Dan Baltazor - Heart Valve Journal

4 weeks since surgery

Journal posted on December 10, 2018

Today I had a 4 week post op follow up with my surgeon's office. Overall my progress is good and everything is healing. I'm still on full sternum precautions until January 7th. I am just beginning to find a better sleep pattern and I hope that continues to improve. I am taking melatonin only now and stopped the Ambien for sleep aid. I have been on extra strength Tylenol for internal pain and I do have sternum pain/sensitivity but that is a part of the healing process. I learned from a cardiac rehab patient that we can get 4% Lidocaine patches at the drugstore.
Today, they lowered my Metoprolol to once a day, instead of twice a day to help with dizziness and light headedness. My blood pressure will need to be monitored now since the dose was lowered. If it goes up, I will have to go back to twice a day.

Yes, I did start cardiac rehab, rather early it seems. I'm glad they did as this will be my 3rd week into it and it will end the 1st week of February. I'm assuming because I had transportation to get there but I don't know why they started me so early. I do treadmill and stationary bike right now, no upper body stuff. I go for an hour and it wipes me out but it's good for me and I do enjoy it.
I do have anxiety while out it public places. I guess it's because I feel broken and I'm afraid something will happen, so my outings aren't very long. I make sure Stephanie is close or I can maybe feel a panic attack coming on. This is all new to me, so I do hope it resolves as I heal.
Saw my X-rays today, pretty cool to see my valve and sternum wires. I won't have first echo until February. I'm really anxious to see the difference from an old one.
I did have my first cardiologist appointment last week, but that was very uneventful. He listened to my heart only, looked at my my incision and said see you in 3 months for the echo. He did comment on the before and after photos the surgeon took of my valve and he said that I had a sudden death valve and I am very lucky. I feel more than lucky, I feel Blessed.

Keep healing everybody and grinding out each day.

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Louanna Miller, Louanna Miller and like this

"Batting next.........."

Journal posted on November 11, 2018

Well, we made it to the evening before surgery. It’s bittersweet, but we are ready for this. More so than we thought we
would have been 2 months ago. It’s been a tough roller coaster ride these last few weeks and we’re ready to get off now.
Our emotions at times would get the best of us and we would lose our Faith and Trust,
but as we look back on the time that got us here, we can see nothing but Blessings all along the way.
Tomorrow, in the mix of feelings will also be the sense of sweet relief.

To the Heart Warriors in the waiting room that are asymptomatic struggling mentally with the thought of having OHS when you feel fine, as if nothing is wrong with you: That WAS Dan upon test result findings in early September. However, he has became weaker each day these past 3 weeks. Sleeping has been met with anxiety because he would wake up gasping for air, not feeling well and unsteady on his feet. If he rolled over on his side while sleeping, which is his normal sleep position, it seemed to put pressure on his heart/valve and his heart rate would rapidly excel and he couldn’t breath. Those moments were met with the decision of do we go to the ER or not. We didn’t want to make the mistake and go to the ER and have unplanned valve replacement surgery as outcomes would be less favorable than making it to his planned surgery appointment.
We also didn’t want to make the mistake of not going to the ER. We were already warned of what happens if
you don’t make it there soon enough. His heart would do better at night sleeping up on a wedge pillow
or in the recliner. We say asymptomatic is the way to go.
The only proof necessary are the test results that say we need OHS surgery, so symptoms not needed nor welcomed. They are too scary, too emotional and you’re walking on a tight rope line.

To all Heart Warriors: Thank you for sharing your stories and journeys. Courage and inspiration are drawn for the both
of us from each of you. This website is a Godsend.

To our Friends and Family: Thank you all for your support, words, gifts, prayers and just an over all feeling of having a safety net. We are both so overwhelmed with everyone’s support. All our love.

Dan and Stephanie

Like | Bradley Dunn, Rob Sparling, Steve Conroy and like this

Ricky Stutts Nicely written. It is a cake walk when you look back but a tough walk at the moment. Thinking of you, Paul, & David tomorrow.

Rob Sparling The people here are amazing, including the two of you Dan & Stephanie. The strength and courage you’ve had to muster to get to this point inspires us all! ... Read more

Debbie Moriarty Wishing you the best on your big day tomorrow. Praying you’ll feel better very soon.

Dan Vechiola Best wishes Dan and Stephanie. Upon reaching the other side and taking it one day at a time you will be glad its over and have disbelief you are done with ... Read more

David Moore I could change the names on the post and it would be our story as well. Praise God for His mercy and grace and a new lease on life for you guys (and for all ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez Thanks so much Dan for posting this song. Truly inspiring me to stand in God's love as I prepare for my November 19 mitral valve repair surgery. God bless you for sharing this. Much appreciated.

David Moore Wow! Dan! This is Cheryl - thank you for being the delivery instrument for this blessing from God. It will be on repeat here as at our house as well. Plus, ... Read more

Rebecca DeMarino Thank you, Dan - I have my pre-op tomorrow and my surgery for a bicuspid aortic valve is scheduled for November 29th - and I was just thinking today that I ... Read more

Rob Sparling Could not say it or do it better than you, Dan. Hats off to you. Your strength, grace and determination are inspiring to all of us.Monday is nearer than it feels. 🙏

Dan Baltazor Rob, you already did! That’s how I got to where I’m at now “brotha”. My hats off to you.
Rebecca, good luck with pre-op stuff tomorrow. It’s nice when all that is over!!

Barbara Wood Yes, I started it pre-surgery, maybe 2 weeks before, but I did because I had afib, then a cardioversion putting me back in nsr & the amiodorone was prescribed ... Read more

Judy S I was prescribed it post surgery due to some minor bouts of Afib. I did not have any history of Afib. I started with it twice a day and then weaned down to ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS I was placed on amiodarone when pacer wires were removed after surgery because I went into afib at that time for more than a couple of hours. Therefore, they ... Read more

Bradley Dunn I was on it after surgery. My local cardiologist took me off it pretty fast due to some side effects he was worried about. I did have AFIB after surgery. All is good now.

Lisa Guinan I currently have an irregular heartbeat (no AFIB). My surgery is a week from today and I'm not on anything.

Dan Baltazor Thanks for the feedback! It has some pretty harsh side effects and have some concerns with it. Your answers have helped. The surgeon's office said that Dr ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney Great picture, sooo cute! Of course, Dan your looking pretty good too!😜

Rob Sparling (Good that you clarified, J. 😜)

Dan, the pup will be glad to scrub-in if it means he/she gets to see you as soon as possible! We had a tough time shipping ... Read more

Dan Baltazor Well I, Stephanie, accidentally deleted Dan's profile pic and apparently you can't quietly add a profile picture, it goes right up on the news feed. Rob, we ... Read more

Marie Myers Nice little nurse you got there-seems very attentive!

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