Hello to all the good folks who cheered me on for my second heart valve surgery in 14 months this last December 6th. I am happy to say I'm feeling great today! ...Read more
Hello to all the good folks who cheered me on for my second heart valve surgery in 14 months this last December 6th. I am happy to say I'm feeling great today! Working out moderately hard at cardiac rehab three times a week, lifting weights and starting to go to spin class again. I did have a major complication at 4 weeks post op. Woke up with painful inhalations, chest pain and malaise on 1/1/17. Not the way one wants to bring in the new year! Stuck it out for two days and tried to go to my pcp doc for a check on it but he sent me to the ER straight away. Turns out I had a mediastinal hematoma, pericarditis and a pleural effusion! INR at 5.5 so was given vitamin K to stop the bleeding. Stayed in hospital for 5 days but never needed any surgical intervention thank God. I was wondering if any other "valvies" had this happen to them. I thought I fully recovered from the pericarditis but this last Saturday I woke to breathing pains again . Went to the ER and was diagnosed with recurring pericarditis! I was given Tramidol for pain and continued on the colchine from the first time I was diagnosed with it. I am hoping this isn't going to become chronic as I am feeling so much better overall . If anyone out there can relate I'd love some feedback!
Rita Savelis Oh, yes, I had 4 pleural effusions after OHS, and for the last one had to back into hospital in an em ... Read more
Rita Savelis Oh, yes, I had 4 pleural effusions after OHS, and for the last one had to back into hospital in an emergency ! I feel for you, as having these OHS "side effects" appear weeks/months after surgery is not fun, but they happen... and they sometimes recur, but usually don't become chronic. There is much trauma to the body during OHS and many of these after affects are the body reacting "normally" to stress and invasion...
Take care, and wishing you a smooth recovery from now on.
Phyllis Petersen Hoping the worst is behind you and you can move forward without further complication.
Hello fellow "valveies". I had a successful valve surgery last Tuesday. My valve from the repair Oct.2015 looked like one of the repaired leaflets had folded ...Read more
Hello fellow "valveies". I had a successful valve surgery last Tuesday. My valve from the repair Oct.2015 looked like one of the repaired leaflets had folded over itself and suffered from scar tissue damage over the last year. New mechanical valve looks good, I have pictures from the surgery. I've had a number of complications however that have kept me in hospital. needed transfusions day2, BP lows and for the last three days my INR is being super stubborn and hasn't yet gotten to a safe level for discharge. I should have been good to go this past sunday but for this dilemma!
Steve Farthing Have been wondering. Very glad to hear you are improving. Sounds like St.Joe's and Dr.Miller are a ... Read more
Steve Farthing Have been wondering. Very glad to hear you are improving. Sounds like St.Joe's and Dr.Miller are a good combo. I have an appointment with him in January.
Steven Dean Glad to hear it went well. Sorry I never responded to your comment. For the still relevant portions o ... Read more
Steven Dean Glad to hear it went well. Sorry I never responded to your comment. For the still relevant portions of your comment I had a lot of migraines my whole life but since I had the replacement 4 months ago I have only had 1 (early in recovery). Hopefully your migraine problem goes away with the fixed heart.
Elizabeth Ott Thanks guys for your comments. I've been home now for four days and just so happy to finally be out o ... Read more
Elizabeth Ott Thanks guys for your comments. I've been home now for four days and just so happy to finally be out of the hospital, 8 nights! So far I haven't had a migraine . My surgeon closed up a small hole he found in my heart. I'd had a bubble test last February that came up negative for a hole. My sternum incision really starts to hurt around 6 or 7 at night. Can't sleep through the night as pain wakes me around 1 am. How long did your incision cause you pain?
Four days until my redo valve surgery on the 6th. I'm trying to be positive and not stress.The fact I'll have a mechanical valve with the blood thinners is ...Read more
Four days until my redo valve surgery on the 6th. I'm trying to be positive and not stress.The fact I'll have a mechanical valve with the blood thinners is kinda scary to me. I so want to get back to skiing, tennis and cycling. Has anyone out there kept on with a super athletic life post mech valve/thinners?
