Hello Again,
With all these really thoughtful, heavy, informative
messages you have been getting, I thought you might want to ponder some more from my side of life. Consider this when weighing all things:
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that one enjoys it?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Where can you find a hamster with no legs ? ............................Wherever you left it !
Your Friends wearing A TUTU
On December 24, 2011...
Mitch,
I had a composite St. Jude Aortic valve and Aortic graft on 9/20. I notice the noise less and less over the past few weeks. I am really glad that I chose the mechanical valve. The coumadin requires some getting used to. Its tough for me and I am actually a physician who has been prescribing the stuff for years. I had a full stenotomy and the healing takes a while. Don't be in a huge hurry. I went back to work six weeks after surgery and I was fine. My surgeon, who was Dr. Svennson at the Cleveland Clinic, told me that a tissue valve would last less than 10 years in young healthy patients who are very active. I am a marathoner and "semi-competetive" tennis player. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Jim Davis
Mitch Friedman Jim, great information. Thank you for writing to me. I really appreciate every reply I get. It is e ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Jim, great information. Thank you for writing to me. I really appreciate every reply I get. It is early days now, so I am a sponge for information. All the best, - Mitch
On December 24, 2011...
Hi Mitch,
Welcome! I am having my aortic valve replaced on Jan, 10, 2012. I have done quite a bit of research for the past 6 months
including sending all my records to Cleveland.
1. It appears 10 cardiac surgeons will give you 10 different opinions.
2. It IS necessary to get several cardiac surgeons opinions [preferabley at top teaching hospitals]Cardiology opinions are different than cardiac surgeon opinions
3. The current thinking, I believe @ Cleveland is tissue valve regardless of your age. Many Cardiac surgeons do not agree with this thinking[Cleveland has the biggest concentration of world renowned thoracic surgeons]
4. The noise from the mechanical valve is NOT your biggest concern. I believe it is the coumadin.
5. You may not even be eligible for a mini sternotomy as they check your coronary vessels first for blockages.....if there is significant coronary artery disease....you get the full sternotomy anyway.
6. Not all cardiac surgeons do the mini.[different training, expertise, talent and experience]
7. I don't know that it is totally clear that the "mini" affords any substantial benefits other than cosmetic. It is still open heart surgery! Everyone's case and recovery is different
I agree though, if I don't have coronary artery disease, I have chosen a surgeon who is highly skilled with the "mini" and has done thousands of these procedures. The smaller incision just seems less traumatic to me. I am not sure there have been any studies on outcomes of the "mini" etc. Psychologically it just seems better......as long as one has a surgeon who does "mini's" every day......otherwise I would go no question with the full sternotomy.
Pat Culley
Mitch Friedman Pat, I love the numbered list. Hugely, hugely helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Good luck ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Pat, I love the numbered list. Hugely, hugely helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Good luck with your surgery!!!!!
On December 23, 2011...
Mitch...you have come to the right spot. This too, was my first venture into the social media arena and it has provided me with so much comfort and info. I had the full sternotomy due to having to have full access to repair my ascending aorta, as well as replace my aortic valve. If given a choice I would have likely chose the full split anyway, as I would want my dr to have full access and hopefully be less time on the pump. I knew could deal with the recovery from the full split.
I chose a tissue valve so can't offer any info on the mechanical.
Just know you will do well and get thru this journey just fine. Keep asking questions and stay positive.
JH Mattingly
Mitch Friedman Thank you JH! Too funy on us both needing this to join the social media masses. Also, you are right ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thank you JH! Too funy on us both needing this to join the social media masses. Also, you are right about this being a great source of comfort. I hesitated to start a journal, but sure glad I did. All the best. -Mitch
On December 23, 2011...
Dear Mitch,
May all of my positive energy and love flow from me to you. Feel that warmth? The Rago girls have been and always will be here for you, morning, afternoon or night. Remember we are only given when we are able to endure. You are an incredibly strong man and will overcome this challenge. Love you! Alice
Mitch Friedman Thank you so much Alice. One more 'experience' for all of us. You would think by now we are way ove ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thank you so much Alice. One more 'experience' for all of us. You would think by now we are way overqualified for this thing called life!
On December 23, 2011...
Mitch
I am 5 1/2 weeks post op, I have the St Jude's Mechanical valve. I can hear mine a lot, it sounds just like a small wrist watch. It's not bad at all and I definitely think you will get use to it.. It's a comfort to me, I'm glad I hear it. I mostly hear it when it's really quite or if my heart is beating heavy. I was really worried that the sound of it would drive me crazy, I'm such a light sleeper, I asked my cardiologist and my surgeon about the noise before I choose to go with the mechanical valve. Even knowing what it sounds like now, I'm still happy with my choice to go with that valve. Good luck with your decisions and your surgery..keep us all updated!!
Jamie McGuire
Mitch Friedman Thank you Jamie. Small wrist watch I can deal with. It is the large old fashioned alarm clock, you ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thank you Jamie. Small wrist watch I can deal with. It is the large old fashioned alarm clock, you know two bells on top, that I was worried about. I appreciate your reply. All the best. -Mitch
On December 23, 2011...
