John's Journal

Phyllis Petersen  Good question! I would imagine you could use a defibrillator, and probably once your sternum has healed, CPR wouldn't be a problem, but I really never thought about that.

Eric Linnenburger  Yep. I'm a Paramedic and we do CPR on lots of people with all different types of valves, pacemakers, etc. The only device where CPR really wouldn't be effective is a patient with a Ventricular Assist Device.

Phyllis Petersen  Eric, Thanks for your information. What are your protocols with a recent OHS? I know from CPR classes that breaking ribs is usually acceptable, but are there issues where someone is only a short time out?

Eric Linnenburger  I don't know that I've ever seen a recommendation on that specifically. It really needs to be looked at as life over limb. In a prolonged cardiac arrest, if you don't combine CPR with defibrillation (shocks) you don't survive (not well anyway). At the same time, CPR relies on the chest wall to provide necessary stability for the compression. Although it is very common to break ribs during CPR, the mechanism is different with an already intact sternum, and I would guess not nearly as troublesome.

The one thing I might consider with a VERY recent surgery and short "down time", is to be extra sure the person isn't already perfusing or in a heart rhythm I can fix before starting CPR. The reason CPR is actually working these days is because we have learned to start CPR early, go hard and fast, and minimize interruptions. We are saving more people now than ever before with good coordinated resuscitation. In the case of a very recent sternotomy, I might look at the EKG first and see if I can use electricity right away, deliver a shock, and avoid CPR. However, I wouldn't spend too much time making this determination. Sternums can be fixed. This is a great question and i'm sorry I can't give a definitive answer, but that I still used a lot of words :) I hope i'm not too far off in what I did say. Take care.

Meredith Bray  Do you have a reason not to? That would be a great Christmas present to yourself - a ride on a sunny & warm day!

Cathleen Weed  Hi John 😊 I had the valve in valve (TAVR) August 2015. It was my 4th aortic valve replacement. Im 45. The other 3 were done through open heart surgery starting at age 19. I'm healthy and my surgeons at Cedars Sinai expect the new valve with TAVR to last just as long as a traditionally placed OHS (Open Heart Surgery) bovine valve, 10-15 years. Plus they can do it again next time. So far so good 💛. I feel awesome! It really is the future. Don't worry about the things you read online about the study phase. The first TAVR patients were very, very old and had other health issues (kidney disease, diabetes, pulmonary issues), that is why they were approved for the study, because they wouldn't have survived a full open heart surgery and the remaining years of life were already shorter to begin with (hence the 5 year survival rate). Just stay healthy and active and you will have a nice long life. I have no restrictions on my lifestyle at all. Super quick procedure. Miracle procedure really! If you have any questions let me know!

Darlene Smith  I would ask your cardiologist, but I was cleared for airline travel 10 days after mitral valve repair surgery.

Joshua Trimberger  as long as your not having any complications at the time you should be fine. I just got back from round trip Dallas to Atlanta. and round trip Dallas to New orleans both at the 4month mark. My only "issue" is I have gotten really tired from these trips when i get home but that is more probably from not sleeping in my own bed and doing to much. It takes me an extra day or three to get back to normal. I have heard that you can also wear compression socks and get up and walk the aisle a few times on long flights but I never needed either of those remedies.

Billy G  I flew Vegas to Boston round trip about 5 weeks after aortic valve repair. My cardiologist just said to get up a few times to walk around during the flight. Other than that and my girlfriend insisting she carry my bags, nothing was different than any other flight before or after surgery.

Susan Schweter  Hi John, my surgery is Aug.17th. I also ride, and was wondering if I would even be able to after this. Glad to hear both you and Dan plan to, it gives me hope.

Meredith Bray  Why wouldn't it be? (I am not a doctor!) My surgeon advised, "If it feels good, do it!" I was on a roller-coaster at 10 weeks, climbing mountains and riding horses at 4 months.

I will say, though, that the first time I used my electric toothbrush was disconcerting, at about 4 weeks. 2 1/2 years later, I still feel comfortable calling my surgeon or cardiologist and asking their opinion on twinges, pains, and definitely different medications.

