Debra Keife - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

33 days ago

It's been over 2 years since my open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic aneurysm. My question to you all is, has anyone experienced ...Read more

It's been over 2 years since my open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic aneurysm. My question to you all is, has anyone experienced pinching, pain and sharpness in the chest area where the ribs were wired together? I had a minimally invasive procedure so they did not have to cut the entire rib cage. The pain is quite sharp when I do certain activities. I am a bit concerned.

STEPHEN MORRIS I can't remember having pinching pain 2 years after...it took a long time bef9re I could sleep on my ... Read more

STEPHEN MORRIS I can't remember having pinching pain 2 years after...it took a long time bef9re I could sleep on my stomach. I do however, remember wanting to have a good stretch in my chest area. I think it took 2 years for my chest to feel "normal" again.

Pamela Gregory I am 10 months post AVR surgery and definitely get some strange pains in the front of my chest period ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I am 10 months post AVR surgery and definitely get some strange pains in the front of my chest periodically?

Debra Keifeposted a journal

406 days ago

Hello fellow heart valve friends!

I am in need of some experiences and professional advice. I recently had a stress test and echocardiogram for my 1 year... Read more

Hello fellow heart valve friends!

I am in need of some experiences and professional advice. I recently had a stress test and echocardiogram for my 1 year post surgery evaluation. I am 1 year (June 21, 2021) out from my aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm semi repair. My cardiologist gave me some pretty frightening news. He said that he is concerned that my heart (muscle) has become stiff and that I have CHF (congestive heart failure). When he did an echo soon after my surgery, the heart was not stiff. At this point , moving forward ,I am on a no salt diet and getting cardio 30 minutes per day. In my naivety, I thought, OK now that my bad valve has been replaced and the aneurysm (which will need to be monitored 1/yr from now on) is in check, I have a new lease on life! Has anyone been faced with this and what is the outcome? Thank you for any advice.

Klara Čičić Dear Debra, I am sorry to hear things got worse. Most of us heart warriors have some grade of dyastol ... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Debra, I am sorry to hear things got worse. Most of us heart warriors have some grade of dyastolic or/and systolic dysfunction due to years of heart muscle strain caused by our faulty valves. This strain makes changes that can hardly be reversed and erased by surgery...although it is sometimes possible if the timing of surgery is perfect. Considering such progression in a one year period and your concern, maybe ask for a second opinion and try to find cardiologist who will commmunicate things better and ease your stress/fear... Echo also is a very subjective method and two cardiologists not always see/measure the same thing. I personally have dyastolic dysfunction grade II (still no restrictive changes) and I know it can be hard to accept :( I totally understand your fear. You are not alone. Good luck and all the best! :))

Marie Myers Good advice from Klara above. I think this might be a wait, treat and reevaluate situation. Getting s ... Read more

Marie Myers Good advice from Klara above. I think this might be a wait, treat and reevaluate situation. Getting some daily cardio is a great idea to improve your heart’s efficiency. If you can get your questions and concerns answered by your cardiologist, that might make you feel more optimistic. If you can’t get your questions and concerns answered, you could get a second opinion and a fresh look at your situation. Keep us posted!

Debra Keife Thank you Klara and Marie. I am definantly getting a second opinion. I really like my cardiologist bu ... Read more

Debra Keife Thank you Klara and Marie. I am definantly getting a second opinion. I really like my cardiologist but feel there was a lack of communication. I am going for a CT scan today so that the pictures are clearer for the aneurysm and a different view from the echo. That makes a lot of sense about heart muscle strain due to the fact that my valve was hardly functioning for how long, I don't know. I would not be writing this had I not gone for a simple calcium test/ct scan that discovered the aneurysm and led to seeking a cardiologist for more tests. My surgeon said I would have been gone in a year, had it not been for the discovery. I am grateful for everyday but the anxiety of it all is tremendous.