Steve Farthing Veronika Meyer received a St. Jude aortic valve in 1997. She later climbed Mt. McKinley. Subsequentl ... Read more
Steve Farthing Veronika Meyer received a St. Jude aortic valve in 1997. She later climbed Mt. McKinley. Subsequently she attempted to climb Mt.Everest 3 times but bad weather intervened each time. She succeeded on the 4th try in 2007.
Clare Auten I am not super athletic but I have had a mechanical valve for almost 3 years. The blood thinners have ... Read more
Clare Auten I am not super athletic but I have had a mechanical valve for almost 3 years. The blood thinners have not been an issue. My range is 1.7-2. Some valves need ranges as high as 3.5. My lower range really puts me close to "normal" so I go ahead and live a "normal" but crazy life.
Vicki Hake When was your first valve repaired? Which valve? I'm facing the same next month.
Chris Vereb I work for UPS loading 53 foot semi trailers by hand. I can get bruises very easily with that line of ... Read more
Chris Vereb I work for UPS loading 53 foot semi trailers by hand. I can get bruises very easily with that line of work. So far no problem. My advise as others had told me, is don't change too much in your diet. I mean besides eating healthy. Once you establish a INR range it should be easy to maintain. If you fall allot while sking that might be a problem 😛
Elizabeth Ott I had an attempted repair of my mitral valve i October of 2015. It failed for some reason so now I mo ... Read more
Elizabeth Ott I had an attempted repair of my mitral valve i October of 2015. It failed for some reason so now I most likely will have it replaced on Tuesdsay.
Hello everyone,
I am now scheduled for redo mitral valve surgery on December 6th. My repair was just last October 5th, 2015. My valve started to leak severely ...Read more
Hello everyone,
I am now scheduled for redo mitral valve surgery on December 6th. My repair was just last October 5th, 2015. My valve started to leak severely around 5 months out and my energy levels really took a hit. Multiple echoes showed moderate/severe regurge at rest and very severe with my pressures at a level comparable to exercise. Starting to have pulmonary hypertension now as well. Trying to keep my spirits up but its really hard this time around. Wish me luck! Liz
Corey Sines Liz, best to you! I just had a re-repair at Cleveland clinic last week. It's unfortunate, but hopefu ... Read more
Corey Sines Liz, best to you! I just had a re-repair at Cleveland clinic last week. It's unfortunate, but hopefully this time around it will be successful long term. Sending prayers your way..
Corey Sines Liz, best to you! I just had a re-repair at Cleveland clinic last week. It's unfortunate, but hopefu ... Read more
Corey Sines Liz, best to you! I just had a re-repair at Cleveland clinic last week. It's unfortunate, but hopefully this time around it will be successful long term. Sending prayers your way..
Steven Dean My aortic repair failed and I just got it replaced this august. My repair failure was noted at 6 week ... Read more
Steven Dean My aortic repair failed and I just got it replaced this august. My repair failure was noted at 6 weeks, though I got another 4 years before my replacement (I believe, but am not sure, that the aortic can go longer with less function than the mitral). The second recovery was not really worse than the first and in some ways was better.
Marie Leighton absolutely, prayers going up for a successful and permanent recovery this time.
Ellen Leng I recall from your prior posts that this has been a really tough road for you. I think you're going t ... Read more
Ellen Leng I recall from your prior posts that this has been a really tough road for you. I think you're going to CC this time? Use their gilded imagery and I'll wish for you a successful surgery and easy recovery. From another mitral 50 + year old athlete :)
Kelly Weisgarber I haven't been on much lately- I remember following you last year- my surgery was about a month after ... Read more
Kelly Weisgarber I haven't been on much lately- I remember following you last year- my surgery was about a month after yours. Sorry to hear you're facing it again so soon. Praying for you ❤️
Catie B I am sooo sorry you have to have another surgery so soon. Hoping this one will go super smoothly and ... Read more
Catie B I am sooo sorry you have to have another surgery so soon. Hoping this one will go super smoothly and will be the long-term solution it's designed to be. Best to you!
