Ihn Kim - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3866 days ago

Kimberly Biddick, Elaine Cutri, Kelly Weisgarber and 4 others reacted to this

Heard I'll be discharged tomorrow. You guys are awesome, sorry for not being able to post earlier. Everything you said helped me get me through this. I know ...Read more

Heard I'll be discharged tomorrow. You guys are awesome, sorry for not being able to post earlier. Everything you said helped me get me through this. I know this is just another start again, and I'm sure I'll get through it too. More later.. Ihn

Doran Herritt Ihn, great to hear. I missed this post but came back through as I wanted to see how you fared. Looks ... Read more

Doran Herritt Ihn, great to hear. I missed this post but came back through as I wanted to see how you fared. Looks like you got discharged same day as me. I am glad things are going well. I feel especially connected to you as we had surgery same day. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Drn

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3875 days ago

Elaine Cutri, John Noriega, Nancy D reacted to this

My wife and I took a camp at Cleveland and getting ready for pre-op tomorrow. Went to Little Italy for lunch and took a quick tour around the hospital. Liked ...Read more

My wife and I took a camp at Cleveland and getting ready for pre-op tomorrow. Went to Little Italy for lunch and took a quick tour around the hospital. Liked the calming music constantly flowing in the background. Glad to have met some other heart patient's caregivers and exchange info around CC. So how am I feeling as the surgery date coming up? Honestly not too fearful or apprehensive, but rather confident that this is the right time, right place, and right experts to perform this surgery. I place all that into the God's hands now and am at peace with it.

Elaine Cutri Good for you! Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Like you, I live in CA. I w ... Read more

Elaine Cutri Good for you! Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Like you, I live in CA. I was not in a hurry to fly back home the day after discharge (they may assume that). If you can, you might feel better waiting until after your first discharge followup appointment. You'll have a little more strength and confidence that you're in good shape for the trip home. The CC concierge desk was really helpful. I used their limousine service and wheel chair from the airport curb to the airplane. I was quite able to walk, but I didn't want to use up all my energy for that part of the trip. I also didn't want someone knocking me over. It just felt safer. Also save some pain meds for the day of the trip. Keep us posted!

Ruth Reshad Hello Ihn. You and I are having pre-op tomorrow but my surgery is Tues. at Cleve. Clinic. Many blessi ... Read more

Ruth Reshad Hello Ihn. You and I are having pre-op tomorrow but my surgery is Tues. at Cleve. Clinic. Many blessings to you and your family. Glad you went to Little Italy! We may run into each other tomorrow and not even know it!

Doran Herritt Ihn, still thinking and praying for you. Feel the same way as you. Confident in the crew and god's wi ... Read more

Doran Herritt Ihn, still thinking and praying for you. Feel the same way as you. Confident in the crew and god's will. I'm not at the hospital yet. Had my pre op visit a week ago. Surgery wed. The visit made me even more confident. Best wishes. And I'll try to post wed. I hope I hear from you too.

Ihn Kim Thank you Elaine for your kind wishes and tips! I'll definitely inquire what their concierge service ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thank you Elaine for your kind wishes and tips! I'll definitely inquire what their concierge service can do. I wish you steady recovery too.

Ihn Kim Hi Ruth, my check-in time tomorrow is 7:45am and looks like I have pretty tight schedule until ~3:00p ... Read more

Ihn Kim Hi Ruth, my check-in time tomorrow is 7:45am and looks like I have pretty tight schedule until ~3:00pm. My wife and I also hope to have chance to say good wishes for you in person tomorrow. Even if we don't meet tomorrow, I'll think of you and pray for you on your surgery date.

Ihn Kim Hi Doran, thanks for your kind words and prayers. I also wish you the best on your surgery and send p ... Read more

Ihn Kim Hi Doran, thanks for your kind words and prayers. I also wish you the best on your surgery and send prayers for your quick recovery!

Kimberly Biddick Best wishes to you! I will be praying for you, your doctors and your family.

Steven A Husted yes prayers for your surgery and recovery to go well your heart brother steve (popeye)

Jack Aubele Good luck to you, Ihn! Who is your Doctor at CC?

Betsey Osgood That's the best attitude you can have! I had complete acceptance and peace a few days before my surg ... Read more

Betsey Osgood That's the best attitude you can have! I had complete acceptance and peace a few days before my surgery and it makes such a difference. I'm 23 days post op and doing well! Walking 2 miles and feeling good. We'll all be thinking of you on Wednesday!

