Dan Sauerbrei - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1292 days ago

Rose Madura, Susan Lynn, Timothy Andre reacted to this

I haven't posted in a while, so updating where I'm at in recovery. I'm now five weeks past surgery. My two week post surgery checkup went well, everything looked ...Read more

I haven't posted in a while, so updating where I'm at in recovery. I'm now five weeks past surgery. My two week post surgery checkup went well, everything looked good and dr. was happy with my progress. I'm now into a cardiac rehab program, just finished my first week of 12. I'm feeling stronger every day, but it is in small increments. That being said patience is key I think and the cardiac rehab program will really help get me back in shape. Best wishes to all !

Rose Madura Sounds like you are on track Dan. Congratulations!

Susan Lynn Thanks for the update! Glad you're doing well. Cardiac rehab works wonders!! I really enjoyed i... Read more

Susan Lynn Thanks for the update! Glad you're doing well. Cardiac rehab works wonders!! I really enjoyed it!

Dan Sauerbreiposted a journal

1318 days ago

Phyllis Petersen, Timothy Andre, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

Just checking in to let everyone I did make it home this past Wednesday. I only had to stay an extra 24 hrs due to the afib. The IV got it under control, and ...Read more

Just checking in to let everyone I did make it home this past Wednesday. I only had to stay an extra 24 hrs due to the afib. The IV got it under control, and I'm on the pill version of the afib med until my first post op checkup May 27. We'll see what happens then. I was so relieved to be home, I'm not sure I was ever able to get any real rest in the hospital. Hitting the bed at home felt so good, I've gotten good rest the past two nights, feeling better by the day. Working hard on the rehab and looking forward to continued improvement. Looking back it's truly amazing how far a person comes waking up from surgery, gradually improving each day, to getting released.

Welcome home and to recovery Dan. You’re right about going home, it feels so much better. Hope your ... Read more

Welcome home and to recovery Dan. You’re right about going home, it feels so much better. Hope your Afib doesn’t come back and you continue to get better. God bless you

Susan Lynn Yay!!! There's no place like home, Dan! 👠👠

Timothy Andre Welcome home Dan!!

Rose Madura Wonderful news!

Marie Myers Great to hear!

Kristine Schroeder Home is the best place to be

Deena Z Spot on, Dan. The rate in improvement is incredible from the moment you wake up in surgery to the ti ... Read more

Deena Z Spot on, Dan. The rate in improvement is incredible from the moment you wake up in surgery to the time you are discharge. Enjoy your more restful nights and naps. EXHALE. You made it.

Dan Sauerbreiposted a journal

1323 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Dan Baltazor, Susan Lynn reacted to this

Well, it’s now Day 4 post surgery. Dan moved from the ICU to a regular room on Friday. He’s been continuing to walk (several times a day) as well as doing ...Read more

Well, it’s now Day 4 post surgery. Dan moved from the ICU to a regular room on Friday. He’s been continuing to walk (several times a day) as well as doing the cardiac breathing but he hasn’t slept much and isn’t particularly hungry. Today, he developed aFib which was resolved with IV medication, but it means he won’t be coming home tomorrow. I hope to speak with his doctor (or his team) about Dan’s progress and timeline for getting out of the hospital. He’s been so tired that he hasn’t checked this site, but I will be showing him all of your wonderful comments. Thank you, Kelle (Dan’s wife)

Jim Nowicki I develop a fib on day 4 as well and had an IV for 24 hours. 2 days later I was home. It's a common s ... Read more

Jim Nowicki I develop a fib on day 4 as well and had an IV for 24 hours. 2 days later I was home. It's a common side affect but my surgeon says it goes away with 3 months in 99 percent of patients. It is a pain but it will get resolved. Sooner Dan is home the sooner he will sleep. It's hard in a hospital. Best of luck it gets better.

Deena Z Hi Kelle, I was incredibly exhausted too as most of us. You might want to try protein shakes if Dan... Read more

Deena Z Hi Kelle, I was incredibly exhausted too as most of us. You might want to try protein shakes if Dan's appetite is not strong, because he needs to get his hemoglobin up to help with his tiredness. --that's what I did. Also-- my husband said he knew I turned a corner, when he brought me rainbow Sherbert ice cream and I ate most of it! I was so happy to be eating. Hang in there; every day gets better.

