Don's Posts

Amazing how the body recovers. 1/2 day in ICU following surgery, 2 1/2 days step-down, than released. I have been off pain medication entitrely for a week, and only take 1-2 Ibuprofen per day. I dropped 16 pounds of water weight in 4 days following release, now weight back to normal. Medications down from 8 to just 2 (anti inflammatory and Beta Blocker). Walking 4 miles/day at a good pace, and have been able to sleep lying down last 3-4 days. I did have a feeling of 'tired arm' for several days on opposite side(my left side) of surgery site, which may be result of body weight being shifted to side while turned for Robotic surgery. Strectching seems to help. Pulse rate still remains elevated (85-90), but BP is great. Echo showed -0- regurgitation few days after surgery, and I no longer feel that strong/loud heartbeat I had prior to surgery. I still am starting Cardio Rehab next week after meeting with the physical therapists, who indicated they could help me gain back some flexibility/strength, and help lower target heart rate while being supervised. Surgeon follow up scheduled in 2 weeks. Best of luck to those awaiting surgery, but believe we are so fortunate for how far science has come in helping those of us with a valve condition.

Day 4 post op: Was sent home yesterday at noon. 3 days in hospital getting lungs back to capacity and stabilizing. Discovered day 2 might fool you to feeling great as operation meds not fully worn off. With the various meds, had to fight through some nausea, but very small price to pay. Walked a mile this morning at easy pace trying to slowly build up endurance. Tramedol is your friend and worth waking up in night to keep on board. On lowest dose and hope to transition to just ibuprofin soon. Surgeon said expect 2 steps forward, one back. Pleased with progress and so thankful for great hospital and surgeon, as well as this community which has been so valuable, thoughtful, and compassionate.

Day 1 post op: MR robotic repair successful. It was a complex Barlow repair of both leaflets, but convinced I had one of the best surgeons in the world (Dr Robert Smith in Texas) for the job. As many have said, stay ahead of pain meds. Feeling surprisingly well. Just told I will be getting drainage tube in back out this morning(Day 2 post op), which causes majority of discomfort, and catheter as well. Walked 3 times today 200, 400, 600 feet...which helps because I least I felt better moving. 6 new Chordi and anuoplasty ring to secure repair and no leakage. For all waiting to have this type of surgery, I can confirm the waiting is the worst part.