Meredith

Adam Pick  Great question. Here's a video that discusses "Valve-in-Valve" procedures. It's being done for the aortic valve now. Hopefully, the mitral in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnuydOEuDxY

Corey Sines  Future predictions are always guess, but TAVR is getting to be pretty common today and the valves are getting better,in 10-15 years it should only improve and become more and more the standard of care. In your case, it sounds like a very appropriate treatment in the future with only likely one more valve replacement necessary.

Peggy Whitecotton  I would have times I felt like my heart was doing flip flops and would feel my heart pounding. This would scare me and like you I worried that my valve was failing. My cardiologist wasn't concerned and said its common, said they don't know for sure what causes it, my echo is good. The first 3 months was the worse then it stopped and started again about 6 months post op. That really scared me I just knew my valve was failing so I called my surgeon's office, the PA said it was most likely the beta blocker and the heart is still having to do some remodeling and healing. Also that it would be extremely rare for the valve to fail. I think it's normal to have these fears especially all the things that occur while the heart is healing. I am 10 months post op and feeling good on rare occasions I feel my heart pounding and even get short of breath, I think I'm about 90% recovered

Kate Watson  That's an important question! In the info they gave me from my hospital it said 3-4 weeks. But I read this online from New York Presbyterian's cardiac program that I think is more specific :
Resume sexual activity as soon as you and your partner are comfortable. Until your
sternum has healed to its full strength (about 6 weeks), take the bottom position or a
side by side position. Many myths surround sex after heart disease. The most common
one is that resuming sex often brings on a heart attack, stroke or sudden death. This is
not true. There's no reason why a heart patient can't resume usual sexual activity as
soon as he/she feels ready to do so. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Patti Talbot  At two weeks I complained to my dr about insomnia. He suggested wine, sex, and Tylenol PM all at the same time. Um no.
I've heard "when you are ready" but I've also heard when you can climb two flights of stairs.

Rita Savelis  Whenever you are ready. Your partner, however, might be more nervous about your health. It's normal.

Denise Campbell  I was going to ask my doc that question but my husband about had a heart attach😂 I agree with the others. 6 weeks was good. Not so sore or weak. Have fun.

Jean Raber  Patti, who is your doctor? I want someone JUST ONCE to prescribe sex, wine, and Tylenol PM. All at the same time! :-)

Joanna Prisiajniouk  Curiously enough, I never saw that you cannot have sex other than the fact that your sternum should be healed enough for using your arms for support, otherwise use other positions until then...

Denise Campbell  If one is bad it doesn't mean the other is bad. But you should write all your questions down for your next appt. the doctor should explain it all. No question is too small. I always have a paper with questions. Even if I asked it before and I'm still unclear.

Elaine Cutri  I would hope they knew the answer to that question before they closed you up. I don't think they go hand-in-hand, but it's a good question to ask.

Clare Auten  A few questions, do you need antibiotics before dental work? When I needed to go off my warfarin for a procedure, it took 2 days for my levels to go down but longer for them to come up again. Could you do Lovanox injections while they take you off Coumadin? How soon can the dentist pull it? How low does he need your INR?

Jan McClain  Cardiologists and dentists should have emergency phone contact numbers or on call doctors/dentists who will help. None of us on this website is qualified to tell you what meds/treatments are safe/effective for you.

Wanda Mroz  You need to have them talk... In the meantime ice it... If it's infected, will your cardiologist ok antibiotics to help with that?

Ruth Valenzuela  I never stopped drinking coffee. Nobody told me I needed to! I'm 6 months post-op and had an aortic pig valve put in. hmmmm

Adam Pick  Hey John, Great question. Here's my story - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/05/11/remember-no-coffee-after-heart-surgery/.

Linda Richards  I was never told this. I had coffee every day after the first week. Even extra strong cuban coffee. I had HV repair.

  I am not a coffee drinker but the Heart Hospital's cafeteria let me order 8 oz cans of diet coke with my meals (and yes, including breakfast). I was surprised (but pleased) to see this as a drink option. I even had tea and diet coke in the same meal a few times. Nobody said anything.

  So sorry, John. Remember to breathe. When your body goes into panic mode, it makes your breathing shallow. Breathe in through nose and out through mouth slowly and controlled. Hope you are feeling better and your BP stays more controlled.

