Jerome Hill - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Post Op 7 weeks ER visit / hospital stay

Journal posted on November 24, 2020

Cardiologist came in to see me after the echo and said there was something near the aorta root that wasn’t on my followup echo 3 weeks prior. He also said the bacteria cultures were back and didn’t show any sign of infection. What he did see from the echo was fluid surrounding the heart and my symptoms suggested that. He wanted to verify the mass on the aorta so I had a transesophageal echo this morning. It ended up that some scar tissue had formed where the new valve was sutured in. So I’m on some anti-inflammatory meds and was discharged. So happy it wasn’t an infection. Thanks all for the support.

Like | Shannon Gray, Rose Madura, Nancy W and 6 others like this

Rose Madura Great news! So glad it was not an infection. In my journey, I learned that inflammation was a very real deal.

Steven Methot Phew! Double phew! Good on you for listening to your body. Even better that it wasn't something horrible.

Ana Brusso Great news Jerome. Glad you are home and had no infection. God and science came through for you. Happy Thanksgiving. Blessings

Ben Landry What a relief. Thanks for sharing the great news!

Update posted on...

November 22, 2020

So almost 7 weeks post op, I’ve been feeling great until today. I woke up with a sore left rib cage and by noon, I was starting to have trouble with deep breaths in my left lung. Pain started to flow to my shoulder and shoulder blade as well. Went to the ER and they admitted me and are treating me for endocarditis. They are still waiting for the bacterial cultures to come back and I’ll have an echo Sunday morning. Glad I didn’t ignore the symptoms. I’ll update once I hear the test results.

Like |

Marie Myers Scary! Prayers for a healthy outcome. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Steven Methot Oh gosh. Good thing you listened to your body! Thinking of you big guy!

Susan Lynn Sorry to read your news, Jerome! You'll get through this and be back on the road to recovery. Take care - please keep us posted! ❤

Nancy W Oh no- take care

Ana Brusso The road to recovery can throw some unexpected curves, so glad you didn’t wait and went to the ER. This too shall pass and you will recover. Prayers that ... Read more

Ana Brusso The road to recovery can throw some unexpected curves, so glad you didn’t wait and went to the ER. This too shall pass and you will recover. Prayers that everything will be resolved and you can go home soon. God bless you

Brandon Hammer Good job listening to your body and going to the ER. I had my mitral valve repair surgery on 10/22/20 as a result of endocarditis in 2019. I’m experiencing ... Read more

Brandon Hammer Good job listening to your body and going to the ER. I had my mitral valve repair surgery on 10/22/20 as a result of endocarditis in 2019. I’m experiencing the similar type of back pain like you mentioned. Feels like more in the left kidney area and shoulder blade. Ill follow your recovery and hope to hear good news on your next posting. God Bless.

Yvonne Wolters So glad you listened to your body Jerome! Hoping they get things under control soon, so you can continue to heal and move forward.

Here's my newest picture!

October 27, 2020 Like | Shannon Gray, Susan Lynn, Steven Methot and 1 other likes this

Post Op 3 Weeks Back home from my recovery retreat up in the mountains. Glad to be home and to be with my fur babies who haven’t left my side. Had a great virtual checkup with my cardiologist and most of the surgical glue has flaked off and the

Susan Lynn Glad you're home and healing fast! Wishing you continued success with your recovery!

Barbara Wood Wow, fast healing on the scar! Looks great! Take care.

Yvonne Wolters Jerome, happy to see you mending well.

How long does heart valve take regrow into the sutured area

Journal posted on October 16, 2020

Reason I’m asking is I had to make a trip today to check on my animals and pick up a few things I forgot for my initial recovery time.

I was in the back seat of a big F350 and the truck took some big bumps (railroad track). I was under the seat belt
And I had my heart pillow between me And the seat belt but I was tussled pretty rough and complained to my friend to slow it down.

It immediately got me thinking did I disrupt anything with the sutures either in the valve or the aorta. What should I be on the lookout for that may indicate an issue?

Definitely not going driving with him for a while anymore.

I know I myself and my friend need to be a lot more careful.

Thanks

Like |

Lenore Mitchell Hi Jerome - Your question sounds like something to ask your surgeon, but they do suture you up quite well, generally with wire (I can still feel mine just under ... Read more

Lenore Mitchell Hi Jerome - Your question sounds like something to ask your surgeon, but they do suture you up quite well, generally with wire (I can still feel mine just under the skin) so it seems unlikely the bumping you decided was injurious. Those heart pillows that we all earn (!) act as good shock absorbers too. But check with your doc, and good luck.

