Great news Thomas! How did your appt go today? It must be frustrating that you can't get anyone to drain that darn seroma.! Glad that you are off the metoprolol, and hope the Holter Monitor shows a good report and you can stay off it. I had those "off" days too, where I just didn't have any energy, and then the next day I would feel fantastic! Our hearts way of reminding us it is still healing!!
Take care!
Holly P
Thomas Hunt Hey Holly! Will post an update shortly with details. Had a great meeting with the surgeon and had t ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Holly! Will post an update shortly with details. Had a great meeting with the surgeon and had the seroma fnally drained. It was 60 mL and took three syringes! Have a bandage on now and trying to apply consistent pressure, but may need to have a minor surgical procedure this Friday to fix it if the buildup of fluid comes back. Just glad to be moving forward finally.
Thanks for the note and take care yourself!
On June 18, 2012...
Hi Tom, Thanks for tbe always informative update. I really look gorward to tbdm snx sumerize them for Norb. Question about the monitor. Is this somethkng we purcbase or does the CCF supply it? Do mkst patidnts come home with it? Happy belated Fathers' Day. Cly Denna
S
I have a Garmin 405CX watch and chest strap that can constantly monitor my heart rate. I purchased it online for around $150 and although I only planned to get it for running, it's been convenient for checking my HR all the time.
Thansk for the Father's Day note and hope you got my previous email. Good luck and hope this helps!
On June 10, 2012...
Wow. Just read your story. I had mitral valve repair with the da vinci robot as well. I didn't have any of the bruising you had though. Take a look at my pics. I need to update what they look like almost two months later. Look for Paul Gamache in the search link. How was the rib pain and did you have the numbness in the chest? I still have a bit of numbness over my sternum. I think the hit a nerve or something? LOL. anyway just wanted to send you a congrats for pulling through the robot..... Way better than having to deal with the sternum cracking too eh?
Sneezing was bad enough with this type I can't imaging with a full sternum rip down. yikes. LOL....Good luck and I hope those bruises go away sooner than later.
Paul Gamache
Great to hear from you. I read all your posts over the past few months, assuming I was going to get a robotic repair. Then the day before the surgery we heard the robot was broken, but were assured it would be ready to go for the surgery. As they wheeled me up to the operating room at 7 AM, one of the junior anesthesiologists sheepishly told me that the robot was still broken and they were going to try to do the right thoracotomy manually. It all worked out though, and I have no complaints.
I didn't really have any rib pain...in fact I didn't really even need the lidocain patches they put around the incision. My pain was mainly inside the ribs when I inhaled and a general soreness in my right pec where the muscles and nerves were likely cut. The bruising looked terrible, but the pain wasn't bad at all. I still have quite a bit of tenderness all through the right side, but expect that will last for a couple months. Like you, I am glad I didn't have to deal with the sternum cracking, especially with the driving restrictions.
Finally had my first sneeze last week...went almost three weeks w/o one. By the time it occurred, my coughs no longer felt like I was getting stabbed in the chest so I was lucky.
Bruises are almost gone now, but I do have a seroma to deal with...described the ongoing issue in my journal. It is still the size of an egg, and hoping to hear back from a local surgeon today that they will drain it. This has been the only real side effect I'm annoyed with.
Will look for your pics, and get another one up myself soon. Good luck with your own continued recovery and will keep in touch.
On June 9, 2012...
Hi Tom,
Just wanted to let you know that today I was ready to see your photos. Just haven't "wanted" to face reality, but today is a month from Norb's surgery. Time to get REAL. To see you up and outside in five days, and at an Indians game in just one week is inspiring. Yes, inspiring, because now I will be ready and prepared for the bruising when it appears on Norb. Wouldn't have been ready if not for your sharing By the way, did you receive the email I sent you asking a couple of questions? Thanks again. Cly Denna, Norb's wife
Thomas Hunt Hi Cly Denna! Thanks for the heads up regarding the email. It was stuck in my spam folder, so I had ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Cly Denna! Thanks for the heads up regarding the email. It was stuck in my spam folder, so I had no idea it was there. Will get back to you tonight with answers!
On June 7, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
I forgot to ask you, does your blood pressure get low when your heart rate gets low? Mine always does, and I think that's what makes me feel weird.
It very well may have, but I didn't get a reading at the time. Wife was asleep and am pretty bad at taking my own readings. I did feel a bit dizzy when I stood up several times last night. When they checked my BP at the doc's office, it was 110/70, but by then my HR was back into the mid-50s. One other thing to mention is last night was the first time I tried to cycle in Ibuprofen for pain control. The on-call CCF doc that I spoke with the middle of the night didn't seem to think the ibuprpfen could have lowered my HR that much, so it may have just been a coincidence. To be on the safe side, I'll be sticking with Tylenol for the next week though.
On June 4, 2012...
Hi Thomas-
I am also alternating Tylenol with Hydrocodone. I was only doing the Tylenol but relaxing and napping/night sleeping was tough so VNA suggested I try this.
Are you doing one big walk or a few shorter ones that you are totaling up? Sounds like one.
