Greg's Journal

Jessica Smith  After being in relationship with Wilson for seven years,he broke up with me, I did everything possible to bring him back but all was in vain, I wanted him back ... Read more

Jessica Smith  After being in relationship with Wilson for seven years,he broke up with me, I did everything possible to bring him back but all was in vain, I wanted him back so much because of the love I have for him, I begged him with everything, I made promises but he refused. I explained my problem to someone online and she suggested that I should contact a spell caster that could help me cast a spell to bring him back but I am the type that don't believed in spell, I had no choice than to try it, I meant a spell caster called Dr Zuma zuk and I email him, and he told me there was no problem that everything will be okay before three days, that my ex will return to me before three days, he cast the spell and surprisingly in the second day, it was around 4pm. My ex called me, I was so surprised, I answered the call and all he said was that he was so sorry for everything that happened, that he wanted me to return to him, that he loves me so much. I was so happy and went to him, that was how we started living together happily again. Since then, I have made promise that anybody I know that have a relationship problem, I would be of help to such person by referring him or her to the only real and powerful spell caster who helped me with my own problem and who is different from all the fake ones out there. Anybody could need the help of the spell caster, his email: spiritualherbalisthealing@gmail.com or call him +2349055637784 you can email him if you need his assistance in your relationship or anything. CONTACT HIM NOW FOR SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR PROBLEMS'

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Greg, I'm having my first echo since surgery next week. I'm just over 6 months post op now. I also saw my cardiologist 2 weeks after surgery and this is ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Greg, I'm having my first echo since surgery next week. I'm just over 6 months post op now. I also saw my cardiologist 2 weeks after surgery and this is how he set my appt. up. I'll see him a week after my echo.

Nancy D  I had my first echo about a month post op due to some A-fib. I had another later on too, I think but can't remember the exact timing, but it was just before ... Read more

Nancy D  I had my first echo about a month post op due to some A-fib. I had another later on too, I think but can't remember the exact timing, but it was just before my 3 or 4 month post op check with the cardiologist. It was nice to hear that the valve was seated perfectly and functioning normally!! More clearance to move about my life confidently!!! ;-)

Cheryl Batzing  Greg, sounds like we're all over the board with echos after OHS. I had mine about 4 months afte, at a scheduled annual appointment. I told him I'd had a TEE ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Greg, sounds like we're all over the board with echos after OHS. I had mine about 4 months afte, at a scheduled annual appointment. I told him I'd had a TEE before leaving the hospital and he let let that suffice until then. But the new echo he said was a baseline now for my annual visits. Hope this info helps.

Tom Fitzmorris  Hi Greg. My AVR (porcine valve)was April 13 and I am going in for my post-surgery "baseline" echo on the 19th. I think that this is standard practice for my ... Read more

Tom Fitzmorris  Hi Greg. My AVR (porcine valve)was April 13 and I am going in for my post-surgery "baseline" echo on the 19th. I think that this is standard practice for my surgeon and cardiologist. I have had no afib or other complications. I will probably have an annual echo after this (knowing that in 15 or 20 years I will have to do this all over again; I'm 57 years old. Best, Tom

Tammi Gunwall  I would contact your Dr or INR nurse. You can't be too careful about the possibility of internal bleeding. I think any excessive bruising or bleeding at any ... Read more

Tammi Gunwall  I would contact your Dr or INR nurse. You can't be too careful about the possibility of internal bleeding. I think any excessive bruising or bleeding at any INR level should be examined by a proffesional to be safe. I am the same as you...at 14wks post op I'm still up and down with my INR. My body loves to stay nice and low/thick. I went from 1.6 to 3.4 in just 4 days once. Crazy! But my nurse reminds me each week to be sure to notify them if there is any significant bleeding or bruising. No matter what. I hope all turns out to be nothing for you Greg! Good luck.

