Jennifer's Journal

Tom Dadisman  I recall reading that the lower limit of "normal" LVEF, even at rest can vary a lot. The LV pumps a slightly different amount of blood in every beat. The time of day, eating, position, breathing, medications, etc. can all slightly change LVEF in a normal person. All of these factors make it practically impossible to define a single limit that applies to all persons. A value that may be normal for one individual in a certain setting may be slightly low for that same person in a different physiological setting or for a different person under similar circumstances. Think there is some controversy among professionals that suggest 55% (the higher end of 'below normal') is normal, if you can say that as stated in other papers 55% is the lower side of the normal 55%-70% The human population often in many medical measurements show more of a bell-shaped curve rather than a definable set limit. Its just what I’ve read. Also I think most cardiologists would want to see a 45% number before they could conclude anything especially noting that the accuracy of the test is 3%.

Jennifer Anderson  Thank you for that information, I will pass it along to my sister. Good luck with your surgery in October!

Darlene Smith  My experience is every cardiologist and surgeon seem to have a different opinion of ejection fraction. That was frustrating for me so I stopped being concerned about that number. Like everything else in medicine, doctors "practice" and have opinions based on what they have run into in the past. I think you have to look at all the measurements together as a whole.

Laura Metrano  Been looking for Duane's update today, sorry he's had a tough time. He is one tough cookie, he'll get through this!

Barry Van Gemert  I'll bet right now Duane is using hand signs to tell jokes to the nurses. No way a vent is going to slow him down.

Jennifer Anderson  I agree Barry! I wouldn't want to be there when they wake him up, there will be a huge struggle to stop him from doing push ups to prove that he still can! Gotta love Duane!

Jennifer Anderson  UPDATE - Docs are very pleased with Duane's progress, he had a good night and they are hoping to wake him and get him off the vent this afternoon. :D

Dan D.  I'm sorry to hear that you're still not out of pain when you sneeze. I hope that our aspects of your recovery are going well.

Eleanor R  Coughing and sneezing become unforgettable events, right? If you are able to get to it in time, holding a small pillow to your chest helped me. Then one day you won't make it in time and you will realize that it was just a sneeze and not an explosion in your chest. For me, it was never about the incision, but a more deep seated event, breathtaking actually. Keep up your recovery, sounds like you are doing well.

Jennifer Anderson  Oh I'm just doing some playful whining today. My recovery is going great, but this Spring allergy sneezing is a pain in the chest, lol.

Pat Bluemel  Yesterday was 12 sneezes. I've never counted the event in all my life! It's not horrible pain but I wouldn't call it pleasant either. My coworkers find it funny that I brace myself dramatically and say ouch three times after an attack. I'll get them back somehow. Eleanor hits the nail on the head. I've still not gotten used to it.

Jennifer Anderson  LOL @ Pat! My daughter just told me that she can't help but laugh when I clutch my chest, sneeze, and yell OWWW at the same time. :D

Jennifer Miller  I'm almost 4 months post-op & I still get sore from sneezing, coughing, lifting heavy things, etc. I've heard/read that full healing can take up to a year for some.😞

Duane Beeman  I've got some great four letter words for you, and some outstanding names you can call them whenever they laugh. They're real attention getters, especially if you perfect the art of delivery.

Pat Bluemel  Yah it's definitely bone pain. You can tell when your scar is stretching and that isn't so bothersome - this little zinger comes from deep w/in. Right after I typed my earlier response I had another attack of three. Coughing isn't all that pleasant either. Needless to say I am keeping the folks at Mucinex in business this allergy season. Years ago I had to get my deviated septum fixed in my nose, they taught me how to open my mouth and throw my sneeze while I was healing, and I am grateful for that. Remember to not bottle the sneeze up or hold it back, just let it go, it definitely helps.

Jennifer Anderson  LOL! I always get a smile out of everyone's responses here. It's so nice not to feel alone in these minor and major struggles!

Ben Schraegle  Hello Jennifer. Interesting you ask this because BEFORE my aortic and mitral valve surgery, I experienced the same feelings for over a year prior; since surgery it has gone away-my doctor had no explanation for this……have a great day! Ben

Cheryl Batzing  Jennifer, great question because I never heard anyone mention numbness on this site until now...and I was going to ask a similar question and just haven't yet. I'm not sure your procedure, but I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair on my right underarm side and after the surgery, my entire right breast area is numb even now 8 weeks post up as well as my right arm under side is not quite as numb, but also tingles/is painful to the touch at times. A nurse friend told me it was from the nerves that had been cut during surgery under my arm and the pain was sort of like neuropathy. I can't have my blood pressure taken on that right arm still, and although I'm doing well with cardiac rehab and weight lifting, my right arm is definitely much weaker than it was prior to surgery. Hope this helps. What sort of numbness/pain are you experiencing?

