Jane's Journal

Phyllis Petersen  Sorry you've had a set back, but glad that you seem to be progressing. Listen to your body with regards to the pain medicine. As long as you're honest with your doctors, they can advise you when to taper. Good luck with going home tomorrow!

Amy Steele  You'll get there. Remember to take things one step and one day at a time. (That was as much a reminder for me as you..) you will continue to be in my prayers.

Phyllis Petersen  Enjoy the beautiful weather! There's nothing like the beach to give that sense of calm you so need going into surgery. Pretty soon you'll be back at the beach with all this behind you.

Amy Steele  Jane - Relax and enjoy yourself over the next couple of days. We're in a different time zone, so you'll probably be almost finished with your surgery when I go in at 8am local time on Monday. I'll be praying for you while I wait!

Nancy Lewis  Congratulations Jane. Your beautiful attitude will carry right through the hard parts. I felt that the moment we crossed the threshold of the U o M Hospital I had done my homework, I had informed myself on the staff, I was so ready to be in there and out. I went in Thurs, out Sun. Day 8, things are looking good. You will be back in the beach chair soon. Nancy

Joshua Trimberger  I had depression and anxiety for a 3-4 weeks where it would just suddenly hit for no reason for a few hours. so I had the doctor prescribe ativan for those attacks and it kicks in, in 20-30min and lasts for 6ish hours and it helped to get me out of those moods rather quickly. In the grand scheme of things being depressed after surgery shouldn't be a big concern. It sucks at the time, but it gets better with time but If it happens get it treated. There are several means like meditation, medication, or therapy that can be used to treat it. The depression and anxiety will get better (if it even happens to you)...your heart won't if you don't get it treated. As my surgeon said on our first consultation. Right now you feel terrible and thats the best you'll ever feel before surgery as your heart will only get worse until you get it fixed and then you will eventually feel great again.

Steve Wykstra  You are a very *youthful* 70, dear woman! I hope you have decades more of adventurous living.
I think I was the guy whose report you referred to--a kind of temporary pump-head episode. I read about pump-head too, and brought along a computer to play internet chess on, to see if I was about the same level. THere are always a few horror stories about cognitive decline, but must cognitive impairment is very transient, and all the new work on neuroplasticity shows the brain has an amazing ability to repair itself even after rather severe damage--which pump-head is not, typically, by my recollection. Post-op depression is fairly common, but it too is more an acute temporary phenomenon, not a beginning of chronic depression. So I encourage you to consider both things just possibilities that could be part of your adventure. Heck, there's a great life-affirming book by a woman brain scientist who had a *very* serious stroke, which describes her adventure of learning how severe cognitive impairment of some functions went along with amazing enhancement of others. (My Stroke of Insight, by Jill Bolte Taylor. New York Times best-seller.)

Struggling with the possible repercussions of surgery is an important part of the decision process. Due to early sudden deaths in my own family, I really was not sure I would make it, and went through some preemptive "grieving" (I was probably the guy who led another guy to say this site made him incredibly sad, and he was getting off it. Sorry about that!) But at 67 myself, I was in no way ready to let nature take its course. My heart had remodeled to a bad aortic valve all it could, and the next stage would be irreversible damage, sliding into a floppy-soggy boot heart that would be a really bad way to end. I'd rather go out on the table! ; )
I am just way over-the-top wordy, as usual.
Choose life--always!

Darlene Smith  I've heard of it but recent literature points to heart disease and not the heart lung machine. I was concerned at first, but pretty much forgot about it. I think folks can have anything and everything after this type of surgery.

Jane Buttram  Thank you Steve. I needed to hear your assessment of the situation and I also needed to hear "choose life--always".

Kathleen F.  I agree with Darlene. I also read, and my doctors told me, the evidence is now showing this condition is associated with the individual, and his/her medical condition, and not the heart-lung machine. I was concerned about this too. I had to choose between a shorter aortic valve replacement surgery with only about an hour on the bypass machine, or the Ross procedure, which is a 7 hr. surgery, with 4 hours on the bypass machine. I'm in my mid-40s and work as an attorney, so was concerned about cognitive difficulties following surgery. Fortunately, I can report absolutely no negative cognitive effects after the Ross Procedure, with 4 hours on the heart lung machine. I might even be sharper, with the increased blood flow from replacing the severely stenotic valve. Other patients I spoke to in making my decision reported the same. The heart lung machine is also vastly improved over the machines they used many years ago, which minimizes risks. But as Darlene says, there are always risks after surgery, but not having surgery can be even riskier. Good luck to you!