Welcome Mitch to the AVJ site. We are all here "together" so to speak, so ask away and if any of us know...you will get the answer. The support is incredible. Good luck with your consults, let us know who/what you decide.
Linda Dixon
Mitch Friedman Thank you Linda for the nudge to get my journal started. It already is a huge source of comfort and ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thank you Linda for the nudge to get my journal started. It already is a huge source of comfort and info. I hope you hear back from Cleveland soon. All the best. -Mitch
On December 23, 2011...
Mitch,
I will canvass the experts in my network for you and report back. Suffice it to say, my doctor, Dr. Jack Daniels, does not have cardiology, save for affairs of the heart, as his specialty.
Channeling the energy of Monty Python, on the other hand, one of my specialties, I look on the bright side of life. At least we FINALLY got you to pop your social media cherry (HEY NOW!).
We're open 24/7, Mitch, call me anytime, even at 4 am, and even if that 4 am call is not you drunk dialing me from Bourbon Street.
Hi Mitch,
First of all it will be up to the surgeon, which procedure he feels more comfortable with, mine was a full sternotomy it gives the surgeon a bigger picture and easier access. One question you can ask your surgeon, how many less invasion procedures has he done, vs the full sternotomy and which procedure has more complications.
As far a the valve I have a St Jude mechanical valve, I am 4 weeks post surgery, I can hear my valve when I sleep on my side, one side is a little louder than the other side, when I sleep on my back I don't hear the valve at all. It really doesn't bother me the sound, I wouldn't let that worry you, you will get use to it. The hardest part for me is getting my Coumadin level in the right range, it has been all over the place. As far as pain wise, just take your pain meds and everyday the pain will get better and soon enough you will be able to tolerate the pain with less medication. Jim
Mitch Friedman Jim, hugely helpful, thank you so very much. I love, love, love getting answers like this. All the ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Jim, hugely helpful, thank you so very much. I love, love, love getting answers like this. All the best, -Mitch
On December 23, 2011...
Dear Mitch, My surgery is December 28th. I chose (full monty) sternotomy versus port access because, 1. I want surgeon having full viewing. 2. Less time on heart lung machine. 3. Didn't want to include my leg in the healing process. I'm sure whatever you choose, you will do fine and have an awesome recovery. Read other's journals, that may help you decide what makes you feel most comfortable. Keep in touch. Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Janis, first valver to give solid answers. I thank you so much for that. I wish you all the best wi ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Janis, first valver to give solid answers. I thank you so much for that. I wish you all the best with your surgery. You are going to do great. You are ready!!!! Good luck. -Mitch
On December 23, 2011...
hi, thank you for feeling you can share! just in case you didn't know already, I will always be there for you. Even those middle of the night wake ups, just text I'll probably be awake I dont sleep well at night, seems I rather sleep in the morning before I have to leave for work!
Mitch Friedman Why sleep at night!?!? Thanks for your support.
Hi Mitch,
I responded on my guestbook with email and phone # to chat. At this point, we seem to be the only New Yorkers.
Jane
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jane for the push to start this. I can't believe we are the only New Yorkers. Odd....guess m ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jane for the push to start this. I can't believe we are the only New Yorkers. Odd....guess most are too 'tough' to ask for help. Their loss. I will give you a call soon to catch up live.
On December 23, 2011...
Okay bro...now I can confess we have been sharing the same 4am wake-up call (yes, for the same reason..no wild party...darn!) I love you more than words can say and you KNOW I'm here for any and every little thing throughout the entire journey. Although, somehow I have a feeling my biggest job will be keeping our beautiful mommy calm for you LOL.
Mitch Friedman Thanks Stac. I love you so. Yeah, you might actually have the tougher job with mom! Now to figure out ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Stac. I love you so. Yeah, you might actually have the tougher job with mom! Now to figure out when to tell her....."
On December 23, 2011...
HEY DUDE!
THANKS FOR INCLUDING ME IN YOUR JOURNAL! I FEEL SPECIAL! Gee, I am not sure about your questions re which heart valve replacement or which surgey, hmmmm...
OK since I am not a doctor and can't help with that, Ill continue with my end of helping you recover wit some guffaws. Here's first:
Your Momma's so fat, when she blinks, her eyelids clap!
(did you laugh??????????
u think yo mama jokes will offend anybody? Like if they really had a fat momma????)
Mitch Friedman You rock! Great guffaw, exactly when I needed it. Thanks for this and everything.
On December 22, 2011...
Mitchel,
I am here for you, whatever you need... Even at 4am!
Thanks for your email as well. I'm glad to hear you are "all" in. There really is no other way to do it.
Keep us updated!
Adam Pick
Mitch Friedman Thanks Adam. Not only for being the first one to sign my guest book. But for all you have done to h ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Adam. Not only for being the first one to sign my guest book. But for all you have done to help our entire community. You truly are the best!
With all these really thoughtful, heavy, informative
messages you have been getting, I thought you might want to ponder some more from my side of life. Consider this when weighing all things:
My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.
If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea... does that mean that one enjoys it?
Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Where can you find a hamster with no legs ? ............................Wherever you left it !
Your Friends wearing A TUTU