John White  I went to see my cardiologist and he checked me over thoroughly and said I needed to remove my compression socks which I did and that did the trick. Thank you Kathleen.

Gail Magnus  Yes, I take 20 mg's and it helps me A LOT with anxiety. I started taking about a year or so before surgery. Then a few months before surgery I doubled to dose to 20 (with the permission of my doc) in anticipation of more anxiety.

Jean Raber  You'll need to give it some time. I hope that it helps you. Lexapro is an SSRI, and a similar class of antidepressants are SNRIs. My mother didn't do as well with Lexapro as she did with Effexor. Try to be patient with yourself and your doc as they get a bead on what will help you most.

Nicola Laker  I can feel mine but it's always been the same for as long as I remember. The only new thing I don't like is the feeling that it's on fire. This is a fairly new symptom so I will mention it to the doctors when I go for my angiogram pre op tomorrow.

Daniel Spurgeon  I could feel my heartbeat through my sternum for a few weeks after surgery, but nurse practitioner said it would go away on its own. It did, and hasn't returned.

Michael Shaughnessy  My murmur was so loud before surgery I didn't realize it because after my surgery it was too quiet, LOL. So I suspect whichever noise becomes the common one you will get adjusted to it. Good luck.

Enrique K  Hi John, how are you feeling besides your heart beats on your chest? How was your overall experience with Dr. Joseph Lamelas, Mt. Sinai and his team? Wish you a quick and speedy recovery.

Wanda Mroz  I'm like Michael... I realize now how badly my heart beat before because now it is very quiet. But the first couple of weeks after I was aware of my heartbeat, your heart has been violated and is swollen inside and needs to heal... It will get better... Just give yourself time.

Barbara Laurie  My whole life I've felt my heart beating, no matter if it was pounding or just regular, I'm hoping after surgery it won't be so bad. I do have an enlarged heart from Ebstein's Anomaly.. Hope you're feeling better soon!❤️

John White  I feel fair Enrique. Had a bout of afib so they put me on Coumadin and other drugs, plus I'm getting horrible migraines.

Enrique K  Hi John, hope you feel better and the AFIB has stopped. Take care of yourself and walk as much as possible:-)

John White  Enrique did you spend time with Dr. Lamelas? I only saw him for about 15 seconds before surgery and never again. I guess he was too busy. As long as he did a good job on my aortic valve replacement it doesn't matter if I see him or not.
Best

Enrique K  Hello John, yes he did spend time with me and I was in communication with him via email up until surgery. I asked him if I could communicate via email since he was extremely busy and he didn't have any rejection. Very responsive if you set the expectation:-). How are you doing BTW????

John White  Enrique I am getting daily migraines which last up to 4 hours which is slowing my recovery. Did you have a cardiac rehab to go to? What email did you use to contact Lamelas? What kind of valve do you have? I'm 61 and have a porcine valve. What happens when this wears out? I'll only be in my early 70's. Thanks a lot Enrique.

Enrique K  Hello John, sorry you are having those symptoms. I didn't experience any hiccups in my recovery. Did you tell your cardiologist that you are getting migraines? What did he say? Since I was very fit before the surgery Dr. Lamelas and Dr. Radar didn't push me to go to rehab. I have been exercising on my own on a daily basis. Do you do any walking? What are you doing to keep active? How many miles do you walk? You need to start slow and gradually upgrade your exercises. Dr. Joseph Lamelas email is Joseph.lamelas@msmc.com. I have a porcine(pig valve) as well with minimal invasive procedure right side of the chest and a graft replacement since I had an aneurysm . Did you have the same surgery done? Minimal invasive? When the valve wears out you will need another surgery to replace the valve. I'm hoping the valve last 10.15.20 years or more but it depends on how your body reacts to your type of valve. My cardiologist has patients with pig valves with over 25 years and they are intact so we really don't know how long this will last. Please let me know if you need anything else. I will be happy to help any way that I can.

John White  I had these chronic Migraines back in 2000 and they lasted 7 months. I just take Ativans and ride them out. Yes I had the same surgery as you except the graft replacement. I am trying to walk each day, but haven't reached a mile yet. You are in much better shape than me. How old are you? Thanks much for the correspondence!

