Diane's Journal

Valerie Allen  I hope you made it safely to Indianapolis and are settling in. Prayers for you and your surgical team. You will be on the road to recovery before you know it!

Ana Brusso  Will pray your redo surgery would be successful and a speedy recovery. You chose a great surgeon. God bless you 🙏❤️

Diane Lewis  Thanks everyone. I am now 2 weeks post-op and feel the worst is over. Dr. Gerdisch and his staff were great. I am so thankful I waited the 4 months for him to perform it. Their post op pain relief program really amazed me . Between the spinal blocks that last 72-78 hours and the incision cryo nerve blocks that last about 2 weeks, I was able to get around and be driven home on day 5 without much pain. It was an 8 hour drive and we did 4 hours each day. I now think all the blocks have worn off and my pain is easily managed with Tylenol 3x’s per day. I am really thankful to have this behind me. 

They did a re-do repair of the mitral valve, a bovine tissue replacement of the aortic valve and a MAZE procedure. Even though it was the week before Christmas their team acted like it just normal full staffing with little regard for the holiday. I would highly recommend Dr. Gerdisch, his team and the Franciscan Hospital.   

Geoff Curtis  By Christmas Day, you'll be doing great!  I recommend a robe and basic toiletries & something to keep your hands busy in the recovery bed.  & Some good music 

Susan Lynn  Good things come to those who wait - especially for Dr. Gerdish!! I'd also recommend a long charger cord for your cell phone, a button front shirt, and loose pants or stretch pants for the way home. Many of us left the hospital with a few extra pounds. Everything you need will be provided. I totally over packed! Wishing you all the best!!

Dan Fouratt  I packed some slip on walking shoes vs the slippers they provide you with.  They want you to walk and I wanted to be comfortable.  Also I purchased sweats and several front button shirts.  I soon as I could change in to that from the hospital gown I did.  It is easier to walk in.  Good Luck.

Robert Miller  My second surgery was maybe a week before Christmas. It wasn't a big issue. You look a bit funny with the heart hugger at the family party but it's fine. As for the recover itself, check out the learning center. What mostly helped me is pillows, recliner, etc. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Larry Peterson  Diane, I packed a big plush robe with a hood (nurses said I looked like Rocky Balboa in it!).  It was great for walks after surgery.  

Diane Lewis  Thank ya’ll for all the encouragement and suggestions. We are driving from Little Rock to Indianapolis today. Pre-op things tomorrow and surgery the 18th. 

Suelynn Hanegraaf  Doug Johnston, MD, my cardiovascular surgeon at Northwestern Medicine (previously, vice chair at Cleveland Clinic) used a titanium plating system to close my sternum at my April 2024 aortic valve replacement redo.

Robert Miller  Well, clarify with your insurance. Unless it's a 911 case, you usually get approvals from the insurance. Your surgeon's office will do that. 

I never heard of external fixation of the sternum. Is there a reason you are considering this versus the normal wires? 

Diane Lewis  There are a couple of martial posted on this site about it. The ones doing it have a lot less pain and can lift their weight and drive after the first 7 days. 

Valerie Allen  My surgeon would only do rigid fixation if you are a certain BMI. I was just past that line so he agreed with the fixation. I am not sure all surgeons go by this. There are still a couple wires, as I understand it.