Greg Johnson  Thanks and you are both right. I went to ER. The tested blood and stool. Signs of blood which mean internal bleeding. But hemoglobin is good -14. So does not ... Read more

Greg Johnson  Thanks and you are both right. I went to ER. The tested blood and stool. Signs of blood which mean internal bleeding. But hemoglobin is good -14. So does not indicate High levels of bleeding recommendation is to skip a dose of warfarin. I did and INR tested at 2.9 on Friday. I then went to 7.5 as a dose and will tast again on Monday.
They told me to watch for any additional sign and to get out of there.

  I was not put on any drugs after surgery, but I strongly believe there always side effects from drugs, and always best to investigate and let your doctor know ... Read more

  I was not put on any drugs after surgery, but I strongly believe there always side effects from drugs, and always best to investigate and let your doctor know right away. Open discussion is always good and helpful. Good luck. Part of the journey. I felt lightheaded and sometimes dizzy in my first month, without the meds you are on. I am sure you will hear from more people who can relate to what you are feeling. Hang in there.

Nancy D  I was still having up and down days then. Still have down days on occasion. The dizzy and weak was always when my b/p was too low which is why I came off ... Read more

Nancy D  I was still having up and down days then. Still have down days on occasion. The dizzy and weak was always when my b/p was too low which is why I came off the metoprolol early. I still have that on days I get behind on my water intake, or do too much. As long as your doctor knows about it, and you aren't in A-Fib things should straighten out. So it was normal for me. Might not be for everyone.

Pat Bluemel  Yep I had crappy days and dizzy spells when I stood up. Know that you are going to taper off the prednisone soon. Are you going to do cardiac rehab? I'd recommend ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Yep I had crappy days and dizzy spells when I stood up. Know that you are going to taper off the prednisone soon. Are you going to do cardiac rehab? I'd recommend it. It helped me with all those symptoms.

Greg Johnson  My cousin was having troubles last night with fluid around the heart but today is off the ventilator and looking better. That is great news. Hope the antibiotics ... Read more

Greg Johnson  My cousin was having troubles last night with fluid around the heart but today is off the ventilator and looking better. That is great news. Hope the antibiotics keep working and get him back to being in front of this thing. Thanks for all your support and prayers. It's not over yet but it's headed in the right direction.

Greg Johnson  He is now done with dialysis. They said the kidneys are doing fine they just needed some help with all the fluids. The decision is to treat the endocarditis ... Read more

Greg Johnson  He is now done with dialysis. They said the kidneys are doing fine they just needed some help with all the fluids. The decision is to treat the endocarditis with antibiotics only. The dr doesn't think it affected the new valve and that every thing should clear up with the antibiotics. So far so good.

Greg Johnson  Hello I'm sorry to report that my cousin, my hunting brother and now my heart bro has passed. He was released from Mayo but still had a pic line and was getting ... Read more

Greg Johnson  Hello I'm sorry to report that my cousin, my hunting brother and now my heart bro has passed. He was released from Mayo but still had a pic line and was getting antibiotics. We are not sure what happened. But all indications are that it was related to the infection after TAVR.

Lewis Garlisi  Sounds like the pace of your recovery is about right. It takes a lot of patience. For me, it took a while to get back to a somewhat normal sleep pattern - ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi  Sounds like the pace of your recovery is about right. It takes a lot of patience. For me, it took a while to get back to a somewhat normal sleep pattern - and to not try to do too much too fast. If you want to try something else to help you sleep, Ive had some success with melatonin.

Dan D.  I'm sorry you're still feeling pain, but at least you were able to sleep. I'm a terrible sleeper so concerned how that will be for me post-op. What pain meds ... Read more

Dan D.  I'm sorry you're still feeling pain, but at least you were able to sleep. I'm a terrible sleeper so concerned how that will be for me post-op. What pain meds are you taking? I keep seeing that post-op people want to get off pain medication quickly. Why is that? What's the down side? Fear of addiction? Anyway, it sounds like you're making a good come-back.

