Debbie's Journal

I have not posted much since my TAVR on March 6th but have prayed for each and every one of you that have gone through surgery or are facing it in the near future. I have a special request. My cousin's husband is in surgery now for aortic valve and root replacement (or do they just do a repair?). My cousin lost her mother on March 20. I always say God has plans for us, and sometimes we don't understand, at the moment. My aunt suffered with Alzheimer's for over 20years. My cousin was her caretaker for much of the time. My feeling is God needed her so that my cousin could focus on her husband and take care of him when he returns home from the hospital. If any of you could tell me the quickest and best place to get a seatbelt pad/protector, please let me know. All of this came on so quickly that they did not have time to prepare. God bless......

My cousin’s husband had an heart attack last night. His echo showed that his aortic valve is moderate & 3.8%. I told her that mine was less than one when I had my surgery, but what I don’t know is about the aortic root. Is that the same as the vein? They are saying his aortic vein is narrow. At what percentage, is that replaced or repaired? He will be moved to another hospital in the next couple of days. Just wanting to get some feedback from my warrior friends.

I had my TAVR procedure yesterday, and all went well. I would have been released today, but they are monitoring my electrical system. I know this is all normal procedure, but it’s a little scary when you are told there is a possibility of having to get a permanent pacemaker. I have walked several times today and feel great. I hope this time, tomorrow, I will be in my own bed. Thank you, all, for your support.

I just received the news I have been waiting for. The Methodist Hospital and Medtronics have accepted me in their TAVR program for low-risk patients. At this point in my life, working 45 miles from home and living alone, this is music to my ears. I am looking forward to feeling energetic again. March 6th can't come soon enough! I am feeling quite calm, thanks to the Lexapro my cardiologist prescribed to me, once I found out surgery was in the near future. I am sure that I will have butterflies in my stomach, soon enough!

I had my angiogram on Thursday, through the groin, no blockages, which I am very thankful for. The nurse told me not to go up the stairs for five to seven days, which is going to be a problem because I work on the second floor with no elevator. Just curious as to how long you all were told before you could do stairs. Also, when did you start driving again?

Hello, my Heart Warrior Family, I will be having my heart catherization tomorrow, my first ever. Although, I know not to be, I am in a state of panic today. I keep telling myself to not worry, but I cannot push the "Stop" button. I am looking forward to tomorrow evening, when it is behind me. Next visit will be to be interviewed by the TAVR team, next Tuesday, the 22nd. But, of course, if I have to have open heart surgery because of blockages, I will have to go another route.

This is for those of you who have had TAVR and were not high-risk: Did you have to go thru an interview process with the TAVR team? I do and have to give them a convincing story as to why I want to have this procedure. The main reason is because I live alone, my friends are all married and work (and live a minimum of an hour away), my kids work and live out of town, and I just want to get to retirement before having surgery. I was advised to not give work as an excuse. I am short of breath going up the stairs or carrying something while walking. If you had to have an interview, what convinced them to do the TAVR? Thank you.

For those of you who had Dr. Lamales perform their surgery, he is now back in Miami. He was here in Houston and had come from Miami. I was going to use him if I don’t qualify for TAVR, that is now being performed in our Med Center. I am completely heartbroken now. I could use some prayers. I am going thru testing now and am scheduled to meet the TAVR team on Jan. 22nd.

I have a family member who lives in Boca Raton, FL and has leaky valves. He is trying to find a cardiologist in that area. I know that the Cleveland Clinic has doctors in Weston and West Palm Beach. Have any of you had any experiences with this clinic or any cardiologists in the area? Thank you!

My cardiologist left his practice a few months ago. My last conversation with him was that he was soon referring me to Dr. Lamales, a renowned minimum invasive surgeon in our Med Center in Houston. Several people on this site have had their aortic valve replaced by him. I had my first consultation with my new cardiologist yesterday. He practices out of Methosist Hospital in the Med Center and came highly recommended. I loved his patience in answering all of my question, but he through me for a loop. First of all, as no surprise, he won't comment on Dr. Lamales because he does not practice out of the same hospital, I expected him to recommend a Methodist Doctor that also performs minimum invasive, but he talked against having that procedure by that Doctor. I don't know any details as to why because he said he doesn't like talking badly about him. I am quite confused because I read a lot of reviews on that Doctor, and I would have a hard time believing that Methodist would keep him employed if there were serious issues with him. The cardiologist went on to ask me if I had Considered TAVR. I told him I did not realize that low to no risk patients were eligible for the procedure unless they were participating in a study. I was extremely shocked that I could be a candidate. If not, he would have Dr. Lawrie perform open heart surgery. This Doctor is considered one of the best and has been practicing for over 40 years. I am torn now. I do not want open heart surgery because I live alone and only have friends for my support system, plus my brother. They all work and have families. My drive to work is over an hour and a half. I am 61 and a few years from retirement. The thought of going thru invasive surgery and ever getting strong enough to drive that distance is terrifying. You guys are my support system, and I, truly, appreciate any input. I know those that know Dr. Lamales would recommend that I change cardiologist again. What do you all think about TAVR? I don't think there is any proof yet as to how long the device will last. I did find out that I could have two TAVR's performed, if something goes wrong with the first. I am so confused as to what to do, and my clock is ticking, I have to make a decision soon. Any input will be very appreciated. Thank you.