Marie Myers I think that those sutures are pretty darn tight, and it would take more to do damage. Never hurts to call in and ask, though, like Lenore said.

Post Op 1 Week

Journal posted on October 14, 2020

Overall, recovery is going better than I expected. A few new things have crept in but nothing too big.

I’m up on a large hillside so I don’t have the typical neighborhood to walk around in. I’ve been doing loops around the parking pad but today ventured down the driveway about 200 feet downhill (not terribly steep) to look at the goats at my friends ranch. I let my breath catch up and then made the climb back up. Grant you I was huffing and puffing by the time I got back to the parking pad and I’m a big guy at 350lbs but overall it was a great feeling.

I’ve seen in several posts that this little lingering cough will persist fir a few weeks. Definitely breathing has improved but guess it takes a while to fully reinflate the lungs.

Other that the chest soreness, last night I did discover the sides of my ribs started barking. I guess that’s tissue inflammation from the ribs being pushed apart and toward the back.

No other updates on my side. Blessed to be in the position I am and hopefully this will continue over the next several weeks.

Like | Steven Methot, Shannon Gray likes this

Susan Lynn Jerome - Great update - you're making tremendous progress. Be sure you don't overdue it, though. Too much exertion will set you back. Remember, your heart ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jerome - Great update - you're making tremendous progress. Be sure you don't overdue it, though. Too much exertion will set you back. Remember, your heart doesn't know if you're walking in a circle - might want to stick with the level terrain and stay away from a 200 ft. Incline for a few weeks. Be active and safe. Moderation is your friend. ❤

Jeff Tisza I agree. Take your time, Take the long view. Your procedure bought you time going forward. Take advantage of it by enjoying your downtime.

Steven Methot Are you close enough to a hospital in your mountain retreat?

Jerome Hill Yes, About 15 mins

Steven Methot Had me worried there when you said it was in the foothills!

Jerome Hill It’s the very beginning of the foothills. Still close to everything.

john roland I had that cough for 6 weeks. It would start at lunch time and end around 11pm. I took their "swirl pills" and mucinex. Every day the cough times got shorter. ... Read more

john roland I had that cough for 6 weeks. It would start at lunch time and end around 11pm. I took their "swirl pills" and mucinex. Every day the cough times got shorter. If I didn't have that coughI would have had no side effects beyond 2 weeks post surgery. Keep walking

Search issues?

Journal posted on October 14, 2020

Is anyone else able to search on this site? I’m trying to search via iOS safari and getting 0 results for every term I search for.

Like | 1 person likes this

Adam Pick Hey Jerome, Thanks for letting me know about this. We are looking into this issue right now. Stay tuned!

Adam Pick Jerome (and everybody), We just reached our search quota. Amazing. This has never happened before. We're currently requesting more search queries through ... Read more

Adam Pick Jerome (and everybody), We just reached our search quota. Amazing. This has never happened before. We're currently requesting more search queries through Google. Hopeful to have this fixed soon. Sorry about this!

Jerome Hill Thanks for looking into it. Btw, I have 25 years of web application engineering and management and if you need help with anything, please reach out.

Adam Pick Hey Jerome, Good news. I believe we have fixed this. It was an issue with a limitation on our search quota. Thanks for the offer to help. I'll definitely ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Jerome, Good news. I believe we have fixed this. It was an issue with a limitation on our search quota. Thanks for the offer to help. I'll definitely remember that should we need support. Take care and take it easy!!!!

Post Op Day 5

Journal posted on October 12, 2020

Left the hospital at 1pm PST. Feeling good but know there’s still a long road to recovery ahead of me.

Made it to my friends place up in the Sierra foothills where I’ll recover fir a couple weeks. The 3 hour drive wasn’t too bad on my body, although by 9pm I was definitely tired from the days activities.

As I got ready for bed, I finished unpacking my giant bag of prescriptions and sorted those out between the new ones, the ones I continue and the ones to discontinue.

As I gathered up a few more essentials for bed such as my CPAP, I did overreach a couple of times and that click of the breastbone definitely hurt. I noticed too as I’m a bit more active, I’m feeling and hearing the breastbone shift or something.

Got about 5 hours of sleep. Hopefully that can increase as I get used to my new surroundings and actually be able to sleep without nurses checking in and taking vitals every 4 hours. Lol

Now to see what today holds.

Like | Travis Ederer, Peter Eglinton, Susan Lynn and 8 others like this

Susan Lynn Jerome - Glad you're out of the hospital! You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel over the next few weeks. Walk and rest - you'll see progress. All the best!