Greg Johnson  Dan. My surgeon was very clear about NOT getting off pain meds too quickly. He basically said you need them and if you try to cowboy through you can get behind ... Read more

Greg Johnson  Dan. My surgeon was very clear about NOT getting off pain meds too quickly. He basically said you need them and if you try to cowboy through you can get behind and then are playing catchup with the medication. The reason I want to get off them are: constipation as a side effect. And I want to feel ' normal ' again as soon as possible. The pain meds make me a little fuzzy and my wife says moody too. But I would not recommend prematurely stopping them. You will need to listen to your body.

Meredith Bray  My reasons were fear of addiction, and I wanted to get rid of "Fuzzy Head" as soon as possible. About 36 hours post op the nurses started asking me if I wanted ... Read more

Meredith Bray  My reasons were fear of addiction, and I wanted to get rid of "Fuzzy Head" as soon as possible. About 36 hours post op the nurses started asking me if I wanted pain meds. One RN suggested that I stay on them at least until the drain tubes were removed. At that point, the nurse told me if I wanted pain meds I had to ask for them. I simply never asked for them. I was on acetaminophen, that was enough for me. BUT everyone is different.

Barry Van Gemert  It might not fix things but it is guaranteed that you won't care anymore. Seriously, there is lots of nasty stuff posted about the effects of being on a heart-lung ... Read more

Barry Van Gemert  It might not fix things but it is guaranteed that you won't care anymore. Seriously, there is lots of nasty stuff posted about the effects of being on a heart-lung machine, but very little scientific evidence to back it up. Bottom line: once you are off pain meds you will get your normal life back. Best of luck.

Nancy D  I call it cardiac brain.....and Barry is correct, once off the pain meds it improves, but for me the real beginning to thinking better was getting my B/P up ... Read more

Nancy D  I call it cardiac brain.....and Barry is correct, once off the pain meds it improves, but for me the real beginning to thinking better was getting my B/P up above 80/40! I have to really push the water and add salt to my low salt normal. I found the easiest way to do that was V-8 juice, or powerade. I would hate to try to treat it with other meds, prescription or otherwise.

Robin- for me it was a fuzzy headed feeling, couldn't always come up with the correct word in a sentence or finish a thought process. I am better now, just the normal missing name or why I walked into a room....LOL

Greg Johnson  I think it is a range of post anesthesia / heart-lung machine symptoms that seem to follow surgery such as ours. It seems well studied and real but the actual ... Read more

Greg Johnson  I think it is a range of post anesthesia / heart-lung machine symptoms that seem to follow surgery such as ours. It seems well studied and real but the actual underlying causes do not seem well known. It manifests itself as a slight to moderate loss of cognitive functioning that over time seems to repair itself. Although this time can range wildly for different patients. I am not an expert on this topic just regurgitating info from Mayo and scientific American. But I seem to have some of the symptoms. Very hard for me to read a complicated paper or work report without a lot of stopping and thinking. It almost hurts to concentrate on anything too long. I used to hate daytime TV because it was so shallow and seemed like a waste of time. Now family feud is my friend and about all the mental effort I can muster.

Pat Bluemel  I had a bonafide case of pump head for about 4.5 weeks. Words on paper made no sense. My attention span was toast. It finally started letting go last week ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  I had a bonafide case of pump head for about 4.5 weeks. Words on paper made no sense. My attention span was toast. It finally started letting go last week I could feel it when I started to comprehend sentences without rereading them several times. Everyone is different for sure. My brain didn't like being on bypass and let me know for sure. I fear if I introduced Mary into the equation I'd be a zombie.

Dan D.  Pump-Head? I'm must have missed this in all my reading, but this is first time I've heard of this post-op malady. It sounds like something I already have and ... Read more

Dan D.  Pump-Head? I'm must have missed this in all my reading, but this is first time I've heard of this post-op malady. It sounds like something I already have and yet I haven't had surgery yet. Anyway, I like listening to music so hopefully that entertainment won't be limited by Pump-Head.

Pat Bluemel  Music and podcasts are good for pump head as they take little energy or brain strength to listen to. I tried to do cross words and read and it was impossible ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Music and podcasts are good for pump head as they take little energy or brain strength to listen to. I tried to do cross words and read and it was impossible I would just stare at the letters. As you can see from other posts some folks get it and some don't, it goes away eventually.

