Dan's Journal

Martin Smith  I had a Ross procedure 19 months ago. Feeling the heartbeats in my head and ears lasted a few weeks into recovery. I noticed it, but thought about it less and less as time went on. 

Rose Madura  After nearly five years, I still hear my heartbeat when I lay down on my pillow in certain positions.   

Marie Myers  Yes, I still feel a stronger heartbeat after 5 years, like Rose. It is more prominent when lying on my left side, and can “hear” my heartbeat in my ears when wearing earplugs. I am guessing it is due to the higher /more efficient  output of circulation with the better valve.

Dan Rhoden  Thanks Rose and Marie, guess it's a bit comforting. Learned from my follow up this morning is the pericardium that protects the heart is cut into during OHS. Until it heals completely you'll feel the pounding I was feeling. It can take awhile to heal completely.

Joyce Shelby  I am 6 years post-OHS and although it is not as frequent, I still experience that muffled heartbeat sound in my ears....A beautiful sound indeed!

Steve Neal  Yes can definitely agree with the hearing/feeling pulse - just be thankful you don’t have the tick tock of a mechanical valve

George Gardopee  Great news, Dan. Welcome to recovery. Based on the shape you are in, I’ll predict you’ll soon see amazing progress. After a few weeks it will be like it never even happened. 

Timothy Andre  Thanks for the update Dan. I'm happy to hear all went well. Your a warrior and an inspiration to us all 

Sandy Harvey  Great news. Pace yourself and take every bit of advice the medical staff gives you. So glad you are doing well.

  Congratulations Dan and welcome to recovery. Remember it’s one day at a time. Continued good health and recovery. God bless you 

Patsy Stewart  So good to read this wonderful report! Keep getting better and walking as much as you can. You’re doing great! 

Rose Madura  Dan, you are healthy! You will do great. Try to find some relaxing things to do. The time will go fast. Take care.

Robert Young  I just had those procedures 3 1/2 weeks ago as well as an additional procedure. All went well. Your right to trust your surgeon,nurses etc . They are among the best in the world. It is normal to have anxiety before for sure. You may even question yourself for a while after but in time for most people it was to their benefit no question.

Ginny Turner  Dan, the fear you're experiencing is normal as you approach surgery. Here are a few things that helped me let logic rule over emotion as I waited for mine (I’m now 4 weeks post-surgery and doing great!):
1. My surgeon is very experienced and skilled, as is the team who will care for me. They do this EVERY DAY with great success. Even though it's a big deal for me, it's routine for them.
2. I don't need to worry about the technical aspects or details of the surgery. My job is to go to sleep, then wake up. I can do that.
3. I'm grateful to have a condition that can be taken care of with surgery. Not everyone is so fortunate.
4. Almost every heart patient story I've read says the waiting is the hardest part. The big event will not be nearly as bad as I fear.
5. I immediately flip the switch on anxious thoughts and think of something to move my mind away from the fear - a funny grandchild story, beautiful sunrises on our lake, a new recipe I want to try, a trip we want to take.
6. With my surgery plan in place, I avoid too much reading and research on the subject. I already know what to expect and am prepared.
7. I view the surgery as a key that will open the door to many more good years to come. I'm blessed to be in my mid-70s and in good overall health. But after surgery and recovery, I expect to have more energy and feel even better than before. 80 is the new 60?
7. I start each day with a grateful heart. I have the support of my family and friends, Adam Pick's wonderful site, this caring community, and the teachings of my faith. I feel the good wishes and prayers of others and know I'm not alone.
Dan, I have every confidence that you will do well. We'll all be celebrating your successful surgery and you'll be on the road to recovery soon. Here's to the Class of '22!

Dan Rhoden  Ginny, wow! Great guidance, I'll be reviewing your feedback daily to keep me balanced until surgery day.
Thank you so much!

Katherine Berry  Following your journey Dan. Our cases are similar and I’ll be praying for you in the weeks ahead. Reading the comments serves double duty to encourage me, too. Thanks for sharing! 

Dan Rhoden  Katherine, thank you so much. looks like you found a great surgeontto fix you up. Nothing but good thoughts on your journey!

Lee Lewis  Getting closer, waiting for procedures are tough. But using this app helps a bit. Keep busy especially . Listen to relaxing music . Prayers, you got this, Smooth recovery

Rose Madura  Hi Dan. Your range if emotions is certainly normal. I know it's not what you wanted to hear but best that they found out about this now and you can get it taken care of. I had an aneurysm too and the graft that they use will last a lifetime. God bless you. Once it is all over, you'll feel so much better. Take care and keep us updated.