Elizabeth Ott Thank you to all of you who responded to my post. I am having the surgery in Denver at Saint Joseph h ... Read more
Elizabeth Ott Thank you to all of you who responded to my post. I am having the surgery in Denver at Saint Joseph hospital. It's in the top 2% of cardiac surgery hospitals in the country. The idea of going out of state was overwhelming both financially and psychologically. I am praying that the new valve will again allow me to play tennis, ski, cycle and be headache free! Thanks for the prayers!
Hello everyone, I recently sent all my heart records to Dr. Gillinov. He reviewed them within 36 hours! He wrote me a letter but had his nurse call me less ...Read more
Hello everyone, I recently sent all my heart records to Dr. Gillinov. He reviewed them within 36 hours! He wrote me a letter but had his nurse call me less than 48 hrs after they received records. He believes I will need a redo surgery but he never performs one less than 6 months post op. He wants me to have an echocardiogram in 3 months and to reevaluate the regurgitation. I am trying to just live my life and try to put this lurking problem out of my mind. I could do it if I just didn't get "winded" so quickly while cycling and playing tennis! Also, I need to start telling people who ask "was the surgery a success" that it was, because the truth just makes them feel sorry for me and I'm tired of being "that" person.
Glad to hear that Dr. Gillinov can help you. How about considering some alternate activities for the next 6-9 months until you can get your heart fixed?
Jacqueline Cook I too am glad to hear that Dr. Gillinov can help you. You are in great hands. Wishing you the best!
He did Robin Williams surgery many moons ago. He is amazing. Sounds like you got the answers you need ... Read more
He did Robin Williams surgery many moons ago. He is amazing. Sounds like you got the answers you need and have a plan moving forward. Sorry you have to go through this so soon.
Last month I did have my appointment with my surgeon after it was shown that my repair failed. I've had 2 tee's and cardiac cath test. All show severe MR even ...Read more
Last month I did have my appointment with my surgeon after it was shown that my repair failed. I've had 2 tee's and cardiac cath test. All show severe MR even worse that before surgery. He has completely downplay my situation but my cardiologist is so concerned she has referred me to the Cleveland Clinic. I sent Dr. Gillinov(CC) my records. I know he'll tell me it needs to be replaced but I can put up with my minor symptoms for a couple years if he says it's ok. I can't emotionally have a second ohs within 6 months of my first. I feel so jinxed and unlucky at this time.
Jacqueline Cook Hi Elizabeth. I have been keeping an eye out for your update. I am so sorry that you are going throug ... Read more
Jacqueline Cook Hi Elizabeth. I have been keeping an eye out for your update. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I am a mitral valve repair patient. Dr. Suri and Dr. Gillinov did my surgery November 11. They are exceptional surgeons. Dr. Gillinov's team followed me while I was hospitalized at CC because Dr. Suri primarily works at the CC Abu Dhabi location. Perhaps they may be able to re-repair your valve? (I can't remember where I read about this but I have heard that it can and has been done.) My thoughts, prayers, and support are with you.
Betsey Osgood I just can't imagine getting that news. Your surgery was 10 days after mine and I remember following ... Read more
Betsey Osgood I just can't imagine getting that news. Your surgery was 10 days after mine and I remember following your progress. My heart goes out to you (literally). I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please update when you can. Stay strong!
Ann Thorac Surg. 2007 Aug;84(2):444-50; discussion 450. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Elizabeth Ott Thank you to all of you that responded to my bad news. Dr. Gillinov recommended I have a surface echo ... Read more
Elizabeth Ott Thank you to all of you that responded to my bad news. Dr. Gillinov recommended I have a surface echoe (TTE) in three months time. He said I'll most definitely need another ohs but never before one is 6 months post op ohs. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement. I am so anxious about my appointment tomorrow with my surgeon. I have written several questions down ...Read more
Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement. I am so anxious about my appointment tomorrow with my surgeon. I have written several questions down so I get All the info I'll need to make another life altering decision.
Best wishes, Elizabeth! I hope you feel at peace with the next step in the process after meeting your ... Read more
Best wishes, Elizabeth! I hope you feel at peace with the next step in the process after meeting your surgeon. Thinking of you!
Wanda Mroz Good idea. Breathe deeply. It'll be ok... Just follow your gut. Best of luck.
