Erik's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: July 17, 2019

Send Erik a Note

My Posts

Erik Jensen posted a photo
6 years ago (August 25, 2019)
25 days post surgery and getting stronger every day. Feeling good!
Good job. And seeing your numbers has inspired me to step up my walking game. :-)
That's great! What device are you using to track your statistics?
Nice work, Erik. That's a good average heart rate, too! Pretty "chill" (as my daughters would say) : - )
Thanks everybody! Ann, I use an Apple Watch 4. I love it.
Keep on trucking! You are looking /doing great. My second valve replacement 5/16/19 (first 11/2/11).
Erik Jensen posted an update
6 years ago (August 19, 2019)
Hi friends. It has been a while since I posted so I thought I'd share my recovery experience thus far. First, the challenges. I had 2 days of AFib in the hospital which the doctors were finally able to get under control. I have not been in AFib since, but... Read more.
Great news! Everything will come together eventually. Everyone's recovery aliitle different don't push it to hard , remember baby steps Erik. Keep up on the walking and continued success in your recovery! process
Erik, thank you for the update. Glad you're over the AFib. You will continue to get stronger and your body will bounce back. I'm sure you'll make strides with cardio rehab.
Erik, glad to see you are on your way. Since I am currently in the waiting room - and debating between Cleveland and Mayo - how was your Mayo experience? And the surgeon (he is supposed to be very good.) Was the amount of blood loss considered normal for the... Read more.
Erik - It sounds like you've made great progress. You're going to enjoy rehab! Continued success!
Great job, Erik! Way to turn the corner. I'm grateful to finally be able to sneeze without discomfort. A couple of things to keep in mind - you're probably on a BP med which may contribute to that dizziness. Extra water if you can. And remember Isaac Newton - an... Read more.
Thanks for the encouragement everyone! Herb, I had a VERY good experience at Mayo. Dr. Pochettino and his staff were excellent, as was the nursing staff. I had a great experience from beginning to end. In looking at your story, you and I have (had) the same issues; bicuspid aortic... Read more.
Very glad to hear that. Sounds like you had an excellent experience. Your attitude going in appeared to fantastic, and I'm sure that helped. We have family in Rochester (my wife is from St. Paul) and they connected us with a very recently semi-retired Mayo cardiologist who was very big... Read more.
Yes, I had a full sternectomy. My incision is only 6" long, however, and you can't see it when I'm wearing a polo shirt, or a button up shirt. Mayo found they can stretch/lift the skin on the ends (top and bottom of the sternum), and do a full sternectomy... Read more.
Very helpful, thanks! Your attitude pre and post was inspiring.
Erik Jensen posted a photo
6 years ago (August 8, 2019)
Leaving my room at Mayo heading for home! This is Sean, one of my many awesome nurses. Hoping for a smooth flight to CO.
Going home is such a big step, Erik. Congrats! Coincidentally, one of my favorite nurses at the Austin Heart Hospital was a Sean too. Hope the flight went well.
Erik - You look fabulous! You and your family will probably be happy to get home. You'll see your recovery accelerate once you're in comfortable surroundings! Safe travels!
Awesome Erik. Safe travels glad to see you are on your way home. That room looks very familiar as I got to enjoy it there for 16 days!

The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.