Greg Johnson  Thanks everyone! My pulse rate has gone from 110 to 75 over 2 days. Blood pressure has gone from 110/75 to 150/107 in the same time. Will get some answers from ... Read more

Greg Johnson  Thanks everyone! My pulse rate has gone from 110 to 75 over 2 days. Blood pressure has gone from 110/75 to 150/107 in the same time. Will get some answers from docs about this heart change tomorrow.

Janea Christensen  I have had your fluid problems and it certainly is no fun. I have had the fluid extraction as well. It doesn't feel better instantly....it takes time. But ... Read more

Janea Christensen  I have had your fluid problems and it certainly is no fun. I have had the fluid extraction as well. It doesn't feel better instantly....it takes time. But so much better to have help getting rid of that stuff then leave your body to do it on its own. Hope you are feeling better!

Greg Johnson  About 1 hour after the extraction I had severe side cramps and pain taking anything but a shallow breath. The Dr's said this is pleurisy and is simply my body ... Read more

Greg Johnson  About 1 hour after the extraction I had severe side cramps and pain taking anything but a shallow breath. The Dr's said this is pleurisy and is simply my body healing. She said this could TA ke a few. Days to weeks. It really makes walking and deep breathing almost impossible

Terrie Syvertsen  Greg-What I have read for months on this site is that when in doubt a cough is something your should mention to your doctor (as Mary said, too!)
Some medications ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Greg-What I have read for months on this site is that when in doubt a cough is something your should mention to your doctor (as Mary said, too!)
Some medications can bring on a non-productive irritating cough, the surgery and your body trying to get itself back on track, picking up one of the many viruses this year can also have a nasty cough but your medical team is the one best to answer so that if you need to be seen you take care of it sooner than later. Good luck and I hope you get rid of it!

Pat Bluemel  If you are referring to your photo of the bruise I wouldn't worry, my arm looked the same for three weeks I imagine you still have your heparin bruises? I ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  If you are referring to your photo of the bruise I wouldn't worry, my arm looked the same for three weeks I imagine you still have your heparin bruises? I saw my GP yesterday and they discovered a clot in my bruise on my arm. Just told me to put a heating pad on it to dissolve. Their likely going to tell you are low on iron too.

LaDonna Mangile  My bruises always last a long time especially from IV and puncture sites. Expect purple, green and yellow tint. If not red, hot, increase in new redness or ... Read more

LaDonna Mangile  My bruises always last a long time especially from IV and puncture sites. Expect purple, green and yellow tint. If not red, hot, increase in new redness or pain or streaked....they are absorbing and your doing fine.

Pat Bluemel  Ha! I've pondered this very thing a lot and tried. I tried at 3 weeks and it was just ok, though I did get a headache after, which friends warned me about. ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Ha! I've pondered this very thing a lot and tried. I tried at 3 weeks and it was just ok, though I did get a headache after, which friends warned me about. I'll try again here in a while and see how it goes.

Jim Kelly-Evans  My discharge instructions prohibit alcohol presumably due to being on anti-coagulation therapy (warfarin.) However, I am enjoying 6 oz. of wine a day. Like ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans  My discharge instructions prohibit alcohol presumably due to being on anti-coagulation therapy (warfarin.) However, I am enjoying 6 oz. of wine a day. Like everything else, the key to warfarin is consistency...no binge drinking but a glass of wine a day is not going to upset things much.

Kathleen F.  I had asked my discharge nurse about alcohol and she said not for a month. I happened to mention this to my surgeon's nurse practitioner a few weeks later ... Read more

Kathleen F.  I had asked my discharge nurse about alcohol and she said not for a month. I happened to mention this to my surgeon's nurse practitioner a few weeks later and she said she wasn't aware of any reason not to have wine or alcohol. Another example of the value of getting a second opinion! My understanding is alcohol may raise blood pressure a bit, if that's an issue.