Nancy D oh Laura, I am sorry to read this, not what you wanted, expected or needed to deal with. But, once y ... Read more
Nancy D oh Laura, I am sorry to read this, not what you wanted, expected or needed to deal with. But, once you get your questions answered, and get your head around it, much like you had to the initial time, you will do great! Your training as a athlete will kick in and you will get the mindset necessary to get through the hard part and knock this out of the park! Praying the answers to your questions assist you in getting prepared, and that this second procedure is the success we all hope for you!!!
Jacqueline Cook Thinking of you today Elisabeth! Sending prayers and positive energy!
Enrique K Dear Elizabeth, hope the meeting with your surgeon went as planned and he tells you why the repair fa ... Read more
Enrique K Dear Elizabeth, hope the meeting with your surgeon went as planned and he tells you why the repair failed. Good luck and keep us updated when time permits.
Kate Watson I hope your meeting went well and you got the answers you needed.
Wanda Mroz Prayers and hugs. As hard as it is to see, it all happens for a reason. Usually not one we can figu ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Prayers and hugs. As hard as it is to see, it all happens for a reason. Usually not one we can figure out at first. I'm so sorry.
Hi fellow heart valve community. I just found out at my three month post op echo that my repair has completely failed. I am devastated to say the least. My ...Read more
Hi fellow heart valve community. I just found out at my three month post op echo that my repair has completely failed. I am devastated to say the least. My surgeon did a right sided thoracotomy this past October 5th. I had only "trace to a 1+" regurgitation before closing me up. I had TEE a few days ago and it confirmed part of one leaflet has torn away from the annuloplasty ring. My surgeon has the best reputation in Colorado. I will see him Wednesday and hopefully get some answers. My cardiologist performed the TEE and said I shouldn't wait too long to have another OPEN heart surgery, this time it has to be the sternal entry. This scares the crap out of me as I really have a LOW pain threshold. I can't believe this is happening, I'm 50 yrs and a competitive athlete. I know others are fighting cancer and other terminal illnesses but I'm pissed off. I need to find the strength to do this all over again. Liz
Jean Raber Well, Lord love a duck, who wouldn't be pissed, disgruntled, disappointed, and dismayed at that news? ... Read more
Jean Raber Well, Lord love a duck, who wouldn't be pissed, disgruntled, disappointed, and dismayed at that news? I am so sorry. However, if your chief fear is pain, people on here report having less pain with a sternotomy than a thoracotomy. My mother had very little pain after hers. She was 81 at the time. Please let us know what your surgeon says.
Sharmin Atker I'm sorry to hear that. You have the right to be pissed off, I can't imagine going through this ano ... Read more
Sharmin Atker I'm sorry to hear that. You have the right to be pissed off, I can't imagine going through this another time. I had a median sternotonomy and found the chest tubes to be more painful than incision. The only time I took a pain killer, at home, was before I went to bed. Lying flat will hurt, so it will be good if you have a recliner - I propped up three pillows or fell asleep sitting up. From what I read, a thoracotomy is more painful.
Jacqueline Cook Elizabeth. I am so sorry to hear this. We are here for you.
Robert Frederick Elizabeth: Very sorry to hear this. I can understand to a small degree what you are feeling.
Robert Frederick Elizabeth: Very sorry to hear this. I can understand to a small degree what you are feeling.
When I was in CICU, my heart started making a sloshing sound that I could hear with my ears. I thought that my repair had failed and I would have to go back to surgery (the same day). I felt a bit panicked to say the least.
My situation turned out OK, but until they looked me over, I had the unpleasant experience and fear of contemplating a second surgery and all that it might entail. I had already used up my emotional energy for the first one.
John Murray Elizabeth, I just went through OHS on the 14th of Jan. I was very amazed at how well my pain was man ... Read more
John Murray Elizabeth, I just went through OHS on the 14th of Jan. I was very amazed at how well my pain was managed. It seemed very easy for my nurses to control. I was sent home with 30 vicodin. I thought, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" It turns out that I can go on 2 acetaminophen for 8 hours. I've only had to use maybe 1vicoden at night. You'll be shocked at how easy it is to control the pain from your sternum. The chest tubes were different. One of the tubes jabbed me in my right lung and that really smarted. The chest tubes came out after two days and actually felt great coming out. You'll need a great attitude to help you in your recovery. Keep your spirits & your head up. Fix your focus on the horizon and rise up to any challenges that this sport called life throws at you! Most of your part in OHS is going to involve mental toughness. So, reach down deep inside of yourself and find your second wind. You can do this Liz. You have many people on this site supporting you. Know that you're not alone. Best wishes.
