Elaine's Journal

Gratefully celebrating 10 years post AVR today! Many thanks to Adam for developing this much needed community. The information and support I received was priceless. Thinking of the many who were a support to me during this time. I pray they are all well.

I saw my Cardiologist on Dec. 1st for an Echo because of some shortness of breath during exercise. Good news!! Valve is working well and no sign of any failure or stenosis! My Dr. says we all have fallen back on our exercise this last year, and it is taking us longer to get our stamina back, he believes I just need to push thru this and get back up to speed. I have no problems at rest and no chest pains, so .....get busy! If shortness of breath gets worse he will order a stress test. So looks like my Edwards Lifescience bovine valve is good and I'm believeing for at least 15 plus years out of it! Hope you all are well. Happy anniversary to those I connected with 7 years ago,---Terri, Lilly, Cheryl, Popeye and many others whose names aren't coming to this 65 year old mind! lol Blessings and Merrry Christmas

Hello, I had SAVR for a bicuspid and stenotic aortic valve in Dec. 2014. So 7 years out from a very successful surgery. All has been well until this summer. I started noticing shortness of breath and tiredness after walking or biking. Thought it was the humidity, but now with cooler weather, I can no longer ingnore it. Scheduled for an echo cardiogram on Dec. 1st. Feeling a little discouraged - I had hoped to have at least 10 years out of my bovine AVR. I was walking 45 min. a day a few months out from my surgery. Now 20 minutes is plenty, and I can't talk and walk too. This site was such a blessing to me, and just reaching out to any who have had this issue after surgery. To those awaiting surgery, be encouraged that the process wasn't as bad as we imagine it will be. Read Adam's book and take it a day at a time.

6 year Anniversary of Aortic Valve replacement. Thanking my Lord for successful surgery and good health since then. Just 6 years older! But thats a good thing! Thank you Adam for this website and your book.

Wow, 2 years out from AVR. Posting as an encouragment to those recovering from Heart valve surgery and those awaiting surgery. There is life after heart valve surgery! The pain and discomfort do go away, and life does get back to normal. I am so very grateful that my surgery was textbook, and I had no complications. I won't go back over all the details, you can read my journal if interested. My advice is choose your surgeon carefully. I was in excellent hands with Dr. Marc Gerdisch. So many thoughts, but again I won't go over details, but I am very happy to answer any questions. Thinking of all those who were on the road to recovery at the same time as I was. Alot of great people, I will always remember your kindness and caring. I won't list the names, as I am afraid I'll forget someone, but know that you were all a blessing to me. Thanks again to Adam for starting this community. And last, but definitely not least, Thank you my Saviour, Jesus for walking with me every step of the way, and everyday. God bless you all,

Today is my one-year heart valve anniversary. I am thanking my Heavenly Father for watching over me and being with me every step of the way! Thank you also to all of the Heart valve surgery community, the connections with you all were especially meaningful. Happy anniversary to Bob M also. To those awaiting surgery---It is not as bad as we imagine. I'm not signing up for a redo, but if I have to go thru it again, I know it will be ok. Take it a day at a time, and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart". Happy to anwer any questions from those awaiting surgery. God Bless you

It's been 6 months to the day that I received my new Bovine aortic valve. I'm feeling good, my heart rate has went down and the details of the surgery are a distant memory now. The only meds I am on is 81 mg aspirin and Crestor for my cholesterol that had slipped back up over 200 (side note to those just coming out of surgery--the appetite returns!!) I couldn't stand sweets after surgery and cholesterol was 169, but alas sweet tooth has been found! Working in my flower garden pulling weeds tends to make my chest muscles tender, thought that would be past by now, but it reminds me when I overdo. I had hoped to been really exercising alot, but it seems my 58 year old joints are complaining! I felt really well at 3 months, and things are about the same. My bout with bladder cancer last month was malignant, but it was Stage 1 and non-invasive. Thank you Jesus! On a 3 month schedule with the urologist, believing for future good reports. Thank you all for your prayers. God bless you all "heart family"

Heavenly Father, I lift up Don, Jacqueline, Patrick, and Jerry to you. I ask you to guide the surgeons hands, give the families peace and bring healing to the newly repaired hearts, and we give you praise for your loving-kindness and tender mercies that are new every morning. In Jesus name, Amen

