Dave's Journal

Helen Daw  It is the greatest feeling when you wake up and realize that it is behind you.! Wishing you the best tomorrow!!

Ron Weaver  I have the same problem. And I can’t wait until it’s all fixed. Best of luck for a speedy recovery.

Dave Dionne  Hi This is Dave's wife...he's out of surgery and did well....just waiting for the tubes to be removed and for him to wake up!

Dave Dionne  Surgery went well on 03/16/18, sent home on 03/20/18. Now home 13 days, walking every day, eating properly and sleeping well. My recovery is nothing short of miraculous.

Deb Lewis   My local cardiologist encouraged me to travel to a top ranked hospital and it provides me peace of mind knowing I am going to one of the best. Travel costs are an issue. Also, having loved ones close by for support. I chose a highly ranked hospital close to family but a plane ride from home. I don’t have a support network in Cleveland and that was a sticking point.

Helen Daw  Based on my cardiologist's recommendation , I chose Mount Sinai in NYC. After doing some research on my surgeon, I knew I was in good hands. If I didn't feel comfortable with my surgeon, Cleveland Clinic was next on my list. I did not even go for a second opinion.

Anna Jones  Cleveland Clinic is not covered by my insurance. None of the surgeons who work at Cleveland Clinic were covered by my insurance. There are a number of highly ranked hospitals in cardiac care. Additionally, if you read through many of the journals on this board, you will see that recovery does not always go smoothly with the surgeries at Cleveland Clinic and that there have been complaints about after surgery care there too.

  I believe there are many heart hospitals right up there with Cleveland Clinic. Many surgeons from Cleveland go on to other hospitals. For instance, I live in Virginia and had my surgery in Virginia. My imaging physician who did my CT scan and measuring of my valve etc. had spent many years at Cleveland Clinic. I believe you research different options and decide what you are most comfortable with. There are many trails which lead to a successful outcome. Prayers your way as you start this journey.

Willie Radl  My opinion is that there are great surgeons all over the place so comes down to the details of whether your willing to travel, and what specific procedure you want done. I live in Minneapolis and am going to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN because its a high volume facility and only 1.5 hr drive from my house. I looked into Cleveland Clinic but didn't think there was much benefit of travelling that far. I also have a wife and 3 year old at home so that factored into my decision as well.
The more I research this the more comfortable I get with heart surgery being a relatively routine surgery that can be successfully performed at many hospitals.

Dave Dionne  Thanks Willie, I have similar issues helping me decide (my wife and the distance to the hospital). In addition, like you, my online research seems to indicate that an experienced heart surgeon and an excellent hospital can deliver positive results just about anywhere from Maine to California. I'm looking at an aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic artery replacement.

Civita Fahey  I think it all has to do with what your situation is and how comfortable you are with your surgeon. I was told over and over that OHS and valve replacements are pretty routine surgeries these days, yes, big surgeries, but routine. Still, I interviewed 3 physicians in the Boston area that had the experience in doing them. Boston has great hospitals so I'm lucky to have it in my backyard. But this doesn't mean that a hospital in Maine wont have the same skilled surgeons.. You just need to do the back work of finding out about them and what they have or haven't done in their career.

Dave Dionne  I'm comforted to hear that despite the fact that these surgeries are "Big", they are also considered routine by the teams that do them.... My surgeon is Dr. Paul Weldner who was a heart surgeon at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine for 18 years. He's been at Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute for 4 years now.

judith monti  I think 20-30 years ago it would have been a good idea to go to Cleveland Clinic. I live in Atlanta and our city has good hospitals and great surgeons.
If anyone asked me 15 or 20 years ago if I would have heart valve surgery at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta GA I would have laughed!

However after a dx of afib/flutter and seeing the Doctor's who work out of Kennestone, I was pleased with the cardiologists. I had an ablation a year ago and was very happy with the hospital, my EP and the entire office of my EP.

When it was determined the afib/flutter was coming from my my mitral valve that was severly regurgitating, I was referred to the Structural heart cardiology dept. I very much liked the surgeon and determined I need look no further. My surgeon, Dr. Richard Myung has surgeon's fly in each week to watch his procedure. There were doctor's observing my surgery. I felt in good hands and I was.

after all that, I would agree with other's that heart surgery is common place and yes it is a big deal. However, good surgeon's are everywhere!

Hope this helps!

  Dave, US news and world report puts out a report on hospitals each year with rankings. Ask your surgeon the questions you need to feel confident like how many he does each year and success rate.

Michael Neverisky  Do your own research, ask all the questions and make the decision that feels right to you. I spoke with Cleveland on the phone and interviewed doctors in person at two a Boston hospitals and one New Hampshire hospital before choosing

Dave Dionne  With an ascending aorta at 6.3cm, I have to take quick action. Wish I had more time to do research but I'm comfortable with the surgeon and the hospital. Now, my wish is to wake up after surgery and begin healing and enjoying my second chance at life!!!

Civita Fahey  As long as you are comfortable with your surgeon then thats all matters.. you will be posting your recovery before you know it. prayers coming your way !