Sophia Ridley Liz, I'm so sorry to hear your news. I would be devastated and angry. I had a MV repair 9wks ago thro ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Liz, I'm so sorry to hear your news. I would be devastated and angry. I had a MV repair 9wks ago through OHS. (I am already checking my beats).
One think that's surprised me through all of this is the level of pain. It was well managed in hospital and was not as bad as I imagined. I had a kidney infection whilst in hospital and that was far far worse, they had to up the pain meds. You will get through this.
John Schutte Elizabeth, That is terrifying news. I can only imagine your frustration. I went through a full OHS ... Read more
John Schutte Elizabeth, That is terrifying news. I can only imagine your frustration. I went through a full OHS on 30 September 2015. Sternum pain was manageable with non narcotic pain meds, and practically resolved after 5 weeks. I know it's easier said than done, but I pray you're able to quickly digest this disconcerting news and focus your energy on getting "fixed" again. Stay strong!
Wanda Mroz OMG... I am so very sorry. I do not blame you for being disappointed and pissed off. Not in the lea ... Read more
Wanda Mroz OMG... I am so very sorry. I do not blame you for being disappointed and pissed off. Not in the least! I have OHS for Mitral Valve Repair 5 1/2 months ago and am doing fairly well. The pain was very manageable.. not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I was more sore in the back shoulders than anything from the table. Truthfully, my complete shoulder joint replacement surgery and recovery was far more painful, so I wouldn't worry about the pain. It is doable. You can do this. I know it sucks going through it again, but there is no alternative. My prayers are with you... and anything you need to know, just ask. So sorry.
I would be pissed off too, Elizabeth. Hang in there. You will get through this. If it makes you feel ... Read more
I would be pissed off too, Elizabeth. Hang in there. You will get through this. If it makes you feel better, I had AVR in December and I was surprised that the recovery wasn't worse. It wasn't roses, but it wasn't as bad as I had built it up to be in my head. I am sorry your heart has to go through another trauma (and you too for that matter). That just plain sucks. Please know you have lots of us that are rooting for you! Hang in there!
Ruth Valenzuela I can imagine how you must be feeling but you will do fine with open heart. I had my aortic valve r ... Read more
Ruth Valenzuela I can imagine how you must be feeling but you will do fine with open heart. I had my aortic valve replaced in addition to a my aortic root and I have to tell you the pain was minimal. I've had plenty other surgeries and the heart surgery was the least painful. I'll be praying for you. I would feel just like you if I was in the same predicament!!!
Kelly Weisgarber I am so sorry Elizabeth. That is my fear, that my repair will fail. At my follow up last week my car ... Read more
Kelly Weisgarber I am so sorry Elizabeth. That is my fear, that my repair will fail. At my follow up last week my cardiologist recommended to an echo, I think just to calm my nerves. I had an aortic valve repair Nov. 16th. My surgeon told me if its going to fail it's usually in the first few months. Since I was still having irregular heart beats and some light headedness and a little SOB I was relieved to hear the valve was working with just mild regurgitation. I was so scared that they were going to say I needed another OHS. I can understand your aggravation and your fears.
Good luck as you start preparing for the next step in your heart journey.
Betsey Osgood Oh no!!! I remember your surgery, it was 10 day's after mine. I can't imagine getting that kind of n ... Read more
Betsey Osgood Oh no!!! I remember your surgery, it was 10 day's after mine. I can't imagine getting that kind of news. I have to tell you that my experience with the full sternectomy was not that bad. I came home with only using extra strength tylenol for pain. Please keep us posted! I'll be thinking of you!!!