Corey Sines  Steve, that is a great assessment of heart surgery in general. And I second, I would rather choose life and go out fighting for it, than fade away in the spiral of heart failure. Also, my 2 cents... The Surgeons feel that you have a much better % chance of a positive outcome having the surgery. If things were very far gone, most surgeons would just recommend you enjoy the time you have left, so take comfort that odds are in your favor even at Age 70.

Lilly Black  Jane, everyone feels that way! but in my experience (twice) I was so 'out of it' that the tube didn't bother me at all. I hardly felt it! Good luck with the surgery!

James Waller  I was pretty out it when I first woke up in the cardiac ICU. I do remember being very uncomfortable with the breathing tube but it was removed pretty soon after I woke up. The very pretty nurse attending me made the experience a little more palatable.

Barbara Adams  The breathing tube was my biggest fear going into surgery. I was afraid that I would panic on awakening if I was aware of the tube. I was vaguely aware of it but it was moved very quickly and there was no problem at all. I am 8 months post op with a tissue valve and doing well! Praying all will go well for you!

Barbara Laurie  Jane, the intubation was my biggest fear, let the anesthesiologist know that too. But, I was in such a dreamy state I remember the extubation like a dream. No anxiety. Best regards hon.💞Keep us posted.

Rita Savelis  I think that breathing tube is most patients' biggest fear. But I don't remember mine coming out. Did it get removed before I was fully awake? Who knows?
It's there as a precaution and will be removed as soon as possible.
Take care.

Nicola Laker  I don't remember mine at all. But apparently my husband said I was continously trying to pull it out when I was under heavy sedation, so much so, they had to wrap my hands up so I looked like I was wearing boxing gloves! My husband told them that I would go crazy if I woke whilst it was still in so they must have taken it out before I was fully awake as I remember nothing.

Barbara Laurie  Oh, I wanted to say, while I was intubated my husband insists I was communicating with him & the nurses, I don't remember anything like that, I know you'll do well.💕🎀💕

Darlene Smith  I was awake with the tube and it did not feel like I was breathing through a straw. I felt like I was breathing just fine but I could not talk which was a little weird. When the tube came out, it was uncomfortable for about 1-2 seconds. Then it was out. Didn't cause me anxiety ahead of time and was no big deal. Now the heart lung machine was a totally different story. Freaky before surgery and freaky thinking I was on it for 70 minutes. You will get through this!!! Hang in there.

Barbara Laurie  Jane, I pray whatever pain you have after surgery will be minimal. That you'll recover with ease and feel better than ever. Best Regards💕💕

  I did constantly. This board helped but it's that internal struggle with your own mortality that others not in our shoes do not understand. My wife never fully got it because I have always been her tough guy. I always was through this, I put on a strong face but inside I was terrified and I used the board to share that. Eventually I just had an acceptance I was sick and had to get it done.

Oddly enough now because I am doing so well I have to keep reminding myself I had OHS 3 weeks ago. I also have to remind my wife and kids because I am not out of the woods totally and anything can happen. I hope not though I hope I am on a good path. I want to walk my German Shepard puppy that is 7 months old and weighs 55 lbs but can't because he is so strong. I want to go to the gym but I know I can't. I want to do a lot of things but can't at least for now. That's my new struggle.

About that growing old thing that's why I was told I needed to do this. At 48 and no symptoms , still being a meathead in the gym the day before surgery. I was told this was the best time I was in good health and if I had it done now I would never have to worry again about this.

I think in 2016 and beyond almost everyone can survive this but there is that 1% chance and that still makes it scary.

Jane Buttram  Dan, I hear you. You know, it's like, I don't want everybody to think I'm all upset about this because I do understand how a positive outlook can truly affect your outcome. But, in private, you know as well as I do that even if we have "our house in order" we have personal concerns. You are a lot younger than me and have huge responsibilities I don't face because I'm older and our children are gone from the nest, but you, truly, have everything to live live for. Not that I don't; I still have lots of things to check off my Bucket List. I haven't even had my surgery yet so I have a long way to go but I want to encourage you to do what you have to. The period of life you are entering with children and grandchildren is PRICELESS. You will want to be up for it. I don't know you, but somehow you've entered my heart. Be strong.

Wanda Mroz  Dan... Been there and done that. I could not walk my dog either, but I do now, and I go to phase 3 rehab which is like the gym. You will get there too. Patience, positivity and prayers will get you and Jane through this. Jane you'll be fine... I know I felt just like you do... I was terrified... But now it's surreal and I'm proud of myself for getting through it all! Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers💞🙏🏻

Sue Pluta  Oh how I love your posts not because you guys were scared and full of emotions but it so described me and my emotional roller coaster. I too survived my Aug. 3rd new valve and triple bypass and can't wait for the day this pain goes away and my head stops the worrying about this pain and that pain being normal! The best to all of you...so happy I have this place to go to....

