Update: 33 day post open heart surgery to replace aortic root and aortic valve. I have not put anything on this sight but thought there might be a few people ...Read more
Update: 33 day post open heart surgery to replace aortic root and aortic valve. I have not put anything on this sight but thought there might be a few people who might be wondering how I am doing. First off- it was horrible and painful- I woke up with the breathing tube in ICU until they new I could breath on my own. They could not keep ahead of the pain until the physicians came up with a new plan- I also had bouts of Afib and my legs and feet held so much fluid they looked like stumps with bricks at the end for feet. I was in ICU and then moved to a step down room and discharged on day 6- I slept in a recliner the first two weeks at home and then made it to the bed where to this day I lay flat in one spot all night. I can not lay on my side yet due to having a full sternotomy that won’t fully heal for 3 to 4 months. I had my 3rd cardiac rehab today and will be going 3 times a week for a total of 36 visits. It is physically exhausting and when I get home I have been going straight to the recliner and napping-not only am I trying to recover physically but it’s a fact that people who have this surgery have good and bad days emotionally for several months (I cry a lot) and because I had expected a faster recovery time, I have days I get discouraged. I am so thankful this is behind me and it was successful- I will get back to myself eventually it just takes time- I need to tell myself this often.
Susan Lynn Deb - Congrats on 33 days! Recovery is different for everyone, but look at the progress you've ma... Read more
Susan Lynn Deb - Congrats on 33 days! Recovery is different for everyone, but look at the progress you've made in a month! Rehab will definitely help. Don't be discouraged - better days are ahead!
Rose Madura Deb, so sorry you are having a difficult time. I hear you. I had many complications and recovery was... Read more
Rose Madura Deb, so sorry you are having a difficult time. I hear you. I had many complications and recovery was slow for me but all your effort will be with it. You are a heart warrior and so you will perseverance. God bless you...
Marie Myers Things will improve bit by bit for you. The exhaustion really surprised me during my first couple wee ... Read more
Marie Myers Things will improve bit by bit for you. The exhaustion really surprised me during my first couple weeks post op. I remember napping after cardiac rehab also! Like you, I had some crying bouts during the first month or so. It is a big surgery, and recovery is emotional as well as physical. Just take it day by day, and try to be patient with yourself; you have been through a lot!
Ana Brusso Good to hear from you Deb. Is true that recovery is different for everyone but you are making progres ... Read more
Ana Brusso Good to hear from you Deb. Is true that recovery is different for everyone but you are making progress. You are going to cardiac rehab which should help you in your recovery. Keep us posted and God bless you
Grace Mason Glad you are continuing to heal and going to cardiac rehab. I hope every day is better for you physi... Read more
Grace Mason Glad you are continuing to heal and going to cardiac rehab. I hope every day is better for you physically and emotionally
Roselyn Kubek So sorry it’s been so painful and difficult, but glad you are healing. I hope when you measure wee ... Read more
Roselyn Kubek So sorry it’s been so painful and difficult, but glad you are healing. I hope when you measure week to week you will co tinge to see progress. Everyone is different. My real turn around in energy was around 3 months…but there was progress. The emotional roller coaster can be hard. Hope rehab gives you the support you need. Hang in there
Therese Doyle Thank you for your post Deb - I hope that these posts will support and encourage you. I see the surge ... Read more
Therese Doyle Thank you for your post Deb - I hope that these posts will support and encourage you. I see the surgeon tomorrow - need mitral valve repair - it is good to hear about all types of recovery. I want to stay realistic. God Bless you and I pray that you feel encouraged
Klara Čičić Thanks for the honest post Deb, I am glad you shared your update with us. It was difficult at times f ... Read more
Klara Čičić Thanks for the honest post Deb, I am glad you shared your update with us. It was difficult at times for me, too. Definitely not easy and fast recovery. I am six months and finally feeling like my old self. It takes time, but you will gain so much more than physical strength back. It will make you stronger person. And with a healthier heart❤️ Hang in there and keep us posted!
Going home full OHS Aortic valve and aortic root replacement- nothing could have prepared me for the intense pain of this surgery- it took some time for doctors ...Read more
Going home full OHS Aortic valve and aortic root replacement- nothing could have prepared me for the intense pain of this surgery- it took some time for doctors to get the pain in control- still so many hoses, wires and tubes everywhere- I went home day 6 post op- moving slowly and no appetite. First night in the recliner. So thankful for skilled medical team
Klara Čičić Wow Deb! Congratulations! Welcome to recovery, take it easy, it will get better each day.