Debra Keife Update: I went for a second opinion about my diagnosis of CHF stage 2 and stiffness of the heart. I l ... Read more

Debra Keife Update: I went for a second opinion about my diagnosis of CHF stage 2 and stiffness of the heart. I love my new cardiologist who really eased my fears. He said I do have stage 2 CHF and a stiff heart. He said we can get it down to stage 1 with a no salt diet and exercise. He also put me on 25 mg of Metoprolol. I really feel a difference. This is not a death sentence, rather a lifestyle change sentence. The biggest change is my attitude. Of course, we all have bad days when we feel scared and uncertain but, the reality is that we are not promised tomorrow so live each day to the fullest. Be well Warriors!!

Marie Myers So glad you got that consult! The fact that you love the new cardiologist is a bonus also! Sounds li ... Read more

Marie Myers So glad you got that consult! The fact that you love the new cardiologist is a bonus also! Sounds like you have a great plan and are going to see even more improvements soon. You go girl!

Debra Keife

465 days ago

Adam Pick, Angela Newton , Patsy Stewart reacted to this

So this smiling face is almost 1 year after aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair. The scar is almost not noticeable (I can see it clearly,... Read more

So this smiling face is almost 1 year after aortic valve replacement and aortic aneurysm repair. The scar is almost not noticeable (I can see it clearly, though) I am still having some nerve pain around the incision site that radiates out as well as a lot of clicking and crackling from the 2 ribs that were cut and wired. I still feel anxious and worried at times thinking I am having weird pain and sensations in my heart. I will be seeing my cardiologist to help calm my fears. I am sure that all of you have bouts of anxiety knowing that you no longer have your own valve but, I am here to tell you, WOO HOO!!! We are alive and ready to face life head on! I'm feeling so much better and the strange part is, I didn't even know I had these issues until I got a simple calcium test and that test discovered the aneurysm which led to a cardiologist visit, which led to an Echo which discovered severe aortic stenosis. I thank GOD everyday. This forum has been very helpful. I love reading all of your stories and can truly relate. Hugs to all!!!

Adam Pick Happy Early Anniversary Debra!!!

Debra Keife Thanks Adam!

Congratulations on your anniversary. Great smile alright.. continued good health and God bless you De ... Read more

Congratulations on your anniversary. Great smile alright.. continued good health and God bless you Debra. 🙏❤️

Debra Keife Thank you, Ana! I feel truly blessed. Heaven is not ready for me yet, I have too much left to do on ... Read more

Debra Keife Thank you, Ana! I feel truly blessed. Heaven is not ready for me yet, I have too much left to do on this Earth.

Kristine Schroeder Congratulations!

Debra Keife Thanks, Kristine!

Michael Klusyk Awesome! Very inspiring Ana. I hope your cardiologist is able to put your mind at ease shortly!

Ann Zucker Love that cake! Be well.

Deena Elani Whoo hoo indeed!

Rose Madura Congratulations on your anniversary! The cake reminds me of the one Richard made!

You are right Debra God’s plans for you are perfect. 🙏❤️

Patsy Stewart Happy 1st Anniversary! Your smile says it all!~❤️

Robert Young Congratulations your looking marvelous

Debra Keifeposted an update

784 days ago

Almost 6 weeks post op. A question to you all. Has anyone else experienced pain across the chest area that feels like nerve endings pain and tingling? I can't ...Read more

Almost 6 weeks post op. A question to you all. Has anyone else experienced pain across the chest area that feels like nerve endings pain and tingling? I can't stand to have anything touch that area. Wondering if this is normal and will it go away. Also feeling like I can't get full lung capacity. I have what feels like gas cramps across my solar plexus. Thanks

Susan Lynn Debra - I had a side incision and had numbness, pins, needles, and occasionally electric shock type ... Read more

Susan Lynn Debra - I had a side incision and had numbness, pins, needles, and occasionally electric shock type pain for more than a year while my nerves were regenerating, but it doesn't hurt to call your surgeon's office and inquire. Best of luck to you! ❤

Mark Yost I had a similar "neuropathy" postop and it has virtually resolved. Surgery was on October 7, 2020. It ... Read more

Mark Yost I had a similar "neuropathy" postop and it has virtually resolved. Surgery was on October 7, 2020. It is from an intercostal nerve injury associated with the chest tube and mediastinal drain(s).

