Hi everyone! I’m now 9 months post successful mitral valve repair and recently developed shortness of breath; at first it was intermittent and while climbing ...Read more
Hi everyone! I’m now 9 months post successful mitral valve repair and recently developed shortness of breath; at first it was intermittent and while climbing stairs only. The last couple of days it seems to be happening even with slight exertion. I have called my cardiologist and am awaiting his call back. My BP was 107/68 this morning, heart rate was 86 and weight at 118 lbs which is within a pound of my regular reading. No ankle or leg edema. Anyone have this issue months after surgery?
Susan Lynn Diane- I had shortness of breath more than a year after mitral valve surgery when climbing stairs. ... Read more
Susan Lynn Diane- I had shortness of breath more than a year after mitral valve surgery when climbing stairs. I told my cardiologist and he ordered an echocardiogram and stress test - both were normal. I'm trying to be more aware of my breathing pattern as I climb stairs and it seems to have helped. I wish you the best of luck. Stay positive - it seems like all of your other indicators are good. ❤
Diane Esposito Thank you Susan Lynn! My cardiologist asked me to do a trial of Lasix 20 mg once a day for a week to ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thank you Susan Lynn! My cardiologist asked me to do a trial of Lasix 20 mg once a day for a week to see if that helps and another course with the heart monitor as I may have has an episode of a-fib, so we want to be sure it’s not recurring since I also had a Maze done when the mitral valve was repaired. Good suggestion about watching my breathing while going up stairs!
Barbara Wood Diane, I had a mitral repair & maze 2 1/2 years ago. Sounds like your cardio is on the right track wi ... Read more
Barbara Wood Diane, I had a mitral repair & maze 2 1/2 years ago. Sounds like your cardio is on the right track with the holter monitor. Best wishes & keep us posted.
Congratulations, Adam! 14 years!! Thanks so much for posting this as it gives me , and I’m sure many others, hope for the future. I realized today that though ...Read more
Congratulations, Adam! 14 years!! Thanks so much for posting this as it gives me , and I’m sure many others, hope for the future. I realized today that though I’m approaching 8 months post mitral valve repair (4/24/19) I’m still having some trouble moving forward. I am sometimes surprised that I am, in fact, still here; even though I’ve had a successful surgical result and no complications. It’s as if part of me still believes that my life was over and though obviously that isn’t true, I find myself unsure as to what’s next. Perhaps because heart surgery certainly causes a reordering of one's priorities...a deeper understanding of what’s important and what isn’t, that it takes time to figure out what those new priorities are and how to shape them into a new future. Your post reminds me that there is a future, a new life, a second chance. We just have to be brave enough to trust life again.
Adam, words can’t tell you how happy and grateful I am you are here with us. Your experience and yo ... Read more
Adam, words can’t tell you how happy and grateful I am you are here with us. Your experience and your caring for others is so greatly appreciated. Congratulations and may you have many, many more anniversaries. And yes thank you to Dr. Starnes our mutual miracle worker surgeon. God bless you Adam and your family
Adam Pick Thanks Diane and Ana. Hugs going out to you both. Together, the patients and people in this commun ... Read more
Adam Pick Thanks Diane and Ana. Hugs going out to you both. Together, the patients and people in this community have formed such a unique and special. It is an honor, gift and privilege to be the metaphorical "glue" that helps us all unite, learn and support each other. Blessings to us all!
Great news from the cardiologist; today’s echocardiogram shows the mitral valve (post repair 4/24/19) functioning beautifully with no regurgitation and increased ...Read more
Great news from the cardiologist; today’s echocardiogram shows the mitral valve (post repair 4/24/19) functioning beautifully with no regurgitation and increased heart strength! I see him on the 29th and he’ll show me the DVD and we’ll discuss everything in detail! He kept telling me how determined and courageous I was to go through this.
We choose life when we decide to have the surgery and life requires courage. We are all heart warriors.
Great news indeed!
Peace and blessings to you Diane!
Kevin Bradley Great news, Diane! I am glad you are doing well.
Diane Esposito Thanks so much everyone! Even though I’m still in some pain and trying to get my BP straightened ou ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks so much everyone! Even though I’m still in some pain and trying to get my BP straightened out it’s good to know the valve is working. BP has been really high the past 3 days which is not typical for me. The cardiologist re-started me on Lisinopril today so I’m hoping that will do the trick.