Steven Methot Recovery in the Sierra foothills? Sounds like you're on a vacation! Glad to hear you're doing well.

Yvonne Wolters That's wonderful news Jerome! Take care of yourself.

Darrin Vohs Great news.

Mark Yost Congrats Jerry (if you go by that)...Sounds like you are moving well along. I hope you continue to thrive!

Steve Kremer Good to hear Jerome. Sierra Foothills? I'm in Tahoe. Great place to recover and the hills help with recover. I'm 3.5 months out from surgery and I feel like ... Read more

Steve Kremer Good to hear Jerome. Sierra Foothills? I'm in Tahoe. Great place to recover and the hills help with recover. I'm 3.5 months out from surgery and I feel like I did in college. As Susan said, Walk and Rest is the schedule. It will get better everyday. Walk on Brother.

Here's my newest picture!

October 12, 2020 Like | Peter Eglinton, Susan Lynn, Adam Pick and 7 others like this

Adam Pick Fannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn-tastic. Great way to start the week with not one but two thumbs up! Go Jerome! Go!

Post Op Day 4

Journal posted on October 9, 2020

Really good day so far. Had my lead wires taken out and did a walk of 400 feet and climbed up and down stairs. Will be doing that again this afternoon.

Appears I’m scheduled to go home on Sunday.

Like | Nancy W, Steven Methot, Susan Lynn and 5 others like this

Steven Methot Oh man, that will be so sweet, I'm sure. Glad to hear you're doing well.

Susan Lynn Great news!!

Yvonne Wolters Jerome, that's great news! Keep up the good work!

Darrin Vohs Great news!

Vance Austin Fantastic!

Post Op Day 3

Journal posted on October 8, 2020

Well today has been interesting. First off and I’m sure if depends on each person but I started having breathing problems. Shortness of breath with ever inhale. I’ve been using my spirometer but haven’t had that cough just yet until I went fir a walk. Still I was just not getting good enough breaths. When the nurse looked up my info she noted that I missed my pain meds and it has been 10 hours. After taking that and resting, I was able to breath easier. So keep on top of your pain meds.

I did get the drain lines taken out and hopefully the lead wires tomorrow.

One area of concerned is my temp has increased today from 98 I’m the am, to 99 at lunch and 100 just now at about 4pm pst.

Like | Steven Methot, Darrin Vohs, Karla Harrell and 1 other likes this

Jared Takeshita I had a mild fever as well when I was in the hospital. The nurses continued to monitor me and gave me tylenol. Getting the drain tube out definitely helped ... Read more

Jared Takeshita I had a mild fever as well when I was in the hospital. The nurses continued to monitor me and gave me tylenol. Getting the drain tube out definitely helped out with the pain. Keep working the breathing exercises. You've got this.

Rose Madura Hi Jerome. From the time I found out I needed surgery until today, I have called it my journey. Ups and downs immediately after surgery are normal. In fact, ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Jerome. From the time I found out I needed surgery until today, I have called it my journey. Ups and downs immediately after surgery are normal. In fact, I had tons of complications. You can read my journal of you want. But you will get through it and soon you'll go home. Each day will be different but you'll soon start feeling much better as you continue on your own personal journey. God bless you. Great job keeping us posted.

Marie Myers I am sure the staff will keep a watch on your fever. That can happen as part of the normal healing process, or sometimes dehydration. Be sure and increase your ... Read more

Marie Myers I am sure the staff will keep a watch on your fever. That can happen as part of the normal healing process, or sometimes dehydration. Be sure and increase your fluids As that can make you feel a bit better.

Here's my newest picture!

October 8, 2020 Like | Susan Lynn, Steven Methot, Dan Baltazor and 1 other likes this

patrick frømling Glad to see you doing well

Thomas Quigley Looking good

Steven Methot Gosh, you're looking great! Glad to see ya.

Nancy Chavez Wonderful!!! We are all cheering for you!

Post op Day 2

Journal posted on October 8, 2020

Didn’t sleep well at all the night after surgery, mostly because the nurses were constantly checking vitals every hour. Was nice hanging them there though. Been a great experience so far. Yesterday I was able to get up 3 times no sit in the chair. Additionally I made two rounds of walking around the ward and then got transferred to the patient ward yesterday afternoon. Went to bed around 7pm mind didn’t have too many disruptions. They did remove the incision bandage and the next me arterial lines. This morning woke up at 5am and have been sitting in my chair ever since. Still have the drainage lines coming from the chest but that seems to be slowing down so hopefully they will get removed today. A little bit of wheezing when I breathe from the diaphragm so waiting to,hear what the doctor wants to do. Feeling great and ready to go for a walk once breakfast arrives.