Sue Gough I am exactly the same! I have placed different types of cloth against the skin to try to desensitise ... Read more

Sue Gough I am exactly the same! I have placed different types of cloth against the skin to try to desensitise the area.Also found paracetamol helps with the sensitivity. I’m also hoping this will resolve soon (I’m 5 weeks post op and have had this sensation for the past 2 weeks especially).

E Taub I have the same feeling across the skin of my chest. It usually is fine in the morning but by early e ... Read more

E Taub I have the same feeling across the skin of my chest. It usually is fine in the morning but by early evening my shirt is bugging me. It's getting better but, very slowly. My doctor said this is normal and will take a few months to resolve. I also don't feel like I have full lung capacity - and hoping with cardiac rehab this will get better. I'm 6 weeks post OHS on Tuesday, so right there with you.

Rita Savelis I hear you Debra. It's still very early for you, and the chest area can feel weird for a long time, ... Read more

Rita Savelis I hear you Debra. It's still very early for you, and the chest area can feel weird for a long time, and the feelings of pain can come and go. It all takes time to get used to.
I don't think I've ever had full lung capacity again since OHS. I've had recurring pleural effusions. I still do most everything but get out of breath easily. Take care.

Lynn Loudermilk yes and still there almost 5 months out. Some days not bad others horrible. Hate having shirts touc ... Read more

Lynn Loudermilk yes and still there almost 5 months out. Some days not bad others horrible. Hate having shirts touch it :( Been wearing a lot of v's.

Debra Keife I am so glad that I am not alone in what I am experiencing. I am now 8 weeks post op and saw my cardi ... Read more

Debra Keife I am so glad that I am not alone in what I am experiencing. I am now 8 weeks post op and saw my cardiologist and surgeon yesterday. My surgeon said I still have a compressed lung in the right lower lobe but it is significantly less than what it showed in the hospital. He said ti make sure to do the breathing Spirometer several times a day, which I have been doing since I left the hospital. He also said to cough deliberately. It will go away, I hope. I am constantly finding myself slouched due to the pain in my chest/breast area. He is confused by this because it is not near the incision. It's very real for me. I am beginning to flinch at the words "it just takes time". Ugh! Thank you all for responding. We will get through this and look back at all of this recovery as a distant memory. Let's keep in touch and share our experiences. It helps to know others are having the same things. Take care!

Debra Keife Are any of you experiencing a sudden gasp of breath like a sigh? It's uncontrollable and happens to m ... Read more

Debra Keife Are any of you experiencing a sudden gasp of breath like a sigh? It's uncontrollable and happens to me several times a day. My surgeon said that a small part of my lung is compressed and that will go away once the lung is ack to normal. So many weird things.

Debra Keifeposted an update

787 days ago

Joseph Heinzmann, Dylan Kempers, Patsy Stewart and 4 others reacted to this

I am now 5 weeks post op. I have had a lot of pain and weakness throughout my recovery but this week I had a breakthrough. I suddenly have less pain and a lot ...Read more

I am now 5 weeks post op. I have had a lot of pain and weakness throughout my recovery but this week I had a breakthrough. I suddenly have less pain and a lot more energy. I feel that I have reached that milestone everyone was telling me about. Suddenly you wake up one day and feel great improvement! I have to say, I still have many more weeks/months of full recovery, but, I am feeling so much more hope for my future. I hope the same for all of you!

Tracy Fallu So glad to hear you have felt some relief at 5 weeks. Continue to rest, take it easy and listen to yo ... Read more

Tracy Fallu So glad to hear you have felt some relief at 5 weeks. Continue to rest, take it easy and listen to your body.