Susan Lynn Deb - You look fabulous! You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel in a week or two! Hang ... Read more
Susan Lynn Deb - You look fabulous! You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel in a week or two! Hang in there!
Cheryl Bast That is wonderful! It is a process, for certain!
Rose Madura It's definitely no picnic in the park but you did it! Each day you will feel stronger. Stay ahead of ... Read more
Rose Madura It's definitely no picnic in the park but you did it! Each day you will feel stronger. Stay ahead of the pain. Thank you for the update.
Rhodie Jacobson You sure have battled...Congratulations! Blessings to you!
Mark Buttell So good to hear! Best to you and your new beginning in life. It truly is an incredible place and they ... Read more
Mark Buttell So good to hear! Best to you and your new beginning in life. It truly is an incredible place and they are very good with the whole process for their heart champs! Hoping three weeks from today I too will be discharged from Mayo. God Bless you!
jonette kruk Congratulations Deb, you look wonderful! I love your smile on your face. Day by day and sometimes min ... Read more
jonette kruk Congratulations Deb, you look wonderful! I love your smile on your face. Day by day and sometimes minute by minute! Try not to be too hard on yourself.
Thank goodness for the skilled medical teams, these individuals are very gifted and have a huge part of the recovery process. I can't thank my care team enough, I told them over and over, "I wouldn't be where I am today, if it weren't for you."
I am 28 days post op from mitral valve robotic surgery and the pain and chest tubes were excruciating at times, but things do get better. Make sure to take your pain meds and stay on top of them so you are not chasing the pain. Before you know it, things will get better when you least expect it. Let your loved ones help you and take in the support you receive. You got this! We are here for you if you have any questions or just want to vent. This site is such a blessing! Godspeed!
Donna Casaletto You’ll love being home! Take it easy and listen to your body!
Ana Brusso Congratulations on your successful surgery Deb. You made it and now you are in recovery. Take it easy ... Read more
Ana Brusso Congratulations on your successful surgery Deb. You made it and now you are in recovery. Take it easy but try to walk inside the house as much as you can. Don’t over do it, be patient with your body. And yes these surgeons are amazing and more amazing is God that guides them. God bless you
Carol Jackson Congratulations! I bet you are glad it's over with and you are home!
Carol Jackson I see you had Dr. Greason as your surgeon. He is the best and as I recall had great bedside manner wh ... Read more
Carol Jackson I see you had Dr. Greason as your surgeon. He is the best and as I recall had great bedside manner when I had OHS 9 years ago. He was also on the team for my TAVR last year.
After open heart surgery, how long should someone stay with me once I get home?
Deena Elani Good question. I had my sternum cut, so the healing is slower than minimally invasive. It really dep ... Read more
Deena Elani Good question. I had my sternum cut, so the healing is slower than minimally invasive. It really depends on how well you progress. I would have felt ok by myself after about three or four weeks. I was not permitted to drive until 6 weeks, though I think I drove a bit by week 5. Normalizing:)
Rose Madura Of course each person is different but I'd say for at least a week in case you have some unexpected c ... Read more
Rose Madura Of course each person is different but I'd say for at least a week in case you have some unexpected complications. There will be a lot you can and will do but have someone there to help. They can also gauge how you are doing and help make adjustments to things in the home
Roselyn Kubek Everyone recovers differently. I’d plan for 1 - 2 weeks and then see how you feel. You will be ab ... Read more
Roselyn Kubek Everyone recovers differently. I’d plan for 1 - 2 weeks and then see how you feel. You will be able to do a lot, but you’ll have restrictions and it takes a bit until you can drive or lift much. Good question for doctor’s office too.
Marie Myers I think 1-2 weeks also. Little things like reaching for something on the higher shelf is difficult or ... Read more
Marie Myers I think 1-2 weeks also. Little things like reaching for something on the higher shelf is difficult or impossible . I couldn’t drive for 6 weeks, I recall, due to the possibility of an airbag going off on a healing sternum.
Susan Lynn Agree that 1-2 weeks should be fine as long as you feel strong enough to get around. Practice stand... Read more
Susan Lynn Agree that 1-2 weeks should be fine as long as you feel strong enough to get around. Practice standing up and getting up from a reclined position without using your arms. Take short showers and consider getting a shower chair - they're surprisingly tiring. You will be amazed how much better you'll feel in a couple of weeks. Take it easy and rest. You should be fine.