Joey Hardee Awesome, awesome, Diane! Very happy for you and thank you for the inspiration and encouragement!
Susan Lynn Excellent news! Continued success, Diane!
rich monoson Diane, beautiful news on your May 15th update." Choosing life" is a profound gem.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Roskowinski and Naomi Gray as they have their surgeries on Monday; and I am looking back on the last week and a half ...Read more
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Roskowinski and Naomi Gray as they have their surgeries on Monday; and I am looking back on the last week and a half since my mitral valve repair was done, and the little milestones reached so far ( that first shower from heaven, my birthday cake from the nurses in the step down Unit, going home, etc. I’m still having a fair amount of back and rib cage pain which Is controlled with Ibuprofen and Tylenol. I’m able to do light housework, putting a small load of lightweight clothes in the wash, etc. The last 3 or 4 days I’ve been feeling like I have a low grade fever (my temperature has been normal with an occasional 99 degree reading, no signs of infection according to the visiting RN, incision looks good) which has made me feel lousy, so I haven’t been walking except around the house. I do have stairs to climb though as my bedroom and bathroom are on 2 different levels. I’m wondering if it’s just part of my pain response as it gets worse when it’s time for more ibuprofen or Tylenol. So I’ve been a bit frustrated and have to be patient with myself. Having a visiting RN is great, especially psychologically knowing that a professional is keeping an eye on things. It was a good decision to ask for one. Today, the sun is out for the first time in a week so I’m looking forward to going out with a friend to do some light errands. Have a great weekend everyone!
Susan Lynn Sounds like you're doing well, Diane! There are some ups and downs along the way. Pace yourself. ... Read more
Susan Lynn Sounds like you're doing well, Diane! There are some ups and downs along the way. Pace yourself. Continued success with your recovery!
Kevin Bradley Diane, everything you are saying is normal. It’s been just over a month for me and though I feel a ... Read more
Kevin Bradley Diane, everything you are saying is normal. It’s been just over a month for me and though I feel a ton better overall I still have chest and upper body pain and tightness. Yesterday was my last home health visit and I am actually bummed about it because when you are pretty much cooped up in the house for most of the day you look forward to the health visit each day. Keep your head up and we will be back to normal before we know it.
Mike Roskowinski Thank you Diane. So glad to hear from all of you who have just gone through it. Sure seems like the l ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Thank you Diane. So glad to hear from all of you who have just gone through it. Sure seems like the last week flew by. I am ready to get fixed and head to recovery
Julie M Kudos to you, Diane! It sounds like you're dealing well with the early aftermath of surgery. It'll b ... Read more
Julie M Kudos to you, Diane! It sounds like you're dealing well with the early aftermath of surgery. It'll be two weeks for me this coming Tuesday (5/7), and I'm learning quickly just how important patience is to our recovery process. Also, being aware of the myriad of symptoms we might experience to varying degrees ... It's truly an individualized thing. We'll have some things in common & some very different experiences, but in any event, sharing them can only be helpful. Stay the course & take it one day at a time.... We're on our way to that eventual goal of full recovery & it will all be worth it then. God bless!
Naomi Gray Thank you, Diane for thinking about me. I actually have two more days. I feel overwhelmed a little bi ... Read more
Naomi Gray Thank you, Diane for thinking about me. I actually have two more days. I feel overwhelmed a little bit to be honest. I'm having a hard time going to bed... Nice to read your updates. But I think I'd better get some sleep.
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven’t gotten around to posting lately; the surgery went well and Dr Hashim was able to repair my mitral valve! He also performed ...Read more
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven’t gotten around to posting lately; the surgery went well and Dr Hashim was able to repair my mitral valve! He also performed a MAZE procedure and oversewed the left atrial appendage ( this, per his PA) When I awoke from anesthesia, I was surprised by how well I felt given the surgery. I didn’t have much pain at all. This picture was taken 3 1/2 hrs post surgery in the CICU . Of course I was on pain meds. Overnight and day 2 I had more pain but it was mostly in my upper back and neck and of course I hadn’t slept well. On day 3 the chest tubes came out and I felt sooooo much better. Hardly any pain, which was handled by ibuprofens and Tylenol. I was so happy to be off narcotics. I’m still very muscle-achy which the surgeon’s PA says is probably due to lying in the OR table for the surgery, uncomfortable hospital beds, and not doing my regular activities. If all goes well, pacing wires come out tomorrow morning and then I can be discharged! I can’t wait to take a shower!