Peter Linn Debra, so glad to hear from you. Glad to hear of your breakthrough. - Peter

Great to hear from you Debra. So glad you had a breakthrough and are feeling better. As Tracy says, c ... Read more

Great to hear from you Debra. So glad you had a breakthrough and are feeling better. As Tracy says, continue to rest when your body tells you to. Walk as little or as much as you can. Don’t overdo anything. It does get better in time. Continued good health and smooth recovery. God bless you

E Taub I am 5 weeks now too and finally had my breakthrough as well. I see the light at the end of the tunn ... Read more

E Taub I am 5 weeks now too and finally had my breakthrough as well. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My next goal is sleeping in my bed - on my side. Can't. Wait.

Jay Heagerty Very happy to hear you have reached this milestone! Keep it going.

Debra Keifeposted an update

827 days ago

Lynn Loudermilk, Elaine Cutri, Dylan Kempers and 4 others reacted to this

I am scheduled for my surgery June 22, 2021. I did a day of pre ops today. Fun! The surgery will be partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine ...Read more

I am scheduled for my surgery June 22, 2021. I did a day of pre ops today. Fun! The surgery will be partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine valve and place a protective sheath around my aortic aneurysm. I am terrified of the surgery but I know this is my lifesaver. My surgeon said that if I had not had this done it would have meant a 1-3 year life expectancy. Pretty scary stuff. I will be in the hospital for about a week and the surgery will take 3-5 hours, give or take. I am looking forward to living out the rest of my life with a new outlook, new adventures and just feeling better! Cheers to us!

Adam Pick You got this Debra!!! Love your attitude. This will all be but a "chapter" in your book of life. If ... Read more

Adam Pick You got this Debra!!! Love your attitude. This will all be but a "chapter" in your book of life. If you need anything, please let me know!

Dylan Kempers Good luck, Debra! Everything will go smoothly!!

Cameron Peek I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Coombe Having gone through it recently the lad up to the day can be hard but you got this, maybe watch a few ... Read more

Lisa Coombe Having gone through it recently the lad up to the day can be hard but you got this, maybe watch a few videos about getting up after surgery, I found them helpful and the nurses were greatful that I had done this

E Taub I'm having my surgery the same day. We've got this! Sending good thoughts to you for the big day. We ... Read more

E Taub I'm having my surgery the same day. We've got this! Sending good thoughts to you for the big day. We can compare notes afterwards.

Elaine Cutri Best wishes Debra. I had my aneurysm repaired 6 years ago. It has been such a relief to have it in th ... Read more

Elaine Cutri Best wishes Debra. I had my aneurysm repaired 6 years ago. It has been such a relief to have it in the past. Wishing you a full and easy recovery!

Kim McGee II’ll be having surgery the 24 th sternotomy to replace my aortic valve with mechanical . Will be ... Read more

Kim McGee II’ll be having surgery the 24 th sternotomy to replace my aortic valve with mechanical . Will be thinking of you and sending prayers your way

Debra Keife Thank you all for your words of encouragement. Good luck, Kim, E Taub. We will get through this!!! Th ... Read more

Debra Keife Thank you all for your words of encouragement. Good luck, Kim, E Taub. We will get through this!!! Thank you, Adam, for creating this wonderful forum. Blessings!

Deena Elani Thinking of you, Debra. I had a sternotomy too this past March. It was hardly painful, and that is ... Read more

Deena Elani Thinking of you, Debra. I had a sternotomy too this past March. It was hardly painful, and that is what most warriors have said, so just know that. You will be very exhausted, but know that after two days you get a lot more energy. If you don't have much of an appetite, I found sherbet and protein shakes really helped. You're almost to recovery, so focus on that prize. Godspeed.

Debra Keife Thanks for those encouraging words, Deena. Tomorrow can't get here soon enough. I'm having highs and ... Read more

Debra Keife Thanks for those encouraging words, Deena. Tomorrow can't get here soon enough. I'm having highs and lows at this point but I will forge ahead.

Kim McGee Thinking of you !