Andrew Dial 1-2 weeks is what I would say… and then keep one or two people on speed dial
Brady Busch I stayed at a nearby hotel for two weeks,with a couple visits from friends.The accessible shower with ... Read more
Brady Busch I stayed at a nearby hotel for two weeks,with a couple visits from friends.The accessible shower with seat was very helpful and the shelves in the kitchen area were lower,making it easier to reach. Some kind of meal service might be a thing to do.My food came by way of the people dropping by and ordering frozen dinners delivered from the nearby grocery. Mostly at first,sleeping and resting was a priority and then walking down the hallways,using a wheeled walker.
Roselyn Kubek Oh- If there is a VNA near you- a visiting nurse can be reassuring
Roselyn Kubek They can help you get things like shower chairs- oh and a raised toilet seat helps- You aren’t sup ... Read more
Roselyn Kubek They can help you get things like shower chairs- oh and a raised toilet seat helps- You aren’t supposed to put much weight on your arms-Expect to be tired or to tire easily for a number of weeks-
DeLois Tweedy Deb, praying for a successful surgery this week. Hope the recovery will go well as well. Post when yo ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy Deb, praying for a successful surgery this week. Hope the recovery will go well as well. Post when you can abt your surgery journey. I had a TAVR in 2020 at age 65. I am interested as to why your doctors changed their mind abt the TAVR for you. Was it age related, or just thinking open heart would serve you better?
Has anyone had an aortic valve replacement using TAVR that is under the age of 65? I am 63 and waiting to get called in for a CT Angio to see if I am a candidate ...Read more
Has anyone had an aortic valve replacement using TAVR that is under the age of 65? I am 63 and waiting to get called in for a CT Angio to see if I am a candidate for the TAVR.
Carol Jackson I was 67 when I had TAVR 1 year ago at Mayo with Dr. Greason and Dr. Eleid.
Deb Fisher Dr Greason just called me this morning after reviewing my CT scan. I am not a candidate so I am sched ... Read more
Deb Fisher Dr Greason just called me this morning after reviewing my CT scan. I am not a candidate so I am scheduled for open heart on March 22nd
Carol Jackson Dr. Greason is the best! He had great bedside manner both in 2013 and in 2022! Glad you have your OH ... Read more
Carol Jackson Dr. Greason is the best! He had great bedside manner both in 2013 and in 2022! Glad you have your OHS scheduled soon. Take care.
Wednesday February 22nd I will be checked into Mayo/Rochester for a stress test in the morning and in the afternoon I will be having a surgeon consult. I ...Read more
Wednesday February 22nd I will be checked into Mayo/Rochester for a stress test in the morning and in the afternoon I will be having a surgeon consult. I expect I will be set with a surgery date at that time. It's getting real folks.
Marie Myers Oh, yes it is getting real for you. Welcome to the club that no one really wants to join…
Susan Lynn Deb - It can be a big relief to get the date. The waiting is almost over. Good luck!
Rose Madura Real it is! You will be in good hands at the Mayo Clinic. God bless you.
Pamela Gregory Getting a date definitely takes it to another level. At that point you can really start making plans... Read more
Pamela Gregory Getting a date definitely takes it to another level. At that point you can really start making plans for getting through surgery, recovery, and your life after (which is the good part)
Rhodie Jacobson Blessings to you as you go through the tests and consults. I hope you can get there before the weathe ... Read more
Rhodie Jacobson Blessings to you as you go through the tests and consults. I hope you can get there before the weather hits!
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Deb, We've all been through one or more of these procedures/surgeries and the support here on this ... Read more
Terry Tannenbaum Hi Deb, We've all been through one or more of these procedures/surgeries and the support here on this site is outstanding. You can count on us to share our stories. Leave the rest for the doctors and the nurses. We live in world where the impossible is now possible.
Carol Jackson Yes! Mayo is the best. I responded to your journal about a year ago about Mayo Rochester.
Mark Buttell I can attest to 55yrs of living from my 1st surgery in 67’ to my next double valve ohs scheduled i ... Read more
Mark Buttell I can attest to 55yrs of living from my 1st surgery in 67’ to my next double valve ohs scheduled in the next month. This will be my 5th all done at Mayo. You are in great hands!