Timothy Andre Hang in there Dan, I also had Afib on day 3 in the ICU. Just like Jim, with some IV meds it went awa... Read more

Timothy Andre Hang in there Dan, I also had Afib on day 3 in the ICU. Just like Jim, with some IV meds it went away that same day. Let your care team do there job while you focus on staying positive. I stayed in the hospital for 8 days and was told on day 5,6,7 and 8 that I would be discharged. Just take it one day at a time and do your best to have no expectations. When the time is right you will be home and resting in your own bed. Sending prayers to you

Christopher Cozzi My appetite returned as I was able to clear my constipation post-surgery. Getting something other tha ... Read more

Christopher Cozzi My appetite returned as I was able to clear my constipation post-surgery. Getting something other than hospital food helped as well. I remember going back to the hotel room and eating a real life greek yogurt with fresh fruit.

Susan Lynn Kelle - Please let Dan know that we're cheering for him. It's disappointing when you're ready to g... Read more

Susan Lynn Kelle - Please let Dan know that we're cheering for him. It's disappointing when you're ready to go home and you're faced with a detour in your path. It's best to have these post-op arythmias handled by the pros. Stay positive- you'll see great progress in the next two weeks and be back to the activities you both love in no time!

Dan Sauerbreiposted a journal

1326 days ago

Adam Pick, Holly Wale, Scott Nicewarner and 14 others reacted to this

It is hard to believe I had my surgery yesterday. It went very well, although last night was a little rough pain wise but much better today. I’ve been up ...Read more

It is hard to believe I had my surgery yesterday. It went very well, although last night was a little rough pain wise but much better today. I’ve been up and on my feet, did some laps around the ICU and have had some of the drain tubes and neck IV removed. Really quite amazing how things have progressed. I appreciate the support and well wishes from you all! It has made this journey easier!

Holly Wale Way to go, Dan!!

Adam Pick Go Dan! Go! You got this! Thanks for posting this just 24 hours after surgery. We are so happy to le... Read more

Adam Pick Go Dan! Go! You got this! Thanks for posting this just 24 hours after surgery. We are so happy to learn that all went well. Amazing! Step-by-step!

Marie Myers Looking good!

Kristine Schroeder Wowza! Look at you. I am so impressed and happy to see the quick update. Keep up the good work.....pr ... Read more

Kristine Schroeder Wowza! Look at you. I am so impressed and happy to see the quick update. Keep up the good work.....praying for your recovery.

Howard Powders You look better than your parole officer!!😂😂

barry gambini 2 weeks post TAVR still breathing

Carol Jackson Way to go! Did you have your aortic valve replaced? What kind of valve?

Timothy Andre Wow Dan!! This is awesome news. I didn’t even walk on day 1. I looked at the staff like they were ... Read more

Timothy Andre Wow Dan!! This is awesome news. I didn’t even walk on day 1. I looked at the staff like they were crazy for wanting me to walk on day 1. Your doing great! Be patient and take it one step at a time. Blessings to you ❤️‍🩹

Dan Rhoden Awesome Dan! Get a little better each day.

john roland You look great. Keep up the good work

Joseph Frederick 8 weeks post my surgery, every day gets a little better hang in there , best of luck!

Barbara Whittle Robinson That’s great. 🙏 for speedy recovery.

As I told you, you will be ok. Look at you walking on the first day after your surgery………contin ... Read more

As I told you, you will be ok. Look at you walking on the first day after your surgery………continued good health heart warrior and God bless you!🙏❤️

Rose Madura Wonderful to see! You are officially a heart warrior!

Ginny Turner Great progress, Dan! Each day gets better. Hang in there!

Susan Lynn Looking great, Dan!

Lee Lewis Great seeing you moving, getting stronger! Prayers!

Dan Sauerbreiposted an update

1328 days ago

Timothy Andre, Susan Lynn, Dan Baltazor and 6 others reacted to this

Headed into 6-7 hour surgery! Lots of positive vibes from friends and family. Extremely confident in the surgical team at U of Iowa!

Holly Wale Prayers for you and your care team, Dan!

