El McRae - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

El McRaeposted an update

20 days ago

Hi Ladies, I’m scheduling my first mammogram since SAVR about 15 months ago. I’m wondering if anyone had any issues given wiring of sternum. Thanks, Beth ...Read more

Hi Ladies, I’m scheduling my first mammogram since SAVR about 15 months ago. I’m wondering if anyone had any issues given wiring of sternum. Thanks, Beth

Rose Madura I did not have any issues.

Marie Myers Me neither.

Janet Gaffney I did not even THINK of that…thanks for the question and the responses!

Pamela Gregory Just had mine. no issues

El McRaeposted an update

126 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Yumiko Ishida, Adam Pick reacted to this

Here is scar today…….. Beth

Marie Myers Barely noticeable, like mine!

El McRae Glad to hear it Marie.

Robert Miller Huh, what scar? I can't see a thing... Mine is pretty good but the tissue around the cut is a bit lig ... Read more

Robert Miller Huh, what scar? I can't see a thing... Mine is pretty good but the tissue around the cut is a bit lighter than the rest of the skin. Yours is none existing...

Deena Z Let me get a magnifying glass:)

Adam Pick Ahhh-mazing!!!

El McRaeposted an update

126 days ago

Deena Z reacted to this

Hi everyone. Today is my one year SAVR anniversary. Life is normal and I’m grateful for each day. I thought I would share surgery scar and scar today. I barely ...Read more

Hi everyone. Today is my one year SAVR anniversary. Life is normal and I’m grateful for each day. I thought I would share surgery scar and scar today. I barely notice it anymore 😃 but more importantly, I know longer worry so much about what happens next. I’m so thankful I found this community before surgery. It helped me understand the surgery to come, it helped me find my surgeon and educated me as I pondered my decision for a year and a half. The wonderful stories of those before me gave me strength to set a surgery date. I hope everyone is doing well and if heading into surgery, I wish you the very best. Here is scar leaving hospital……..Beth

Deena Z Congrats! Saying life is normal post surgery from one year ago does not get any better.

El McRae Agree Deena, thank you.

El McRaeposted an update

343 days ago

ConNie Romo reacted to this

Hi everyone…. some folks have asked about if scar will go away or fade significantly after open heart surgery. I wanted to share my pictures. First is day ...Read more

Hi everyone…. some folks have asked about if scar will go away or fade significantly after open heart surgery. I wanted to share my pictures. First is day 3 leaving the hospital. Today is 18 weeks and I expect in time it will almost disappear completely. I hope everyone is doing well. Beth

Marie Myers My scar has really disappeared! It is just a thin white line…

Rose Madura Mine too Marie!

Suzette Schear They did a beautiful job on you El. Mine is a faint line.

El McRaeposted an update

347 days ago

Hi, I never had headaches before surgery. I’m off all temporary medicines and now just on my regular statin. I’m 17 weeks post surgery and experiencing ...Read more

Hi, I never had headaches before surgery. I’m off all temporary medicines and now just on my regular statin. I’m 17 weeks post surgery and experiencing regular headaches. I’m wondering if anyone is having this issue post surgery.

Geoff Curtis I had ocular migraines every day the first 4-5 weeks, but they've subsided since then. I do normally ... Read more

Geoff Curtis I had ocular migraines every day the first 4-5 weeks, but they've subsided since then. I do normally get them, but usually once every 3-4 months.

Robert Miller I did not have headaches after surgery but my diet changed a bit. Are you taking in the same amount o ... Read more

Robert Miller I did not have headaches after surgery but my diet changed a bit. Are you taking in the same amount of fluids?

El McRaeposted an update

434 days ago

I’m in my 8th week post AVR open heart surgery. I started in Cardio rehab last week and the ability to exercise in their gym, even with heart monitor required ...Read more

I’m in my 8th week post AVR open heart surgery. I started in Cardio rehab last week and the ability to exercise in their gym, even with heart monitor required is such a fantastic feeling both physically and mentally. I’m loving it and doing great. The only thing I’ve noticed is sporadically I feel a little dizzy at home when getting up or just doing a chore. Has anyone had minor lightheaded feeling since surgery? I’ve been trying to find out if normal. Beth

Mirza Baig Yes i have going thru the same dizziness- My TAVR was done on 8/27/24 and it was very successful, the ... Read more

Mirza Baig Yes i have going thru the same dizziness- My TAVR was done on 8/27/24 and it was very successful, they release me next day- They put heart monitor and i will sent this back on 9/11/24 and they will read the data

El McRae Thank you. I’m hoping dizziness will pass. Hope you are doing well too. Beth

Juli Gorence Fernandez Hi El McRae,
I am almost 10 months after my aorta valve surgery and I still get a little dizzy an ... Read more

Juli Gorence Fernandez Hi El McRae,
I am almost 10 months after my aorta valve surgery and I still get a little dizzy and out of breath and tired. I am going for a 11 month follow up December 3. Will see how it goes.