I had my Echo and cardiologist appointment yesterday. I have gone from moderate/severe to severe aortic stenosis. They have scheduled me for a stress test ...Read more
I had my Echo and cardiologist appointment yesterday. I have gone from moderate/severe to severe aortic stenosis. They have scheduled me for a stress test next week to see if it brings on symptoms. Has anyone else ever had to do this when you had a severe AS diagnosis? My valve opening is .91 cm a normal size should be 3.0 cm Any thoughts?
Tom Everson Sounds like there is a issue. I think under todays rules everyone needs to check every box . Since y ... Read more
Tom Everson Sounds like there is a issue. I think under todays rules everyone needs to check every box . Since you are a Mayo Clinic patient I would rely on their experience but keep on top of it. You are in charge of your own health. Ask your doctors what and why . There are no dumb questions
Rose Madura I never had a stress test to see if it brought on symptoms. I agree with Tom to ask why. You are in ... Read more
Rose Madura I never had a stress test to see if it brought on symptoms. I agree with Tom to ask why. You are in charge. And if you aren't comfortable, get a 2nd opinion. Please keep us posted. God bless you.
Ana Brusso I didn’t need a stress test. Ask why and seek a second or third opinion. God bless you
Greg Lewis Ya, no stress test here, either. Echo, and Angiogram. I think CT scan too.
Susan Lynn I had a stress test when I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. My symptoms were signifi... Read more
Susan Lynn I had a stress test when I was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation. My symptoms were significantly worse with exertion. I barely made it six minutes on the treadmill and was so short of breath, they stopped the test. Please let us know how you make out.
Brady Busch They did give me a treadmill stress test,maybe because of being mostly asymptomatic.Some of the readi ... Read more
Brady Busch They did give me a treadmill stress test,maybe because of being mostly asymptomatic.Some of the readings,were kind of opposite of what normal should be and it told them things.In the end though,the other scans,probably could of showed what the problems were.
Gary Gorden They skipped the stress test on me and went straight to the Echo and a Angiogram.
Erin Feaker No stress test for me at this point. I’m up for surgery in a few weeks
Deb Fisher Thank you- I believe the stress test is to check if I am having symptoms. It’s so hard to be sure a ... Read more
Deb Fisher Thank you- I believe the stress test is to check if I am having symptoms. It’s so hard to be sure as symptoms are so gradual.
Do you think it’s possible that my current fatigue is due to moderate/severe aortic stenosis? I am 63 so was thinking I’m just tired more cause I’m getting ...Read more
Do you think it’s possible that my current fatigue is due to moderate/severe aortic stenosis? I am 63 so was thinking I’m just tired more cause I’m getting older- I’ve sent the question to cardiologist through patient portal but haven’t heard back yet.
Richard Munson Consider asking to have tests. Guesswork never is the answer.its just that, a guess.
Rose Madura I would definitely tell them your symptoms if you haven't already. We all tend to blame age - I kno... Read more
Rose Madura I would definitely tell them your symptoms if you haven't already. We all tend to blame age - I know I did. You don't want to mess around with your heart. Please keep us updated.
Rita Savelis There are many reasons one might feel tired so you'll have to ask a doctor, even a general practition ... Read more
Rita Savelis There are many reasons one might feel tired so you'll have to ask a doctor, even a general practitioner. Short of breath as well?
Susan Lynn I chalked everything up to aging at 57, but couldn't deny the shortness of breath with mild exertion... Read more
Susan Lynn I chalked everything up to aging at 57, but couldn't deny the shortness of breath with mild exertion. Self-diagnosis can be a dangerous thing - let the professionals take a look. Best of luck to you!
I am looking into TAVR and ran across and article about an FDA approved system to use when placing a TAVR to prevent plaque breaking off, traveling to the brain ...Read more
I am looking into TAVR and ran across and article about an FDA approved system to use when placing a TAVR to prevent plaque breaking off, traveling to the brain and stroke. It is called SENTINEL Cerebral Protection System has anyone who had this while receiving a TAVR aortic valve?
Looking for fellow Minnesota patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis. Cardiologist and surgeon recommendations in Minnesota
Carol Jackson I’m from Iowa. My cardiologist in Des Moines referred me to Mayo. I have been going to Mayo Clinic ... Read more
Carol Jackson I’m from Iowa. My cardiologist in Des Moines referred me to Mayo. I have been going to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. since 2007. I’ve had a great heart surgeon- Dr. Kevin Greason. Refer to my story and journal for details.