John White  Ok thanks Enrique. All the best to you and your family. I'll keep in touch my friend. I sent email to Lanelas yesterday, but no response yet.

Barbara Laurie  John White, I was just reading Jackie's journal, and she did ome type of light therapy to break her migraines up from happening.. Just FYI 💕 She just posted her 6 month picture today on the patient feed.

Barbara Laurie  Jackie owens actually didn't type her name at first because I thought it sounded wrong, but it's jackie owens, and her post s/b still on the news feed, thats how i saw her journal, and saw she had light therapy made me think of you john and that you mentioned the migraines. Hope you're doing better bedt regards, Barb🌹

Enrique K  Absolutely, John will keep in touch and the best to you. I will be checking in to see how you are doing and hope the migraines go away! Let me know if Dr. Lamelas gets back to you. Also try this email: jlamelasmd@aol.com. If he doesn't respond please try calling the office and speak to Daisy Rodriguez, email: daisy.ramirez@msmc.com. Office Coordinator she is really nice. Good Luck my friend!

Michael Shaughnessy  John,
The pig valve will not just stop working. We all have struggled early after surgery, but your road has just begun. One hour at a time, one day at a time, then you will be 3 months, 6 months, and years out. Depression is normal. Your hand is dealt. We cannot change what has happened, only what WILL happen. My first month was about healing and sleeping. Then I got busy living. Do your best to listen to doctors orders, do puzzles, play games with family members; pass the time. The light will turn on soon. I am truly motivated by my wife and kids. Four years out from surgery and I am better in every aspect of my life; mind, body, and spirit. Fight for them when you are ready. Work harder than you ever have and you will not regret the benefits. Be strong. Good luck. Mike

Shirley Wong-Cruz  Hi John,
I had my mitral valve repaired and I also started to get depressed and anxious being home alone. It is very common and normal to feel like that. I believe part of this problem are the Meds.. Keep yourself active, take walks with a friend and keep a log book. If you have an iPhone, download the Nike walk app. to keep track of your distance. Seeing progress will make you feel stronger and optimistic.. Stay strong John 💪🚶🏻

Meredith Bray  Do you have a daily schedule of activities? By activities, I'm talking about showers, meals, exercise (walking!) naps, etc. I found that as soon as my caregivers left and I was left to my own devices, I was a mess.

Ed Miskovic  Hey John, Depression is a normal part of heart surgery, so you're not alone in going through this during the healing process. Many are going through being sad, feeling alone and anxious. To me it's like being on a boat and being seasick. Sometimes I ignore it; sometimes I distract myself, sometimes I look for someone I can help. Most often I think about what it will be like when the boat gets to shore/dock and I see myself jumping onto sold ground and shouting, "alleluia!" Maybe one of these ideas will work for you. Keep posting. It helps you and other. Thanks for sharing & reaching out.

Enrique K  Hi John, things will get much better. Take it week by week and just think positive thoughts. Exercise is the key, walking is helpful in reducing depression symptoms. Everytime, I go for a walk I look up into the sky and give thanks to my surgeon Dr. Lamelas for giving me a second chance of life, pray that I'm alive for my wife and kids. I just completed 4 months post op and feeling fantastic and you will do the same. Hope you recovery very quickly!

Wanda Mroz  Depression is all normal. I had mitral valve, tricuspid valve and maze, and my first few days home, I was scared because I was no longer being monitored 24/7. Each day you will feel just a little bit stronger, and each day you get past, you will feel that much better. Think about the positive things... you are on the other side now, you made it! You've been through something huge and you made it! These thoughts are all part of healing and you will get past them. Concentrate on healing and getting stronger.