John Noriega Be praying for you and your surgical team Ihn. Perhaps when you get home & are recuperating we might ... Read more

John Noriega Be praying for you and your surgical team Ihn. Perhaps when you get home & are recuperating we might get together. Let me know what works for you. Onward & Upward!

Michael Bowes Prayers definitely will be said for you today, may you have a peaceful surgery and a restful recovery ... Read more

Michael Bowes Prayers definitely will be said for you today, may you have a peaceful surgery and a restful recovery.

Christine Oliva Good luck with your surgery and recovery without too many bumps. Blessings from our house to your's.

Alma Mater Praying that your recovery is going well!

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3880 days ago

Kelly Weisgarber, Connie Groven, Ruth Reshad reacted to this

Got a "pre-admission" call from CC, and my name's on the "upcoming surgery" board. Oh well.. I found there are "Acceptance" stage after the "Planning" stage ...Read more

Got a "pre-admission" call from CC, and my name's on the "upcoming surgery" board. Oh well.. I found there are "Acceptance" stage after the "Planning" stage which is after the "Panic" stage. Prayers for all of those with upcoming surgery.

Jacqueline Cook Ihn. Sending thoughts and prayers as you move closer to your surgery date. Your heart sister, Jacquel ... Read more

Jacqueline Cook Ihn. Sending thoughts and prayers as you move closer to your surgery date. Your heart sister, Jacqueline

Jean Raber Prayers for you, too, Ihn.

Ihn Kim Thanks Jacqueline an Jean for your prayers. I wish you the best too!

Lisa Heinen Thought and Prayers - put it in God's hands - he will guide the surgeon's hands and you will soon be ... Read more

Lisa Heinen Thought and Prayers - put it in God's hands - he will guide the surgeon's hands and you will soon be on the recovery side as well.

Doran Herritt I'm gonna try one last time.....my prior two didn't show.

Looks like we have the same day! I can't ... Read more

Doran Herritt I'm gonna try one last time.....my prior two didn't show.

Looks like we have the same day! I can't agree with you more on the stages. I would add one....anticipation. I'm ready to get this over with and get on with living.

Best of luck. I'll be praying for us both.

Drn

Ihn Kim Thank you Lisa for your prayers and kind wishes. I pray for your steady and uneventful recovery!

Ihn Kim Thanks Doran for your kind wishes and you are absolutely right that we both are ready to get back on ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thanks Doran for your kind wishes and you are absolutely right that we both are ready to get back on to our living! I'll be praying for you too!

Liz Burroughs Ihn & Doran, my thoughts & prayers will be with you on your surgery day.

Ihn Kim Thank you Liz, I wish you the best on your upcoming surgery too!

Liz Burroughs Thank you, Ihn!

W. Carter No good reasons to panic, everything will go great and you will be better than ever after getting the ... Read more

W. Carter No good reasons to panic, everything will go great and you will be better than ever after getting the ticker fixed. God bless you.

Mindy Currence Inh,

I wish you the very best! You can do this! Just imagine how great you will feel when you are ... Read more

Mindy Currence Inh,

I wish you the very best! You can do this! Just imagine how great you will feel when you are done! :) Thinking of you!

Mindy

Ihn Kim Thank you W. Carter and Mindy for your kind words!

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3884 days ago

Decided to use up some of my vacation time before starting the scheduled medical leave. Cannot concentrate on my work anyway. Feeling odd not being able to ...Read more

Decided to use up some of my vacation time before starting the scheduled medical leave. Cannot concentrate on my work anyway. Feeling odd not being able to tell the definitive return date now. I told them It'll depend on the speed of my recovery. Now I got whole week before I fly into Cleveland. Planning to walk about 5 miles everyday, and also thinking about what should I bring to the remote hospital.

Kenny Knox You're in great hands at the CC, Ihn. The step down rooms are very nice and accommodating for family ... Read more

Kenny Knox You're in great hands at the CC, Ihn. The step down rooms are very nice and accommodating for family members staying over. I'd definitely try to check out the rooftop deck if your docs approve - may want to have a light jacket with you in case it's windy. Good luck with the surgery and recovery!

