Dwight Miller - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Pushed the limits!!

Journal posted on January 30, 2017

I live at aprox 4500ft elevation. I am 12 weeks post op. I have not experience any issues until this weekend when I went up to aprox 8000'. I climbed 100 stairs twice at that elevation and It took me a day and a halve to recover. I was out of breath and fatigued. I completed my rehab program today and stats were normal. Change in elevation certainly should be a major consideration friends.

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Phyllis Petersen I haven't yet tried going to higher elevation, partly because the mountain is covered in snow. Tucson is at about 2500 ft. and when I went to Mazatlan I was ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen I haven't yet tried going to higher elevation, partly because the mountain is covered in snow. Tucson is at about 2500 ft. and when I went to Mazatlan I was tiring more quickly than at home and someone on the plane asked me whether I had any problems going to sea level and it suddenly clicked. I'm wondering if changing elevation (maybe not 3500 ft.) and exercising might not be a good way to push the workout a little.

Rita Savelis Climbing stairs still tires me (and I climb every day - subway, at work...) 22 months after OHS.

Bob Jensen Wow Dwight - I never thought about the elevation issue. I am 4 weeks post op and live in Orlando, Florida - so my elevation is like 20'. One of my good friends ... Read more

Bob Jensen Wow Dwight - I never thought about the elevation issue. I am 4 weeks post op and live in Orlando, Florida - so my elevation is like 20'. One of my good friends who lives in the rockies has invited me to visit with him next month for a few weeks and enjoy the winter nature out there during recovery. Maybe I will think about asking him to come join me in Key West of something instead. LOL. You have a point on the elevation.

AVR "owners manual" 🤔

Journal posted on December 14, 2016

Hi friends, I am just curious what others have been told regarding preventative measures and protocols to follow after valve replacement surgery. I know the protocol to follow for all dental procedures as I have been pre medicating for these for the last 10 years. It would seem there should be some common "use and care" guidelines that should be followed to help promote the health and longevity of a prosthetic valve. My AVR valve is a bovine tissue valve.

I am 6 weeks post op and feel great except for a possible sinus infection setting in. I normally get these twice a year and usually can get over them with fluids, over the counter meds, and rest. Sometimes I have required a Z-Pack to help me get over them.

I know I should have asked my cardiologist or surgeon about this, but who can keep track of all the questions that go thru our minds during this journey.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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Steven Dean I didn't get much but would be interested to hear if anyone else did. I have been more rigid about my dental care.

Rita Savelis Usually a course of antibiotics is recommended with any infection (even viral - such as your sinus infection) to protect those valves from a possible infection ... Read more

Rita Savelis Usually a course of antibiotics is recommended with any infection (even viral - such as your sinus infection) to protect those valves from a possible infection setting in (same reason you take meds with a dental procedure).
Perhaps American cardiologists don't recommend this?

Deborah Hudson Yes they do.

Cathleen DeWitt I also have a bovine aortic valve. Dental procedures and anything that punctures the skin requires antibiotics. As far as over the counter meds, be aware that ... Read more

Cathleen DeWitt I also have a bovine aortic valve. Dental procedures and anything that punctures the skin requires antibiotics. As far as over the counter meds, be aware that many of the cold/sinus meds will raise your blood pressure. Also, anytime you take antibiotics be sure to follow it up with probiotics (either in pill form or a natural form like yogurt). My regular daily routine is one baby aspirin, Omega 3's, Vitamin D3, and a really healthy diet of lean proteins, high fiber healthy carbs, and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil etc), and 2 liters of water. I exercise 4 days a week...a combo of cardio and strength training. Stay active and healthy so you are aware of any changes in your status.

Dwight Miller Thank you all.

Eddie Patton If you are asking if there is anyway to prolong the life of the valve I was told not really. Just be heart healthy.

Started Cardio Rehab

Journal posted on December 8, 2016

5 weeks post op and my cardio rehab started today. I am excited to get this part of recovery started with the monitoring as I was concerned I was over-doing it on my own and will be more comfortable being supervised.

I Had follow-ups yesterday and the day before with my cardiologist and primary care physician and blood work and EKG all showed normal. My post op ECHO is scheduled for February.