Thanks to everyone for the continued encouragement.

Like | Nancy W, Steven Methot, Debbie Kelly and 5 others like this

Susan Lynn Jerome - You're doing great!!!! Glad to read that everything is going so well.

Sleep can be difficult in the beginning - especially in the hospital. Just ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jerome - You're doing great!!!! Glad to read that everything is going so well.

Sleep can be difficult in the beginning - especially in the hospital. Just be sure to give yourself some options at home - recliner (if you have one), a foam wedge or a bunch of pillows, or even the couch can be more comfortable early into recovery. I was like Goldilock's and my preferences varied by the day. Also, sleep whenever you feel like it - you may find that you're more rested with multiple naps rather than one, long stretch. As much as you want to get back to your normal sleep routine, it may take a week or two until you figure out what works for you!

I wish you continued success with your recovery! Keep us posted on your progress!

Steven Methot Great news.

Here's my newest picture!

October 7, 2020 Like | Frank Giovanniello , Nancy W, Rose Madura and 11 others like this

Feeling good. Got into the ICU around 10:30am but was in and out of sleep most of the afternoon. I ended up getting the Edwards Inspiron valve.

Frank Giovanniello Very good. Now as soon as your ready to go home, start walking them halls. I hope all goes easy for you, Jerome.

Nancy Chavez You did it! Looking forward to hearing about your recovery now. Good for you!

Darrin Vohs Congratulations! You are now on the road to recovery.

Ana Brusso Good job Jerome! So glad you are in recovery now. God bless you and be patient with your body and remember sometimes is just one moment or one day at a time.

Susan Lynn Jerome - You look fantastic!! Welcome to recovery!

Thomas Quigley Good job! That's the valve I told my surgeon I want!

john roland Glad to see we have the same valve. The worst is over. Walk, rest, repeat. Be well

Adam Pick So gosh-darn great Jerome. Really. I am in awe of this magnificent picture. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all us of here at HVS. Fyi, ... Read more

Adam Pick So gosh-darn great Jerome. Really. I am in awe of this magnificent picture. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all us of here at HVS. Fyi, I could not resist the opportunity to feature you at my blog and on our Facebook page. This was posted just moments ago. Thank you for all of the inspiration and support you are providing patients all over the world. Again, thank you! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2020/10/07/patient-photo-icu/

Amazing! Jerome Flashes a Heart-Felt “Thumbs-Up” From the ICU!

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2020/10/07/patient-photo-icu/

How far will the wonderful patients in our community go to inspire one another? Well... I'd say that Jerome Hill, a bicuspid aortic valve patient, can provide a great answer to that question. Here's Jerome, just a few hours after aortic valve replacement surgery, flashing you a 'Thumbs-Up!' from the intensive care unit. Jerome Hill, Heart Valve Surgery Patient Amazing!!! Love This!!! Go Jerome Go!!! So you know, Jerome was diagnosed with heart valve disease about 10 years ago. As Jerome posted at his journal: I was diagnosed about 10 years ago with a bicuspid valve at

Steven Methot Oh man! Look at that smile! See? You did good! I'm thrilled to see you.

Lisa Hostetter Congratulations! Welcome to recovery.

Yvonne Wolters Jerome, Love your spirit!

Dan Baltazor Great Picture!! You did it. Now, just one day at a time.

Lee Wright Congrats!!!

Caroline Ostrander Thank you for sharing. I've the same diagnosis. Glad to hear of someone on the other side of the goal post! Good on you and I love the "artificial heart" pillow. Very cute.

Karla Harrell Congrats Jerome. You are an big inspiration as I have aortic valve replacement with replacement ascending aorta on 10 15 2020. Just found this site last week. ... Read more

Karla Harrell Congrats Jerome. You are an big inspiration as I have aortic valve replacement with replacement ascending aorta on 10 15 2020. Just found this site last week. love the pillow. where do you get one ?

Update posted on...

October 5, 2020

Found out surgery got moved up 5 hours from noon to 7am tomorrow. Actually kind of excited about this. Won’t have to wait all morning.

Like | Nancy W, Herb Greenberg, Lorraine Willmann and 4 others like this

Lorraine Willmann wonderful. I went at 6 am and being half asleep helped.

Marie Myers You will get the surgical team fresh out of the gate, also ! Have a smooth journey!

Mark Yost You're up first...I wish you all the best! I am right behind you. "Let's roll!"

Nancy Chavez Yay! First up is great. Good luck, we will be thinking good thoughts!!!

