Hey all! Yesterday was the two-week anniversary of my mini-theracotomy AVR procedure. I have two questions for the community. 1. I have not yet weaned ...Read more
Hey all! Yesterday was the two-week anniversary of my mini-theracotomy AVR procedure. I have two questions for the community. 1. I have not yet weaned myself off of oxycodone. Im making progress, but still need a couple each day. Is this normal, or am I a wimp? Im trying to balance getting off of them with not having too much pain. 2. I’m trying to speed my recovery while still following instructions. My instructions say to walk. I did two 1+ mile walks and was told I shouldn’t be walking so much so soon. My instructions seem vague. How much should I be walking? I want to speed this recovery along without pushing too hard too soon.
Any comments would be appreciated!
Richard Munson After 2 weeks i was starting to wean onto Tylenol but we all have different limits. I started walking ... Read more
Richard Munson After 2 weeks i was starting to wean onto Tylenol but we all have different limits. I started walking slowly but remember out side to figure in the trip back home.
Mary Jane Breinholt Hi Gary. We share AVR dates which means yesterday was my 2-week anniversary too. I was envious when I ... Read more
Mary Jane Breinholt Hi Gary. We share AVR dates which means yesterday was my 2-week anniversary too. I was envious when I heard how quickly you were released from hospital! It took me a few more days. great that you’re able to walk so much! I’m trying to get out to walk 2-3 times/day for a 10-15 min slow walk but I’m definitely not able to walk a mile! As for pain reduction, it’ll happen and you’ll get off Oxy as soon as you’re ready. I’m pretty much just on Tylenol now. Sleeping is uncomfortable and nights have been hard. My biggest issue is with afib. My heart is jumpy and it is exhausting. I Look forward to hearing your news of progress and any setbacks (but hoping those are few and far between). Godspeed!
Susan Lynn Gary - You will probably want to touch base with your surgeon if your pain level is that high. Oth... Read more
Susan Lynn Gary - You will probably want to touch base with your surgeon if your pain level is that high. Otherwise, you can see if Tylenol gives you enough relief. As far as walking goes, i walked for 10 minutes, 3-4 times a day, for the first week. Then increased it to 15 or 20 minutes by the end of the second week. But, if you're in pain, don't overdo it. Everyone should recover at their own pace. When you don't see progress in your recovery, then you need to get medical guidance. Everyone is different even if they've had the same procedure. Be patient - better days are ahead.
Ana Brusso Gary, I agree with Susan Lynn. Check with your doctor and take it easy on the walking. Continued good ... Read more
Ana Brusso Gary, I agree with Susan Lynn. Check with your doctor and take it easy on the walking. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you
Patsy Stewart Gary, congratulations on your 2 week Anniversary! If I’m remembering right, you only get a prescrip ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Gary, congratulations on your 2 week Anniversary! If I’m remembering right, you only get a prescription for x amount of pills and no refill. Keep cutting back and relying more on Tylenol. If when the oxycodone is gone and the pain is too much for Tylenol, you need to speak with your doctor. As for ‘speeding up’ your recovery….sloooow down and don’t push yourself so much. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body. You could always call and ask how far to walk and how many minutes a day they suggest for you to be walking/exerting yourself. I was told to start walking for about 10 minutes a couple times a day and work my way up to 20 minutes for each walk. It became easier after awhile. The pain I had was more in my shoulders and back. Back off when the pain hits and try to stay ahead of it with Tylenol. I was also told to take a 1 hour nap in the afternoon. I set an alarm for the walking and the afternoon nap, and it really helped me to not overdo it. That nap was very welcome and amazing! You’re doing great and recovery will come at your own body’s pace. Be kind to yourself and heal!
Klara Čičić Dear Gary, folks said it all. Don't rush. I know you are in great shape, but this is serious stuff, y ... Read more
Klara Čičić Dear Gary, folks said it all. Don't rush. I know you are in great shape, but this is serious stuff, your heart has a deep cut, a scar that needs healing. Imagine you had leg muscle ruptured. How long would you have to wait for it to heal, be careful with that leg... Please don't rush this. It's not leg, it's not any other organ. It's your heart. I am 34 and I wasn't walking properly until 2 weeks after surgery, let alone 1+ mile 🙈 we are all different, I know, but keep in mind you are anaemic still, your heart is healing, your lungs have also been through trauma.... There are all sorts of complications if you put too much strain on your heart too soon. Just take it easy!