Elaine Cutri Hi Ihn, I spent a few weeks at the CC in May/June of this year. Bring comfy sweat type clothes that c ... Read more

Elaine Cutri Hi Ihn, I spent a few weeks at the CC in May/June of this year. Bring comfy sweat type clothes that can be layered. Zip open is easier to get on and off. A soft scarf was nice with a jacket in the breeze. You don't need a lot of things. As Kenny mentioned, the private step down room has a fold out futon. My husband stayed on the futon a few nights. The nurses are very helpful, smart and caring. The roof top terrace is nice (indoor/outdoor area). When I wasn't in the hospital, I stayed at the Intercontinental Suites on the CC campus (there are 2 ICH locations on campus). They have laundry facilities. They are use to seeing guests from CC. Best wishes.

Ihn Kim Thanks Kenny and Elaine for your tips and kind wishes. I really want to get this over already, but th ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thanks Kenny and Elaine for your tips and kind wishes. I really want to get this over already, but there are times that some serious emotional rollercoaster kicks in as the surgery date is coming up quickly. Try to be stay calm and get ready both physically and emotionally as much as I can. I found light walking helps me a lot. I know anyone who have upcoming surgery date will understand what I mean. Praying those of us who are facing this right now can find faith in God, and those who already had their surgery done will recover steady and strong.

Mary K Hi. You will be going to a terrific place. Frankly, you will not need much while you are there. The g ... Read more

Mary K Hi. You will be going to a terrific place. Frankly, you will not need much while you are there. The gowns are full coverage, thy wrap all the way aroud, but you may want some pj pants or boxers. If you wear slippers you may want them, otherwise they have rubber soled soks to wear. I was wishing that I had made a Playlist because I did not have the concentration to find my favorite music. The food is not great, there are snacks in the coffee room that your caregiver or a nurse can bring you,, graham crackers, pudding, etc. Yes, the nursing staff is fabulous. Stay ahead of any pain that you have with drugs, this is not a time for heroics. and you can stay comforatable. It is your right as a patient. All the best to you. This too shall pass.

Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Ihn. God bless you!

Ihn Kim Thanks Mary and Tammy! The most hard thing for me is accepting that I have no control over anything o ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thanks Mary and Tammy! The most hard thing for me is accepting that I have no control over anything on this right now. It's really odd feeling for a rather young, control-freak male heart patient like myself. I hope this isn't the beginning of "cardiac blues" people talk about, I'm pre-op yet! But I have to admit, I'm a little bit down and anxious as the date comes up. At the same time, I know it's normal and expected to feel like this and yes, this too shall pass. Thanks for you prayers and kind wishes.

Kelly Weisgarber Good luck Ihn. I'll be shortly after you, November 16th with Dr Svensson. I'll be anxious to hear all ... Read more

Kelly Weisgarber Good luck Ihn. I'll be shortly after you, November 16th with Dr Svensson. I'll be anxious to hear all about your experience. Sending prayers.

Ihn Kim Thanks Kelly, I wish you the best too on your upcoming surgery. I know you've met Dr. Svensson severa ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thanks Kelly, I wish you the best too on your upcoming surgery. I know you've met Dr. Svensson several times already, so you might know him better than me. Somehow I have good confidence in him and with him in the OR we won't need much luck hopefully.

Kelly Weisgarber Actually only met him once so far, in May, and I'll talk with him again the 12th of November when I'm ... Read more

Kelly Weisgarber Actually only met him once so far, in May, and I'll talk with him again the 12th of November when I'm there for pre op tests. Everyone says he's great and we are in good hands. We have to trust that!

Jeff V. Ihn, I had MV repair at CC in Dec. Check out my journal for more info. if you like and let me know i ... Read more

Jeff V. Ihn, I had MV repair at CC in Dec. Check out my journal for more info. if you like and let me know if you have any questions! Jeff

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3893 days ago

After so much hesitation, I have my dentist pull out the one that felt somewhat odd for a long time. Both the dentist and I was not sure if there was crack ...Read more

After so much hesitation, I have my dentist pull out the one that felt somewhat odd for a long time. Both the dentist and I was not sure if there was crack in the root of that one, but turns out to be a good decision after all. The extraction process was a breeze. I asked the dentist "Did you take it out already?" after it's all done. I didn't feel a thing. Now I'm very keen to see how the healing process of this small incision go.

Mary K Please tell your surgeon that you had this done. He may want to know.