El McRaeposted an update

454 days ago

I’ve read and been advised that the sternum takes 12 weeks to heal and 6 months to be fully recovered. I’m wondering , curious, from others, how did you ...Read more

I’ve read and been advised that the sternum takes 12 weeks to heal and 6 months to be fully recovered. I’m wondering , curious, from others, how did you really know your sternum was ready to go back to your full level of activity and exercises? I’m 7 weeks out of AVR and feel totally fine. Beth

DeWayne Adamson I was cleared as healed at 12 weeks. I had rigid plates installed.

Rose Madura I guess you can consider it like a broken bone (which it is) and I think 12 weeks is reasonable but y ... Read more

Rose Madura I guess you can consider it like a broken bone (which it is) and I think 12 weeks is reasonable but you should check with your cardiologist or suei.

William Trankle Listen to your body. After 8 weeks I returned to the gym, but lightly, and I only increased weights ... Read more

William Trankle Listen to your body. After 8 weeks I returned to the gym, but lightly, and I only increased weights and intensity as my body allowed. I didn't have any issues.

Susan Lynn I didn't have a sternum cut, but still had a 5 lb. lifting restriction for three months. The sternu ... Read more

Susan Lynn I didn't have a sternum cut, but still had a 5 lb. lifting restriction for three months. The sternum probably heals in 6-8 weeks like most bones, but the heart isn't healed sufficiently in that amount of time. Better safe than sorry.

Robert Miller You don't know until you do damage. Hence, I would listen to the surgeon. You are past the major heal ... Read more

Robert Miller You don't know until you do damage. Hence, I would listen to the surgeon. You are past the major healing. Light weights should be perfectly fine. I was told that after 12 weeks I can do pretty much everything (skiing which can be pretty rough, etc) except for things like golfing (I don't golf) I should wait 6 months. After my second surgery I didn't quite follow the suggestions and moved fairly heavy stuff (artificial 7' or so x-mas tree in a big box, going on ladders to take down lights, etc). I wasn't supposed to do that. I paid for it... Luckily it still worked out at the end. I totally get it, you feel great and feel like you can do anything. You are anxious to get back to normal but just give yourself another month or two until you go all out.

Pamela Gregory I would wait and then listen to your body. It will let you know if you are overdoing it! Better to s... Read more

Pamela Gregory I would wait and then listen to your body. It will let you know if you are overdoing it! Better to start really slow to see how your body responds.

DeWayne Adamson Wait the 12 weeks. I have a friend who pushed it and his sternum never healed. Only the wires hold it ... Read more

DeWayne Adamson Wait the 12 weeks. I have a friend who pushed it and his sternum never healed. Only the wires hold it together.

El McRae

487 days ago

Doing great.

El McRae Sorry for typos. THANK Dr. Burke

nurse said HUM for chest tube removal, worked.

El McRae

487 days ago

AVR surgery went well July 9th, out of ICU status very quickly and walking easily on the 10th. After quick hospital shower, home today. I have to tank Dr. Burke, ...Read more

AVR surgery went well July 9th, out of ICU status very quickly and walking easily on the 10th. After quick hospital shower, home today. I have to tank Dr. Burke, the whole UofWA team staff, incredible!!!! I had no idea how being in a hospital would be. Nothing went unaddressed. My husband stayed over all 4 nights too. I can’t even believe what ICU nurses do and did for me. I really didn’t have to ask for anything. I feel fine but know a lot ahead. The drugs are a bit overwhelming for now as I was lucky to only take a statin, now a lot but many short term.

i want to say that reading Adam’s book a few years back and reading posts helped me so much. The anticipation was stressful and getting ready in prep area for surgery was the hardest part for me. Each person was terrific but it seems such a long time that I was struck with tears and fears. After we rolled I don’t remember much until I was waking and walking. Of course my husband said I was clearly hurting when I got to ICU but was so well taken care, I was fine. I didn’t like chest tubes coming out so nurse said just him and again no problem. So here I am. I can’t wait to see how I progress. If you are in Seattle or WA anywhere, call Dr. Burke. Cheers, Beth

Rose Madura Good to hear that all went well!