Debra Keife Day 7 post surgery. I came home Sunday after a hospital stay of6 days. I had a few complications. I d ... Read more

Debra Keife Day 7 post surgery. I came home Sunday after a hospital stay of6 days. I had a few complications. I didn't expect the level of pain I am in and the weakness associated with it. Everything is a challenge right now. I had physical therapy and home health care nurse visit me today. This was a life saving procedure and I am so thankful, blessed and grateful my issues were discovered. It can only be uphill from here.

Debra Keifeposted an update

828 days ago

I am scheduled for my surgery June 22, 2021. I did a day of pre ops today. Fun! The surgery will be partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine ...Read more

Darlene Clark My surgery is scheduled for July 14, 2021 at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Do any of you ladies have id ... Read more

Darlene Clark My surgery is scheduled for July 14, 2021 at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Do any of you ladies have ideas/tricks for how you managed your hair during the week you were in the hospital? I probably will be so excited to be on the other side of surgery, healing and a better future that I will not care. However, thinking about these small things help me deal with the fear right now. :) Welcome any suggestions.

Tracy Fallu You truly will not worry about your hair once in recovery. However, once I was able to take a shower, ... Read more

Tracy Fallu You truly will not worry about your hair once in recovery. However, once I was able to take a shower, I did wash my hair and it helped me feel “human” again. I packed a small travel size shampoo and conditioner.

Rose Madura Best wishes! I'm sure you will do great!

Patsy Stewart Debra, you’re getting closer each day to getting your new valve. It is a scary adventure, but you c ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Debra, you’re getting closer each day to getting your new valve. It is a scary adventure, but you can do it! I was also given the 1-3 years life expectancy if I didn’t have the surgery. I chose life, and I’m glad you did too. Surgery isn’t near as bad as what you have going through your mind. I will keep you in my prayers and in my heart. ~❤️

Elizabeth Bennett The wait time prior to surgery is so difficult and anxiety-producing. My best wishes and prayers for ... Read more

Elizabeth Bennett The wait time prior to surgery is so difficult and anxiety-producing. My best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. I had the same surgery (AVR and aneurysm repair) four years ago at 58 and am doing well. You will be on the road to recovery soon!

Debra Keife I am looking forward to feeling so much better!! Thanks everyone

Debra Keifeposted a journal

829 days ago

My surgery has been scheduled for June 22, 2021. Hallelujah! I will be getting a partial sternotomy to replace my aortic valve with a bovine vale. My surgeon ...Read more

My surgery has been scheduled for June 22, 2021. Hallelujah! I will be getting a partial sternotomy to replace my aortic valve with a bovine vale. My surgeon says it can last 20t years. If it needs to be replaced, the procedure is very simply done through the groin and the new valve goes over the old one. They will also be putting a protective sheath around the aneurysm. This is something that will still need to be monitored via CT scan every year as it can still grow. I am very pleased with my surgeon and ready to get this over with!! Life begins again at 61.

Peter Linn Your energy and spirit is wonderful!

Debra Keifeposted an update

846 days ago

Rose Madura, Susan Lynn, Dylan Kempers and 6 others reacted to this

Thank you all for your support. I have a wonderful update! I did ask my cardiologist for another surgeon. I was NOT about to wait. He referred me to Dr. Katz. ...Read more

Thank you all for your support. I have a wonderful update! I did ask my cardiologist for another surgeon. I was NOT about to wait. He referred me to Dr. Katz. He performed valve replacement, by pass and carotid repair 9 years ago for my husband. He is awesome. I feel so blessed. Long story short, I met with him last week and he recommends open heart to replace the valve and repair the aneurysm at the same time, instead of waiting for it to get any larger. He has a new partner joining him from NY June 14th. I will see this Dr. (Kokotos) on the 15th because he specializes in a less invasive (smaller incision) approach. It's still open heart but he can do everything with a smaller incision. I am beyond grateful and feel very good about this. I'm sure he will schedule the surgery the day of my appointment.

