Herman's Posts

I am doing GREAT! Aortic valve replacement surgery on Sept 13, 2019 at age 55. Since the surgery (& cardiac rehab) I managed to lose 55lbs. It's a lot easier to run, step, and cycle without having to catch my breath every 2 minutes. Happy to answer any questions on FB. Adam and HeartValveSurgery.com are The BEST. Regards, Hermanzo

My story begins on July 11, 2019 when I received the surprise diagnosis of severe AVR. September 13, 2019, the day of my aortic valve replacement surgery -- my story's climax. It was a fascinating experience. I recall being wheeled into the OR, I saw my surgeon and his team on one side of the room. I observed a lot of complex equipment and I asked about the Heart & Lung Machine and I was told that this machine is wheeled in later. I was transferred onto the operating table and the anesthesiologist said I am going to have you breath in some oxygen and here comes the (I forget what he said). I felt a cold sensation around the back of my head. I think I may have attempted to count backwards and reached "94". The next thing I remember is waking up with a tube in my throat doing my breathing. For a second or two, I then recalled what I was waking from and where. I don't recall immediately seeing anything but, I recall hearing something about the breathing tube and something about " Acidosis". The next memory was someone saying, Mr. Kanter give us one cough and I felt the removal of the breathing tube. I was expecting to awake to a lot of discomfort but, it was alright. The people were great! I kinda took the whole thing in stride and made it a lifetime educational experience.