Allen Carkner Hello, I don't think you need to rush to get off unless you're worried about dependence. I just had a ... Read more
Allen Carkner Hello, I don't think you need to rush to get off unless you're worried about dependence. I just had a median sternotomy for Ross procedure in March and I was off of Oxy by day 8 post op. Still taking some tylenol.
Thanks again to everyone for your support. I am working every day on my recovery but I know I need to be patient. Even though my mini-thoracotomy was last week ...Read more
Thanks again to everyone for your support. I am working every day on my recovery but I know I need to be patient. Even though my mini-thoracotomy was last week I haven’t yet stopped the use of my pain pills. Can anyone tell me long others have remained on pain meds following valve replacement surgery?
Richard Munson Wow, only last week. Be patient. Heart surgery is not a walk in the park. You will heal but don’t r ... Read more
Richard Munson Wow, only last week. Be patient. Heart surgery is not a walk in the park. You will heal but don’t rush it. Happy easter.
Rose Madura I honestly can't remember how long it was but I just know I had to stay ahead of the pain. You can ... Read more
Rose Madura I honestly can't remember how long it was but I just know I had to stay ahead of the pain. You can try to wean yourself off with Tylenol. I do remember that's how I did it, just don't remember the timeline. Hang in there.
Trygve Harris Which pain meds? I'm still on paracetamol as needed 10 days out, mostly to sleep
Pamela Gregory I think it was about 3 weeks with a very gradual weaning off.
Thank you all for your support. Surgery was Wednesday and I came home yesterday (Saturday). Working on doing my part in speeding my recovery. I am following ...Read more
Thank you all for your support. Surgery was Wednesday and I came home yesterday (Saturday). Working on doing my part in speeding my recovery. I am following my docs advice and not rushing it. Also trying to balance managing pain and tapering off of oxy. I’m very fortunate and I thank you all for your support. We can all get through this!
Diane Pellowe Glad you are home! Each day will be better and better!
Well Dr. Malaisrie at Northwestern replaced my valve on Wednesday with a mini-thoracotomy. Everything went well. I’m recovering and may even be able to go ...Read more
Well Dr. Malaisrie at Northwestern replaced my valve on Wednesday with a mini-thoracotomy. Everything went well. I’m recovering and may even be able to go home as early as tomorrow (Saturday). I’m very happy to begin life with a new valve, and very pleased with Dr. M and his team during the entire process from pre-surgery to post-surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Malaisrie and Northwestern Memorial Hospital to anyone in need of a valve replacement.
I’ve been ok’d for surgery tomorrow. Lungs are clear. Full speed ahead!
Susan Lynn Yay! Great news, Gary! We'll be cheering for you! You can do this!
Deena Elani Gary, you are on your way to a stronger heart and longer life. You will be so happy it is over with. ... Read more
Deena Elani Gary, you are on your way to a stronger heart and longer life. You will be so happy it is over with. In my prayers today. Godspeed.
DeLois Tweedy Gary, thinking of you and sending good vibes your way, along with prayers for successful surgery and ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy Gary, thinking of you and sending good vibes your way, along with prayers for successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
Mary Jane Breinholt That's great news. My AVR that was scheduled for today was postponed until tomorrow so we'll be shari ... Read more
Mary Jane Breinholt That's great news. My AVR that was scheduled for today was postponed until tomorrow so we'll be sharing a new heart day. All the best for you tomorrow and good luck for your recovery!
Heidi Donohue I'll be 5 days behind you...like your positive attitude.
Rose Madura Wonderful news. May you have a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery.
Still hoping to go through with my surgery next week! After 3+ yrs without a cold I got one on Tuesday. So we’re in wait-and-see mode for the next few days. ...Read more
Still hoping to go through with my surgery next week! After 3+ yrs without a cold I got one on Tuesday. So we’re in wait-and-see mode for the next few days. Has anyone else been thru something like this?