Marie Myers Sounds great! I agree with the low amount of sternal pain, but a high amount of back and shoulder mu ... Read more
Marie Myers Sounds great! I agree with the low amount of sternal pain, but a high amount of back and shoulder muscle aches/ stiffness. That actually bothered me much more than anything else, other than the exhaustion. Glad you are on the recovery side!
Susan Lynn Inspiring post, Diane! You looked like a million bucks in your post operative picture. My best advi ... Read more
Susan Lynn Inspiring post, Diane! You looked like a million bucks in your post operative picture. My best advice is to make that first shower a short one and not too hot. I found showers to be one of the best but exhausting feelings after surgery - I heard later that the hot water can drop blood pressure. Take it at your own pace. All the best!
Tom McDonald Diane.
I'm glad that all is going well for you in recovery so far, and not much pain. I hope that c ... Read more
Tom McDonald Diane.
I'm glad that all is going well for you in recovery so far, and not much pain. I hope that continues. Sending you healing thoughts/prayers. Take care.
Diane Esposito Thanks, everyone! Marie, yes, the most painful areas are the rib cage and shoulders and the second d ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks, everyone! Marie, yes, the most painful areas are the rib cage and shoulders and the second day the pain was awful.!
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven’t gotten around to posting lately; the surgery went well and Dr Hashim was able to repair my mitral valve! He also performed ...Read more
Hi everyone! Sorry I haven’t gotten around to posting lately; the surgery went well and Dr Hashim was able to repair my mitral valve! He also performed a MAZE procedure and oversewed the left atrial appendage ( this, per his PA) When I awoke from anesthesia, I was surprised by how well I felt given the surgery. I didn’t have much pain at all. This picture was taken 3 1/2 hrs post surgery in the CICU . Of course I was on pain meds. Overnight and day 2 I had more pain but it was mostly in my upper back and neck and of course I hadn’t slept well. On day 3 the chest tubes came out and I felt sooooo much better. Hardly any pain, which was handled by ibuprofens and Tylenol. I was so happy to be off narcotics. I’m still very muscle-achy which the surgeon’s PA says is probably due to lying in the OR table for the surgery, uncomfortable hospital beds, and not doing my regular activities. If all goes well, pacing wires come out tomorrow morning and then I can be discharged! I can’t wait to take a shower!
Kevin Bradley Great news!!! So glad things went well for you!
It’s show time tomorrow morning at 11am! Mitral repair and MAZE procedure at Hartford Hospital. I’m glad the waiting is over but OMG am I nervous which ...Read more
It’s show time tomorrow morning at 11am! Mitral repair and MAZE procedure at Hartford Hospital. I’m glad the waiting is over but OMG am I nervous which is putting it mildly. I don’t know how I’d get through this without this blog, and all of you encouraging me. God bless Adam for his book and this website! Wish me luck and I’ll see you on the recovery side!
Naomi Gray Hi Diane, I'm wishing you the best outcome tomorrow and smooth ride to the other side in your journey ... Read more
Naomi Gray Hi Diane, I'm wishing you the best outcome tomorrow and smooth ride to the other side in your journey.
Tim Saint Good luck Diane, be confident in the highly skilled professional team of people that will take care ... Read more
Tim Saint Good luck Diane, be confident in the highly skilled professional team of people that will take care of you. Best wishes.
Mike Roskowinski Good luck Diane. My family’s prayers are with you. See you in the recovery side very soon
Mike Roskowinski Thanks Diane. You will be on the recovery side very soon here. Enjoy these next few days knowing soon ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Thanks Diane. You will be on the recovery side very soon here. Enjoy these next few days knowing soon you will be ready to move on.
Diane Esposito I had a great day today with my family at my sister’s house. Two more days to finish some last minu ... Read more
Diane Esposito I had a great day today with my family at my sister’s house. Two more days to finish some last minute errands and then it’s show time. I’m ready to get this done but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
leslie terjesen Before you know it, you'll be on the post op side of surgery and you'll get to enjoy summer! I wonde ... Read more
leslie terjesen Before you know it, you'll be on the post op side of surgery and you'll get to enjoy summer! I wondered why I worried so much pre-op while in the hospital. Bring your pillow!!!! Makes the hospital beds easier to sleep in although I think every time I closed my eyes, I was asleep. Dr. Smith kept wiggling my toe to get me up!!!
