jerome's Journal

Lilly Black  That's a long surgery, Jerome! I'm sure you do feel run down! I basically had the same surgery done, but at separate times. In 2007 my ascending aorta was repaired due to an aneurysm, and the second surgery in 2014 for the heart valve replacement (a 12 hr surgery). I wish you a successful and speedy recovery. Try to walk as much as you can....it absolutely speeds up the recovery process. Difficult at first but well worth it. Good luck! and congrats for coming out on the other side :)

Michelle E  Jerome so glad you are home and in the next phase! I thought of you in the days that followed- quite a journey but like you said we're on the other side. I still lose my breath but was told that would improve with time. Good luck as we head towards spring and warmer temps! Till then I'm doing my walking in the basement!

Gina Fiorentino  Will keep you in my thoughts all day on the 14th. May you have a smooth surgery tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing an update when you are recovering!

Anna Jones  Best wishes for an easy surgery and smooth recovery. I, also, look forward to your post op reports.

Michael Zernell  dont worry too much, i was scared to death the day of mine and it turned out to be a lot less pain and suffering than I expected.

jerome stark  thank you all, I just spent the last 2 hours doing my federal income taxes, surgery should be much less painful.

Kathleen McClung  Good luck! Perfect day as it's my birthday too. ;) I am 3 years post op from my BAV. I remember having to be at the hospital so early too. Then an emergency came in so I sat waiting forever!

Helen Daw  I so wanted to schedule my OHS on Valentines Day, but my surgeon does not work on Wednesdays. All the best to you!

Marie Myers  Wow- that was a long wait. Welcome to the site. You will get a lot of good info here. I had my aortic root, AVR, and ascending aneurysm replaced 10 months ago. It is a very stressful time for you now, but take it one step at a time and you will get through it! Keep us posted on your journey!

Rose Madura  I too had the same surgery. I had it 8 months ago and feel great now. I did have some complications but the great team of doctors got me back on track each time. The surgery is a very successful one and these doctors do it every day. I'm glad you found this site. We will be happy to answer any questions. It is a stressful journey but one you can make! Keep us posted.

Gerald Poulton  Hi Jerome, I had the same congenital condition and also waited for at least 10 years. Even at the end my valve hit the critical stage and I still did not have symptoms. My doctors said a lot depends on your physical condition and staying hydrated, I drink 5 to 10 pints of water per day. I am not sure of your age or condition but if you can, get out and walk every day, as far as you can, and do lots of taking in deap breaths and holding them. Of the many side effects of OHS is the fact that in the short time of the operation it can reduce your lung capacity up to 65% so the better shape you go in, the sooner you can work at it and get the lung capacity back. I Was very pro active at working on this both pre and post surgery, feel free to read my journal, maybe some of my experiences can help you. I also had a very successful surgery and recovery and just over 5 months now with my new 🐂 Valve, life is good 👍

Susan McNally  I’m interested to read if your long wait. I don’t have any symptoms as such yet I’m moderate severe. In fact I can’t believe what’s going on because of that. I guess you felt well during that 2 years? Did you feel comfortable about not needing surgery sooner because I know I feel a bit nervous .

jerome stark  Thanks for the support everybody! When I first was told that I had an aneurysm, i was very stressed, but after several months of obsessing over it I realized that as long as I followed my doctors orders that it wasn't in my hands anymore and that my worrying was a total waste of my energy. This worked for about 10 years! I am 62 now and my job entails me to be on my feet 8 hours a day (front end supervisor for a supermarket) and I end up walking about 8 to 9 miles a day at my job, so I am very active, I came back from a full knee replacement last February with flying colors so overall I am in pretty good shape (although overweight). The biggest changes I have noticed this last few months include always being tired and fatigued, getting short of breath even on just a fast walk or walking while carrying a 20+ pound item, mild chest pressure and pain while doing those type of activities, and just within the last 2 weeks several near fainting spells follow by a headache. That is when my cardiologist said you have symptoms (from the aortic stenosis) and do the surgery sooner than later.

jerome stark  looks like surgery is going to be around the 15th of February (they are wasting no time!) It will be at Sacred Heart in Spokane WA.

Michelle E  Hi Jerome! Again wishing you a smooth and uneventful surgery and full recovery. I don't have very good Internet at home but will still be checking to see how you are progressing! Happy Valentine's Day

Gerald Poulton  Thats great, must be a sign of good fortune 😍Every valentines day will be a positive memory of your good fortune and renewed happy life.
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