Susan Lynn That's fantastic news, Debra! Please keep us posted! ❤

So glad for your new surgeon and seeing how much better you feel about your surgery. Let us know when ... Read more

So glad for your new surgeon and seeing how much better you feel about your surgery. Let us know when you are scheduled. God bless you

Paula Romero Yay Debra! Sounds like you have a plan now.....💕

Peter Linn Hi Debra, this is great to hear. I am very interested to hear more about the smaller incision approa ... Read more

Peter Linn Hi Debra, this is great to hear. I am very interested to hear more about the smaller incision approach.

Debra Keifeposted a journal

853 days ago

I am a nervous wreck. I had a heart catherization done on Friday the 21st. Thank God I had no blockages to further complicate the valve replacement . My cardiologist ...Read more

I am a nervous wreck. I had a heart catherization done on Friday the 21st. Thank God I had no blockages to further complicate the valve replacement . My cardiologist said that I need to have the surgery done sooner than later because I have severe aortic stenosis and I also have an aortic aneurysm. I am experiencing chest pain and tightness all the time. The surgeon is going on vacation and cannot see me until July! Is this something that is ok to wait for? I am trying to stay calm and was told no physical activity. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I be going to the emergency room? I really scared.

Lynn Loudermilk Talk to the cardiologist. When is surgeon goig on vacation? Can it be done before his trip?

Deena Elani Incredulous. Go to the best or second best surgeon for your valve issue in your area and get an opi ... Read more

Deena Elani Incredulous. Go to the best or second best surgeon for your valve issue in your area and get an opinion. If you are having chest pain that’s not something to wait on. Go to the ER and/or call your cardiologist now with this news.

Dylan Kempers Debra, if the surgeon is not available until July, you might want to look for another great surgeon w ... Read more

Dylan Kempers Debra, if the surgeon is not available until July, you might want to look for another great surgeon who is available sooner.

Marie Myers Yes, it can be okay to wait. It Depends how big your aneurysm is and how bad your stenosis is. My ane ... Read more

Marie Myers Yes, it can be okay to wait. It Depends how big your aneurysm is and how bad your stenosis is. My aneurysm was 4.8 cm, so I was told to get it done “ sooner rather than later”. I got it done 7 months after diagnosis. If your aneurysm is 5.5 cm or larger, you may need to get it done sooner. Speak to your cardiologist, and above all, don’t panic.

Richard Munson You should ask marie who she used. West palm and palm beach gardens. Neighbors i think.

Rose Madura Main thing is to try to stay calm. I know it's scary. I wanted to wait two months until I retired ... Read more

Rose Madura Main thing is to try to stay calm. I know it's scary. I wanted to wait two months until I retired but was advised not to. Again, 2nd opinions matter. In my case, I should have been advised to have surgery a year prior. It took about a month to fast track it all. Please keep us posted.

I’m with Richard, ask Marie Myers or look for a second opinion. Most importantly, stay calm and fin ... Read more

I’m with Richard, ask Marie Myers or look for a second opinion. Most importantly, stay calm and find some ways to relax. God bless you

Paula Romero Hi Debra, I feel the same way. After my Cath, I thought they would just transfer me to the Hospital t ... Read more

Paula Romero Hi Debra, I feel the same way. After my Cath, I thought they would just transfer me to the Hospital that would do the Surgery and I would have it right away. My Dr said the same thing. Needs to be done soon, no driving, no exertion. I feel the same as before my Cath, some shortness of breath, but that was my normal. Maybe you can have your Dr refer you to a different Surgeon. Good Luck!!

Richard Munson Shortness of breath in my world is not normal. I am not a doctor of course. I asked for surgery with ... Read more

Richard Munson Shortness of breath in my world is not normal. I am not a doctor of course. I asked for surgery with no symptoms and got it. If i had experienced shortness of breath i would have been all over them like a new suit as we used to say.

Deena Elani Hope you have called your cardiologist and made an appointment with another surgeon or two. I went ... Read more

Deena Elani Hope you have called your cardiologist and made an appointment with another surgeon or two. I went to several. As my cardiac nurse said to me: "put the stress on the doctors, not you!"

I’m with Richard and Deena.