What is the seroma? On top of my sternotomy incision I have a big bump which I am told could take 3 months to go away.
My pain scale is always 5 or less averaging on 2 like you said.
Good luck going back part time.
Karen Campo
Thomas Hunt Hi Karen! Yes, I'm doing one longer walk, but getting some additional exercise when I drop my daughte ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Karen! Yes, I'm doing one longer walk, but getting some additional exercise when I drop my daughter off at daycare, pick up groceries, etc. I'm only monitoring the longer walks.. its not the most confortable thing wearing the chest strap.
The seroma is a buildup of lymph fluid where they cut in to do the cannulation of left femoral artery for the heart lung bypass. Mine is about the size of an egg and sticks out from my inside hip/groin. Apparently the cutting near the lymph node can cause the tiny blood vessels to leak serous fluid. There is a bunch of articles online (e.g. http://drkevinbrenner.com/blog/what-is-a-seroma/421961) about it and most say it takes up to a month to reabsorb. However have noticed a couple articles that mention it could take a year, and might result in some calcification!
I haven't heard of a seroma up near the sternotomy incision since this is farther away from the lymph nodes, but recall that Jeffrey Shebovsky had a similar lump near his. He may have some advice or info in his journal since he had his surgery a couple months ago. Good luck and look forward to your next update!
On June 1, 2012...
Tom, sounds like you are doing great! It takes a while to get your INR regulated, I'm still adjusting my coumadin after 5 weeks! Thankfully I can stop taking it and be done with it after another week. Your surgeon is right, unless there is a reason, increased redness and tenderness for example, it's probably best to let the seroma absorb. Just watch it carefully! Use your spirometer and get rid of that effusion! It can be painful along with the incisional pain. Your summary of pain/procedures was excellent!! You do such a good job with your journal!! Sorry you have to go back to work, be careful and don't over-do it! The heart takes quite a while to heal, regardless of how the surgery was performed!!!
Take Care
Holly P
That darn seroma seems to be the same size as a week ago. Will be seeing the local surgeon this Friday and if it still hasn;t shrunk, may insist on draining it. Can't imagine its good to have this egg-sized bulge stick around for months?!
As for the fluid around the lungs, have been pushing myself to get rid of it, but still feels like the right lung is being restricted from fully inflating regardless of how many breathing exercises I do or miles of walking. I know I am just being impatient, and shouldn't complain given the progress of my walkng. I am really just happy there haven't been any other surprises such as heart rhythm issues.
Good luck with those last few "incisional challenges" :-) and glad to hear you are already heading back to work....although I am guessing you are like me and would be happy to postpone that a few more weeks!
Keep up the great work Holly and will keep an eye out for your next update.
On May 31, 2012...
Hi Tom,
Does your Garmin Forerunner track your distance and speed too or do you use something else?
I'd spend $180 for it if it did everything but would opt for a less expensive model if not. I could kick myself...I bought. Heart monitor about a year and a half ago, stopped using it and lent it to a coworker who has not returned it. Now I have to buy another. I'm a gadget queen...buy them, try them and then stick them in a drawer. I used a BodyMedia GoFit that used an armband for a while, but they charged a monthly fee to upload/track your data. Plus the elastic on the arm band lost its elasticity and needs to be replaced. maybe I should dig that out of storage.
Although I haven't plugged it into my computer to confirm, I am almost positive that it does track distance, speed, HR, and GPS location. It may even track elevation, but that component of the GPS is probably a bit less accurate. My previous Garmin did this and before buying the 405CX, I checked it against the other specs. You can look up the model on Amazon or the Garmin site and read about the features. I know there is a learning curve with understanding these watches, so you may want to also look at the reviews for user-friendliness. Hope that helps!
I agree with you that a monthly fee is just something I wouldn't be interested in. And the Garmin chest strap is very durable. I actually have my original one from 5 years ago and it is compatible with this current watch. By the way, I never would have bought a new watch if I hadn't accidentally crushed the first one.
On May 31, 2012...
oh, and the weight...I am still up about 15-16 lbs! CRAZY...I know with the Lasix and walking/eating right that this will come off and I am told add'l prob will.
Karen
Thomas Hunt Tell me about it....you dont feel like you've gained the weight, but it just showed up.
Thomas Hunt Tell me about it....you dont feel like you've gained the weight, but it just showed up.
I am now down to 147.5, which is 5 lb below pre-surgery. Haven't weighed this in 10 years. My wife is starting to grumble that I need to eat more. From what I've read, its pretty typical to lose 5 to 10 lb overall once recovery is fully underway. I guess this can be called our open heart surgery diet :-)
On May 31, 2012...
Sounds like you are progressing well. I can forsee that there will be somedays where I will be more energetic and others where I will nap often.
I agree on the pain scales. Each time I forsaw something to be bad it wasn't as bad as I thought. For me, really the constipation was prob almost as bad or worse as removing chest tubes!
