Hi Denise, I had aortic valve replacement, but I was put on Toprol as well for my HR. I was on a total of 50 mg twice a day while in the hospital, that was cut to 75 mg once a day upon discharge, was cut to 50 mg once a day at about 2 weeks, then cut to 25 mg at about 1 month. We cut it to 12.5 mg. at week 8, then stopped it completely a week later. My HR was only slightly elevated following surgery. I think it is pretty common to be on the Toprol to "give your heart a rest" following surgery. Trouble is...my BP is low anyway and the Toprol made it even lower. My HR is anywhere from 60 BPM to 80 BPM. I found that the Toprol itself made me feel sluggish, tired and just plain yucky! Hope you feel much better soon.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On June 3, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I actually had the opposite with too low heart rate and BP. However; I was told by my team that the higher heart rate can occur after these surgeries. I am sure that if this is the case your docs will confirm same. I realize it is a bit scary though. Hang in there. Karen Campo
On June 3, 2012...
Hi Ric and Denise,
Denise, I, too have a high heart rate (had my surgery on 5/14). My resting heart rate is between 88-106. My MD says that between 60-100 is the average for acceptable HR.. however, for me, due to low weight (113 lbs), she is ok with me going up to 120-130 with exercise (i.e. walking). I think of myself as a little bird with a fast HR. I "hear" it can take up to 6 mos. for things to settle down.. I take metoprolol twice daily. I just went to the ER this week feeling poorly with a high HR.. however, my heart checked out fine; we think my thyroid med is causing the problem. All in all, I suspect it will just take a while for our bodies to get used to all this "newness." I am trying to take everyone's advice.. i.e. relax and let your body heal and get adjusted at its own pace. But I know.. it's very hard to do..
Hang in there.. I have you in my thoughts and prayers today and always. Kind Regards, Kate Rooney, fellow HVJer :)
On June 3, 2012...
I had valve repairs last October, and my heart rate has been jumping all over the place ever since. For the first couple months it would go from normal (60) to 120 or more at random times. At months 3 thru 7, it would go from the upper 30's to well over 100 all day long. It has been better this last month, but it certainly isn't normal. Been back to CCF for this, but really didn't get any answers.
All good wishes for an uneventful recovery.....Godspeed.
Deb Ziegler
On June 3, 2012...
I had my Mital Valve repaired in December after being diagnosed with severe regurgitation the week before. My HR prior to surgery was in the 60's, the 5 months following surgery it was over 100 resting. It has slowly fallen to the 80's now but goes right up to 115 when I stand and walk. I finished rehab a couple of months ago and now do the elliptical 5 days a week and light weight training 2 days. I'm getting much stionger but can't jog with out my HR going over my limit fast. Drs say the heart is re-remodeling, it can take a very long time to go back to normal. I believe most people slow down after a couple of months depending on how I'll they we're before surgery. I'm 50 a yr old female and was very fit but did not know I had a congenital defect until my primary care physician sent me from his office to the ER in an ambulance. I thought I was having a severe reaction to some oil based paint that was being used in my house. You are pretty fresh from surgery, it really can take a lot longer to recover in reality then the studies report. If you were very physically active before, then it can be frustrating waiting to be "back to normal". Get you exercise but don't push yourself past what is safe and you will get stronger soon.
On June 2, 2012...
Ok...so Denise, you are having your hair shampooed, so I know you are on your way! Each day does get better, especially when all the tubes and lines are out! Look forward to hearing soon that you have been discharged! Tell the staff on J6 that I said "hello". Welcome to the "other side"!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On June 1, 2012...
Hi Denise...just "dropped by" to see how you are doing. Hope things are going well and you are getting close to going home. Take care and God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On May 31, 2012...
Best wishes, Denise and Ric. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there. Kind Regards, Kate Rooney, fellow HVJer
On May 31, 2012...
Hi Ric,
I'm sorry Denise had a rough night but encouraged, as you must be, that she had a better day.
Rekei....that's nice!
Hope shes able to get the chest tube remove tomorrow.
Thanks for the update.
Nancy B
On May 31, 2012...
Hi Ric-
Glad to hear Denise is progressing well. Using the spirometer that many times is great. She has sent me a few encouraging messages prior to and during my own journey. Please send her my best.