Mark Wilbur  To everyone above: Thank you for your responses to Dave -- and to Dave for asking the question. As someone who has yet to decide which surgeon and hospital to choose for aortic valve surgery, all of your responses are helpful to me and to those like me whose surgery is sometime in the future. I have no choice but to travel for this surgery, so your insights are very helpful.

Barbara Wood  Interesting topic...when I first came here almost 2 years ago there was so much talk of the Cleveland clinic & that's where I thought I needed to be. But I have an hmo & that was not in my network - if I had gone there I would have had to pay entirely out of pocket- not an option for me! I have since done my own research & take those rankings- hospitals, doctors with a grain of salt. They are simply too easily skewed

You've chosen an excellent surgeon. My experience at Maine Medical was wonderful, I could find no fault with anyone I dealt with & it was great to be close to home & benefit from the support of my family & friends- it lessened my stress & I think that's worth a lot.

I'm in the camp that there are great surgeons, nurses & hospitals everywhere - I'm glad I stayed close to home!

Gina Fiorentino  This is a great question, and I, too was preparing for the possibility of traveling to Cleveland Clinic or Cedars Mt. Sinai Hospital in NY. I'm sure many people will offer their insights on this wonderful heart journal.

As I continued to do research, I found a local, California Bay Area surgeon who was well known in heart valve repair/replacement. His team at Sequoia Hospital has some very prestigious outcomes for valve procedures, and also discovered that he is the ONLY West Coast affiliate of Cleveland Clinic.

After discussing the pros and cons of traveling for surgery and follow up care, I decided that it was optimal for me to have my surgeon, hospital and cardiologist all in the same vicinity to where I live. The fact that this was possible, helped me find peace of mind. I don't know what restrictions are after surgery, but I'm not sure if you can hop on a plane super easily with post-op heart complications- so that might be something to think about. I came from another insurance system, so my new cardiologist was actually referred to me by my surgeon. I felt lucky to have found Adam's website, the trusted surgeon guide, and told about published outcomes... these things helped me make the right decision for myself. I wish the same for you.

Rose Madura  I'm sure the Cleveland Clinic is great but I agree with others that there are plenty of hospitals and surgeons in the US who are just as good if not better. I'd put my surgeon, Dr Peter Pavlina, up against anyone - anywhere. I think the key is to do your diligence in research and then feel comfortable with your decision.

Susan Killian  Haven't had my surgery yet but leading up to it UPMC in Pittsburgh the valve center has been excellent as far as communication and the procedures I have had thus far. Of course my insurance is through them and being that everything is covered, is also a big worry off my mind. Having family right in town helps too. As a nurse I know that anyone can have a good or bad experience anywhere, it is good to become educated yourself and also educate your families of things to watch for on your behalf.

Barbara Wood  Hi Dave, I had a mitral repair done by Reed Quinn at Maine Medical last May. Paul Weldner was recommended to me as well, but Quinn was best for my particular surgery. I have a friend who had a successful mitral repair about 10 years ago with Dr Weldner - he is considered to be a top Maine surgeon. You'll be in great hands...I'll add that surgery & recovery was not even 1/2 as bad as I expected it to be - I had no pain - just vague discomfort, insomnia & fatigue for a few weeks. Sending positive vibes & good wishes your way:)!

Clayton Mcarthur  Quinn and wellner used to work together at Maine Med both excellent Thoracic Surgeons I believe Paul weldner is heading up the tavr program at cmcc

Helen Daw  I was in your shoes 3 1/2 weeks ago. I woke up from my OHS in disbelieve. I could not believe it when I heard my son calling my name in ICU. My first question was "is it done?" The recovery has been great for me as well. If it makes you feel better, it was really not that bad...The whole process was not bad at all. I think our minds take us places we don't like to visit, so read our journals here on this website. The majority of us did pretty well. Hoping you can find some ease after reading them. Trust your surgeons, trust the people here and have faith. Good luck!!

Civita Fahey  Dave its a very scary thing to know you need open heart surgery.. but, it really isn't what our imagination leads us to believe.. its no walk in the park, but its pretty much a routine surgery for the experts doing it.. so, have faith and you will do just great..just look at all of us! best of luck

Dave Dionne  Thank you all for the comforting comments. I'm trying to keep my sanity. I go back and forth from confident to frightened.... Hearing from people who have gone through this does help.

Michael Neverisky  Hi Dave. I had mitral valve repair surgery on Feb 8th, four weeks ago at CMC. Today I walked two miles and had dinner out with friends. I told them that I have found OHS to be a gift. Not sure I can really explain that, but the experience has been enlightening.

Our imagination can be unhelpful at times and I found that understanding that my thoughts are only thoughts and not reality was helpful. Staying present and acknowledging that in this moment, right now, everything is as it should be and is therefore OK. Also in this moment... and every "now" moment that follows.

Also, in my experience, being grateful and filing myself with gratitude left no room for negative thoughts. We are extremely fortunate to have access to this kind of medical care!