susan kotansky  Dear John, I am now 4 1/2 months out after mitral valve replacement. For much of this time I have cried, isolated, alienated my family, felt sorry for myself, and suffered from intense panic and anxiety. No matter how many times I read that it is "normal" after heart surgery, I still experience the struggle. However, I have learned to accept it and go with it. It does pass. Now as of the last week or so I feel a lot BETTER, i.e. my body feels better and therefore a lot less depression, a bit of normalcy returning. A nagging pain in the middle of my back that makes me feel constricted when I breathe has suddenly disappeared. I think the weekly visits to the chiropractor, daily yoga, acupuncture etc. and just the body healing itself are slowly doing their thing. It does get better but not necessarily when we expect it...patience, as others have said...structure in your day, staying busy, giving your body TIME. Try to move as much as you can.....You just had surgery.. honor what you've been through and allow yourself to heal. You're taking lots of drugs too....it will all work out and you will be amazed. In the meantime if it's more than you can bare you can speak to a therapist (as everyone tells me to do). I really know what you're going through and I promise, it will pass!!!! From my cow to your pig....be well lol!!!!!!!!

  You are normal, John. I experienced it as well and it has gotten better with time and now that I am back to working and have started exercising, I feel much better. This is scary stuff and puts life into perspective for sure. Instead of thinking what they would do without you, think about what they will do now that they get you here for a longer period of time.

Christine Oliva  John, it is normal to worry. I did not have any complications yet I find myself worrying 4 months post. How long will the valve actually last, can I withstand another open heart, etc. I think you would be inhuman if you did not worry. This was a big deal and we feel it. If you have a trusted friend let them know how you feel. I talked to my husband the first month and was not always positive. I'm sure he was bored/frustrated/worried at times, but he never showed it. Even now, I find myself talking about it, maybe less but it is still there.
Coming on this board will help you since we all have been through it and know the high and lows. Adam's book has a chapter about this and even my cardiologist told my husband I would probably experience depression afterwards. We hear you John. You've had some tough hills to climb and concerned about your family. Dude, hold on and dig deep for that survival instinct, have faith and don't ever hide it. God Bless you and I will pray for your peace and some physical comfort.

Gary Stripling  I struggled with depression for 4 months following my August 2015 OHS for mitral valve repair, septal resection, PFO closure, and pacemaker surgery. It gets better! Men sometimes have a harder time with depression because we want to be strong and not depend on anyone emotionally. I'm blessed to have a wonderful wife (of 35 years this June!) who was amazingly strong for me all during my recovery. She let me break down, cry, express my feelings, etc. in my weakest moments. But now, 6 months post OHS, my emotions have leveled back out (okay, maybe 85% so). It DOES get better!

Christine Oliva  John, you can do it. I'm a type 1 diabetic since 3 and I met three other people in my rehab class who are diabetics and we are all doing okay. Also, I hear a fib is not that unusual even for non-diabetics (1 in rehab had it initially & caused only a minor delay). So hang tough, keep the faith going and give your self a hug.
Thinking positive thoughts for you.

Sharmin Atker  Yes. My hospital did it as Out Patient Surgery. They did a TEE first to ensure I didn't have any blood clots. There was an anesthesiologist present who sedated me, so you won't feel anything. When I woke up I immediately noticed how I was feeling much better - I didn't know it was the atrial flutter making me feel bad since it was my first week home after surgery. When are you having done?

Christine Oliva  John I have not, but just want to wish lots of luck and blessings to you. It will get better. P.S. love your dog, you got to get better your dog is counting on It.

Sharmin Atker  I was put on Coumadin after it, but only stayed on it for four weeks. Now, I just take 81mg of aspirin and Metoprolol. According to my Cardiologist, the regimen is to be on Coumadin four - six weeks after CardioVersion.

Wanda Mroz  I was on Coumadin for 3 months.... No longer. Now I just take 81 mg aspirin and metoprolol twice a day.

Shirley Wong-Cruz  Hi John, relax buddy! A-Fib is common in a lot of patients who undergo OHS. You are in good hands and your doctors will take care of that. Please be patient and do a lot of Deep breathing ex. Be well❤️

Kate Watson  Oh that must be frustrating and scary. I know it's common but doesn't make it easier. Hang in there!

Sophia Ridley  John, I know exactly what you mean. I had AF for two weeks post mitral valve repair, and a couple of odd days since. 90% of post surgical AFib will settle with rate management, as your heart recovers from the op. I assume they have checked your electrolytes, I was given IV Magnesium which returned it to sinus for a short time but I have made sure since that my potassium and magnesium levels are good. Keep walking, but take things steady as AF is exhausting. Thinking of you as I found all these set backs very frustrating.

