Karen Sievers - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3803 days ago

Linda Crawford, Darrell Thomas reacted to this

Hope everyone who celebrates it had a nice Thanksgiving. I know I did, happy to be here. Saw my surgeon last Monday and he examined me and asked about my ...Read more

Hope everyone who celebrates it had a nice Thanksgiving. I know I did, happy to be here. Saw my surgeon last Monday and he examined me and asked about my walking. I walk about a mile a day, or a little more. He also said he was recommending me for cardio-rehab. Finally! He also took me off the Amiodarone completely. Yay! I guess he figures my chances are low of going back into AFib. He told me my sternum is healed and I could resume normal activities. That sentence was so great. I also have been released from his care unless, of course, I need to see him for any reason. I do have to go to my cardiologist and my GP but that is normal. I already have seen both of them and have my next appointment already scheduled with my cardiologist. I am so happy and relieved that I am doing so well and sleeping better and getting exercise. Hope everyone is doing well and everyone waiting for surgery knows that it gets better on the other side of surgery, little by little.

Joseph Ballett We are all proud of you keep the good work up Karen!

Jim Hernandez ;)

Great news! So happy for you.

Tammy Pilcher That sounds great Karen! I'm only 4 weeks out and looking forward to getting to where you are now. ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher That sounds great Karen! I'm only 4 weeks out and looking forward to getting to where you are now. Thanks, Tammy

Joan Napier Great report Karen! I'm looking forward to hearing those same words from my doc in 4-5 weeks. Thanks ... Read more

Joan Napier Great report Karen! I'm looking forward to hearing those same words from my doc in 4-5 weeks. Thanks for sharing your good news!

Elaine Foster Good for you! Thanks for sharing! It sure gives us still awaiting surgery encouragement. God Bless ... Read more

Elaine Foster Good for you! Thanks for sharing! It sure gives us still awaiting surgery encouragement. God Bless you

Karen Sievers Thanks everyone for all your good wishes. I am feeling very good. I do realize that I am not as good ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks everyone for all your good wishes. I am feeling very good. I do realize that I am not as good as I was a year ago but it will take time to heal completely.
Elaine, I read some of your journal, good luck on your upcoming surgery. You will do great. I just wanted you to know that I have a tissue valve, bovine valve, and I'm 66. My surgeon recommended the bovine valve and said it should last 15-20 years and if I should need a replacement that things are progressing so quickly that it wouldn't be OHS. For my surgery this time it was a mini-sternotomy and it was considered minimally invasive. Again good luck and God Bless.

Elaine Foster Thank you Karen for your good wishes and encouraging words. I am at peace with my choice of bovine v ... Read more

Elaine Foster Thank you Karen for your good wishes and encouraging words. I am at peace with my choice of bovine valve. I also am having mini-sternotomy. Looking so forward to not being out of breath all the time!

Karen Sieversposted a journal

3839 days ago

I know I haven't posted in a while but have been tired and having trouble typing as my fingers are numb. I did post that the surgery was a success. I was in ...Read more

I know I haven't posted in a while but have been tired and having trouble typing as my fingers are numb. I did post that the surgery was a success. I was in the hospital for 8 days as the surgeon was trying to get off 35 lbs. of fluid I retained after the surgery. After the hospital, I went to rehab for 2 weeks and am now home a week. I have lost most of the 35 lbs. of fluid. Walking has helped. I still am not walking as much as I should but I am trying. I wish I knew if this fatigue was normal after 4 weeks. I see the cardio-surgeon on Monday so I will see what he has to say. I also have questions about potassium as my potassium was very low in the hospital and also sometimes in rehab. Since a blood test is the only way to know the potassium level I want to know if I should be getting more blood tests. But all in all I'm doing good. Also glad the surgery is behind me. I guess that is all for now.

