Delanee's Journal

Robert Miller  Is this something new that just came up? If so, I would talk to your cardiologist. Even more so if you have other symptoms in your arms, etc. If it's something you had for a while, especially along your incision then it might be some muscles. I had some needle like stinging on the right side of my chest several months after surgery. It didn't go away  until after my second surgery. Although it was always exactly at the same spot, I don't think it was anything serious. But again, talk to your cardiologist especially if you feel it in other parts of your body (arms, legs, chest, etc).

Delanee Durham  No other pains in any other areas, but thank you for the advice , I’ll send him an email! Better to be safe!

Richard Munson  I got a twinge the other day after 2 years right on my minimally invasive scar. Only lasted a few seconds. The dog jumped on my chest while on the bed so who knows if he was the cause. I am told nerves take a long time to heal.

Rose Madura  Happy Anniversary! We are so blessed to live in an era where all this is possible.  Congratulations!

Richard Munson  There are short term and long term a fib monitors. Short term holter to under the skin versions lasting 3 years which i am about to have installed. Size of paperclip i am told and it detects any a fib irregularities and send them to my doctor. I also had maze procedure during my ohs to try and end my a fib. Installed at doctors office similar like an animal chip. Better than the short term versions as less human interaction and taking a shower is not a factor. As you know a fib can cause a stroke. Assume you are on eliquis or something like it to guard against that happening.

Rose Madura  I had Afib / Aflutter for about six weeks after surgery. Since then, all has been well other than one time when the family doctor took me off BP medication and I started to have PVCs. Got in to see cardiologist who pit me back on BP medication. Said it worked in conjunction with Metoprolol to control heart beats. Once back on BP, no further issues. I'd check with your cardiologist.

Brady Busch  These extra beats can be felt?A pacemaker was installed about five days after getting an aortic tissue valve and a repaired mitral for me.About a week ago,a doctor interrogated the pacemaker and said there were 44 episodes of Afib,between placement,11/21 and 12/15,but none after that.
Also,my cardiologist had me wear a stick on heart monitor,during the last couple of weeks and the results should be coming back soon.
I'm still taking Warfarin,along with Metoprolol.

Delanee Durham  I take Pradaxa and metoprolol since my bout with afib. I just got done wearing a heart monitor for two weeks. Waiting to hear back from my cardiologist with the results and anything else I need to do or medication to take to try and regulate my heart. It’s all just very annoying, haha! Thanks for the info!

Civita Fahey  I had it, though it was 4 years after surgery. I had just a cold and stuffy nose. I was told that having valve surgery was not really a co morbidity. If you are vaccinated it should be ok.

Mike Dotson  Same here. I got is 5 months post surgery. I was very tired for about a week but that's about it. I think being vaccinated helped mitigate my symptoms a lot.

Adolfo Garcia Jr  Delanee, try and get you a recliner. I use one after having aortic valve replacement, aortic replacement, mitral valve repair. Docs said sleep propped up and truth be told I sleep so well. It is 0550 central time and I awoke so refreshed. I actually just borrowed one from a good friend but may just buy it off them. Fiance set it up next to our bed and many happy nights rested. I am also a side/stomach sleeper but was advised not to sleep in that position due to the complications of my surgery.
Good luck

Rose Madura  After surgery, I used lots of pillows. Propping up my arms seemed to help when sleeping on my back. I'd usually sleep about 4 hours, then go to the recliner for the rest of the night. It will get better with time.

Victoria Baker  I wouldnt have survived without my mechanical bed. I am unsure how people sleep at all without one. Seems like a necessary item for someone having heart surgery. It is super hard to sleep in a chair.

Rita Savelis  The one positive thing from OHS is that after 6 weeks on my back, I FINALLY got used to that position and today (6 years later) it is a position I can use. That said, I prefer sleeping on my side. Have you tried sleeping on your side, or is it still a positiont that doesn't feel right? My doctor said that whenever I felt ready I could take a side position. I do feel for you. It's long. It's hard. But you will get back to your regular comfortable sleeping position.

Mike Tirrell  I am a side sleeper. After 1 week, I went back to sleeping on my side. I had a mechanical bed though which made it much easier to get into and out of that position.

Karen Miller  Hi Delanee I just want to see how you are doing? I have 2 weeks till my surgery and Im getting a little anxious. I know its all going to be worth it in the end I just cant wait till Im home recovering.