Susan Lynn  Dan - As Rose said, all of your emotions are normal, but knowing about heart defects in advance is a real blessing. Don't worry about the procedures your surgeon and team will address, all you have to do is sleep. When you wake up, you'll be on the road to recovery. The whole process goes very fast and most people will tell you that waiting is the worst part. Hang in there - you've got this! ❤

Deena Elani  Dan, you will be stronger and even a better athlete after your OHS. Totally get the shock and big concerns of OHS, been there, but it is not what it was a decade plus ago. You will be better.

Sandy Harvey  Hi Dan
The waiting is not a walk in the park for sure. Some good days, some difficult so trust in God. You will find so much strength from this site. Be sure to watch some of the videos. Lots of support and good advice here. My surgery is 2 weeks out. Hang in there.

Timothy Williams  I'm in hurry up and wait mode for mitral valve repair/replace. I'm here today for similar reason. Trying to decide if symptoms are mental (paranoid conscious?) or truly physical (bit scary). Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Marie Myers  I felt the same shock and disbelief when I found Out I needed OHS due to bicuspid aortic valve , aortic root aneurysm, and ascending aortic aneurysm. I was very active, working,ect, and the journey through acceptance of “what is” was not easy for me. That said, my surgery was successfully performed almost 5 years ago. I am active as I want to be, and still working a bit. You,too, will get through it all. Listening to calming Utube videos On “acceptance” and “calming” helped me a lot. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery! Oh,and vent away when you need too!

Dan Rhoden  Thank you all for the very supportive comments and guidance. Y'all just made my day a little bit better!!! 😄❤️

Janelle Hurst  Hey Dan, I saw your question regarding what attracted me to Dr. Gerdisch. I had watched a few of his videos on here, and then read his many patient reviews. I remember noticing that many patients talked about how fast their recovery was, and restrictions seemed minimal, and that is something I really want. I also learned that if Dr. Gerdisch has to do a sternotomy that he uses rigid sternal fixation (plates and screws) instead of wire to hold the sternum together....rigid sternal fixation minimizes restrictions during recovery (like lifting and putting arms above head). During my video consult with him he was very willing to answer any questions I had, I did not feel like he was trying to "sell" himself to me, he came across confident but humble. He did not minimize my concerns about risks, but also emphasized the importance to him of a great outcome and repair. Also, from my research, he is very skilled and very involved in research.

Richard Munson  I called his office out of the blue after seeing his video. I had my surgery in boston and was getting conflicting information regarding weening my self off eliquis and metropolol. 2 cardiologists, 2 different opinions. The person i spoke to had no reason to speak with me ,his assistant i think, but spent 15 minutes explaining his theory regarding post hvs. Could have been midwest hospitality but it was a nice touch in my eyes. It was a tie breaker for me.

Janelle Hurst  I see you decided on Dr. Gerdisch! So glad you were able to find someone you feel comfortable with. :)

Timothy Stoner  I do not have any of those. I have surgery this Wednesday for severe aortic stenosis of my bicupsid aortic valve, I have dizziness. Hope that helps.

Paul Lechiaro  I had surgery for severe aortic stenosis with a bicuspid valve on 11/18. had no symptoms. Everything was guided by the images. The 9th will be 3 weeks from surgery. Feeling better each day, Good luck Dan and Tim. The waiting and the worrying is the worst part,

Dan Rhoden  Thanks Tim and Paul for your responses. Just joined today, hope to learn a lot using this site. Looks very good. I'll find out more specifics come Monday.

Sara Latina  I had severe aortic stenosis due to bicuspid valve. No symptoms till beginning of this year. Had Ross procedure 10 weeks ago. Biggest symptom I had prior to surgery was exhaustion and shortness of breath (especially when laying down or doing stairs). No cough for me. Good luck to you. Finding this website was a godsend for me and I’m sure you will find it just as helpful. I’ll answer any questions you have.

Dan Rhoden  Thank you Sara, my symptoms have been gradual this past year with fatigue, dizzy and nauseated, feel like I'll pass out. I'm a endurance cyclist and endurance dropped big time this year. No angina at all. Also, blood pressure has been low in 80-50 range lately. Sometimes it's perfect. A bit nervous about what I'll learn on Monday with cardiologist.