Susan Lynn I was moved up, too. Just think, you'll probably be in and out by lunch! Catch you on the recovery side!

Mike Tirrell Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

4 days till surgery

Journal posted on October 2, 2020

This week I had a pre-op video visits and today went to get my nasal cavity tickled for Covid testing. I did have to have some additional lab work and also an abdominal ultrasound to ensure there weren’t any kidney issues. They saw a bit of blood in my urine from my labs last week. Fortunately everything came back clear so no delays for the surgery. Just waiting on the covid test and this weekend will be spent packing and just relaxing.

Although the surgery date is fast approaching, I’m not feeling too anxious. This site has provided a great source of knowledge to help me understand what to expect during surgery and the recovery. Also very thankful to see and hear from others going through the same thing and learn from past experiences. Thanks to everyone that’s part of this site and for building such a welcoming community.

Like | Nancy W, Dan Baltazor, Steven Methot and 2 others like this

Frank Giovanniello Hang in there Jerome. You'll be on the heathy side in no time. All the best.

Dan Baltazor I agree, this site gives you the bond of those who had surgery before you and those who go after you. I couldn't have been as mentally prepared as I was without this community. You got this.

Mark Yost Ready to take the plunge...best wishes to you Jerome.

Lee Wright You got this, the lead up is the hardest part, at least for me.

Darrin Vohs Best wishes Jerome. It will be over in the blink of an eye and you will be on the other side (the healing side).

Steven Methot I am glad to hear that you're not overly anxious. Looking forward to hearing about your recovery. You got this!

Pre-op video visits

Journal posted on September 29, 2020

Had my video visits with the anesthesiologist and nurses this morning. Everything seems lined up and ready to go but the sad news I found out is even on surgery day, I cannot have have anyone waiting at the hospital or any visitation either in the ICU or regular patient ward during my hospital stay.

Kaiser is being very strict with keeping Covid away from the patients and while I understand it's for my protection, it will be lonely waiting up in the ICU with no one there. Guess I'll be having video chats with friends and family.

Like |

Steven Methot Ouch. In thinking about it I would be more stressed by the pre-surgery time than post-surgery. I'm a bit of a worrier. Once you're out of ICU are you good for visitors?

Yvonne Wolters My surgery is 10/15 at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. Their COVID policy only allows patients to enter the hospital. I'm still hoping the policy relaxes in the next two weeks...

Jerome Hill No visitors in the hospital at all.

Jerome Hill Hello fellow Redwood City patient Yvonne

Susan Lynn Jerome - I won't begin to try to understand how you feel about not having visitors, however, I will say, there is a lot of sleeping right after surgery. The ... Read more

Susan Lynn Jerome - I won't begin to try to understand how you feel about not having visitors, however, I will say, there is a lot of sleeping right after surgery. The entire first and a good part of the second day are pretty much mostly consumed by sleeping - the anesthesia can hang on even longer than that for some people. I asked my sister why I don't remember most of the time I was in the hospital and she reminded me - I slept through a good portion of it! Clearly, this restriction isn't great, but it will be much easier on your loved ones. You're not just going through heart surgery, your whole family is - and they have to do it without the good drugs you'll be getting! You'll be in and out of the hospital and back home before you know it. You've got this!

Marie Myers Being a little weird, I actually liked not having visitors during my hospitalization. I am the kind of person that does not want to interact with anyone when ... Read more

Marie Myers Being a little weird, I actually liked not having visitors during my hospitalization. I am the kind of person that does not want to interact with anyone when I am not feeling great. Hope it goes smoothly for you!

Jerome Hill thanks everyone

Thomas Brusstar From the time I arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning until I was out of the ICU the next afternoon, I have to say I was just focused on getting started, ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar From the time I arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning until I was out of the ICU the next afternoon, I have to say I was just focused on getting started, and then in the ICU I wasn’t very good company while getting the pain meds right. The nurses in a cardiac ICU are always present, so you’ll have all the help you need. My wife was able to be there in the ICU, but I don’t think I was very good company. The surgeon actually gave the surgical updates by phone anyway so he didn’t have to leave a sterile area and re-scrub. So my wife might as well have been elsewhere. was nice seeing my wife and son once I was in a regular room and could sit up in a chair and socialize, on Thursday after I was off all the opioids — but it was almost more to reassure them I was OK. I was home for dinner that Friday, so it was a short stay. I’m just saying between phone and texting, you can stay in touch, and you will just want to focus on the routine of healing/ medication management with your nurses and the constant flow of therapy and rehab staff that start checking in. So I guess I’m like Marie, I just wanted to focus and get out of there rather than have company. Good luck!