Sue Maize Wow Beth!! You’re doing so well, good for you! I’ve no doubt you will progress really well given ... Read more

Sue Maize Wow Beth!! You’re doing so well, good for you! I’ve no doubt you will progress really well given how you’re doing now! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Susan Lynn Yay! You did it, El! Sounds like you're progressing nicely! Keep up the great work. Walk. Rest... Read more

Susan Lynn Yay! You did it, El! Sounds like you're progressing nicely! Keep up the great work. Walk. Rest. Repeat.

Daniel Salzer Congrats on your surgery and post-surgery recovery! I'm not surprised you also had a very positive e ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Congrats on your surgery and post-surgery recovery! I'm not surprised you also had a very positive experience with Dr. Burke and the UW Heart Institute Team - they are the best. I saw your comment on my recent journal post regarding returning to exercise. Walking (including with our golden!) was my go-to exercise for many months before I could return to running. I did short walks (0.5 mile) 4-6 time a day. I like Susan Lynn's advise - Walk. Rest. Repeat.

El McRaeposted an update

503 days ago

Adam Pick, Lynne Anderson, BRENDA JUNIEL and 1 other reacted to this

Hi, I’m having SAVR July 9th for BAV at University of Washington Heart Institute with Dr. Burke. The UWA research heart team would like me to donate my valve, ...Read more

Hi, I’m having SAVR July 9th for BAV at University of Washington Heart Institute with Dr. Burke. The UWA research heart team would like me to donate my valve, tissue and small amount of blood for cardiac research. I think it’s a great idea to help future treatments etc. I’m wondering if anyone has done this and if so any concerns. Thank you, Beth

Suelynn Hanegraaf I haven't but what a generous way to aid cardiovascular research.

Adam Pick Hi El, Interesting question about donating your valve. Sounds like UW Medicine is doing some new res... Read more

Adam Pick Hi El, Interesting question about donating your valve. Sounds like UW Medicine is doing some new research to help patients. By the way, you are in GREAT hands with Dr. Burke! I've been fortunate to know and work with him for several years now. Please let him know that I say, "Hi!"

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Christopher-Burke-Seattle-Washington.php

Dr. Christopher Burke - Heart Surgeon in Seattle, Washington

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Christopher-Burke-Seattle-Washington.php

See patient reviews, physician biography, videos and contact information for Dr. Christopher Burke, heart surgeon, in Seattle, Washington.

El McRaeposted an update

965 days ago

Betsy Davenport reacted to this

I’m 65 today. Saw my 3rd potential surgeon Monday. He was more direct than the first 2 which I liked. BAV discovered when I was 30 years old during a routine ...Read more

I’m 65 today. Saw my 3rd potential surgeon Monday. He was more direct than the first 2 which I liked. BAV discovered when I was 30 years old during a routine check. All had been fine until annual echocardiogram October 2022.
I’m asymptomatic and very active. But have severe stenosis now. I’m still accepting that it may be time for intervention. 6 month echocardiogram in April will help clarify timing or if more testing according to latest doctor. So I’m thinking about valve replacement timing, which surgeon, TAVR vs SAVR and what type valve. A lot to think about.
Reading everyone’s posts and decisions for a few months now is so so very helpful. I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing.

Susan Lynn Happy Birthday, Beth! There are lots of decisions and you'll make the ones that are right for you.... Read more

Susan Lynn Happy Birthday, Beth! There are lots of decisions and you'll make the ones that are right for you. We'll be cheering for you the whole way!

Rose Madura Happy Birthday! In the meantime, I would suggest doing some research here and online. There are man... Read more

Rose Madura Happy Birthday! In the meantime, I would suggest doing some research here and online. There are many great and informative videos on this site that will help. I was 59 and got a tissue valve. But the choice is up to you and once you make it, don't look back. It's the right choice for you.

Diana Chamblin-Bevirt Good Luck with everything Beth!

Betsy Davenport I'm kind of emerging from the phase you describe here. I don't want surgery, I don't want ticking, an ... Read more

Betsy Davenport I'm kind of emerging from the phase you describe here. I don't want surgery, I don't want ticking, and I don't want blood thinners. But I also don't want to be 10 years older and need another valve and they can't repeat the TAVR. I've just read about the Resilia which is designed to last longer. It's nerve wracking to contemplate, isn't it?