Duane Beeman  I say drink the wine and don't worry about it. It reminds me of the old joke where the doctor tells the patient, "no drinking, smoking or sex for you anymore". ... Read more

Duane Beeman  I say drink the wine and don't worry about it. It reminds me of the old joke where the doctor tells the patient, "no drinking, smoking or sex for you anymore". The patient says, "will that make me live longer, doc"? The doctor replies, " No, but it will sure seem like a lot longer".

joni moore  Greg--the recliner is your best friend right now. I am also a terrible sleeper, I only get 6-7 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period, but thats better than before ... Read more

joni moore  Greg--the recliner is your best friend right now. I am also a terrible sleeper, I only get 6-7 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period, but thats better than before surgery! I feel like rest is almost as good as sleep,I am healing in the rest mode. I chart everything, and write down all my concerns, no matter how silly they seem. You are on the right track, soon little miracles start to happen, and every day you get stronger!
this is your time to chill, and the whole world gives you permission to do so....how often will THAT happen in your life? So rest , and heal, and feel good about it.
coumidun-such a confusing drug for me to figure out and balance my diet. I found a very informative and simplistic website about this, if you are interested i will send it to you.
Have a peaceful day, greg! Many prayers are with you!

Pam Driggs  HI Greg.......I also wake up every night around 2:00 and am up for a few hours. The doctor told me to take Benadryl. I did the other night and did not like ... Read more

Pam Driggs  HI Greg.......I also wake up every night around 2:00 and am up for a few hours. The doctor told me to take Benadryl. I did the other night and did not like how I felt when I woke up.
I also can feel my heart thumping if I lay on my side and when I breathe. I asked the surgeon about it and he said that the sack around the heart has been opened and that is why I can feel it so much now. He said it will settle down. I think he called it "cardiac awareness".

Dan Crogan  Greg, I got off of pain meds pretty quickly, too, but couldn't sleep well either. One of my nurses recommended I only take the pain meds at bedtime. I went ... Read more

Dan Crogan  Greg, I got off of pain meds pretty quickly, too, but couldn't sleep well either. One of my nurses recommended I only take the pain meds at bedtime. I went back to that and slept great. Eventually, I weaned myself off that, too, but no rush. Good luck, bud.

David Brunkhorst  Greg, I am 9 months post AVR and hemi-arch rebuild. My valve is an On-Ex. It clicks. I know exactly what you mean when you say you can feel your heart pounding, ... Read more

David Brunkhorst  Greg, I am 9 months post AVR and hemi-arch rebuild. My valve is an On-Ex. It clicks. I know exactly what you mean when you say you can feel your heart pounding, especially when you take a deep breath. I still have that sensation. I am pretty broad chested, not sure if that has anything to do with it or not. Hard for others to understand this phenom. My pro-time is supposed to be 2-3. its not difficult to maintain that. I enjoy a cold beer or two with little to no effect. It gets easier, trust me.

Greg Johnson  Hey, thanks everyone for the support. It is an interesting road this recovery phase, sometimes seems like no trouble and at others seems to wander off to nowhere. ... Read more

Greg Johnson  Hey, thanks everyone for the support. It is an interesting road this recovery phase, sometimes seems like no trouble and at others seems to wander off to nowhere. But this site is really good at allowing one to ask questions, help others and generally feel part of something (other than an avid follower of Hot Bench and Judge Judy)

Greg Johnson  I finally did get some from the cardiologists. They said that the CPAP machine was probably beneficial because it would force some air into lung areas that ... Read more

Greg Johnson  I finally did get some from the cardiologists. They said that the CPAP machine was probably beneficial because it would force some air into lung areas that might not otherwise get enough. So I have been using it at night and during longer naps. Really helps my 02 levels too.

Janet R  Hi Greg, you have one of the best surgeons with Dr. Patrick McCarthy
at Northwestern. They call him "The Valve Guy". I am now 25 days out from my mitral ... Read more

Janet R  Hi Greg, you have one of the best surgeons with Dr. Patrick McCarthy
at Northwestern. They call him "The Valve Guy". I am now 25 days out from my mitral valve repair surgery with Dr. McCarthy. You are in good hands. Prayers to you for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.