Jeff's Journal

  I'm sure that was a major scare, Jeff!
It's good you called the nurse, and got to the hospital, when you did!
I'm glad you are back home....and feeling pretty ... Read more

  I'm sure that was a major scare, Jeff!
It's good you called the nurse, and got to the hospital, when you did!
I'm glad you are back home....and feeling pretty good.
Antibiotics another week is a good thing!
Praying for your continued healing!

Kenneth Cole  I had no problems except for some afib. Your infection might explain your pain, I still have some discomfort after 6 weeks but it's minor, most of the time ... Read more

Kenneth Cole  I had no problems except for some afib. Your infection might explain your pain, I still have some discomfort after 6 weeks but it's minor, most of the time I don't notice it. God bless you, hope you heal good soon.

Adam Pick  Awesome Jeff!!! There is nothing better than hearing such a great, early recovery update. Thanks for sharing. Take it nice and easy! Also, be a little careful ... Read more

Adam Pick  Awesome Jeff!!! There is nothing better than hearing such a great, early recovery update. Thanks for sharing. Take it nice and easy! Also, be a little careful with the Oxycodone. That stuff can be a little addictive as I learned.

Jennifer Miller  That's great, Jeff! I'm sure you'll be running around with your little ones sooner than the other activities, but by giving yourself enough time to heal, it's ... Read more

Jennifer Miller  That's great, Jeff! I'm sure you'll be running around with your little ones sooner than the other activities, but by giving yourself enough time to heal, it's all possible. Staying on top of the pain makes a huge difference, doesn't it?! You'll see you need less pain meds if you don't push yourself too hard. Happy recovering!

Adam Pick  Good. Here's an interesting data point from a pharmacist about the frequency of addictive vicodin use post-op.  https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2007/09/22/vicodin-addiction-and-heart-surgery-beware/ ... Read more

Adam Pick  Good. Here's an interesting data point from a pharmacist about the frequency of addictive vicodin use post-op.  https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2007/09/22/vicodin-addiction-and-heart-surgery-beware/

Kenneth Cole  Good for you Jeff. If you see my posts you can see my progress, but I'm a bit older then you so everyone heals at a different rate. Be kind to yourself for ... Read more

Kenneth Cole  Good for you Jeff. If you see my posts you can see my progress, but I'm a bit older then you so everyone heals at a different rate. Be kind to yourself for a few day's after this surgery, don't rush it my friend.

Bob Bemben  Hang in there, Jeff. I am 8 days post op and healing up a bit faster than I had anticipated. Walking has been a little easier than I expected and I am walking ... Read more

Bob Bemben  Hang in there, Jeff. I am 8 days post op and healing up a bit faster than I had anticipated. Walking has been a little easier than I expected and I am walking further than I thought I would at this stage. Even the chest soreness (which is still with me, believe me) is easing a little bit every day. I am beginning to believe that my biggest problem will be the patience required to let that big broken bone heal. Keep the faith!

Dan D.  Good to hear that you're leaving the hospital. Though I'm 10 days out of surgery, I'm also accumulating a "friend inventory" as something to distract me from ... Read more

Dan D.  Good to hear that you're leaving the hospital. Though I'm 10 days out of surgery, I'm also accumulating a "friend inventory" as something to distract me from the upcoming life-altering event. I'm floating between calm determination (mostly) and anxious terror (sometimes).

Jennifer Miller  Great news, Jeff! Will you be able to fly home today? I can imagine how badly you must want to see your kiddos!
You're right: it'll take a LOT of hard work ... Read more

Jennifer Miller  Great news, Jeff! Will you be able to fly home today? I can imagine how badly you must want to see your kiddos!
You're right: it'll take a LOT of hard work & frustration on your road back, but you WILL get there. Try not to compare your progress against any one else's, either: that's a sure fire way to overdue it & end up very frustrated.
Take care, Jenni

Tim Goff  Wait you had hallucinations! I must not have taken the right meds! Kidding aside the adverse effects of the pain killers can be minor for some, like myself, ... Read more

Tim Goff  Wait you had hallucinations! I must not have taken the right meds! Kidding aside the adverse effects of the pain killers can be minor for some, like myself, and nasty for many others whom I feel bad for. If the pain killer causes other problems then those patients are in a tough spot. Jeff, I would say that the sooner you can get off of the pain killers and deal with just tylenol or ibuprophen the better. Once out of the hospital I was only taking 1 pill 1-2 times per day and within 10 days I was down to 1 per evening and all done by day 14. I hope it gets better for you and glad to hear the pain is subsiding. It gets better, for the most part, each and every day.