Steven Methot Gary, as someone who was a reasonably successful (sponsored) runner and running coach who's been side ... Read more
Steven Methot Gary, as someone who was a reasonably successful (sponsored) runner and running coach who's been sidelined due to knee issues, I get the "But I'm an athlete!" surprise at the diagnosis. The good news is that you're probably one of the fitter ones that your team has seen coming through the doors. I am sure that will make this all the easier. The cold though... well you're going to need to have your lungs clear for this and I think that you'll likely be rescheduled. This messes with one's head. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
We’ll I’m now 8 days away from my aortic valve replacement surgery and I’m really looking forward to it. I know many patients experience anxiety in ...Read more
We’ll I’m now 8 days away from my aortic valve replacement surgery and I’m really looking forward to it. I know many patients experience anxiety in advance of surgery. Instead, I’ve decided to choose GRATITUDE. I have so much to be grateful for, and I think many other patients do too. My long list of things that many of us have to be grateful for include: * a bad heart valve is a fixable condition * we get to inspire others * like It’s A Wonderful Life, people let you know they care * in the history of planet Earth, there has never been a better time to need valve replacement surgery, with the latest techniques, materials, world-class doctors and hospitals * those symptoms you thought were old age are just a bad, replaceable valve * we get to prove we can do hard things, which will strengthen our resiliency muscle
best of luck to everyone!
Rose Madura Hi Gary, you have a great attitude which will definitely help! God bless you on this journey!
Samantha McClain Thank you for sharing your positive outlook with us! Your so spot on.
Marie Myers I only wish I had your perspective when going through my heart journey! Great post!
Susan Lynn Yes, Gary! We choose our attitudes every day; life is much easier when they're optimistic and thank... Read more
Susan Lynn Yes, Gary! We choose our attitudes every day; life is much easier when they're optimistic and thankful. We truly are fortunate for all of the medical advancements, surgical teams, and unexpected benefits that come with valve surgery. Every experience makes us who we are - might as well let the challenging ones make us better. All the best to you!
DeLois Tweedy Wow Gary! What a powerful post! You are an encouragement to others. I know attitude goes a very long ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy Wow Gary! What a powerful post! You are an encouragement to others. I know attitude goes a very long way in helping get us through these trying times. I guess sometimes people can't help but be anxious, but being grateful and thankful can shine another light on it too. I too am thankful for the new medical advances. They are allowing me to possibly use a clinical trial to have a mitral valve replacement. Keep the faith, Gary. My 2 mottos are "don't ever give up" and "today I will choose joy". God bless you on your heart journey.
Jill Purle You are so right Gary! Spot on with every point. Best of luck to you for these next couple of weeks.
Mary Jane Breinholt Thank you for these reminders, Gary. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to my AVR on Tues--the da ... Read more
Mary Jane Breinholt Thank you for these reminders, Gary. I wish I could say I'm looking forward to my AVR on Tues--the day before yours. I'm scared--but remembering all there is to be grateful for helps. You're right about all of these.
Running up the Sears Tower in Chicago in November. Now having heart valve replacement surgery in March
Deena Elani Wow. If you are in that great of shape, then your recovery will be that much faster. You ran up ALL ... Read more
Deena Elani Wow. If you are in that great of shape, then your recovery will be that much faster. You ran up ALL those stairs?!!
Gary Dupuis Thanks Deena. Yes, 105 stories in a fundraiser for Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Didn’t even know I had ... Read more
Gary Dupuis Thanks Deena. Yes, 105 stories in a fundraiser for Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. Didn’t even know I had stenosis.
Deena Elani That happens more often than you can believe, Gary. Pretty shocking. One minute you are feeling in ti ... Read more
Deena Elani That happens more often than you can believe, Gary. Pretty shocking. One minute you are feeling in tip-top shape and the next minute, your cardiologist tells you “don't worry, but you need open heart surgery”! That said, it’s fortunate that you found out. And good timing- - because the success rates are so incredibly high now. I focused on the successful outcome stat of 99.3 percent for my surgery, while I waited three months. (During covid).
Rose Madura Wow, that's a great accomplishment. You should do well with recovery. Godspeed.
Klara Čičić Wow Gary that is just incredible. Your attitude is admirable and I am sure you will do great!
Susan Lynn Unbelievable!! You're going to do just fine!
Gary Dupuis Thank you all for the support! We can all get through this. As I tell everyone, “It’s not the end ... Read more
Gary Dupuis Thank you all for the support! We can all get through this. As I tell everyone, “It’s not the end of the road, just a bump in the road”.