Corey Sines  HS is a mortality facing event. As many of you point out way more pull through than pass way. However, it makes us pause and think. "Hey am I going to be that poor schlum that falls into that 1-2% and not pull through it?". Dan, I was exactly where you are 7 years ago and thought once I got through my OHS repair, odds are high (like 90%+) my repair will last the rest of my life. But here I am again, 7 years later getting ready to do it all over again and get it replaced this time at 40 years old. So it makes me think, hey you hit the wrong side of the odds once, will it happen again? I am a good Christian guy, wife, bunch of kids, try to do the right thing in everything I do. So is it fair? Heck no! But neither is to my neighbor with MS, or the kid down the street with CP, or my daughter who was born deaf. Life, however long any of us have is a gift, and each do the most we can to make it as meaningful, fulfilling, and happy as we can. These type of events can be Faith altering... They can take away our Faith or strengthen it. So each of us has to choose how we cope through it, it's the one choice we have through all these challenges. So I choose to believe this life has meaning beyond our number of years how long we lived, but more so how much we loved and how we endured it. So I echo your sentiments and emotions expressed, and offer my experience with finding peace with whatever happens.

  Yeeesh I am sorry about that Corey and I hope I never have to hear those words about a 2nd surgery. I'll pray for you buddy as always you will be fine God's got your back. I always get curious about these redo's I hear about. Why and what happened the 1st time, it's not fair you have to go through this again.

Lilly Black  Yes you do think of those things! totally normal. But just know, most people do fine and feel so much better afterwards! my husband was scared to death....more than I was. I did everything in my power to let go of the fear, and be at peace before the surgery. I wish you all the best!

Emily Rowley  Jane, I like reading your posts. They describe how you are feeling emotionally and very relatable for the rollercoaster we go through pre-surgery especially.

What valve are you having replaced Corey? Corey & Dan, I am living proof you can make it through OHS and more than once. Like you Corey I had a MV Repair (5yrs ago) and a Re-repair (6mnths ago), perhaps your Surgeon will be able to repair your valve again too. 🙂 Any questions or would like to talk I am here.

Corey Sines  Dan, I hope you never have to hears those words either, again most repairs last, so I am sure you will be fine! Mitral Valve - Emily, small, very small chance to have a re-repair my surgeon is communicating to me. Mine is likely the progression of valve disease, however, I believe the original Surgeon selected too small of a ring, which didn't help.

Tammy Pilcher  Jane, I live about an hour from you and went to Orlando for my surgery. I found my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Kevin Accola, on this site. It was the one of the best decisions I've ever made. He does over 300 valve surgeries a year and has done many of the people here. You can watch videos of him on this site and you are welcome to read my journal also. He is an awesome surgeon and an equally awesome person! Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Prayers and best wishes, Tammy

Mary Wagner  Jane - you need to do what you are most comfortable with. I had my surgery at Inova Fairfax Heart Hospital which is not even mentioned on this site. The hospital is rated very highly so I felt absolutely no need to go to Cleveland. I also was able to stay home without the hassle of travel. This site has a lot of Cleveland Clinic folks on it but the founder of the site went there so it seems to have more promotion. By all means check out your FL hospital - it is easy enough to find their success rates and then do what you are comfortable with.

Richard Puckett  Everybody needs to go where they feel most comfortable. I had two criteria that I used in my decision process. Since I was having a mitral valve repair or replacement, the first criteria was where did I have the best chance of a repair. The second criteria was where would I have the lowest morbidity and mortality rates. These rates do vary. My insurance paid for most options I might chose. I would have to pay the travel costs. Basically, I wanted my heart fixed and I wanted to live with a good quality of life. You just have to do the research to get enough information to make your decision.

Craig Gay  We feel very confident with the local surgeon. The pros are that I'll avoid the expenses associated with being away from home. I'll be able to run home to take a break or get something Craig needs. But the deciding factor that was most important to us was the after care should a problem arise after discharge, all of Craig's records are right there and his same surgeon would be consulted. If we chose to go to U of M (we consulted with a surgeon down there) we would have that 4 hr drive for follow up appointments, etc. You have to be comfortable with the surgeon so if you aren't with one locally, get a second opinion elsewhere. We have until September 13th before Craig has his surgery but I'm so glad we won't be traveling more than 6 miles. Yvonne

Amy Dorsey  As everyone says it's very individual. I live near Mary and would have gone to the same hospital she did which is a very high-ranking hospital, but I chose to go to Cleveland because I have family there and I don't have family here. Once I started researching I found that the surgeon in Cleveland I chose had more experience with the specific repair I needed so that was also a factor...although had I not had family up there I probably would have stayed in Virginia just due to the expense of room and board without family.