Terrie Syvertsen  66 years! Congrats on being on the other side! Seriously Jeff, what you are experiencing is more than likely your brain dealing with the anesthesia leaving ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  66 years! Congrats on being on the other side! Seriously Jeff, what you are experiencing is more than likely your brain dealing with the anesthesia leaving your system coupled with the meds you are on. I had pain pills that I couldn't tolerate and ended up on Tylenol only(which for me worked) so it is a matter of waiting it out a bit and letting the nurses know what is going on and they, will work it out with you until you are more "balanced".
I also found that the more I walked the halls In the hospital or remained seated it seemed to wear off "kinder", less pain meds needed. Take it easy and even with your first walks take your time kid. It is great that you are able to get in and out of bed easier-just don't be in a hurry! Isn't it a great feeling to be through the surgery!!! Happy for you! Happy Healing.

Terrie Syvertsen  Forgot to say hello to Jeff's wife Sarah! Happy for you both and wanted to wish you luck while caring for your husband in the recovery phase. Hats off to all ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Forgot to say hello to Jeff's wife Sarah! Happy for you both and wanted to wish you luck while caring for your husband in the recovery phase. Hats off to all the people who step up and care for those of us who have had surgery as it is an important job and I want to say "Thanks to you all"
especially my husband Gary who is still living with a patient who is always
in a "fog"! Take care Jeff and Sarah and Happy Healing!

Pat Bluemel  Tim yes, we knew there was something up when I asked my nurse Rachael why she was wearing a dream catcher and various other feathers on her pony tail when she ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Tim yes, we knew there was something up when I asked my nurse Rachael why she was wearing a dream catcher and various other feathers on her pony tail when she didn't even have a pony tail. Jeff ask your nursing team if you can try other non narc based meds like Tramadol and others and see if that helps. I couldn't even read a sentence or use my phone while on the heavy stuff. Duane, I missed all that fun stuff in school!

Jennifer Miller  My nurses all said the older the patient is having OHS, the less pain they have because nerve endings die as we age. Since you're so young, it's no surprise ... Read more

Jennifer Miller  My nurses all said the older the patient is having OHS, the less pain they have because nerve endings die as we age. Since you're so young, it's no surprise you may need narc pain meds longer. The haze/fog is all part of post anesthesia too. Rest, relax & stay on top of the pain--you'll heal faster!

Jeff Lashins  Hey Jeff - Glad to hear. I have some family that will be with me for the first 2 weeks after surgery, so I hope I'll be covered.
Btw - I noticed you had migraines ... Read more

Jeff Lashins  Hey Jeff - Glad to hear. I have some family that will be with me for the first 2 weeks after surgery, so I hope I'll be covered.
Btw - I noticed you had migraines as a symptom. Please tell me more about this. I have had a chronic migraine since March of last year. After much trial and error, I am taking a low dose of an antidepressant and it seems to reduce the intensity. But the headache is not totally gone. I would LOVE for this headache to be related to my aortic regurgitation and kill 2 birds with 1 stone!

Jeff V.  Hi Jeff -

I haven't checked in on HVS.com in awhile and wanted to drop you a quick note. I underwent MV repair in Cleveland on Dec. 4 with Dr. Pettersson. ... Read more

Jeff V.  Hi Jeff -

I haven't checked in on HVS.com in awhile and wanted to drop you a quick note. I underwent MV repair in Cleveland on Dec. 4 with Dr. Pettersson. There was a possibility of AV replacement too, but it was determined during surgery that replacement wasn't necessary. I had a full sternotomy (9.5"). I was in the Clinic for 5 days. My only complication post-surgery was a 6-hour run of Afib, which they told me was common for valve work. I converted without intervention.

Since you are from out of town, you will probably want to stay a couple of days following your release. I stayed two days and it was enough. I did not have to fly across country but think you will probably be ready to get out of Dodge in a couple of days. I stayed at the Intercontinental Suites and was very happy with the facility and proximity to the Clinic. I have nothing but great things to say about the Clinic. I expect that you and your family will be very impressed (no... make that blown away) with the level of care, knowledge, support and service that you will receive from everyone.