David Augustus  Going back to the hospital sucks! I was admitted three times within the first two months of recovery with afib and it eventually went away. You'll get through this.

Wanda Mroz  Afib is very very common. I had a maze procedure with my valve fix to prevent afib but still had a short run after surgery. It will resolve with treatment.

Gary Stripling  I had the same thing happen about a week after my OHS on 8/21/15. My cardiologist thought it might be a side effect of the Losartan, so he discontinued that for a while. Check your meds! The cough eventually went away, but it was sure annoying and painful.

Christine Oliva  The coughing is normal for many people. Please keep on breathing on the spirometer often and if possible try walking more. You need to make sure no liquid is staying in your lungs. I was walking 10 minutes 3 times a day, but my doctor bumped me up to 20 minutes X2-3 day & get some cardio to help release the water in my lungs. Please be care and ask your doctor, but it did work for me fairly quickly. You can start less than 20 minutes but try to inch it up to 20 or 30 minutes slowly as long as you feel good. Good luck and be assured every week you will gain something positive as you recover.

Wanda Mroz  Yay John! Welcome to the other side. So happy to hear your surgery went well! Drainage tubes usually come out just before getting moved to step down. It feels great when they are out. One day at a time. You made it!!

Enrique K  John, good to hear from you! Lamelas also replaced my valve with a pig valve. Wish you a quick and fast recovery! Take Care. Best, Enrique

Ed Miskovic  Thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience when I was told Dec 23rd that I had severe, not moderate, aortic valve stenosis and that surgery was needed soon (scheduled for Feb 5th). I've been thinking about many of the things many are facing. You're not alone. The best to you. Keep on posting.

  That sounds very overwhelming! Take it one step at a time. The nurses, physical therapists, respiratory therapists will all work with you in the hospital to help you prepare to go home. You will do fine. Each day you will feel stronger and better. Just remember that the statistics are well in your favor for a successful surgery. Can't wait to hear your stories for us after surgery. You will then be able to help ease the anxiety of others who have upcoming surgery. Best wishes to you!!

Wanda Mroz  You'll have a whole staff of people monitoring you and making sure you do the right things. Try not to stress even though I know how hard it is not to!

Ruth Valenzuela  John, I just want to give you my best wishes for a successful surgery. As Laura said, the statistics are really in your favor. I was really afraid also and now it's been 4 months since my surgery and really can't stress the fact that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. On my part, I didn't have much pain but it was difficult the 2 weeks afterwards as far as needing help from others. You will do just fine and I'll keep you in prayer!

Sharmin Atker  I had mine in for two days. On the third day, after I took my first walk, it came out while I was standing up. It didn't hurt when it happened, or later. The nurse was standing next to me, at that time, and wanted to know if I was bleeding. I wasn't. Later after I would urinate, I was asked how much I did. They had me taking lasix and were tracking how much fluid I was releasing. I would ask him how long they need to keep it in. I hope that helped.

John Murray  I had mine for three days. It took about 2-3 seconds to pull out. It was the only thing they removed from me that felt uncomfortable. I wish I could tell you I didn't feel it. It was only about 2 seconds though. There was no discomfort after it came out. Everything was fine. It wasn't real painful, but I'm not signing up to do it again;)

Bob Fessler  I've had a catheter removed before after a different surgery about 16 years ago and it was unmemorable. So don't worry about the removal. Not something to look forward to but not bad enough to remember.

Lewis Garlisi  2 days for me. Something I always dreaded, but ultimately not so bad. Remember, you will be on pain meds for other reasons, and you probably won't feel much.

Wanda Mroz  No worries. It's minor. Mine came out 2 days later. They removed it along with the drainage tubes... Before moving me from ICU to a regular room.

Jacqueline Cook  I asked if they could remove it on day 2 after I moved to the step down unit. They removed it almost immediately. Have you let them know it's painful?

Patrick Dowd  It should not be painful! Report it as infection is frequent with catheters. It thought it was nice I could sleep without having to get up to pee.