Lewis Garlisi  I have heard of people who complained of difficulty moving their arms for several days post surgery, but not necessarily because of numbness. As for me, there remains a very large area on my chest that still has no feeling, but nothing in my arms.

Jennifer Anderson  Cheryl, my numbness started right away post-op. It's all along the underside of my right arm from my wrist up into my armpit. The numbness continues but now it's mixed with deep aching pain. My doctors told me that this is not uncommon after surgery, but at this point this is my biggest complaint, lol.

Ben Kois  Jennifer - I've had numbness/never pain ever since they took out the arterial IV in my left elbow. If I fully extend, I can feel the nerve pain from my armpit to my wrist. This has slowly been diminishing with daily exercises (probably doesn't help that I have a gigantic bruise as well) so hopefully it will eventually fade completely.

Cheryl Batzing  Jennifer, your numbness area is similar to mine, except mine's from my right elbow up to under my armpit. It does feel numb/mixed with aching underneath/mixed with pain to the touch and sort of tingling which is weird since it mainly feels numb. I was told this could be normal...and, it is getting better bit by bit I think. I just touched the area and the pain/tingling is not as bad as it was 8 weeks ago. Will pray for your pain in this area to go away sooner rather than later because just not fun.

Bill Cherry  Mine was in upper legs, both right and left. The right leg numbness has gone away but left leg is taking its time. The leg is fully functional though.

Wiliam Height  I agree completely with the tubes and wires--felt pretty tied down until after third day. Also being home makes you feel pretty human as well.

Nancy D  excellent news....she will improve quickly, right before your eyes, and will be up walking soon......Glad to hear it went so well!

Tammi Gunwall  Amazing news!! Continued prayers for Jennifer and family that her recovery goes as smooth as her surgery did!

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks for the update on Jennifer! Will pray for her continued healing and recovery! The worst is over...

Eleanor R  Good luck to you on Monday. You seem to be in the best location possible, with a great medical team there. I wish you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery. Eleanor

Elaine Foster  Best wishes for successful surgery and great recovery. Take it a day at a time and sometimes, it's 2 steps back and 1 forward, but it will amaze you how much better you feel in a short time.

Jeff Offermann  Hi Jennifer, I had the same surgery at Cleveland with Dr Svensson everything went well. Great surgeon, great team and wonderful care. Wishing you the best of luck and saying a prayer for you.

Edith Dim  I will be thinking of you Monday, and praying that all will go well with your surgery, and recovery.

Duane Beeman 
When It's too tough for everybody else, it's just right for you. We'll be smelling those unfiltered Camels at the Fairway in no time !! I'll save you a seat

Jim Phillips   Good luck Jennifer - I had my AAR on Tuesday and now currently eating dessert at the local Latin restaurant outside on the patio. You can do this! prayers for you and your family!

James Moore  Praying for you. Remember, there is not one rogue molecule in the entire universe or in our bodies that God didn't create and that He isn't in control of....trust in Him, the Great Physician.

Kathy Letsos  I am not scheduled yet, but would also appreciate suggestions and recommendations re clothes and other things that might me good to have on hand.
Thanks.

Clay Rowe  I've been liking gym clothes made out of the kinda silky thin material because it's easy to slide around in bed and on furniture. It's also soft and lightweight on my incision. Pullovers have not been a problem for me...and preferable to a zipper against the incision.

Kathleen F.  I've been wearing cotton or flannel button-up shirts, but I also didn't have any problem pulling regular shirts on over my head, surprisingly. The hospital gave me post-surgical bras that opened in the front with extra support so the incision isn't pulled at all. And track pants / sweat pants, PJ bottoms or whatever's comfortable around the house. I was able to bend over with just a little difficulty to tie my sneakers for walks, but slip-on boots or shoes are easier. Hope that helps!

John Noriega  I wore light pjs for sleeping...jeans & slacks were okay for daily use...and button shirts for the first 8 weeks after that I started wearing t-shirts again.

Cristen Marzula  Hi Jennifer & Kathy - the only items I really needed at the hospital were 2 pairs of pajama pants and moccasin slippers for comfortably walking the halls. My staple uniform became cotton pajama sets for the ride home from the hospital and the next 2 - 3 weeks post-op. Soft and light fabric button-up tops were essential. I initially had a lot of pain and discomfort wearing a coat (excess weight pulling on shoulders) or having any type of zipper near my incision. Hope that helps = )

Lenore Mitchell  I'm 2 weeks post op and wear a light sleeveless t-shirt and then layer on sweaters according to the weather. Mostly loose sweat pants around the house too. Took easy to put on clothes for going home from the hospital.

Clare Auten  Go for comfort. I found some necklines hit the top of the incision wrong. Some of my race shirts made me itch. I had time after I got home to figure out what was comfortable and my husband had a few extra things to put away when he got home from work.