Diane Esposito You’re so right about the hospital bed and the pillow Leslie! When I was first diagnosed last Decem ... Read more
Diane Esposito You’re so right about the hospital bed and the pillow Leslie! When I was first diagnosed last December I spent 5 days in the hospital on those miserable rubber sheets and pillows. I was always sweating and overheated to the point of headaches, and I vowed to take my pillow with me for the surgery. It also helped to put a towel between me and the sheets.
Hey, all! Is there anyone from Connecticut here either waiting or have had surgery?
Civita Fahey There should be some. I'm from Mass. I had surgery 4/24/17, so we have the same date.. let me know if ... Read more
Civita Fahey There should be some. I'm from Mass. I had surgery 4/24/17, so we have the same date.. let me know if you a have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. civita
Diane Esposito Thanks Civita, I think my only questions now relate to how my body will react to the surgery and thos ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks Civita, I think my only questions now relate to how my body will react to the surgery and those can’t be answered until afterwards. So I’m concentrating on preparing, buying groceries, starting to put things aside for bringing to the hospital, etc.
Civita Fahey We all heal differently. I was lucky, I had no pain after the surgery except for shoulder and back pa ... Read more
Civita Fahey We all heal differently. I was lucky, I had no pain after the surgery except for shoulder and back pain from the position at surgery. That took a long time, but small massages and heat pads helped. every day got better. its a long process and we need to have patience, which I tend not to have. Two years later I can say its all a blur. I'm sure you will do great. Remember the staff is there to help you and accept help from family. REST as much as possible after and walk as much as you can, don't over do.. it will all come with time. best of luck!
9 days to go and I’m now officially nervous! My mitral valve repair and Maze procedure surgery is coming up on 4/24th and though I’ve been waiting since ...Read more
9 days to go and I’m now officially nervous! My mitral valve repair and Maze procedure surgery is coming up on 4/24th and though I’ve been waiting since December and have been anxious to get it done , feel like , holy cow this is really happening! This week I’m having my pre op blood work and have started putting things aside to pack for the hospital but sometimes I still feel as if it’s happening to someone else. I have total confidence in my surgeon and am not afraid of the surgery as far as the actual procedures as he’s the best in my area, but I am afraid of the “controlled trauma “to my body which has to happen in order to fix the problems. There’s no way around it except to not have OHS which is not an option! Reading this blog is so helpful; God bless Adam for giving us a sanctuary of information and support for one another, and I’m so grateful to all of you for sharing your stories.
Peter Eglinton I hear you! Hang in there. Sending positive thoughts your way. We got this!
Diane Esposito Thanks so much Peter, I appreciate your support! Your surgery is the day after my birthday (made pos ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks so much Peter, I appreciate your support! Your surgery is the day after my birthday (made possible this year by OHS 😁) and I’ll be sending good wishes your way!
Mike Roskowinski Good luck to both of you. Yeah it is getting surreal knowing that surgery is coming. I am May 6th jus ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Good luck to both of you. Yeah it is getting surreal knowing that surgery is coming. I am May 6th just one week after Peter. Prayers and thoughts are with you. You guys will be just fine and in recovery soon. Can’t wait till I can join you there.
Diane Esposito Thanks Mike, surreal is a great word to describe how I’m feeling now, today I’m going for my pre ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks Mike, surreal is a great word to describe how I’m feeling now, today I’m going for my pre op bloodwork and making a dentist appointment, I’m finding that doing something each day to prepare for surgery is helping to ground me. The recovery side is just around the bend for all 3 of us!
Thomas Brusstar Controlled trauma is a good way to describe it! But I can tell you, you will be amazed at how your b ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Controlled trauma is a good way to describe it! But I can tell you, you will be amazed at how your body heals from the major surgery. You will get a real sense of heroic improvement some days. You will have bad days, but overall you will feel like you've accomplished something truly major by a month from now. The first 2 days post-surgery are challenging, but you will be well cared for; and after that you should feel a real swell of power in your chest knowing what you have come through.