Enrique K  John, mine came out 2 days later. When they pull it out it's uncomfortable but it last for 2-3 seconds and you feel such a relief.

susan kotansky  Funny how this was one of my greatest fears and it turns out that I don't even remember how long it was in. I think just overnight. When they took it out I felt nothing...in fact I missed it cause I liked not having to get up to go to the bathroom (important though!!)

susan kotansky  I would guess absolutely everyone feels that way right before. Once it's over, you'll be soooooo happy that it's behind you and then you can reassure the next ones headed to surgery. I'll be thinking of you....wishing you the BEST!!!!

susan kotansky  Your wife and kids will be seeing you before you can see them, i.e. you will be sleeping like a baby. At least that's what happened for me. When I woke up everyone was there...and stayed there. Of course, check with your doctor.

John Murray  John, they brought my family in to ICU as soon as I was situated. I was unable to open my eyes yet, but I could hear them talking to me. The hospital then had them go home for the night. The nurses had me already sitting up in a chair when my wife and daughter returned early the next morning. You won't be apart very long.

Sophia Ridley  My husband was with me in Recovery before I woke and then in High Dependancy when they had me sitting out. Ask the hospital their arrangements.

Wanda Mroz  My family saw me when I was in ICU still asleep, so you will see them as soon as possible. You will. Depend on it.

Christine Oliva  John, they will see you in ICU once they get the tubes/machines all set up. You will be out of it like everyone says, but I remember waving to my husband and him touching my hand and then I woke up the next day with him nearby. He was told to go get some rest and be back the next morning for my transfer to the regular unit which makes sense because you do need some help the following weeks. Like others said they will be able to see you long before you see them. You sleep the first day or two or at least I did. The only thing is that they may limit the number of visitors because you really need to rest & may not feel so hot but that changes so hold on and it will pass. Everyone is different, but I only wanted to see my immediate family and the rest visited later. I was home in 5 days. Good luck and tell your family to hold tough too!

Clare Auten  My husband was in ICU that day. My kids are younger (4,7 and 13) at the time. We chose for them to wait until some of the scary tubes and wires were gone....about day 2 or 3.

Liz Burroughs  I went in for surgery on a Monday at 7:00 AM. I woke up in the ICU at about 3:30 PM. I was glad to see my husband there! He didn't stay too long after that, however, because I was feeling so sick. Good luck with your surgery! You'll be on the road to recovery very soon!

  My surgery started around 8:30-9 and I was in the ICU by 12-12:30. My husband and mom were able to see me about 45 minutes out from surgery. They were told to wait a few minutes so I had time to get a little more awake and they could remove the vent tube. I remember them coming in and talking to me. My husband told me how good my scar looked and was stroking my hair. I remember how nice it was to hear him, but I could not open my eyes they were so heavy, but he said I shook my head. The next thing I remember is listening to the surgeon tell me what he did and how my surgery went a few hours later. I was able to open my eyes and tell him thank you and then zonked out again. My kids (6 & 9) didn't come until the 2nd night after surgery. I think for them that was better because I was so out of it the day I had surgery. I would not have wanted them to see me that way as I know it would have worried them.

Kelly Weisgarber  I saw my husband and each one of my three college kids as soon as I was waking up in ICU the afternoon of surgery, breathing tube was gone by then. I was very tired but remember seeing their faces and they were so happy to see me awake before they headed back to school. My husband had prepared them that I would be hooked up to machines and have drainage tubes. Even though they are adult children we wanted them to be prepared. I remember seeing my parents a little later. Unlike some here I didn't sleep much that first day and night. I was very nauseous and throwing up. Took a couple days to get over that. Good luck to you John!

Terrie Syvertsen  My husband was in to see me soon after surgery and seeing me quiet for one of the first times in my life he told me he just sat nearby relishing the moments thinking how it wouldn't last. I woke up with him in the room by my side telling me "I made it". It was a wonderful moment in time and something positive to look forward to....Those feelings of waking up and knowing it was over(either that or I was awake and helping direct the surgeon with my surgery!)

Beth Kelly  My husband had an aortic valve replacement on Jan 6th due to severe stenosis and is now home and watching tv in his recliner and healing nicely. We will think of you in a few weeks doing the same!!!!

Wanda Mroz  John you will do fine... Have faith in your surgeon and team. Like Beth said before you know it you will be home relaxing and recovering!

