marshmellows, too? Take care!
Joan Napier Clare, Oh those temperamental INRs with their lack of cooperation! Sounds like your doc will bridge you with heparin till they can get it back in therapeutic ... Read more
Joan Napier Clare, Oh those temperamental INRs with their lack of cooperation! Sounds like your doc will bridge you with heparin till they can get it back in therapeutic range on coumadin. Good luck, they will get this back to where it needs to be.
My friends and I ready for the Hot Chocolate 15k in downtown St. Louis a few weeks ago.
The day after Christmas 2013
Journal posted on December 26, 2014
That is the day I learned I would need surgery right away. The cardiologist called and gave me the news. He had already talked to a surgeon. Things moved so fast after that. What a wild and crazy year it has been.
Adam Pick Clare... Agreed. Time flies. How are you feeling now? Happy holidays! Adam
15k
Journal posted on December 14, 2014
Did a walk/run of the Hot Chocolate 15k today. Emotional time for me. Did the same race last year about 10 days before I knew I needed surgery. I pushed hard today and my time was slower than last year but I was happy I was able to do a 9.3 mile race less than one year after open heart surgery.
Wow....what a roller coaster this has been. I still think back to this time last year. I was getting ready for Christmas and felt good. This year, I am doing the same Christmas stuff and feeling good. The difference is the scar on my chest and my repaired valve. Time does keep moving.
In September, my 86 year old dad fell and broke his pelvis and elbow. Yesterday, he was able to go back home. We tried for a selfie. :)
Joseph Ballett Nice picture , hope he is feeling well now and you also
Eleanor R Your Dad is a trooper, I'm glad he is healing and can go home. Lucky guy to have you close by too.
Adam Pick I'd say you not only "Tried" for a Selfie... You succeeded! Great to see you and your dad Clare. I'm so glad to hear that he is back home!
10 months
Journal posted on November 9, 2014
Today marks 10 months post op. Wow, surgery seems like a distant memory. Even things that I "knew" I would never forget...like the tube...are fading into a blurry, vague memory. I feel revovered. I feel like I have a new normal with a clicking noise and some extra medicine. This Thanksgiving I will be extra thankful for all the people who have helped my family and I during this crazy, busy time. I am thankful that I found this site...even though it was after surgery.
Eleanor R I'll bet they had a great time. They look terrific.
Adam Pick Awesome! Fyi, for Halloween my son was Darth, my wife was Princess Leah and I was Obi-Wan. Incredible how timeless the Star Wars storyline and characters are. 😀
Clare Auten And, the best part is that I made his whole suit (not the helmet) out of a few pieces of white poster board and duct tape
Finally have a profile picture
Journal posted on October 22, 2014
I got a new phone and was finally able to post a picture. Not many to choose from so I picked one of my two youngest kids. :)
Well, I met my first goal today. I completed a half marathon. Not my first (9th)...not my fastest (slowest by far). But, I had signed up long before my surgery in January. My goal was to finish and I did, 13.1 miles.
Time keeps moving, faster and faster. As this school year gets underway, I am reminded that last year at this time, I didn't even know I had a valve issue yet. What a difference a year makes. I feel fully recovered. I mowed the yard yesterday for the second time this month. I am a little sore today....probably would have been anyway. I have some new goals. First, I will complete the half marathon next month. I had signed up before I new about the heart thing. It will probably be my slowest but that's ok. Secondly, I will get to 1000 miles this year on my Nike watch. Last year I was at 1000 by October. I figure I just need 3 miles a day from here until Dec 31. I can do that!
Elaine Foster Yes, thank you for encouraging all of us waiting for surgery
7 months
Journal posted on August 9, 2014
Today marks seven months post surgery. Where has time gone? I set out this morning to walk seven miles, one for each month. Well, 2 hours and 15 minutes later, I had done nine miles. I was drenched with sweat and rain but it felt good to be outside doing things I used to do. Now, if I could do nine miles in 1 hour and a half, I would really be back. My legs will be sore tomorrow.
Claire did you have MI surgery as well? It sounds like you did because you seemed to have recovered pretty well. DId you have problems sleeping at night when ... Read more
Claire did you have MI surgery as well? It sounds like you did because you seemed to have recovered pretty well. DId you have problems sleeping at night when you came home? I have to ask my surgeon if I may need BP medicine as well - if that is standard after surgery...or is that only needed if you have a mechanical valve. I am not on them right now. oh, the fun. I am so glad to hear how active you were so soon after. I can't believe you were tending to a sick house after only 6 weeks. You are a true warrior.
Ok I just read you did not have MI. You did so great, it sounded like you did! I agree with all the others, you are an inspiration, and you sound pretty calm ... Read more
Ok I just read you did not have MI. You did so great, it sounded like you did! I agree with all the others, you are an inspiration, and you sound pretty calm based on your journal entries after your surgery was done. Thanks for sharing.
And you are working full time. You must be one of those high energy people. I am too...but than I tank pretty bad, one way or the other it catches up.
6 Months
Journal posted on July 9, 2014
It is hard to believe that 6 months ago I was in the OR getting a new aortic valve. I generally feel good. I ran/ walked a 4 mile race last weekend in 55 minutes and then came home and walked another two miles with my husband. I am still working on getting the warfarin regulated but things are going well.