I am 4 months post-op BAVR. Doing very well, so grateful for the support here and to many prayers being answered. Tonight, I need to share with you all what has happened in my life the the last few weeks and days as a means of possibly helping anyone else on this site or a family member. This has nothing to do with my HVS, but I just want people to be aware. This is not easy to share--but here goes. About 3 weeks ago I started having blood and clots in my urine. Thinking it was possibly a urinary tract infection, I didn't do anything for a week or so. As I was not at home, but visiting my daughter I went to an Urgent Care Facility. I was put on Cipro (anti-biotic) , but urine culture did not confirm the UTI. I was referred to an Urologist. As I was flying home the next week, I chose to wait to see my local Dr. I arrived home on Tuesday evening, saw Dr. on Thursday, and had CT scan of bladder and kidneys on Sat. Monday (yesterday) found me having a Cystoscope and TransUrethal Bladder Resection. A tumor was removed, and Dr. feels it is malignant, but encapsulated, so the hope is that no further treatment will be needed, but we await biopsy results. So, I share this because I have none of the risk factors asociated with bladder cancer. I have never smoked, or had occupation risks. If you or anyone you know has blood in their urine (which I had a few times for 3-5 days at a time,the last couple of years, but went away. PLEASE do not ingnore it. As I stated earlier, this is in no way related to my HVS, but because I care about all of you on this site, I felt I needed to share this quite personal situation. My Savior brought me through AVR so well, and I know He will walk with me thru this. God bless you all.

Tomorrow will be 10 weeks out from AVR. I am so very grateful that I have gotten along so well. I had a mini-sternometry and it has healed very well. Most people don't even notice it. I did 3 weeks of cardiac rehab, and then I escaped the cold of Indiana to finish recovery at my daughters in sunny Florida. I am doing water aerobics 5 days a week and walking about 2 miles most days either on the treadmill or the beach. No shortness of breath--it's amazing ! I had a great surgeon Dr. Marc Gerdisch, and I am grateful for his expertise, but above all I thank my Heavenly Father for watching over me and bringing me through this so well. To all those waiting for surgery, learn all you can, but remember everyone is different and to listen to your body. Take it a day at a time and within a short time you will be surprised how much better you feel. Thinking of those having surgery this week, and praying for them.

Doing very well at 6 weeks out BAVR. I saw my surgeon and cardiologist yesterday. Had ECHO and my bovine valve looks great. I also saw a picture of my BAV right before he cut it out--it looked awful. Wish I had grabbed my phone and took a picture of the picture! I have no doubts now it was time for surgery. I get to wean off of the metropolol, and finish the 3 month of Plavix, and then I will only be on 81 mg. aspirin and 10 mg. Lipitor.!! So happy about that! 2nd day of rehab today. Walked 2.2 mph on the treadmill, which seemed so slow, and asked if I could speed up, but was told not yet. But while talking and walking, I realized I need to take it slow. Still a little out of breath. I am very grateful for the good recovery I have had so far. God is faithful! I praise HIM. Prayers and thoughts with those having surgery this week.

Has there been any update on Rhonda R? I have been watching but I have not seen anything. Still praying for her and hope she is home doing well. All those in surgery this week, please know that my husband and I are praying for you all. God Bless you

Wondering what others have used on their scar? My scar looks good after 4 1/2 weeks, but just wondering if I should use Mederma, or Bio-oil or what? Dr. prescribed a cream, but insurance didn't cover it and it was $60.00 for enough for just a few weeks. Anyone use anything they thought was really good?

4 weeks post-op BAVR Journal posted on January 7, 2015 Exactly 4 weeks ago, I was sleeping, while my surgeon, Dr. Marc Gerdisch replaced my severely stenotic aortic valve with a bovine tissue valve. HIs words to my family after surgery was that my valve was an 8 out of 10 (10 being the worst), so I guess the time was right for surgery. I have to give praise to my Lord, because He answered prayers and my recovery has went so well. I had no complications, and not any unbearable pain. Yesterday, I realized that I felt really so good, and feel almost back to normal. It has been just a steady return to normal, only after reflecting on what is was like when I came home, how slow I walked, and the effort it took to get in and out of bed, did I realize that is all better!! As I live in Indiana, I am forced to stay inside for most of my walking. I was able to walk outside a week ago when it got in the 40's. , and I was able to walk a mile. Today, it is 3 degrees with a wind chill of -10, so back to wearing a path in my carpet! I start Cardiac Rehab next Friday, and I am looking forward to seeing what this new ticker can do! I haven't wanted to push myself hard to see if I get out of breath, I want to do that while being monitored the first few times. I want to say Thank you again to so many of you who have shared your "hearts" with me, and I Thank Adam for starting this website and allowing all of us to gain hope, encouragement and knowledge. Every day I check the upcoming surgeries and pray for those having surgery that day and week. One of the scriptures that meant a lot to me before my surgery, (and now!) is Psalm 31:24 "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord" God Bless all my "heart" brothers and sisters, your participation on this site has blessed me.