Mary K I have to second the other reports about sternotomy pain..... really not bad, and they gave me lidoca ... Read more
Mary K I have to second the other reports about sternotomy pain..... really not bad, and they gave me lidocaine patches to put on either side of the incision. The nursing staff was happy to dole out pain meds when needed. (The chest tubes under my breast wete more troublesome.) Tramadol and an anti-nausea med fixed me up juat fine most of the time. All the best to you. Sending prayer.
Pat Bluemel Elizabeth, I am sorry to hear this, you will find the strength needed to get you through. The sterno ... Read more
Pat Bluemel Elizabeth, I am sorry to hear this, you will find the strength needed to get you through. The sternotomy is truly not that bad. it's sore but not horrific pain (at least in my case).
Tim Goff Elizabeth, It was disheartening to read that your surgery did not hold up and that occurrence is one ... Read more
Tim Goff Elizabeth, It was disheartening to read that your surgery did not hold up and that occurrence is one that was on my mind before and for a while after I guess due to feeling vulnerable. I hope that you will reach out beyond your current surgeon and look for a second and/or 3rd opinion to give you confidence in what path you take. In regards to pain, honestly my sternotomy hurt less than my rotator cuff surgery and after a few weeks most normal activities were not a big deal. I was back in the gym using bike etc after about 8 weeks and back in the pool at 12-14 weeks and had no ill effects then or beyond. I had a mitral repair and bi-lateral maze procedure, afib was my only true enemy post surgery. Please keep us posted, wishing you the best.
Pat Bluemel Agree with Tim, I would go for a second opinion on this diagnosis for peace of mind.
I am 8 days post op. I have been having both ocular migraines and recurrent a fib since my surgery. I am getting a bit tired of going into a fib, three times, ...Read more
I am 8 days post op. I have been having both ocular migraines and recurrent a fib since my surgery. I am getting a bit tired of going into a fib, three times, as I only had tiny episodes(less than 20 seconds) before the surgery. Has anyone experience both a fib and ocular migraines post op?
anita egden I have had ocular migraines for the better part of my adult life, and not sure how they are connected ... Read more
anita egden I have had ocular migraines for the better part of my adult life, and not sure how they are connected. I used to take ibuprofen for them but when I start warfarin after surgery I will need a new plan I guess. They don't hurt, they just annoy me as it is difficult to see out of the affected eye. Did you get migraines (of any kind) before the surgery? I don't have the Atrial Fibrillation but now that you say this, it would be interesting to find out how ocular migraines and A Fib are related. I might be in the same boat post op...
Jennifer Pyles I got ocular migraine and full blown migraines - ocular migraines increased GREATLY after surgery. My ... Read more
Jennifer Pyles I got ocular migraine and full blown migraines - ocular migraines increased GREATLY after surgery. My neurologist just increased my daily meds and that took care of it! MUCH better. I went from one ocular migraine a day to maybe 2 a month now.
Jennifer Pyles The migraines should decrease as the trauma and stress of surgery lessens too.
Betsey Osgood Yes!! I had an 2-3 ocular migraines daily after surgery but no headache! I also had Afib day 3 in the ... Read more
Betsey Osgood Yes!! I had an 2-3 ocular migraines daily after surgery but no headache! I also had Afib day 3 in the hospital. I have had a few more episodes of Afib but no migraine for 4 days. I'm day 18 post op for MVR. I have suffered with migraines for 20 years and was migraine free for the last 3 years. Cardiologist just put me on me metoprolol yesterday. I truly believe its due to the anesthesia and pain meds. I'm on tylenol only for pain now, and I think that's helped with migraines.
Jackie Owens I did not Afib bit I did have a few runs of Vtach and still have palpitations here and there 5 weeks ... Read more
Jackie Owens I did not Afib bit I did have a few runs of Vtach and still have palpitations here and there 5 weeks post op. I did have ocular migrains daily without the headach for about 3 weeks. I still, on occasion, get little floaters in my vision. My doctors said it's normal and will eventually go away.
kristin ott I had migraines with shooting light from one or both sides occasionally it took a good month for thos ... Read more
kristin ott I had migraines with shooting light from one or both sides occasionally it took a good month for those to subside- take one day at a time- sending you peace and strength heart (and name) sister
Take care, and wishing you a smooth recovery from now on.