Clare
Tomorrow will mark 5 months post op. Today I ran/walked a 5K race for Ballwin Days. Finished in 45:13 which is under a 15 minute mile pace. Definitely my slowest 5K...I have been under 30 minutes before .... but I will take it as a victory. I finished with my new valve just ticking away.
No pomp or cap and gown but I finally graduated from cardiac rehab. My busy life these last few weeks seems like normal. While I really liked rehab and needed it 4 months ago....it feels good to be done.
Wow! Yesterday marked the 4 month mark and life is so busy I didn't even have time to stop and post something. I have two more sessions of rehab. Not sure when I will get them in, seems there is something else asking for time after work each day. As a teacher, this is a very busy time of year. I feel pretty good. My meds seem adjusted. My scar still itches in certain tops but it is bearable. I am still exercising every day. I can walk up to 5 miles at a 15 minute pace. I could probably walk further but I always run out of time because there is a sporting activity or something to get to.
Good to be feeling so "normal".
I can not believe that it has been 3 months since I had surgery. Overall things are going well. The last few weeks have been crazy, busy and I am handling it well. I have been at work every day and had rehab, meetings, kids activities or kids appointments after work every day. I am tired but just a "normal" tired. I do read journals every day but regret that I haven't had much time to post responses. I hope everyone is well.
My Warfarin and blood pressure are much better controlled. I exercise 7 days a week and generally feel good.
I have had some issues with my scar itching lately. The rehab nurses say it is fine but it drives me crazy at times, especially if I wear the wrong shirt.
As you may remember, I have been a special education teacher for 24 years. I left for Winter Break on December 20 with no knowledge that I needed surgery. Due to snow days, I never made it back to school to see my kids before my surgery on 1/9/14. Tomorrow, I get to go back to work. It seems like so long ago. It almost seems like the first day of school all over except they haven't moved up a grade. I am actually excited to go back and ready for all the hugs.
I am so grateful to the doctors, my husband, my family and friends....but I am really struggling right now. My INR level is not right, I have been turned away from rehab again, I still can't do everything I used to do.
Enough of my pity party....moving on.
So, my last four readings were 2.3, 2.2, 2.2 and 2.4. All within my 2.0 to 2.5 range. I had my INR checked today. I had plumetted to 1.5. They think it is due to being taken off the Amioderone. I will now be doing Lovinox shots in my stomach to get back up in range....fun times.
It is hard to believe that my surgery was 66 days ago. In some ways, it seems like yesterday. In other ways, it seems like ages. I am walking 2 miles every day and try to do 3 miles on Saturday. Not quite the 6 miles I was doing before the surgery but I guess all things take time. I head back to work next week. It has been a long time. I am a teacher, left for winter break on 12/20..had the surgery...recovery...and now spring break. I am ready to get back and see my class.
Glad to read updates on others and hear that they are doing well.
My 7 year old just told me he was glad that I was better. It took both grandma and dad to substitute for me while I was sick....I guess I do the work of two people in his eyes. :)
So hard to believe it has been 8 weeks. Rehab has been on hold for 3 weeks due to blood pressure issues but my cardiologist said I could still walk. So, I have walked two miles every day but one when the baby was sick. I am now able to walk 2 miles in 29:54...under 30 was my goal today. I am happy with that pace. I pushed myself and ran 0.06 miles after my walk today...I wanted to see if I could. It wasn't bad but I may be paying for it later. I have been approved to start rehab next week. I go back to work on the 24th...could have gone next week but it is a 4 day week leading up to spring break...figured I would just start fresh after break. Then it is only 2 months until summer vacation..I am a special education teacher. Overall, getting stronger every day.
So hard to believe that it has been 7 weeks since my surgery. My husband and little ones have had the flu this week. Tending for them has worn me out. I was up several nights taking care of sick kids. I have changed sheets, done laundry, dishes, trash...etc. The good news is I can do all this. I would have never imagined that I would feel this good when they rolled me into ICU seven weeks ago.
My new blood pressure meds seem to be helping. Hope it continues to stabilize.
Right now, my family is all trying to get the flu....2 down, 2 to go. I am saying a little prayer that I don't get sick. I do not need that now.
I went to my follow up with the surgeon. All is good except for my blood pressure. It has been swinging up and down like crazy. The surgeon doesn't want to release me for work until it stabilizes. I understand but am a little disappointed. The cardiologist is starting me on different medicines tonight. I hope it works. I am tired of this roller coaster.
I had a little set back on Friday. My blood pressure was sky high at rehab. I am not sure why they didn't send me to the emergency room, but I am glad they didn't. I still don't know why. It was higher than it has ever been...before surgery, before meds....ever. Cardiologist had me taking extra meds and not doing much the last couple days. Luckily, it is down now.
I have my follow up with the surgeon tomorrow. Hope my blood pressure cooperates so he will release me to go back to work soon.
It is hard to believe that today marks 5 weeks since my surgery. I still remember those first few days that were very challenging. However, I am amazed at how well I feel now, how much I am doing again and the minimal amount of pain. Good to be on this side of the surgery. Best wishes to all those waiting.