Exactly 4 weeks ago, I was sleeping, while my surgeon, Dr. Marc Gerdisch replaced my severely stenotic aortic valve with a bovine tissue valve. HIs words to my family after surgery was that my valve was an 8 out of 10 (10 being the worst), so I guess the time was right for surgery. I have to give praise to my Lord, because He answered prayers and my recovery has went so well. I had no complications, and not any unbearable pain. Yesterday, I realized that I felt really so good, and feel almost back to normal. It has been just a steady return to normal, only after reflecting on what is was like when I came home, how slow I walked, and the effort it took to get in and out of bed, did I realize that is all better!! As I live in Indiana, I am forced to stay inside for most of my walking. I was able to walk outside a week ago when it got in the 40's. , and I was able to walk a mile. Today, it is 3 degrees with a wind chill of -10, so back to wearing a path in my carpet! I start Cardiac Rehab next Friday, and I am looking forward to seeing what this new ticker can do! I haven't wanted to push myself hard to see if I get out of breath, I want to do that while being monitored the first few times. I want to say Thank you again to so many of you who have shared your "hearts" with me, and I Thank Adam for starting this website and allowing all of us to gain hope, encouragement and knowledge. Every day I check the upcoming surgeries and pray for those having surgery that day and week. One of the scriptures that meant a lot to me before my surgery, (and now!) is Psalm 31:24 "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord" God Bless all my "heart" brothers and sisters, your participation on this site has blessed me.

I went to see my surgeon's NP yesterday, had blood work and chest x-ray. She stated that everything is great, and I could not be doing any better! She said to start resuming my life, I can drive if I want. (I'm not ready to sit behind that steering wheel) I have been walking in the house because of the cold, but she said it's ok to walk outside if I bundle up. I see surgeon in 2 weeks and expect to be released to start Cardiac Rehab then. Still stiff and sore, and not overly energetic, but I know I'm getting better everyday. God has truly blessed me and I praise Him. My husband has been a great caretaker, thankful for him. Merry Christmas everyone.

Feeling good today. God has been so faithful to me. "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." I had a couple of rough days after a great start in recovery. But, thanks to all of the sharing on this site, I knew that was to be expected. 2 steps forward, 1 step back. I think for me, the nausea and changed taste buds has been the most frustrating. Oh, and also, to those on the narcotic pain pills- Take the stool softner! THats all I'm going to say about that.... Things taste soooooo sweet. So, I guess maybe that is a blessing, cause those who know me know I like my sweets! None for me right now. Our neighbor brought over a Christmas basket with homemade goodies, and one tiny bite was all I wanted! So, the pain has been very bearable, for those of you waiting surgery. Not that bad at all. Walking around the house several times a day, using my fitbit to encourage me that I have acccomplished some steps. No outside walking because of the temperatures here in IN. I will be praying for all heart brothers and sisters in various stages of recovery.

Day 6 Post op AVR. I have walked alot more today. My daughter got me fitbit for my birthday in November, so I can report my steps to her!! So far today 2,428 steps. I did about 1650 yesterday. The last to pain pills have been only tylenol. I find when I sit down, and try to read my eyes want to close. So, I have done a lot of laying back in the recliner resting my eyes! It is hard to believe almost a week has gone by. Thinking of all of the others who have had surgery in the last few weeks. Hope things are going well for everyone.

Doing well. Had my first shower and shampoo today!! Visiting nurse came. My loving daughter went home. I can't express how much having her and our son with us meant. Of course, she being a nurse was a huge help. I want to clear up something I read in one of her posts. Day 2 I think she stated that all lines had been removed. That only referred to life support lines. I still had chest drainage tube, 2 temporary pacemaker lines(in case they were needed, which they were not) NO afib and perfect sinus rhythm) Praise God. 1 slow release pain line. IV line and the big line in my neck. Those all stayed until the afternoon I left. A few of my reflections on this surgery. Even with all my research, there was still much I did not know to expect. Trying to gauge my pain was hard for me. To begin with I didn't really have alot of pain in the chest. I didn't realize numbing during surgery, and that area had not come back alive. My pain in the beginning was while breathing deep, pain where the drain tube lay on my lungs. Then, I became so nauseated. Not to the point of throwing up, but just so sick feeling. I was dehydrated and my potassium was low. But all I wanted was ice and water and they didn't want me to have plain water because that would further deplete my potassium! Also right after surgery the were checking my blood sugar levels hourly. I am not a diabetic, but something about heart surgery they want to keep levels very stable. So that was something else to deal with. Just a little of some things I remember. Thank you Tammy, and Joan, D. Carol, Cheryl, and all those that prayed for me and sent encouraging words. It meant so much.

Day 4 This is Elaine. I am home.!!! I came home last night, and got a good nights sleep. So very thankful that God was faithful and brought me though with no complications. I typed out a long post earlier today, but evidently, my surgery brain did not tell me to hit the post button!! I've had a good day, have walked several times to my back door and around the house. I am keeping up with the spirometer and have no lung issuses. I am so thankful for my loving family and all the prayers from friends. I will post more tomorrow, but too tired tonight. Will be praying for those facing surgery this week. Good night and God Bless you all

Day 4:what a difference one night can make. Yesterday mom wasn't at her best. Today, it wonderful! She's up and has walked the hall 3 times, ate breakfast and very little pain! Would like to go home today. Waiting to see the doctor for possible discharge! YEAH!!