Susan Ericsson  Best advice I got was boxer shorts for under those gowns! I brought various soft shirts to the hospital but ended up leaving the gowns on as it was so much easier for the nurses. A neck warmer, kind you can put in the microwave was great. Bring a pillowcase as it seems some microwaves aren't washed very often, even in the hospital!

Cheryl Batzing  Jennifer, great question and we all have our favs! I did buy some button up soft shirts, but ended up taking them back and not using them. Instead I has some zip up sweat tops (like from Target) and they were soft, cottony, warm, and easy to get on/off, and sweats. I also did not get any bras at the hospital (I had a side port access entry for valve repair) and found mine too uncomfortable. I looked many places and ended up finding 2 that worked great at Walmart. One was by Hanes with front hooks and very soft for about $7.50. The other was a Danskin sports bra (racerback) at Walmart for about $12. Still wearing the two!

Daniel Spurgeon  I recommend an eye mask and ear plugs for sleeping in the ICU. Even with individual rooms the ICU department was busy and the mask and ear plugs helped me re-establish a Cicadian rhythm. I got pajama bottoms the fourth day and wish I'd brought my own pair sooner.

Jim Phillips   Jennifer - I was given the exact same diagnosis. I'm very hopeful for just the AAR and address my BAV later when necessary. Will see next week! crazy, surreal, but encouraging situation! Catching these things is a Godsend! Best wishes for your surgery - as you'll just be a few days after me.

John Noriega  From my experience...They kept me in the hospital gown, but I did wear pj bottoms...so pajamas will be fine. Daniel's suggestion of an eye mask & ear plugs is a good idea. I didn't need those. When I was home, I wore button down shirts and sweat pants. I found that to be the easiest to do by myself. I also wore jeans after a couple of weeks. I started wearing t-shirts after 8 weeks...by then they were easier to get on by myself without hurting. Onward & Upward!

Duane Beeman  I'm in that watch mode for my BAV as well. Going in for a second opinion however, for the same reason you did. One thing I'm learning on this site is what questions to ask this second cardiologist.

Duane Beeman  By the way, the second cardiologist I'm going to is in the Beaumont system. Not quite sure how I feel about that having read your story !!! At least you'll be out on Lake Saint Clair this summer with a colorful aorta.

Jennifer Anderson  Hi all! My aorta is at a 4.9, both surgeons felt I should start penciling in the surgery this year, so at that point I thought it would be best just to get it done and over with. Duane, I did really like the Beaumont system, their approach was more aggressive but I understood where they were coming from... they felt like it was the valve that caused the aorta to dilate in the first place so why go in and not fix all the problems? It made total sense to me, but so does leaving alone a valve that functions properly despite being shaped wrong. It was a tough decision. Beaumont's heart program is very highly rated, when are you going, please let me know what they say. Oh, and I can't wait to introduce my brand new aorta to Lake St. Clair, hurry up summer! :D

Duane Beeman  I'm seeing a Beaumont cardiologist on Feb.4. I don't know WHAT he's going to tell me. I HOPE he tells me that everything has miraculously reversed itself and that I should head over to Fishbone's to celebrate. I wish they had a private message app. on this page. I have a bunch of questions about the who and the why's at Beaumont in your experience. I'm considering Ann Arbor when they have to do this thing. I work in Sterling Heights. Live out in Fenton right now so Beaumont and Ann Arbor are both in play. And if we can live through a winter like last year and the one that this is shaping up to be, ain't no heart valve replacement that can rock us. We're "Made in the D".

Jennifer Anderson  Duane, my email is jennymontry@hotmail.com. I'll answer any questions I can, we are all in this one together!

Bill Hendrickson  Jennifer,You pose a real difficult question in going against the very experienced opinions of a cardiologist and surgeon. You are very young and have a lot of good years ahead. Valves are limited in life except mechanical valves that have their blood thinner side risks. I hope you can have some level of comfort with your final decision, but you should do well either way at ccf.

Jennifer Anderson  Oh, I hope nobody thinks that I'm going against any medical advice. I respect and rely on my doctors opinions. In my case I had two different opinions from two different surgeons, both made total sense and had their pluses and minuses. I opted to go with Dr. Svensson's approach because it was less invasive. My valve is still functioning quite well but we will continue to monitor it and know that it may need surgical intervention in the future. This is in no way a reflection of how I feel about Beaumont, everyone there was very knowledgeable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I will continue to use Beaumont physicians as my primary cardiologists and they will be the ones monitoring my valve after I recover from my surgery. Just thought I should clear that up. :)

Bill Hendrickson  Jennifer, I understand your clarification,sounds like you selected very good advice. About 30 yrs ago a cardiologist thought I should have aortic valve surgery. At that time I knew a research cardiologist who recommended that I Be evaluated at Univ of Pa. In Philadelphia . Penn was a good choice because they had a lot of experience with patients similar to my case. Their recommendation was watch and wait which was good advice. Best of luck at ccf.