Karen
On May 31, 2012...
I had (still have I guess) the most problems or discomfort at night, keep going it gets better, a lot better.
-Steven Dean
On May 31, 2012...
Great news, Ric! Keep us posted. Won't be long at all until Denise is saying, "When can I get out of here? [the hospital]"
- Jim Smith
Denise Kirchner Thanks Jim, I imagine Denise will start reading these again tommorrow.
On May 31, 2012...
Excellent news Ric! Your previous post about Denise's status was really moving. Hopefully you guys got a CCF room with a view, and if not, the nurses are always happy to accommodate a room switch if you request one.
Praying for a continued smooth recovery.
-Thomas H.
Denise Kirchner Thomas, Denise has a very nice view looking east from the 5th floor. It is nice to have the bright ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thomas, Denise has a very nice view looking east from the 5th floor. It is nice to have the bright days, with the sun not directly at us. She continues to progress nicely.
Ric
On May 30, 2012...
Yay! Way to go! -- DVB
On May 30, 2012...
Hi Ric and Denise, Glad to hear the good news. I know those are the longest hours in ones life is the waiting for the news. Did it twice with my Dad and Daughter. So now I am prepared. You take care of yourself and both of you get a lot of rest. Here is for a speedy recovery and the best to you.
For the long haul
Linda H
On May 30, 2012...
I'm so glad to hear Denise is doing well.
You're right....asking about what your hair looks like is a definite good sign!!! :)
Nancy B
On May 29, 2012...
That is so awsome!
Patricia D. L.
On May 29, 2012...
Whoops! Forgot the most important part - that you can through it all with flying colors - congratulations! VT
On May 29, 2012...
Denise,
Just now reading backwards a little in your journal, and your entry from the night before was SO comforting! About your doctor saying it was understandable that you were scared, but that he, the doc, was not. How aptly put and what words of strength and assurance! I am going to remember that come Thursday, my big day.
Vel Turner
Denise Kirchner Here is hoping that all is going well for you today Vel. Denise is well into the recovery side now, ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Here is hoping that all is going well for you today Vel. Denise is well into the recovery side now, and I will be posting a new update her soon. Prayers be with you for a sucessful outcome.
Ric
On May 29, 2012...
From one former regurgitator to another, congratulations!!! Glad you're on the other side. Now, your job is to relax and heal and let people wait on you hand and foot.
Selma
On May 29, 2012...
Denise,
So glad to hear your surgery went well.....especially since you had such a rough pre-op! The first day is the hardest, so stay strong and you will be in step down before you know it. Then you can rest and recover.
You and I are the same age, so I have been following your journal closely. I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired at CCF last October.
You are in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery!
Deb Ziegler
On May 29, 2012...
Hi Denise, Wishing you a very speedy recovery. I am yet to go at CC and am thinking of you.
Tracy
On May 29, 2012...
That's great news! Keep the good updates coming.
Debbie Argetsinger
AVR 4/2/12
On May 29, 2012...
Best wishes from fellow mr patient Kate Rooney. Get well soon!
On May 29, 2012...
Thank you so much for the update Ric.
It's good to hear Denise's surgery went smoothly. I hope she's as comfortable as can be in ICU and her breathing tube comes out quickly.
Nancy B
On May 29, 2012...
Glad to hear surgery is over, now the hard part starts! Stay strong and you can do it, one hour at a time! Praying for continued recovery/healing
Holly P
On May 29, 2012...
Glad to hear the surgery went well!
- Steven D
On May 29, 2012...
Praying for you Denise.
Patricia De Leon.
On May 29, 2012...
Denise & Family,
You are in my prayers this morning.
Donald H. Lee
On May 29, 2012...
Denise, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your surgical team today
- Jim & Donna Smith
On May 28, 2012...
Hi Denise. Good luck getting any sleep tonight. I didn't and have read that most do not. I'm eagerly awaiting your first update. You will do great and I have no doubt you'll come through strong. It will be difficult and there will be some pain, but the doctors and nurses at CCF will do their best and your attitude will make this whole process as likely to succeed as possible.
Prayers coming your way from the Hunts! Get ready to climb!
-Thomas H.
On May 28, 2012...