Terrie Syvertsen  Hello John-As we wait the time before surgery it is so typical for each of us to run our lives as if it were a movie and the film suddenly runs swiftly the nearer we get as this movie that is playing is showing us all of the beauty we have had in our lives...all of the most important events we have shared and the people we love the most and what they mean is magnified in so many ways that we feel our heart can break just trying to hold the uncertainty and fear at bay....Tough time now, keeping it all together. BUT, there is that time where you just hang in watching the movie continue while you are on "PAUSE" taking care of business. Health business that will allow you to step aside to let this team-YOU"RE TEAM! of brilliant, caring health professionals lead you to a healthier place whereby your heart will be mended and the "PAUSE" button is lifted to restart...resume...and you are in recovery watching this movie continue to let you move forward to live out your dreams with those that you love and all of that fear is a thing of the past as your life continues and the dreams you have of being there for your wife and kids and your future together is a continued dream you dream as you mend and have your family by your side to make it all happen. I pray as I head for bed tonight here in California that you and your Family have a restful night sleep and that the days leading up to your surgery are spent feeling the strong energy of this community of which you are a part of, the love and confidence and belief from all of us here
who have shared this experience you are feeling and moved on to have our surgeries and come out on the other side stronger and healthier and
ready to take this second chance and run with it. Take care Heart Brother and know the 29th. will be a fine day.......

  John, your feelings are normal. Just remember that the statistics are in your favor and the survival rates are something like 98%. The other 2% are typically folks who are more ill to start. I was freaked out about the surgery, but to be honest, it was not as traumatic as I envisioned in my head. You will do great. Tie up loose ends now. Spend time with your family. I wrote my kids each a letter to read while I was in surgery in case they worried. I wrote about all the things I love about each of them. We also each made heart pillows to "hug" while I was in the hospital. The recovery after surgery has taught me about patience and I have seen the most beautiful and caring side of both of my kids and my husband. I am thankful I got to see this even though the reason was not in the best of circumstances. Hang in there and we are all rooting for you! Keep us posted on your progress. You will do great!!

Adam Pick  John, Here's some info to help you get comfortable with the fear associated with surgery. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php

Adam Pick  Lastly, here's another way to potentially change your perspective about F.E.A.R. - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2009/12/24/fear-anxiety-before-heart-valve-surgery/

Sophia Ridley  John, when you're through your surgery then you can make those plans and they will be the great incentives for your recovery. Best wishes for you this week and your surgery. May your recovery be smooth.

Christine Oliva  John, Try to focus on your recovery, stuff you will need to make your recovery easier, please see other posts, but things like pillow(S), prep food-ask about vitamin K & don't forget protein, H2O nearby, easy on/off clothing, blankets, comfy place to sleep like a recliner, it can be hard getting up/out of bed the first week home, a computer near to keep in touch & aware, maybe someone to help/check on you the first couple of weeks i.e. picking up a prescription, supplies, if necessary or just making sure you are okay. Also, don't forget a thermometer, stool softener just in case, some clean gentle wipes to wash yourself in case you don't feel like a shower right away. Also, use that breathing tool and walk ASAP carefully. You won't feel like it right away but if you do it will help with the painful cough and overall aches. Believe me, it definitely gets better. Hang tough and John best wishes to you, you can do it!

John Murray  John it's not an end...it's a new beginning! Sounds like that valve is completely shot. You're going to end up feeling much better. Keep your head up and have a very positive attitude. A light hearted & positive attitude will do wonders to get you through. BTW, you wouldn't be human if you weren't scared to death. I'll be praying for you.

John Murray  John, I had a bicuspid aortic valve with an aneurysm. My cardiac cath was simply used to ensure that my arteries were clear. The cardiologist did get another look at the valve and my aneurysm, but it wasn't to measure the stenosis. This was done with my first test...an echocardiogram. John, it sounds like you might have a trust issue with this cardiologist. Have you met the cardiologist before? Is this going to be your cardiologist moving forward? I doesn't sound like you have confidence in this doctor and tha is not good. You need to find people you can trust. IT'S A BIG RED FLAG if you think that the cardiologist might do more work than necessary.