Day 3: All lines have been removed. Mom was able to walk past the nurses station 3 times. Doesn't have an appetite yet. Wants to go home ASAP! Not liking the hourly checks and lack of sleep. Tomorrow has to be better!!!!

Day 2:This am Mom had pain. Wasn't able to sit up. What a difference a few hours make. Changed her medications from IV to PO! This afternoon she was up in a chair for 2 hours. 02 at 5 L. Only IV medication is insulin 1unit an hour until tomorrow. Foley out. Ate pears, soup and lots of water. She has great color. This evening they moved her to the step down unit! Dr said she couldn't be doing any better. Will be walking the halls in the am! Thanks for all the prayers!

Day 2: At each visit Mom progresses along. This am our prayers are focusing on pain control. Was able to get up once but blood pressure went down. Not ready for step down unit yet. She asked for me to post for all to continue to pray!

Our last blog message for today. We just left the hospital after a wonderful visit with mom. She's talking and her pain is now under control! She remembered the Dr talking to her about her procedure and how great everything went. She did have some bleeding from the right groin site so had to have a sandbag applied. It did delay her from getting to sit up yet but the nurse said it was coming up next! Then, advancing it jello and sprite! Yum! Thanks for continues prayers!

At 12:10 we were able to see mom for the first time! On the vent but resting comfortably with only maintenance fluids and one heart medication. Shannon her nurse informed us that they that she would be weaned from the vent within the next 4-6 hours. At 1:20 we were able to go back to visit and she was fully off the vent. She was able to ask a few questions! It was amazing!!! She looks good!! Having pain but glad to be off the vent. Please continue to pray for pain relief. May God be continued to be glorified!

Our first update as a family for Elaine. The hospital is amazing. The staff have been wonderful! We were greeted by Dr Thorpe, anesthesiologist and was informed in details of what to expect! After his discussion, he asked if he could pray with us before she went into surgery! Praise The Lord! Seems very fit since we have been praying for him for weeks! Everything went well! They took her in at 7:28 am. Went on bypass at 8:28 am and off the bypass at 10:06 am. At 10:40, Dr Gerdisch had completed the surgery and told us that everything went as planned. That mom is rock solid and heading to recovery room. She now has her new bovine valve in place!! We are very thankful for all of your prayers. Will update later as we know more! Praise The Lord!

I'm all packed, much less than normal! The hospital told me all I needed was the clothes on my back. Of course, I have toothbrush and other items for day 2 and on. THinkinkg of Stephen and Lilly and wishing them well. Also, Paul and Bob tomorrow. God be with you. Heading to Indy to stay overnight to be at hospital at 5:30 a.m. OUr son is picking up our daughter at airport and will meet us at hotel. They will keep their Dad company while I take my long nap! So grateful to have their support and love. Also, my niece and great-nephew drove in today from St. Louis to share their love. Having a late lunch of the local pizza with them and my dear brother. I am grateful for the loving family God gave me. My thoughts as I go into surgery tomorrow will be of Isaiah 41:10 "So, do not fear, for I AM with you, do not be dismayed, for I AM your God; I wll strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". My daughter Annette will be posting updates.

I did my pre-op testing today, and got all my info and supplies for the night before prep. I had a wonderful nurse, she was so friendly and I felt so totally as ease and able to ask any question I wanted. I told her how stressed I was about my valve choice, and she called my surgeon's nurse practitioner down to talk to me. I explained (through tears) that I totally respected my surgeon's opinion (believing the ON-x valve was best choice), but for me I could not find any peace with that choice and that I wanted the bovine tissue valve. She said that was totally fine, and that there is no wrong choice, just diffenent for different people and situations, and Dr. Gerdisch wants most of all for me to be at peace with my decision. Whew! I felt so much better. I feel very confident in my surgeon, and hospital choice. And, most of all "I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation, I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me" Ps. 13:5-6 I will be praying for all those having surgery next week. "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord" Ps. 31:24

Today I am grateful beyond words for my loving husband of 39 years. Happy Anniversary sweetheart! I read something a few weeks ago about choosing a mate. It said don't choose someone who is fun to be with, or good looking, etc. But consider how this person will react to trying times, and would you want to go thru troubles with them. Well, 39 years ago at age 19 I didn't have a clue as to what marriage was really all about, but my Heavenly Father knew, and gave me the best husband I could ask for. Facing surgery in less than 2 weeks and I am so grateful for this man to stand by me, I know he will take good care of me and be there for me come what may. I am not boasting here, just want to give honor where it is due.