Keep up the posts, they are enjoyable and motivation for those of us headed home, hope tomorrrow. Karen
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen! So nice to get a message from you! Recovery will start to improve exponentially now t ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen! So nice to get a message from you! Recovery will start to improve exponentially now that you are over the hardest part. Keep up the great work and don't hesitate to send me a note if you want an opinion on anything (tom8hunt@yahoo.com.)
On May 31, 2012...
Glad to hear its still going well, driving, eating out and walking over 2 miles already? Nice work.
-Steven D
Thomas Hunt Thanks Steven. Once you get past this first rough week, recovery accelerates. Before long I am sure ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Steven. Once you get past this first rough week, recovery accelerates. Before long I am sure you'll be passing me by!
On May 31, 2012...
Hi Thomas!
Thank you so much for your post on the right thoracotomy. I am scheduled for surgery on June 18th and have to decide between the lower sternotomy and right thoracotomy. Did you have a mini thoracotomy? I have heard sometimes they break ribs, is this true?
I am happy that you are doing well!
Gina H
Thomas Hunt Hi Gina. I am just happy to be able to help provide some insight for others after learning so much o ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Gina. I am just happy to be able to help provide some insight for others after learning so much on this site. I did have a right mini-thoracotomy. You can check out my photos and see where the incision was done and how it looks 9 days post-op. The length of the incision after surgery was about 2.75 inches, but it seems like it is starting to shrink already. Here is a link to the doctor that did my surgery and a video of the mini-RT. Its a bit graphic, so you may not want to look at it before your surgery :-) http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/valve/mini_thoracotomy_video_mitral_valve_repair.aspx.
There was no breaking of the ribs with me, but they may have been spread slightly. Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.
On May 30, 2012...
Way to go with your walks - almost 2 miles each try. Exercise is the best medicine! -- DVB
Hi Thomas, glad to see you got some decent sleep! That's great that you are able to walk and start doing things, be careful not to "over-do" it though. I bet you can't wait to pick up that precious daughter of yours! That's too bad about the pain pills, I wonder why they didn't send you home with enough to make it through the long week-end? I was able to make it using ES Tylenol and 600 mg Ibuprofen, alternating every 4 hours for the first several weeks, and now only take them when I need them. I still have that deep pain that comes and goes on my right side, especially my ribs, depending on how I am sitting or laying! It just takes a while, they cut through quite a few layers to do the surgery, and spreading the ribs doesn't make it any easier!! Hang in there! Glad you are doing so well. Thinking of you today as you get that seroma drained again!
Holly P
Definitely had a recovery day Monday after all the exercise on Sunday.
I think there may have been a maximum number of Percoset pills they could prescribe given that I was from out of town, but it sure would have been nice to have more pills. Still not ready to give up the narcotics so soon, but down to alternating ES Tylenol and 1 Hydrocodone every 5 to 6 hrs. I am 13 days out now, so wondering when the pain will be low enough to lose the Hydrocodone all together.
Will post an update soon on the seroma (not much change) and hope to get a couple pics up tomorrow. Like you, just happy to see the huge improvements day by day. Take care Holly!
On May 29, 2012...
Sounds like you are doing great, I thought I was going to be catching up, you are making this a real challenge.
I got a migraine yesterday, but I have been getting them as long as I can remember. Never had prescription strength pain killers for them though...
Steven Dean
Thomas Hunt Thanks Steven. Will keep on pushing it to give you something to shoot for. You have a few years on m ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Steven. Will keep on pushing it to give you something to shoot for. You have a few years on me (and I have a 3-yr old) so I am sure its just a matter of time before you pass me by. :-)
On May 29, 2012...
Don't worry, a little pain never hurt anyone!...well, I thought that was funny.
I recently sent my Polar heart rate monitor to the service center in New York for a new battery and minor repair. I will be able to compare my new heart to my old one since I recorded a lot of exercise data on a spreadsheet (and in Polar's online tracking system).
Thanks for the update.
Tom Smeal
Thomas Hunt Me too Tom. Once I get back to running, plan to compare my new data to those runs from 4 years ago. ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Me too Tom. Once I get back to running, plan to compare my new data to those runs from 4 years ago. Guessing that the regurgitation was one of the main reasons my HR was 30 to 40 bpm higher than my running buddies.
On May 29, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
I'm happy to hear you're doing so well.
What do you use for a heart monitor? I'm looking to bur one but don't like the chest strap. From what I've read, the strap is most accurate.
Funny about the Percocet & DS...nothin' like learning the hard way!
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Hi Nancy. I use a Garmin Forerunner 405CX. With an online coupon I got it for $179.99 on Amazon (inc ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Nancy. I use a Garmin Forerunner 405CX. With an online coupon I got it for $179.99 on Amazon (incl shipping). The chest strap is always a little annoying, especially with the bruising on my chest, but I had the impression this is the best way to get an accurate HR reading. This version has GPS, and a bunch of feature that I'll probably never use. I do plan to download the walks (and future runs) to a Garmin software program that will allow tracking of progress over time. It will be so interesting to see if my heart behaves differently than 4 years ago when I would burn out around the 4-5 mile mark.