Denise, sounds like last week was tough, my thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow, you will do fine! Stay strong and take one day at a time, soon you will have it all behind you!
Holly P
On May 28, 2012...
Big day tomorrow Denise, but oh how sweet the other side of that mountain is. You and your family (it's harder on them than us) will be in my thoughts and prayers. Go get 'em...you can do this!!
Linda Dixon
On May 28, 2012...
Best wishes for to morrow Denise.
I know you will do fine. Can't wait to hear from you on the other side.
Jerry V
On May 28, 2012...
Hi, Denise --
Another *former* regurgitator checking in and wishing you all the very best for tomorrow. There's a whole bunch of us who climbed that mountain and are waiting for you on the other side. Unfortunately, we don't have food, you'll have to eat the yucky hospital stuff. But we're cheering you on!!
Selma
On May 28, 2012...
Denise,
That is a wonderfully comforting comment from your surgeon. Sort and to the point...perfect.
I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending healing thoughts (my version of praying).
You'll do great!
Nancy B
On May 28, 2012...
Hi Denise,
Good luck to you tomorrow morning. I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer for your well being and I will also be asking all the angels (especially my favorite Raphael) to watch over you and heal you.
Sounds like you had a pretty rough time with the cath procedure or rather the aftermath of the cath, but I'm glad it all worked out for you. I am having my cath done on June 11 and it will be thru the wrist rather than the groin.....so we'll see how that goes.
Anyway, I will watch for posts on you and again I send lots of blessings your way.
Joan Davenport
Denise Kirchner Hi Joan, thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. My husband will be taking over my journal to ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Joan, thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. My husband will be taking over my journal to let everyone know when I am out of surgery and how things went. I will talk to you after I get over this mountain and am on the other side.
On May 28, 2012...
Mornin girlfriend.... ditto to what Dave said in his post. Now... just stop foolin around already... scaring everyone and all... Halloween isn't til October! I hope you are teaching everyone how to play Euchre!!! You are truly the luckiest person I know!!! Remember to giggle and laugh and have fun. God made us and we are very amazingly put together!!! May God's Grace and Wisdom and Healing be with you every step of this journey.
Peace,
Barb
Denise Kirchner Hi Barb & Dave, thanks for the thoughts and prayers coming my way for tomorrow. Hey, I was not foolin ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Barb & Dave, thanks for the thoughts and prayers coming my way for tomorrow. Hey, I was not foolin around - my body just didn't like what they did to me in the cath lab! Believe me, it scared the bigeebies out of both me and Ric! I still have a pretty good size hemotoma in my groin, hopefully Dr. Roselli will drain it once he puts me out tomorrow. - said he would fix it if it was still misbehaving on surgery day. I received the annointing of the sick at mass yesterday at Diana & Jeff's church which gave me much peace. Have been donin my breathing exercises that Cleveland Clinic recommended to help me relax. Hopefully I will be on the computer in a couple of days, but till then Ric will keep you posted. Love, Denise
On May 27, 2012...
Denise, We're still praying for you. Hope it's smooth sailing the rest of the way. Take care,
Dave & Barb
On May 27, 2012...
Wow, Denise I just read your previous post. So glad that everything turned out OK and you are stilled cleared for Tuesday. I hope tonight and tomorrow are perfectly uneventful!
Kerry T
On May 27, 2012...
Hi Denise, That was a little scary to say the least. Glad it turned out ok. Good luck on your big day Tuesday. Hope all goes good for you. I will keep you in my prayers.
For the long haul
Linda H
On May 27, 2012...
Wow Denise!!! What a story!!! But thank God (and I mean that, not just a saying) that you had access to CCF and Dr. Roselli! This definitely qualifies as your "bump in the road"! We worry so much about "the big surgery" we don't think about the smaller things that can jump on us. I predict you will have "clear sailing" from here on out! Will have you in my prayers for Tuesday. When you get to ICU and J6 (step down unit) tell everyone I said hello!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I read your journal the other day and am sorry to he ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I read your journal the other day and am sorry to hear about your bout with bronchial pneumonia - that could not have been fun after just having heart surgery. You are in my prayers too! Take care. Denise
On May 27, 2012...
