Man Kenny That letter is enough to put any grown father down. very touching .....I just joined and have a surgery date in a few weeks ( May 2nd )

Had the same procedure...same issue (MVP) a year ago- I'm healthy, 58. You'll be fine. Don't get frustrated if it takes longer than you expected to bounce back. Bypass pump can challenge your brain for a while. The back pain can be quite a surprise. The fatigue is the biggest challenge...but eventually it all improves.

Take a family member with you to the hospital to make sure they're giving you the correct medications, etc. Be prepared and be optimisitic.

I agree with one of the other posts, waking up intubated is the toughest part. When it happens, just relax, control your breathing and it will be over. I also suggest having them pull your foley ASAP. Sometimes they want to wait until the first post op day but it's not necessary. Mine was pulled right after I was extubated, worked fine and it was one less thing to cause discomfort. Admittedly I'm a whimp.

Reading these posts, one can be lead to believe these are simple procedures and you'll be playing golf next week. They are not and you won't. However, you'll do fine particularly if you have realistic expectations of how you might feel after the procedure.

Try to look at it as an adventure

Good luck

BC

Kenny,

Mom and I are rooting for you! You, Becky and the girls have our full support and we will keep you in our prayers, Pop

Hi Kenny,
Four weeks ago I underwent the same procedure as you are about to. Like you I was scared to death but I made it and you will too. I was in ICU 2 days and in a private room for four more days. The worst part of the whole ordeal was waking up still incubated in ICU. They couldn't sedate me once I woke up because I'm very hard to sedate. My hands were restrained and I couldn't speak. I was finally allowed to write my thoughts and begged the staff to take the tube out and they did. I also put on 20 lbs of water weight which wasn't pleasant. All in all, the whole experience hasn't been near as bad as I imagined it was going to be. I'll be thinking of you as your surgery date nears.

Take care,

Michelle Wanke

Keeping you in our prayers as always. I know you will get through this "bump" in the road. Love ya. Mom

Hey Kenny, thanks for the updates. How much have you explained this to your girls? I know what compassionate kids they are, so they must be help to you and Bec. Much love to you & your family.

-Amber

Hi again:) Yes,I read of lot,and this was not easy - you see that English is not my native language:) It was necessary,because no other way to understand this condition - here,in Bulgaria,medicine is this respect is not at level of US. Neither I have the money to go in US ,in case of surgery...That is why I speak with people here,just to understand what are my chances and time - you see,much more difficult case than typical :) But about you,I have the feeling,that everything will be OK ! As I know robot surgery is most advanced way - think about it.But keep good faith,you have very good chances just to do this,recover and past behind it.At least,I think so

Kenny,Hi again! I am sorry for bothering you,but I decide to ask you some questions again..Why exactly you? Because,you have similar characteristics to me -age; I have MVP; no symptoms,feel better,but with MR.My parents have not got it...In your opinion,what cause this MVP?..I read a lot of articles,and I got the impressions that this MVP is most hereditary condition or....Do you think that active sport could you cause MVP? Are you active in sport?...On the other hand,I read,that most MVP cases DOES NOT result in MR and,even with MR,this MR stay stable in most cases....I do not know personally you,but you look like man in good health,no overweight .....Something shall cause this MVP?...Also,I am wondering,is it possible doctors to over-diagnosed us?....Do you have enlarged LA/LV? What is your regurgitation volume,etc.? What time of symptoms you have?There is some reason,causing MR to progress....OK,surgery can correct this even with repair,but if the very reason is not clear,I do not feel calm...Very contradictory are opinions - Dr.Sinatra says on his website that even moderate MR can be harmless and never to need surgery,the others say that MR progrees

Thank you very much for answering....It is really strange -same to me....What is the reason this to happen to us?...I can not understand

I'm Glad everything went okay today! I admire your conviction and courage! You rock!
Ren-ren

Saw Bec's post, glad you are done and doing well! Cara Andrichak Rosson

Best wishes for your progress from Daphne.

Best wishes for your progress!

Love from the Van Der Horn's!! We will be praying for you and your family.

Is the MVP is typical for your parents or only for you?Thanks

May I ask something about MVP? Is it typical for your parents or only for you? Just to know more about this condition

Love from Chapel Hill!

Good luck and good vibes! I hope you keep writing in your journal so we can stay updated on your progress. Much love to you and your loved ones!
-Amber & Matt

This site is pretty cool. I will be following your progress. Youre in my thoughts and prayers. (always) Karen

Good for you on not waiting. Your beautiful wife and beautiful daughters need you and you deserve a healthy happy life!

You got this, K-Dawg! -T

love you baby!!!!

Kenny, sending you positive energy through this process. I'm glad you found out and you're addressing this issue! Remember, sometimes things have to get worse before they get way better!