Good luck down the home stretch Nancy and let me know if you have any other questions!
On May 29, 2012...
Thomas,
You're doing great. The walks are especially impressive. I'm sure your wound will continue to heal ... but your graphic photos make me glad that I had the full cut of the sternum. My wound always looked clean, and the skin itself was never appreciably sore.
- Jim Smith (valve repair 3-13-2012)
Thomas Hunt Thanks Jim. Great to hear from an HVJ legend! With the right thoracotomy, I do seem to feel pain deep ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Jim. Great to hear from an HVJ legend! With the right thoracotomy, I do seem to feel pain deeply on the right side when I'm nearing the end of a round of pain meds...a cough or sitting up can feel like a knife to the chest. But surprisingly I don't feel any surficial pain even with the heavy bruising. And it has been nice to drive so soon, allowing me to help the wife out with our 3-yr old and run errands.
Hope to get a few more photos up tomorrow. Take care and wish you the best in getting back to running.
On May 27, 2012...
Thomas...you've heard the expression "you get what you deserve"?? In this case, I'm sure you deserve the "special treatment" you have gotten from your family. It is a wonderful thing to have people who know you (really know you, lol) go the extra mile to make sure you are supported and taken care of. Doesn't this put everything in a whole different light??? We are so fortunate that we are able to be fixed.
Hope your seroma decides to "take a hike" and your recovery continues to go smoothly. Slow and easy...watch out for "colds" and stomach bugs, etc!! Your immune system is still taking care of your heart, seroma, etc.!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Hunt Hey Linda! Just read your post. You really are a tiger to have gone through OHS and then follow it wi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Linda! Just read your post. You really are a tiger to have gone through OHS and then follow it with a bout of bronchial pneumonia. I do feel a new perspective being on the other side of the mountain.
The holiday weekend has forced us to wait until Tuesday to get the seroma drained again. Just glad its not something that will cause a medical problem.
Will keep a close eye on colds, etc. Thanks for the reminder and hope each day you feel a little better. Us Ex-Gillinov'ers need to stick together when these inevitable bumps in the road come up. Let me know if you need anything!
On May 26, 2012...
Hi Tom, how is your groin incision doing now? Did the fluid build up again? I know that isn't comfortable, I've had some trouble with my incisions, with the femoral one where a stitch worked it's way through and then opened up the incision. It's been over a month and it still hasn't closed up completely, but is very close! You have to be very careful to not get any infection in that open area. It's not in a good place to start with!! What did you decide about the recliner, now that you've been home? Are you getting any longer stretches of sleep? I hope so. I'm still anxiously waiting to be able to sleep on my side!!! Thanks for the updates!
Holly P
Sorry for the slow response. Still getting settled back home and have found it a challenge to keep up with my journal and help out around the house.
The fluid has built up again, but we decided to hold off draining it again until Tuesday. That avoids an unwanted trip to an emergency room, since my PCP and the local urgent care centers won't drain it. The seroma is about the size of an egg now, but no pain. You're right on about the difficult location; getting any pressure in that area has been the biggest issue. Not sure how long this issue will stick around, but should know more Tuesday.
We were planning to rent a recliner, but I've been able to make do with pillows so far. Have started to put a little weight on my left side, but still get those stabbing pains when I try to get up.
Will keep a close eye on the incision. Sounds like you're almost there. Hope to get another update shortly. Thanks for keeping in touch!
On May 25, 2012...
Hi again, Tommy. I thought I would post a little message to you so that anyone reading who is going through the procedure in the future might get an idea of how another family member experiences this. I know your wife posted not long after the surgery too, so I hope I can add to the experience she shared earlier. To be clear, I live 1000 miles from you to start with and I wasn't able to be with you in the days leading up to the surgery OR the day of surgery. I arrived two days afterward. It was emotionally draining waiting for news from your wife and our parents and I can't bear to think of the stress and worry they were going through waiting on the outside with a pager in their hands.
After I heard you had made it through and the surgeon was pleased with the results - and I mean right after the surgery - I felt like a weight was removed from my shoulders. However, there was still an underlying constant buzz of anxiety as we've all heard of the devastating turns that a patient can unexpectedly take. Then we found out that you had fluid building up around your heart and the terror started again. The one constant comfort, and it was a true comfort, is that we knew you were in great hands with a great surgeon and staff, with great stats that I knew they were proud of and wouldn't want to bring down! I heard great things from Natasha and Mom and Dad about the staff while the 'bumps in the road' as you call them, took place, although the fam was of course in a state of near panic. :)
I have just realized that this is probably not all that interesting and I'm just feeling emotional so I'll finish up quickly.
When I left to come home, you remained in the hospital for a little more than a day, I believe. Since you were discharged, part of me wants to cry whenever I think about it. It's so amazing that this complicated, majestic, vital organ can be repaired in just a few hours and now you are expected to go home and recover without a huge staff to constantly monitor my big brother's body and heart and make sure everything stays all right. I'm so relieved that you are doing well but I also can't imagine right now when the time will come that I am not worrying 100 times a day that some little thing could be going wrong.