Ihn Kim I'll definitely let them know. Thanks Mary!

Meredith Bray I think I have a root crack as well. My dentist wants to avoid an extraction, so he drilled it out, p ... Read more

Meredith Bray I think I have a root crack as well. My dentist wants to avoid an extraction, so he drilled it out, packed with medication, and told me to come back in 3 weeks. I find out tomorrow if we're going to pull it or not.

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3894 days ago

Kim Fisher Wayland, Billy G, Alma Mater and 1 other reacted to this

Got a call from CC today saying that I got the insurance approval. It was a machine voice from some kind of automatic message playback. I feel one more step ...Read more

Got a call from CC today saying that I got the insurance approval. It was a machine voice from some kind of automatic message playback. I feel one more step closer to the heart refurbishing factory. Yikes!

Mary K Congratulations, you are on your way. My experience at CC was thst the registration was sometimes a b ... Read more

Mary K Congratulations, you are on your way. My experience at CC was thst the registration was sometimes a bit bumpy, non-native speakers and some repetition, but once I made it through that, the medical part is breathtakingly competent.

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3902 days ago

Bought a used treadmill last weekend. It rains quite a often here in northern California during winter season, so thought I might do the walking on it if it ...Read more

Bought a used treadmill last weekend. It rains quite a often here in northern California during winter season, so thought I might do the walking on it if it rains outside. Told the work already, and will apply for SDI benefit this week. Hotels done, but Flights to CC still needs to be arranged. Also need to arrange recliner rental. Flu shot done today. Lots of things to take care, including my son's SAT exam on 10/3. Trying hard to focus on post-op recuperation, and not dwell on anxiety. Best wishes to all who are recovering and also waiting for upcoming surgery!

Shirley Turner It is good to get yourself organized It will give you something to focus on. Hugs Shirley

Mary K Walking will be your friend after surgery. One receives an exercise plan at CCF to follow at home. By ... Read more

Mary K Walking will be your friend after surgery. One receives an exercise plan at CCF to follow at home. By the way, do not expect to see too much of Dr. Svensson after surgery. He makes two or three minute cameo appearances with his team. His PA ' s do most of the post op care. They are very good.

Kenny Knox Agree with all Mary said. The take home exercise plan is great. Get Dr. Svensson's autograph while ... Read more

Kenny Knox Agree with all Mary said. The take home exercise plan is great. Get Dr. Svensson's autograph while you can. He is a very in demand guy. Rest easy, you'll do great!

Elaine Cutri The treadmill is a good idea. That is my primary equipment for my cardio rehab program beside walking ... Read more

Elaine Cutri The treadmill is a good idea. That is my primary equipment for my cardio rehab program beside walking.
I'll be thinking of you. You are having a similar surgery that I had at CCF. I had Dr. Roselli and did not see him very much, but I'm so glad I had him in the operating room. His team did the rest and I felt that I was in very capable hands.

Tammy Pilcher Sounds like you've done everything you can to be ready, Ihn. Great planning and I agree with everyon ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Sounds like you've done everything you can to be ready, Ihn. Great planning and I agree with everyone about the walking! Prayers for your surgery and recovery to go perfectly. God bless!

Ihn Kim Thank you so much for all your tips, support and good wishes.

John Noriega I joined Fitness 19 on Lichen near Raleys on Antelope Road. Great facility...good equipment...you mig ... Read more

John Noriega I joined Fitness 19 on Lichen near Raleys on Antelope Road. Great facility...good equipment...you might take a look at it. Tell them I referred you. Onward & Upward.

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3906 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Not with a very solid conclusion, but FYI. Thought somebody here may be interested to know. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/02/27/getting-teeth-pulled-before-heart-surgery-may-pose-serious-risks ...Read more

Getting Teeth Pulled Before Heart Surgery May Pose Serious Risks

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2014/02/27/getting-teeth-pulled-before-heart-surgery-may-pose-serious-risks

Study found 8 percent of those who did suffered a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or death

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3945 days ago

joan duncan reacted to this

Hi, I have questions to those of you who had diagnosed with aortic root dilation and aneurysm.. When did you decide it's time for surgery, especially when ...Read more

Hi, I have questions to those of you who had diagnosed with aortic root dilation and aneurysm.. When did you decide it's time for surgery, especially when there's little (or no) symptom? Thanks, Ihn