Barbara Wood Hi Diane, your history sounds so similar to mine! I had a mitral repair & maze 2 years ago & feel won ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Diane, your history sounds so similar to mine! I had a mitral repair & maze 2 years ago & feel wonderful - lots of stamina & energy, I live in the mountains & hike or ski most days. My recovery had a few glitches, afib & pleural effusions, but those things are managed & if they occur you do get thru them. Sending good thoughts & vibes your way:)!
Diane Esposito Thanks so much Barbara and Tom, I feel so much better reading your comments and will keep re- reading ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks so much Barbara and Tom, I feel so much better reading your comments and will keep re- reading them! I had my pre-op bloodwork today and each thing I do to prepare helps me feel more secure. Any advice on how to get through the first two days other than letting the ICU nurses take care of me and being patient?
Barbara Wood Diane, I really don't remember my time in icu, though according to my family I was awake & talking... ... Read more
Barbara Wood Diane, I really don't remember my time in icu, though according to my family I was awake & talking...after effects of the anesthesia maybe? I was moved to the step down unit about 24 hours after surgery & remember that all well! I was nauseated the first day, but no pain. The nurses and aids were wonderful - don't hesitate to ask for help like getting boosted up in bed ( I kept sliding down), having pillows rearranged, food & drink from the floors kitchen. Walk as much as you can & use your spirometer. The time flies by & you're home before you know it! It's all very doable, you'll do great!
Diane Esposito Thanks, Barbara. Today I feel much calmer and am actually looking forward to getting this done and s ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks, Barbara. Today I feel much calmer and am actually looking forward to getting this done and starting my recovery.
I finally got to speak with the RN at the surgeon’s office as my surgery is in 3 weeks. I’m having a mitral valve repair due to severe regurgitation and ...Read more
I finally got to speak with the RN at the surgeon’s office as my surgery is in 3 weeks. I’m having a mitral valve repair due to severe regurgitation and also a maze procedure. I was really hoping to have minimally invasive surgery but Dr Hashim feels the sternotomy is best for me. Sue, the RN, says that because the doctor is also concerned with the aesthetics of the procedure, the incision will not go all the way up to the top of the sternum so that patients can still wear V neck clothing, etc. It’s been a long wait for surgery, since December, so I’m happy it’s in 3 weeks now, but of course I’m feeling some anxiety as well. I have a lot of confidence in the surgeon, I’m told he’s a master of this procedure and his success rate is excellent so my nervousness is more because of the serious nature of OHS in general. I’m thinking of my fellow heart warriors who are in surgery today and this week, you are so brave and strong and my inspiration for my upcoming surgery!!
Thomas Brusstar I had mitral repair with a full sternotomy last year, but I'm a guy so I don't care about the scar. ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar I had mitral repair with a full sternotomy last year, but I'm a guy so I don't care about the scar. (It's actually going away now, after 8-9 months, and I kind of miss it. Looks like somebody drew with a pink marker now, and it's getting less clear.) But a female friend of mine (54-yo woman) is having a mitral repair with sternotomy in a few months, and her surgeon is totally happy to invite a plastic surgeon in to close the incision at the end. So if you're worried about the scar, talk to the surgeon about a specialist to close it up.
Louanna Miller I also mitral valve repair by full sternotomy in August. My cardiologist and surgeon said it’s the ... Read more
Louanna Miller I also mitral valve repair by full sternotomy in August. My cardiologist and surgeon said it’s the best was to perform valve surgery and see the heart. I have a scar and it is fading. OHS is a journey from the time you learn about it, through surgery, recovery and beyond. I am not bothered by the scar as I believe I earned it and this surgery extended my life. I have had many women tell me they think it’s great that I wear clothing where the scar shows. It’s part of me.
leslie terjesen I am right with Louanna. I had a V-neck t shirt on today for my first day at cardiac rehab, I earned ... Read more
leslie terjesen I am right with Louanna. I had a V-neck t shirt on today for my first day at cardiac rehab, I earned that scar although it is healing wonderfully. It was so nice to exercise a bit although most of the time was my evaluation, looking forward to next week.
Diane Esposito Thanks so much to all of you! I’m also the type to wear what I want to regardless of the scar and y ... Read more
Diane Esposito Thanks so much to all of you! I’m also the type to wear what I want to regardless of the scar and yes, we all did or soon will earn it! I’m already looking forward to cardiac rehab...I hadn’t been able to figure out why I didn’t have the stamina I used too; now I know why and I can’t wait to have it back again!