I practiced these things for weeks before surgery, even putting my hand on my chest and thanking my heart for 60 years of beating. I slept peacefully the night before surgery and experienced no anxiety or nervousness the next morning. Just excitement at the thought of feeling better once my leaky valve was fixed... which I do!

Hope that's helpful. Best wishes to you. This surgery is a lifetime milestone for us patients, but it Is just another day at work for the highly skilled and accomplished professionals who care for us.

Rose Madura  Hi Dave and welcome to the site. It's very scary. I knew practically all my life I'd need surgery but it was still a shock. And I'll have to say, it was scary but I knew I was in good hands. I was quite calm before going in. As Civita said, this is routine for the surgeons. I had an aoritice valve replacement, an arch repair and the aorta replaced due to an aneurysm. The surgery went very well. I did have some complications but the good news is that the doctors all worked together and now, 9 months out, I'm doing great. It's kind of like going through the clouds to get to the sunshine. Be positive and have faith. Keep us posted on your journey.

Gina Fiorentino  I am one week out feom my OHS Dave- and am wishing you well in the coming days. Leading up to my surgery I wss feeling every emotion imaginagable, and now I know it is normal to go through that. I was scared too...

I just love all of the great posts above- and now that I've had my surgery, I know what they say is absolutely true. Find the small moments that bring you peace in the coming days and allow them to grow in your heart. Trust that you are protected and all will be well.

Bob Fessler  Hi Dave! Take a deep breath. I had AVR surgery last July and it was much easier than I expected. For me, there was minimal pain. Actually, I would call it discomfort. Home in 4 days. Prepare your home for after the surgery. Plan what you need to take to the hospital. Do the research and get enough 2nd opinions so are comfortable with your valve, hospital and surgeon decisions. But most of all keep a positive attitude. This operation is done all the time. You can do this.

Dave Dionne  Thanks Bob, I appreciate the positive attitude.... Since finding out I needed surgery last week i've been through periods of panic, worry and dismay. Faer of dying is at the top of the list of worries...

Marie Myers  I felt the same overwhelmed, nervous, disbelief. But, just like Bob, I found the whole experience was NOT as bad as my mind had made it out to be. Very little pain, just a lot of exhaustion in the early days. Be comfortable with your doctor and hospital, and you can get through it. I had an AVR, aortic root replaced, and a resection of ascending aortic aneurysm almost a year ago. Believe it or not, it qualified as one the "commonly performed" operations by my surgeon. Totally amazing!

Mark Craven  Hi Dave. Your story is similar to mine. I had the same procedures. My heart issue was discovered Jan 30 and surgery was Feb 28 because my aorta was the size of a fire hose as my surgeon put it. I will echo everyone here, after surgery is not as bad as I thought. Sure there are annoyances and for every 2 steps forward I take one step back. But I see improvement every day and I feel better now that my heart is functioning properly. The doctors were adamant that I get it done as soon as I can so I was much more worried before surgery than after. I thought I was gong to keel over at any moment.

Michael Zernell  Dave, if you look at my posts, you can tell that I was really worried. I had my surgery on the 23rd of Jan 2018 and I feel really good. Like a lot of people on here have said, their wasnt much pain, I only asked for Tylenol one time and that was more to appease the Nurses because they were constantly asking if i needed any pain meds. I did have a few complications because the Surgeon didnt realize that I was so sick. but I had Endocarditis and that is a big deal, didnt know that it leads to death if untreated. I am mostly recovered and im just at 6 weeks. If I can do it anyone can

Mark Wilbur  You came to the right place for information and support, Dave. The people here are very willing to share their experiences and I've learned a lot from them as I wait for my eventual surgery. The one thing I've repeatedly heard is that waiting and not knowing what to expect turns out to be harder than the few days in the hospital. The wonderful contributors here will, hopefully, put your mind at ease.

Clayton Mcarthur  I am from Portland Maine recently had a aortic valve replacement at Maine Medical however if I had had the choice I would have used dr. Wellner in a minute he is the best the recovery from these things I found is not too bad depending upon other issues that might be present

Gerald Poulton  Hi Dave, same condition as me, and 7 months post op yesterday and life is great. Yes everyone is in shock when they hear the news it brings even the toughest of us to our knees. At a healthy And active 65 the operation and the recovery were a breeze compared to what I was expecting and me and my 🐂 Valve are doing great. After the initial shock I realized the surgery was necessary to save my life and I prepared for it the best that I could and welcomed it. Preparation is important, in my journal there are things that I did to prepare For surgery and a positive recovery. All I can suggest is that you walk as much as you can to get your heart and lungs in better condition and drinks lots of water. The operation can reduce lung capacity by up to 60% so walking before and after surgery is very important. Symptoms, if you have any because I didnt are worsened by being dehydrated. You can and will do this, try to be positive and embrace the thing that is going to save your life.

Rose Madura  Hi Dave, I don't blame you for being scared. Remember that the outcome for a positive surgery is well over 90%. Try to focus on how much better you will feel afterwards and like Gerald said on how you are saving your life by having the surgery.

Bob Fessler  I forgot to mention that like marie said, the exhaustion afterwards is the worst. No pain but weakness. But it is doable as many on this site will attest.