Joe's Journal

Good evening, I have been on metoprolol succinate since my surgery on August 20, 2019. I believe my local cardiologist wants to start tapering me off this. I noticed my heart rate is avg 50-55 sometimes dipping into high 40s. I'm concerned with long term use and my heart rate being too low. Has anyone taken this and had a low heart rate like that? Also how long did you have to take it?

Hello Brave HWs, I am wrapping up week 9 of my recovery from aortic valve repair. I feel much stronger each day and almost like I'm back to normal. I've started lifting light weights in cardio rehab which I am excited to get back into. I have noticed improved breathing but know I am not 100% just yet. I had an echocardiogram in September that detected trace or minimal leaking which was a slightly disappointing but I have no complaints. My surgery was a success because it was severely leaking. I am so blessed to be here and try to thank God for this and all blessings. Its hard to define or put my finger on it but I don't quite feel as physically confident as I once did. I maybe feel a little fragile when I see my scar or just feel my chest. Maybe this will improve with time or it's just a phase. I've been told maybe I just discovered my own mortality. Overall my surgery and recovery has been a smooth process. Words cannot capture the gratitude I have to God, my wife, family and you all! I pray to continue to make strides of healing and improvement and support all of you in this journey.

I have a question on the new normal.. I am 28 days post op and sometimes I feel my chest/sternum behind the incision has a crunching/grinding sensation like bone rubbing on bone. When does it go away or is that the new normal?

Good morning HWs, It is day 20 since my AVR. Recovery is going well with a minor bump here and there. I saw my cardiologist here at home and he ordered a CT this week to check for fluid in my chest and a follow-up echocardiogram to check the status of the valve repair later this month. He ordered cardio rehab and said I won't be able to drive for 3 months which seems like a really long time. Pain management wise I have just been on ibuprofen and tylenol plus lidocaine patches. That all seems to help but I do have a good amount of sternum/incision and neck/back pain. My upper body feels pretty stiff and muscles tight/strained. I've been active going to the store, a concert, family BBQ, walking a mile and half each day etc. I think I may have overdone it some this last weekend because I felt like total crud on Sunday and had a lot of chest pain on my right side and a slightly elevated temp. I also noticed I bead sweat from my back just sitting or standing around which never happened before. Overall my AVR and recovery experience has been a blessing. I know it will be awhile but I'm looking forward to the day I turn the corner and feel back to normal.

Good evening HWs, I am post op Day 9 from a aortic valve repair. My experience at the CCF was above expectations. Meeting my surgeon was a pleasant experience. He spent time answering my questions, we made a operating room plan and my family and I felt very confident and comfortable with him. He also visited me in the ICU and step down. My care team in the step down unit was beyond great. I was discharged 5 days after surgery. The recovery has been rough but each day a little better and stronger. I battled a fever in the step down and was extremely nauseous for a few days. Wednesday I had my chest tube stitches removed and it leaked pretty bad for awhile. To me these are all minor things. I am so blessed and grateful to God the Father Almighty to be on the recovery side! I am also thankful to all of you that have provided encouragement, education, and prayers! You all truly made a positive impact in my journey! Today, has been the best day in recovery. I went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a restaurant and some shops with no issues. I don't feel 100 percent but I'm making progress.

Good evening HWs, I leave on Sunday for surgery at the CCF. What are some must pack items or things that helped made your recovery go smoothly? Always praying for all of you! Thank you

Good evening HWs, I am a week away from surgery. I'm trying to stay mentally and physically strong. I have been exercising with lights weights, short runs and walks. I have also been enjoying time with family and keeping my mind busy with work. I'm excited and nervous to get the surgery done. I hope all of you are doing well!

In the waiting period, 15 days away from surgery. As a first responder, I’ve struggled with my valve choice if my valve cannot be repaired. The one area I didn’t look into was a Ross procedure. I’m not sure if I should have. I’m trying to be at peace with going forward to CCF but there are times I wonder if the Ross procedure would be a good option. It’s difficult being in the waiting period. Maybe I need to just pray more to be at peace with His plan.

Good morning all HW, I have been looking at the Inspiris Resilia Valve by Edward Life sciences as an option. Does anyone have any experience with this tissue valve? Thank you