Denise! Holy cow....thank goodness you acted quickly. You're lucky also that you had the expert staff at CC to deal with the situation. Who knows what you would have ended up with if you were somewhere else.
I had the angeoseal also...no complications other than bruising.
OK....Maybe this counts as your one bump that you're allowed...smooth sailing from here on out.
Will be with you in spirit on Tues rooting you on and sending positive vibes.
Nancy B
On May 27, 2012...
Denise, That certainly must have been scary. So glad to hear that you're cleared for Tues. takeoff. I hope you get some rest for the rest of the Memorial Day weekend. My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Tues.
- Jim Smith (Valve surgery 3-13-2012)
On May 26, 2012...
Wow Denise! I would have been freaking out. These little seromas I have are nothing compared to your excitement.
Glad to see it was fixed and you are good to go. It is so interesting how many little things can come up with the more simpler procedures. Have a great weekend!
-Thomas Hunt
On May 21, 2012...
Hi Denise,
I just saw that you are from Dayton - my grandparents were from there and my entire family is addicted to Esther Price chocolate. In fact, my uncle (now in San Diego) just had aortic valve replacement surgery last week and is planning to fuel his recovery with Esther Price as soon as his appetite returns. :)
Safe travels to Cleveland tomorrow. It seems like you are in good hands all around (doctors, family, and friends). I will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
Summer
Denise Kirchner Hi Summer - thanks for you kind words and for the positive thoughts. And yes, Esther Price chocolate ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Summer - thanks for you kind words and for the positive thoughts. And yes, Esther Price chocolate is the best - Take care.
On May 21, 2012...
Hi Denise=
Sounds as if you are enjoying time with family and friends as I have been.
Good luck with your pre-ops, mine are tomorrow.
Karen
Denise Kirchner Hi Karen! I have been following your updates. I willl be praying for you as you start your pre-ops ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Karen! I have been following your updates. I willl be praying for you as you start your pre-ops tomorrow and again when you have your surgery. Take care and God bless.
On May 21, 2012...
Hi Denise,
Sounds like you're doing great. There's nothing like kisses from grand babies to boost the spirits. I don't have any, but I can only imagine!
best of luck as you leave for Cleveland. So wonderful that your sister lives close by.
Take care. Please let us know how you're doing as you can.
Nancy B
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy - thanks for the well wishes on my upcoming testing and surgery. Yes, at this moment in tim ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy - thanks for the well wishes on my upcoming testing and surgery. Yes, at this moment in time I am pretty calm - have been listening to the pre-surgery relaxation music that Cleveland Clinic offers and that really seems to help. I will be posting updates up until surgery day and then my husband Ric or daughter Krista will be keeping everyone updated. Take care.....
On May 21, 2012...
Hi, Denise --
Sounds like you're going into this with all the right stuff: wonderful support and a good, realistic, attitude. There's a place between denial (not thinking about the surgery at ALL) and obsession and it sounds like you're there. From my understanding of the CC, once you walk in the front door and place yourself in their hands, it all just kind of moves along.
My little regurtitator was fixed about 10 days ago and I can watch the process recede as I recover at home.
You'll do great!
Selma Kaplan
Denise Kirchner Hi Selma! Thanks for the kind words. I have been following your updates and sounds as if you are do ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Selma! Thanks for the kind words. I have been following your updates and sounds as if you are doing well with your recovery. Take care and watch my journal for updates as I "sail" through the next couple of weeks - that's what I am hoping for anyway!
On May 20, 2012...
Hi Denise, how are you holding up? You will be doing your pre-op very soon. I wanted to fast forward through the week too. You are going to do fine, keep up the positive thoughts, practice your relaxation techniques!!! Thinking of you and praying for you! Stay strong
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly. I am doing okay as long as I stay busy. When I am not busy I find I start thinking about ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly. I am doing okay as long as I stay busy. When I am not busy I find I start thinking about the surgery and get a wave of nausea. I am going to spend tomorrow morning with my daughter and grandsons and then back home to finish packing as we leave on Tuesday afternoon for Cleveland. I think once I am there and start the pre-op testing etc my mind set will be better - at least I hope so! Thanks for your encouragement. I really need that now. I hope all is going well with you, sounds like you have had a time of it with your stiches - is that going better now? Take care and God be with you as you continue your recovery.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12