I hope that you and other patients soon to be going through this and similar surgeries/recovery understand not only how worried of course we are for the patient, but also how in awe of them we are to see such stark bravery in the days leading up to and following the surgery. As I read through these journals, I am humbled.
Thank you heartily (yeah, I said heartily) to Cleveland Clinic and thank you for this website.
And most of all brother, I want to say that I love you. I need you and your heart in my life and I'm grateful we got it back in better shape than it started. Big (but gentle) hugs from south Florida.
Love, you too sis! Going through surgery is difficult for the patient physically, but the emotional and mental challenges are much harder for family. I had told Natasha several times before surgery how lucky it was me and not her going through it. I'm not sure if I'll ever have the chance to repay you guys for the support you provided during those difficult first days, but I'll never forget it. Anytime, anywhere just say the word and I'll be there!
On May 25, 2012...
Hi Tom,
To answer your question, no I didn't develop anything like the seroma you described. I was fortunate and my incision area healed nicely. It's hardly noticeable at all.
seroma vs hematoma....interesting. I wouldn't have known the difference. Godd you had it taken care of.
Ball park and low sodium just don't go together, do they? Its hard to eat healthy all the time. That's the reason my diets always go down the drain...I just can't keep up with all the grocery shopping and planning ahead. The junk food readily available is so easy to fall back on. I'm sure my sodium intake is way high.
Glad you enjoyed the ball game. Take care.
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. Looks like the literal "bump" in the road is sticking around for a couple more days, bu ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. Looks like the literal "bump" in the road is sticking around for a couple more days, but not too worried about it.
It is impressive how much sodium exists in our meals. With fluid retention after the surgery, I've had to focus my attention to this detail for the first time in my life. But I do feel much better now that I am eating healthy!
On May 24, 2012...
Wow, sounds like you had a busy day, glad things are going so well for you! I had those ocular migraines too, but at the time didn't know what they were, so glad to see you posted something about them so others can be informed! Continuing to pray for you and your recovery, take it slow and listen to your body!! Rest often and walk often!
Holly P
Thomas Hunt Thnaks Holly! Got a full 6.5 hrs last night (2.5 + 3 + 1) last night so I feel great. Had a bit of a ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thnaks Holly! Got a full 6.5 hrs last night (2.5 + 3 + 1) last night so I feel great. Had a bit of a surprise yesterday but still doing well. Hope to be posting shortly. And thank you for the 1-mo update. I'm still depbating if I should order the recliner from R-A-C. We do have a lot of pillows, so still on the fence with this.
On May 24, 2012...
Hi Tom-
Glad to hear you are progressing well. The eye thing is pretty freaky, but glad to know this is normal so thanks for sharing. It doesn't sound as if you have much of an appetite back yet? I am not all that hungry today, but figure I better eat something yummy since I may not have a good meal for several days, if not a week.
Glad to hear the fluid retention is going in the right direction...down. I was told by the nurse at pre-op testing that although we gain after the surgery by the time my recovery is done I can expect to lose about 15 lbs. Good news for me, as that is just about what I want to lose, but not in this manner. Thanks for thinking of me in your post. Have a safe trip home and keep posting. Karen
Thomas Hunt Hey Karen. I'd say my apetite is not completely back, but close. I think all the pills (8 different ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Karen. I'd say my apetite is not completely back, but close. I think all the pills (8 different ones right now!) may be part of the reason.
Hope you get some sleep tonight and know you are in all of our prayers!
On May 24, 2012...
Thanks for the details, as usual. It helps.
I've learned from the valvereplacement.org Forum that occular migraines are VERY COMMON in people with valve problems, I've been having the occasional 'aura' events, like you described, since college in the late 60s. And these migraine events invariably last around 20 minutes. Apparently these events are harmless, except for the temporary blind spots associated with them that could be problematic while driving.
Hang there Tom!
Tom Smeal
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Glad to hear from someone else who has actually had them too. At the time I was very conc ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Glad to hear from someone else who has actually had them too. At the time I was very concerned. Will skim through the valvereplacement.org site again. I do vaguely recall reading about that symptom so glad you reminded me.
On May 24, 2012...
hi Thomas,
glad to hear you're doing well.
You do such a great job at depicting you're journey. I really appreciate that, it helps.
CC certainly is top notch.
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. :-) Probably too much trivial info, but I remember how some of the little things help ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. :-) Probably too much trivial info, but I remember how some of the little things helped me.
Keep strong Nancy!
On May 24, 2012...
Thomas - sorry we were not able to make a connection. My testing went all day from 9:00 am until after 4:00 - long and tiring day. Hubby did not think to check my emails, so did not read your response till this morning. Today I have the heart cath - not looking forward to it but it has to be done. Take care and have a safe trip back to Texas. Denise K
Thomas Hunt Hey Denise! No problem at all. I remember before our sugery I had no time to look around and say hi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Denise! No problem at all. I remember before our sugery I had no time to look around and say hi to Jack Teeft. There is just too much to do and too little time. Hope the heart cath went well for you today. Today was a whirlwhind for us with making it to the Indians game and a little bump in the road late afternoon. Hope to post an update shortly!