Adam Pick Hi Ihn, Nice to meet you. Here's a free eBook all about timing surgery. Maybe it can help you? http:/ ... Read more

Adam Pick Hi Ihn, Nice to meet you. Here's a free eBook all about timing surgery. Maybe it can help you? https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2014/11/17/ebook-timing-heart-valve-surgery-webinar/

Free eBook: Download “Timing Heart Valve Surgery” by Dr. McCarthy, Dr. Bonow & Me

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2014/11/17/ebook-timing-heart-valve-surgery-webinar/

Amazing!!! Last week, over 150 patients connected live during our special webinar, "Timing Heart Valve Surgery", with Dr. McCarthy, Dr. Bonow and myself. In

Adam Pick Also, here's another free eBook about the latest advances in aortic valve and aneurysm surgery. I hop ... Read more

Adam Pick Also, here's another free eBook about the latest advances in aortic valve and aneurysm surgery. I hope that helps. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2014/07/18/ebook-advances-in-aortic-valve-aneurysm-surgery/

Free eBook: Download “Advances in Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Surgery” by Dr. Allan Stewart & Me

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2014/07/18/ebook-advances-in-aortic-valve-aneurysm-surgery/

Great news!!! Yesterday, we had an extraordinary webinar with Dr. Allan Stewart about the newest surgical techniques and minimally invasive medical devices f

Adam Pick And lastly... Here's two patient success stories to inspire you. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L ... Read more

Adam Pick And lastly... Here's two patient success stories to inspire you. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFqrvLdyUik

Aortic Valve & Aneurysm Patient Success Stories: Christine & Pedro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFqrvLdyUik

http://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - Watch the inspirational patient success stories of Christine Pittelli and Pedro Mejias who had successful aortic valve a...

Adam, thank you for the links. Just what I needed.

Adam Pick :)

Gerald Schaffer For me its been shortness of breath that can't be attributed to anything else. Otherwise I feel fine. ... Read more

Gerald Schaffer For me its been shortness of breath that can't be attributed to anything else. Otherwise I feel fine. I did think I would be worse off when the doctors said it was time to do my replacement surgery which is scheduled August 26.

Pat Bluemel I listened to the webinar today. I hadn't seen this before. I am 100% sure I made the right choice ... Read more

Pat Bluemel I listened to the webinar today. I hadn't seen this before. I am 100% sure I made the right choice for me with the trifecta valve. Thanks Adam!

Ihn Kim Thanks Adam for great information, particularly I liked the patient success story. I know you may hav ... Read more

Ihn Kim Thanks Adam for great information, particularly I liked the patient success story. I know you may have heard this too many times already, but I thank you for making this great community.

Ihn Kimposted a journal

3966 days ago

Hi heart brothers and sisters, If you got (modified) David Procedure (valve saving aortic root reconstruction.. I think) for your aortic aneurysm in the ...Read more

Hi heart brothers and sisters, If you got (modified) David Procedure (valve saving aortic root reconstruction.. I think) for your aortic aneurysm in the past, how big was your incision and how long did it take to go back to work after the surgery? I think I've passed the panic stage and going through the planning stage now, and thought to ask people who might have gone through something similar to what I will be facing soon. Thanks in advance for your comments. God bless us all.

Daniel Spurgeon Hi Ihm,

I had the David valve sparing procedure almost a year ago. I went back to work part time ... Read more

Daniel Spurgeon Hi Ihm,

I had the David valve sparing procedure almost a year ago. I went back to work part time approximately a week after the surgery and was full time ten days after that. My job is not physically demanding, and I will admit I did not have my medical providers' approval to return so quickly. But I also obeyed all the lifting and activity restrictions. My scar is about 8 inches long.

Ihn Kim Wow.. I've been doing some research but never heard of a case like you! You must have been very healt ... Read more

Ihn Kim Wow.. I've been doing some research but never heard of a case like you! You must have been very healthy and there must have been no complications at all. I do envy you, and hopefully I'll follow your path. Thanks for your comment, it is very encouraging.

Mary K Dr. Svensson did my aortic valve replacement on June 19, 2015 with a three inch mini sternotomy. ..No ... Read more

Mary K Dr. Svensson did my aortic valve replacement on June 19, 2015 with a three inch mini sternotomy. ..Now three months later I still have fluid in my lung from the procedure, and have persistent preventricular contractions. There is wide variability in recuperation times.