Timothy Andre Best of luck to you Dan! See you on the recovery side soon ❤️‍🩹

Susan Lynn It's a one minute nap and it's behind you! We'll be awaiting your good news!

Kristine Schroeder Cheers and prayers coming your way!

Carol Jackson Dan, good luck from a fellow Iowan. I live in Des Moines and had my aortic valve replaced in Feb. Pra ... Read more

Carol Jackson Dan, good luck from a fellow Iowan. I live in Des Moines and had my aortic valve replaced in Feb. Prayers coming your way!

Ginny Turner You've got this, Dan! By surgery day, I was almost excited to be heading into the OR. The long wait w ... Read more

Ginny Turner You've got this, Dan! By surgery day, I was almost excited to be heading into the OR. The long wait was over!

Rose Madura See you on the recovery side!

Adam Pick Thoughts and prayers are with you Dan!

Barbara Whittle Robinson Sending prayers

Dan Sauerbreiposted a journal

1328 days ago

Susan Lynn, Rose Madura, Holly Wale reacted to this

Today is the day. At home pre-op tasks complete and we’re on the road to the hospital. Finally a cloudless sky so we get a peak at stars and planets. I’m ...Read more

Today is the day. At home pre-op tasks complete and we’re on the road to the hospital. Finally a cloudless sky so we get a peak at stars and planets. I’m feeling like this will be a good day. Thanks to all for your words of encouragement, it has really helped!

Susan Lynn We're cheering for you, Dan! You've got this!!

Stanley Cheong You got this Dan! WIsh you nothing but the best!

Rose Madura Best wishes. Please keep us updated! Godspeed.

Andrew Dial You are gonna do amazing today!

Timothy Andre Dan, I'm sending prayers to you and your team!! You got this.

Dan Sauerbreiposted a photo

1334 days ago

Timothy Andre, Rose Madura, Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

Timothy Andre Great photo!!

Rose Madura Beautiful picture!

Beautiful family Dan, you will have lots of support and love.

Sandy Harvey

Mary Milewski What a great family! You're in such great physical shape suspect that surgery will go. quite well. W ... Read more

Mary Milewski What a great family! You're in such great physical shape suspect that surgery will go. quite well. While the idea of this sort of surgery is frightening many. of us have found the surgery not as bad as anticipated. Best of luck to you-looks like you have a great support team.

Susan Lynn Beautiful family!

Dan Rhoden Dan, read your story, I'm a cyclist as well, love long distance rides, 100+ miles. I too began having ... Read more

Dan Rhoden Dan, read your story, I'm a cyclist as well, love long distance rides, 100+ miles. I too began having similar symptoms I chalked up to getting older. Had an echocardiogram that told a different story. My surgery was March 28. Recovery is going well. As mentioned by others the pre-surgery anxiety is way greater than what you'll experience. Trust the surgeon, nurses, and staff 100% and you'll be fine. Soon you'll be in recovery and rehab then back on the road soon. That's my plan! Best wishes in your journey. 🚴🚴🚴

Dan Sauerbrei Hi! Just shared your comments with my husband (Dan S.). I'm Kelle and I can't thank all of you enough ... Read more

Dan Sauerbrei Hi! Just shared your comments with my husband (Dan S.). I'm Kelle and I can't thank all of you enough for reaching out to him with such encouraging notes. He's in amazing shape (no high blood pressure, cholesterol, never smoked) and we biked 2,000 miles last year. It's only been 142 days since we walked into the ER, so I understand why he's struggled with needing heart surgery. We're very confident in our surgeon and the University of IA cardiovascular hospital. 4 days and counting! Thank you again for the kind words!

Dan Sauerbreiposted an update

1335 days ago

Thanks Ruth. Feeling a little nervous this morning, one week from today I will be in the hospital being prepped for surgery. Check in time 5:30 am. It's been ...Read more

Thanks Ruth. Feeling a little nervous this morning, one week from today I will be in the hospital being prepped for surgery. Check in time 5:30 am. It's been an interesting journey from diagnosis to surgery on the horizon. Hopefully all goes well and I'll be on the road to getting back to normal activity.

Barbara Whittle Robinson 🙏🙏 for you and your surgical team. Speedy recovery.