On May 23, 2012...
Tom
While I had a little bruising (mostly in the groin area from the heart lung machine incision) mine was not as severe as yours. Maybe the fact that mine was robotic and yours wasn't makes a difference.
Chris Hanson
Thomas Hunt Yeah, that could bery well be the reason. BTW, I developed a seroma today at the femoral incision ar ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Yeah, that could bery well be the reason. BTW, I developed a seroma today at the femoral incision area for heart bypas (left groin). WIll post about it later. Had it lanced and going in the morning to have it checked again. Would be interested to hear if you ever had that.
On May 23, 2012...
Awesome news...I am sure it feels good to be out of there, but strange at the same time.
Let me know how the ballgame goes, I am supposed to go on a river trip about 3 weeks after mine (although I might have to cut down on the beer this time).
Trent V
Thomas Hunt Hey Trent. The ballgame was good, although I was rooting for the away team and somehow the Indians be ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Trent. The ballgame was good, although I was rooting for the away team and somehow the Indians beat Verlander.
I'd be impressed if you can make a river trip in three weeks, but I guess it would depend on what kind (rafting, canoe, booze cruise) and if it s a smooth or rough river. Am starting to feel a bit more chest and shoulder pain, so not sure how it will be 2 weeks from now. As for the beer, I'd stick with hard liquor ;-)
On May 23, 2012...
Congrats on getting sprung! Are you really going to attempt the game????
Two days two go then it's my turn. Getting a lot of last minute things done today and tomorrow expecting a couple of friends to visit and then it's time to fix my valve.
Keep up the good work. Karen
Thomas Hunt Hey Karen! I know what its like to count down the hours. You will do great. Just keep in mid how all ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Karen! I know what its like to count down the hours. You will do great. Just keep in mid how all this will give you many happy energetic years with your family. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything!
On May 23, 2012...
Welcome to the "other side" Thomas! Isn't the view much better here? I, like you felt so "strange" leaving the hospital going over to the Guest House. I was on the verge of bawling, unable to explain why I was about to cry. I felt great, almost not believing that I had such a BIG surgery. I flew back to South Carolina the very next day. Recovery has been interesting, my biggest complaint was some shoulder/neck discomfort and a little scar sensitivity, but the shoulder discomfort disappeared a couple of weeks ago and my scar sensitivity is almost gone. I did develop a "summer cold" 2 weeks ago that turned quickly into bronchial pneumonia and it has been a bear. I just thank God it didn't come a couple of weeks earlier when sneezing was still an experience, lol. Other than that, I have had no issues. I will say, I did not look quite as "beaten up" as you, my mini sternotomy left no bruising from any site, so I'm thinking...maybe the mitral procedures are more complicated than the aortic replacement. Anyway...happy to hear you have been "sprung". Enjoy yourself while you are still there. Have fun at the ballgame and if you get a chance and have a taste for Italian food, I recommend a short trip to Little Italy.
Keep us posted on your progress!
Linda Dixon
AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Hunt Hi Linda! Yep, tons better. Great to read your observations above. Yes, that first trip across Euc ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Linda! Yep, tons better. Great to read your observations above. Yes, that first trip across Euclid is very weird; feels like you have a secret that nobody knows and I was more than happy to share with complete strangers.
I agree I am a bit beaten up. A few bumps in the road today (will hopefully post shortly) but alll in all very happy. The game was a great diversion. My family spent most fo their time in Little Italy the nights they were there. I had a chance to try Washington Place Bistro before surgery, but with the low sodium diet, I think pasta is out for me for the rest of the trip. :-)
On May 23, 2012...
Wow you're going home - that's great! You will be getting your final out patient discharge orders and I will be at CC just starting my pre-op testing today for my May 29th surgery. It would have been great to be able to meet you, but I will be up to my ears in testing this morning. Enjoy the game tomorrow - if Natasha gives you clearance that is - lol! Take care and God bless you as you continue your recovery. Denise K
Thomas Hunt Hey Denise! I will be at CCF this afternoon as well. Will be in CCF discharge meetings at 2 PM (J1), ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hey Denise! I will be at CCF this afternoon as well. Will be in CCF discharge meetings at 2 PM (J1), 2:45 (J4), and 4:30 (J6). I'll have some free time before and after, and have no family in town this afternoon. Let me know if you want to meet up. Might be able to give you a few tips (feels like I have been here for a month). Don't hesitate to contact me at tom8hunt@yahoo.com.
On May 22, 2012...
I just reread what I posted below. Let's try "Glad to hear" instead of "here". My mind is obviously someplace else.
Chris
Thomas Hunt haha...np. Here's a suggestion for Adam: Maybe add a spell checker :-) I am sure that's a lot to as ... Read more
Thomas Hunt haha...np. Here's a suggestion for Adam: Maybe add a spell checker :-) I am sure that's a lot to ask, codewise, but I am sure many would find it helpful. I typically write my posts in Word just to save time on correcting all my typos...