I wouldn't worry too much about help once you get home. My wife was prepared to stay home the first week but I really didn't need any special assistance. I slept in bed relatively comfortably but used a slight wedge of pillows. I was able to shower, change, do laundry, get around with no problem... but methodically! Yes, there will be some discomfort but it in my case, I was able to get by with an occasional Tylenol once I left the hospital and did not need pain pills. Obviously, just be careful and do things in moderation because you will feel the ache come on when you over do it. Since your kids are younger, it would probably be a relief for you and your wife if you have someone to assist for a few days.

I went back to work in 5 weeks (desk job) and have no regrets. I saw my local cardiologist at 4 weeks and he agreed I was good to return to work. I also just returned from a 10 day trip overseas where we were constantly on the go! I logged many walking miles and had no trouble keeping up with the kids. Bottom line... our recoveries are all different, you will know what's best for you!
I look forward to reading about your recovery. Check out my story if you want more details. Regards - Jeff V.

Lewis Garlisi  There have been some recent discussions about this issue on this site. People have different opinions, but my take is that your wife could use some extra help ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi  There have been some recent discussions about this issue on this site. People have different opinions, but my take is that your wife could use some extra help with things like preparing meals, running to the store/pharmacy, and with watching the kids while she helps you shower. You have the benefit of being a young ohs patient and may heal quickly, but the first few days back from the hospital can be quite difficult. I had my sister stay for a while to help my wife, so i didn't need to hire anyone.

  As a wife to the patient in a few weeks coming up, I am very concerned with our house not being restful enough for my husband once he comes home. Our kids are ... Read more

  As a wife to the patient in a few weeks coming up, I am very concerned with our house not being restful enough for my husband once he comes home. Our kids are 5 and 10. I know so many of you have done it, so it will work out one way or another! Will definitely be relying on family! I am forever grateful for all of these responses too!

Jeff Lashins  Thanks for your thoughts everyone. My parents and my in-laws both live on the other side of the country from my family. They'll be flying in at different ... Read more

Jeff Lashins  Thanks for your thoughts everyone. My parents and my in-laws both live on the other side of the country from my family. They'll be flying in at different times for coverage, but this is when it's hard not to live near relatives. :(

Jason Lathrop  Just did a mitral valve repair with a 3 and 6 year old in the house. Had moms or sisters stay with us for a couple of weeks to help out. Honestly, we really ... Read more

Jason Lathrop  Just did a mitral valve repair with a 3 and 6 year old in the house. Had moms or sisters stay with us for a couple of weeks to help out. Honestly, we really only needed it the first week. It's been tough on my wife, but she's holding up pretty well. By about a week out, I was pretty self sufficient, so as long as she takes care of the kids, I can get by.

Our local friends put together a meal train for us, so we've had lots of dinners delivered. That's been as useful as anything, not really having to cook at the end of the day (when we're exhausted and the kids are going bonkers).

Curious what you have told your kids? We gave ours the very simplified version and they have been champs about it, which surprised me. They are usually (like young kids are) impulsive and narcissistic. In this case, they've been so gentle and loving with me. I can see that my boy, the six year old, is pretty sad sometimes. Before all of this, I was super fit and a very active dad who played and wrestled with him all the time. That will be back, but it seems like forever to him.

The most frustrating part is that my three year old has all kinds of power now. I used to be able to just pick her up and move her or restrain her if I needed to, but now all I can do is talk to her. Which isn't that helpful when she's throwing a total three-year-old tantrum. Anyway, reach out to me if you have any specific questions about recovering from heart surgery with young kids! On this site or at my email jason [@] jasonlathrop.com

We are here for you. You are going to be fine.

Guy Blachman  Hi Jeff - I had MV repair surgery last December and have 3 kids under age of 3 in the house with no family help. My wife and nanny took complete care while ... Read more

Guy Blachman  Hi Jeff - I had MV repair surgery last December and have 3 kids under age of 3 in the house with no family help. My wife and nanny took complete care while I recovered, which took 3-4 weeks plus another few weeks to complete the "3 months no lifting" restriction. It wasn't easy but went ok.

Guy Blachman  Ya apparently its around 90 days of "no lifting more than 10 lbs" to allow the sternum to fully heal. Yes, 3 little kids is a handful..sometimes a blast :-) ... Read more

Guy Blachman  Ya apparently its around 90 days of "no lifting more than 10 lbs" to allow the sternum to fully heal. Yes, 3 little kids is a handful..sometimes a blast :-)
Planned to take 5 weeks off work, but got 'cabin fever' after 3 and went back to work early..