I finished all my post op meds yesterday with nothing being refilled by my cardiologist. I was expecting to have to take Metoprolol for a while longer, but the cardiologist didn't feel it was necessary (I was taking 12.5mg once a day). My diastolic pressure did run high today at rehab and the nurses will evaluate this to determine if the Metoprolol RX needs to be reconsidered.

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Phyllis Petersen I had only one refill on the metoprolol and have a call into my cardiologist to see if I need to keep taking it. It's good to hear you're off of it. There's such variety in post-surgery treatment.

Kelton Glewwe Cardio rehab is great. Do they have you wear a wireless monitor about the size of a large cell phone? I purchased tee shirts with a pocket at Tractor Supply ... Read more

Kelton Glewwe Cardio rehab is great. Do they have you wear a wireless monitor about the size of a large cell phone? I purchased tee shirts with a pocket at Tractor Supply to hold the monitor. It is much more comfortable than the velcro strap thing they gave me in rehab. And get a FitBit so you can start tracking your steps. I had my aortic valve replaced a year ago. When you can, start walking. It will make your heart strong again and you can put this all behind you next year. Good luck. The worst part is over.

Dwight Miller Thanks Kelton for the advise and suggestions.

Stephanie Jones i'm looking forward to cardio rehab! :) glad you are recovering well.

13 days post op

Journal posted on November 15, 2016

Sorry for the delay. Surgery went very well. Valve repair resulted in aortic stenosis, so the valve was replaced. 2 days in ICU, 3 days in telemetry then discharged. Pain level was not as bad as I expected. I was off all narcotic pain meds prior to discharge. I was considered indepenant in telemetry, able to walk and move around on my own with one chest tube still in. H and H was low when discharged and bowels are pretty much back to normal. Today was my surgical follow-up and everyone is impressed with my recovery (including me). I can't thank everyone enough for your prayers and support. I will continue to update and pray for everyone taking this journey.

Like | Corey Sines, Shannon Gray, Darlene Smith and 3 others like this

Steve Farthing Great news to hear Dwight. Was Dr. Betty Kim your surgeon?

Ellen Leng Way to recover, keep it up!

Dwight Miller Steve, I thought I posted this, yes Dr Betty Kim was my surgeon.

Steve Farthing Just confirming. I've checked out their website. Sounds like a great doc. Thanks.

Catie B So glad you are making such a speedy and strong recovery. Awesome!

MARIE PICUN Amen

Getting ready

Journal posted on October 27, 2016

I found out just over a month ago It is time to fix my bicuspid Aortic valve. My heart shows signs of growth. I have always looked for swelling in my feet and signs of fatigue. Swelling was never a problem. I probably have been in denial about fatigue, but who can blame me. I am a parent of twin sons age 17, and my job demands 55-60 hours of my time during the week. Nontheless, I am scheduled for surgery next week 11/2/16. I feel I am mentally and physically ready to take care of this.

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Corey Sines Dwight, Its good you have faced this down and are ready to tackle it head on! Good luck on your surgery, sending prayers your way.

Catie B It sounds like you are taking the bull by the horns. I know it's not easy. May your recovery go extra smoothly!

Amy Steele I hope everything goes well for you! I'm from up the road in Colorado Springs, but now live in Tucson. I'll be keeping you in my prayers for a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

Lilly Black Then you are in good shape for the surgery, Dwight. A positive and peaceful outlook helps very much to get through it. I wish you all the best. Good luck....you will do very well!

Jeannette McLaughlin A month ago today, I received a bovine aortic valve as well as a synthetic ascending aorta, re: aneurysm. Due to a complication with my heart's electrical system, ... Read more

Jeannette McLaughlin A month ago today, I received a bovine aortic valve as well as a synthetic ascending aorta, re: aneurysm. Due to a complication with my heart's electrical system, I had a pacemaker implanted eight days after the surgery (in all, I spent 10 days at the hospital). Besides the electrical system issue, everything else went smoothly (I made it straight to my room from the SICU, bypassing the Stepdown Unit). I made rapid progress at the hospital (they called me "superstar"!) I've been making even more rapid progress since the day I got home, way beyond my expectations! I'm one of the lucky ones who did not have any pain following the surgery (I still don't have any). Good luck, Dwight, and remember that every case is different. Keep visualizing that everything will go well. Having a positive attitude is key at this time.

Ellen Leng Best wishes for a successful surgery and an easy recovery

Dwight Miller Thank you all for the prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement. My last day of work was today, and I am ready.