On May 22, 2012...
Tom,
Glad to here recovery is progressing. Seeing your pictures takes me back to 9 months ago. I've been trying to get myself ready for the next one (4 weeks away) but I find I'm much more nervous this time around.
If I remember correctly, Barb has her re-op in about 2 weeks. Hoping for a better outcome for us both this time around.
Congrats on being on the other side. Wishing you the best.
Chris Hanson
Thomas Hunt Thanks Chris! I can imagine I'd be more nervous the second time as well. I will be pulling for you bi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Chris! I can imagine I'd be more nervous the second time as well. I will be pulling for you big time. As you know, there is no guarantee mine won't fail and start to leak; the 3-month echo seems to be the likely indicator of success.
Wondering if on your first surgery you had similar bruising as I have, given your nearly identical situation (age, same method, same doctor). From others photos on HVJ, have never seen it as severe as mine. My leg is even more bruised today. Not too concerned because its temporary, but more curiuous.
On May 22, 2012...
I'm amazed at how in depth and technical your descriptions are, Tom. Very impressive that you remember so much detail. I'm sure it's helpful for other patients to know what to expect. And the pics are good too.
How are you getting home? Is someone traveling with you?
Very happy that you're doing so well - keep it up!
Chris Bates
Thomas Hunt Thanks Chris. It does take some time to rehash what occurred at the end of each day, especially with ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Chris. It does take some time to rehash what occurred at the end of each day, especially with interruptions (testing, vitals, spirometer, etc.), but doing this helps avoid watching TV and laying around. And after seeing all the others on HVJ put in the effort and helped me prepare for the surgery and recovery, feel like this was the least I could do.
I fly home Friday to Dallas, and thankfully my Dad will be in town to help with luggage. We will check my only bag. The only concern with flying is blood clots, so I'll wear compression socks and walk the aisle at least once an hour to minimize this.
On May 22, 2012...
Congrats on your continued recovery! Glad sinus rhythm has returned, hopefully for good. And thanks for sharing so many the details, I'm dutifully taking notes!
Nothing like some good hearted ribbing from your sister to get you to post pictures of your groin! :)
I'm not sure exactly what's "swelling", but being a guy, I'm surprised you can resist posting pictures! :)
Glad to hear you're back in sinus rhythm and ready to go home.
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thans Nancy! I should have been clearer...YOU will not have anything to worry about!
Thomas Hunt Thans Nancy! I should have been clearer...YOU will not have anything to worry about!
That's all I can say and my apologies for avoiding this subject like the plague :-)
On May 22, 2012...
Fantastic! Recovery is well on its way. Interesting details about weight gain and loss and gain again. I'm hoping to lose 5 lbs so I can qualify for the Tour DeFrance bike race....:)
Glad to see you are mobile and mentally alert. I guess the anesthesia drugs have worn off.
Thanks for posting so much detail because it means fewer surprises for the rest of us waiting our turn.
Tom Smeal
Thomas Hunt Appreciate the encouragement Tom and will look forweard to seeing you lead the Tour ;-) My research ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Appreciate the encouragement Tom and will look forweard to seeing you lead the Tour ;-) My research made me expect to gain about 10 pounds, so 13 was a little surprising. Glad to see the excess fluids are draining rapidly with the Lasix. Am also hoping to drop some weight from what I was at originally, but am sure that will include some muscle and depend on how well rehab goes.
On May 21, 2012...
Glad to hear your recovery has been on track. I think I may have a slight advantage now for the Christmas open mat/basement showdown!
Thomas Hunt We can make my right chest and your left foot off limits for the event. Lets keep that wrestling mat ... Read more
Thomas Hunt We can make my right chest and your left foot off limits for the event. Lets keep that wrestling match on the schedule for now ;-).
Hope you survived the weekend with the kids. You probably had it worse off than me. Take care and see you soon!
On May 21, 2012...
those bruises look tough, the pics of before and after are great, I tought about doing that but it's not the same when a female posts pics like that so I decided not to.
Blessings,
Patricia De Leon.
Thomas Hunt Yes, agreed it is much easier for us guys to show the before and after. Not sure if you have run acr ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Yes, agreed it is much easier for us guys to show the before and after. Not sure if you have run across them yet, but feel free to check out Travis Watson's journal; he has some interesting pics of right thoracotompy overall several months.
On May 21, 2012...
Hi Tommy.
This is your sissy, Hilary. I'm so glad I got to see you for these last few days after your surgery, and feel horribly guilty I couldn't stay longer. I just thought I would mention that I thought your bruising was particularly rough but I won't complain since the result is your heart being fixed. :)
And haha - Thought I'd also mention that I notice you didn't post the pics of the femoral artery bruising! Too shy, eh? As your sister, I feel compelled to urge you to reveal particularly uncomfortable and perhaps embarrassing things about yourself in public forums. And really, they're for educational purposes mostly. Small fringe benefit for your siblings that someone will inevitably put them on Facebook with clever captions.