Deb Fisher Carol did you have a local cardiologist too so you didn’t have to drive to Mayo for check ups etc. ... Read more
Deb Fisher Carol did you have a local cardiologist too so you didn’t have to drive to Mayo for check ups etc.
Carol Jackson I've had the same local cardiologist for 8 years who was willing to work with me with Mayo until he ... Read more
Carol Jackson I've had the same local cardiologist for 8 years who was willing to work with me with Mayo until he retired. I now have a new local cardiologist who I need to get on board with all my background with Mayo. Ha!
This last January my echo moved from Moderate a year ago to Moderate/severe. My cardiologist said I won’t need another Echo for a year which is end of January ...Read more
This last January my echo moved from Moderate a year ago to Moderate/severe. My cardiologist said I won’t need another Echo for a year which is end of January 2023.
What has been your experience with repeat echos on a moderate/severe aortic valve. Is yearly enough or should it be six months?
Diagnosed with mild tricuspid aortic stenosis in 2018. With my annual echos it went to moderate January of 2021. This past January 2022 it is Moderate/Severe. ...Read more
Diagnosed with mild tricuspid aortic stenosis in 2018. With my annual echos it went to moderate January of 2021. This past January 2022 it is Moderate/Severe. My cardiologist said if he was a betting man he would bet that next January 2023 it will be severe. At that point, he will see if I am symptomatic or asymptomatic and go from there. I am 62 and will be 63 on May 18th- Apparently, this is heredity as my dad died at 69, my mom had a heart attack at 68- 5 bypass surgery followed by a stroke, my sister had bicuspid valve replacement at 59 and when she got home she had Cardia Tamponade and coded 5 times she was put in a cooling suit and thankfully did come back fully. Her son also had a bicuspid replacement valve at birth and again at 20- unfortunately, he passed at 42 from an infection that went to his heart. Obviously, I have some fear of surgery with so much family history and their complications after surgery. I do not want the mechanical valve because of the life long blood thinners- hoping for a tissue one. I am happy to have found the support of this community. Thank you Adam for starting this web sight. I have learned a lot.
Rose Madura Welcome to the site Deb. You may want to consider getting a second opinion. I think it's considered ... Read more
Rose Madura Welcome to the site Deb. You may want to consider getting a second opinion. I think it's considered "old school" to wait for symptoms to occur. Especially with your family history, you may want to be a bit more proactive. If it were me, I would. Hope this helps.
Deb Yednak Welcome Deb! I recently had a tissue valve put in for that very reason - I didn't want to deal with ... Read more
Deb Yednak Welcome Deb! I recently had a tissue valve put in for that very reason - I didn't want to deal with the chemical blood thinners. Surgery is amazing today compared to even 5 years ago- I had normal fear, but by the week of surgery I had to realize that without the surgery life would be really lousy and in my case I would only last a few more years. So really the choice was easy! Once my tests arrived at the magic number - it was time to get it over with! Wishing you the best and a great outcome when the time comes!
Marie Myers Wow, that is a lot of cardiac history in your family. I think Rose offers some good advice about a se ... Read more
Marie Myers Wow, that is a lot of cardiac history in your family. I think Rose offers some good advice about a second opinion if you have not gotten one yet. Keep us posted on your story!
I joined to help me with an inevitable aortic valve replacement surgery- Cardiologist has said within 3 years. Thank you for any support or suggestions-
Marie Myers You have a good head start on getting information. Depending on your age, there are several options. ... Read more
Marie Myers You have a good head start on getting information. Depending on your age, there are several options. Aortic valve repair is one option, but it is only performed at certain centers of excellence on certain types of valve conditions. Mechanical valve replacement is another option, usually encouraged for younger patients due to it’s long life span. Open surgical Tissue valve replacement (bovine or porcine) is another possibility for replacement. Unlike the mechanical valve option, it does not require lifelong anticoagulants like Coumadin. The downside of the tissue valve is a shorter life span of the valve. In general, the younger the patient, the shorter the life span of the tissue valve. I have heard a life span of 8-15 years, but some fail quicker, and some last longer. The TAVR option is a tissue valve that is placed through an artery in your groin. It is ideal for older, frail patients who are not good surgical candidates, but it has increasing use for “healthy” patients lately. So, that is a little summary ; feel free to ask any specific questions that you may have.
Deb Fisher Thank you, I just turned 62 so if progresses as the cardiologist is saying I would be 65.