Anyway, I hope that your recovery continues the way it's been going. I love you and miss you already. We will keep praying for you down here in south FL. Hugs and love from baby Mackenzie, Davis, Nathan and of course, Mike.
Thomas Hunt "Thanks sis! You were great here and the fact that you even made it for a couple days was a huge surp ... Read more
Thomas Hunt "Thanks sis! You were great here and the fact that you even made it for a couple days was a huge surprise.
The pic you were so much hoping for is now posted. If I see it on your facebook page there will be hell to pay! Say hi to Mike, Mackenzie, Nathan and Davis for us. We can't wait to see them this summer (hopefully)."
On May 21, 2012...
Good deal that things are going well, and good call on the pics.
Hoping things continue the same steady path to recovery.
I have spent the day submitting all of my disability claims for work, which will be another adventure in itself.
Trent V
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the note Trent! Insurance issues suck, but you will get through it. All is better by the d ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the note Trent! Insurance issues suck, but you will get through it. All is better by the day, with minor hiccups every few hours as expected. You will do great. Email if you need anything...tom8hunt@yahoo.com
On May 21, 2012...
Hi Tom,
Glad to read your recovery is going well and that they are taking such good care of you. I like the idea of the before/after photos. I will definitely plan to do that for my aortic aneurysm repair in July - probably more for my own fascination than my family and friends desire to see my blood and guts. ;)
Summer
Thomas Hunt Hi Summer. I know what you mean. My poor sister Allison had a tough time even seeing me with my shi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Summer. I know what you mean. My poor sister Allison had a tough time even seeing me with my shirt off. I think tracking the progress will help with recovery, as I will see the bruising and scarring digress and observe how my levels of exercise improve. FYI, I found Travis's journal and photos to be very helpful. Hoping to hear an update from him soon. In case you are interested, its: http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/user/traviswatson
On May 21, 2012...
Tom,
Very very glad to see you made it through your surgery and are doing so well. After you're all healed up, it'll be time to knock that Marathon off your list of life. Heal and be well my friend,
Ike
Thomas Hunt Agreed Ike. Am thinking about the Cleveland Marathon that coincidentally took place this past weekend ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Agreed Ike. Am thinking about the Cleveland Marathon that coincidentally took place this past weekend here. I actually watched some of the runners pass the hospital from my recovery room window. Thinking half marathon next year and full marathon in 2014. Let me know if you are in!
Thanks for the note and talk to you soon!
On May 21, 2012...
Ooooch....those bruises are intense.
I've got to get my surgery over and done with. I'm not sure how many more accounts I can read, yet I'm drawn to it and can't stay away. I know I can do it, I've done difficult things before and if everyone else can do it, so can I. Ugh.
Hope you are healing well and your ticker is ticking as it should. I can't imagine growing all that chest hair is going to be very comfortable! :)
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. For some reason I bruised a lot, more than others I have seen. I agree it looks much wo ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy. For some reason I bruised a lot, more than others I have seen. I agree it looks much worse than I expected. However the pain is less than I expected and there is not much pain at all near the incision. Majority of discomfort is when you are at the peak of breathing in, and of course when coughing....that can feel like being stabbed in the chest!
Hopefully those pics didn't scare you too much! But I believe its better to see how bad it could look and have an understanding of what to expect, than being shocked by it afterwards.
Good luck and prayers your way!
On May 20, 2012...
Thomas - we are glad that surgery is th past and you need relax and let your body heal itself. Your family around you and will continue to suppot you during your recovery . They need you very much! Hope to see you soon in Dallas!
Natasha Tartakovsky
Thomas Hunt Thanks Natasha! My wife and I are very grateful for your thoughts. Looking forward to a quick recov ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Natasha! My wife and I are very grateful for your thoughts. Looking forward to a quick recovery. See you soon in Dallas!
On May 20, 2012...
oh and good news they were able to repair. We too have decided that in the event they cannot repair mine we are opting for biological.
Karen
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen. Yes, we were very happy to get the repair and not a new valve. But even if you get a bi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen. Yes, we were very happy to get the repair and not a new valve. But even if you get a biological valve, Dr. Gillinov explained that within 10 yrs most of the reoperations will be done without surgery via intercannular methods.
As for the breathing tube, hope yours is a bit better than mine, but in the big picture it was only a couple of hours of discomfort!
On May 20, 2012...
Wow! Just catching up on Natasha's post of how she felt the day of surgery and now reading your side. Thanks for sharing all the details. The breathing tube is one thing that has me feeling uneasy.
Great pics as well!
Keep up the good work.
Karen
On May 20, 2012...
Glad it went well and they were able to repair your heart valve! Glad you are on your way back with recovery. I am sure you are estatic that it is over with. See you some time soon.
Melvin McNeal
Thomas Hunt Thank you Melvin for your prayers. They have been heard and all is going as well as expected now. Ta ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thank you Melvin for your prayers. They have been heard and all is going as well as expected now. Take care and talk to you soon.
Take care!
Holly P
Thanks for the note and take care yourself!