Liidia Wootten Hi Karen - I can identify with some of your issues, especially within the first month of recovery. I ... Read more

Liidia Wootten Hi Karen - I can identify with some of your issues, especially within the first month of recovery. I was plagued with swollen ankles, used compression stockings during the day. It was only about 2 weeks ago, I'm post op 14 weeks, that one morning I looked down at my ankles and they were their normal size! All day long, into the evening I kept checking - they didn't blow up! I was thrilled. The potassium thing I had for the first 4 weeks of recovery - eating a banana every day is a good source of potassium. When my prescription for potassium was used up, the doctor did not renew - blood tests for warfarin showed everything normal. And the fatigue for me was normal, too. Naps were good where they would make me stop for a little while instead of overdoing. I walk an average of 2.5 miles EVERYDAY, now. Funny thing - I don't like walking, but know it is the best thing to do. Oh well. Hang in there. Both the surgeon and cardiologist told me that I would really start to feel much better 3 to 4 months out.

Karen Sievers Thanks Liidia. Glad you are doing so much better. I'm almost 8 weeks out now and the fluid has left, ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks Liidia. Glad you are doing so much better. I'm almost 8 weeks out now and the fluid has left, my potassium is good and I'm not as tired as I was. In fact, I don't feel tired today at all. I did walk about a mile today. That seems to be the most I can go but I'm working on it and the walking does help.
Let me know how you are doing.

Karen Sieversposted a journal

3839 days ago

I know I haven't posted in a while but have been tired and having trouble typing as my fingers are numb. I did post that the surgery was a success. I was in ...Read more

Karen Sieversposted a journal

3871 days ago

2 people reacted to this

I have pre-op this afternoon and an early surgery (7:30am) Thursday morning so we are leaving for the hospital tomorrow and staying at a hotel because we have ...Read more

I have pre-op this afternoon and an early surgery (7:30am) Thursday morning so we are leaving for the hospital tomorrow and staying at a hotel because we have to be at the hospital at 5:15 am. I am feeling very nervous but hope that I will be calm the day of surgery. I know all of you are rooting for me. I won't have my computer so this will be the last time I post until I can get to a computer again. "See" you all some time after my surgery in a week or so. Thank you for all the encouragement.

Joan Napier Hi Karen, Many positive thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through your surgery tomorrow. Ma ... Read more

Joan Napier Hi Karen, Many positive thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through your surgery tomorrow. May God bless you, your surgeon, and medical team throughout this time.

Karen Sievers Thank You Joan.

Adam Pick Karen, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep on tickin! Adam

Eleanor R Good luck to you tomorrow Karen, you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a great outcome. Eleanor ... Read more

Eleanor R Good luck to you tomorrow Karen, you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a great outcome. Eleanor

Debbie cross Karen, I am praying for your speedy recovery.

Karen Sieversposted an update

3873 days ago

Four more days until my surgery. Have pre-op on the 24th and surgery at 7:30 am on the 25th. Still nervous; guess I will be until I get into the surgical suite. ...Read more

Four more days until my surgery. Have pre-op on the 24th and surgery at 7:30 am on the 25th. Still nervous; guess I will be until I get into the surgical suite. I'm also hoping I have everything I need for the hospital stay afterwards. Is there anything that is helpful to bring after an OHS valve replacement?

Terrie Syvertsen Hello again Karen. You will find that people pretty much brought the same things to the hospital. I b ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello again Karen. You will find that people pretty much brought the same things to the hospital. I brought books but never read as I was either too sleepy or walking the hallways to get a little exercise. If you bring some music with you(I-pod) it can help too. (I didn't) I spent a lot of time visiting with the different nurses that were in and out doing their job the first few days especially. As far as clothes. They give you non-skid socks to wear most of your stay. I brought a robe but never used it. I also bought some P.J. bottoms that had elastic. Two pairs that I used without underwear as they were under the hospital gown to protect my backside when walking up and down in the hallway. They went to the knee and kept me comfortable as they did not get in the way of anything and my husband Gary brought 2 other pair and kept washing them so I always had a pair to slip on. I found that better than worrying about whether anything was causing a show for others in the hospital and the cotton was comfortable. You will be using the hospital gowns most all of the time and they are loose and I found comfortable. I had a little bag with hair brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, my own shampoo but did not bring conditioner so as not to slip in the shower or cause a slippery area in the bathroom. I also brought underwear to wear under the p.j. bottoms after the 2nd day. I brought some slip on easy spirit shoes that I wore home as I had on the skid proof socks the whole time I was there from surgery until
bail out time. I was going to keep up with my journaling but Gary took over for the site updates and I didn't feel like writing. Terrie

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Like Terrie, I had brought reading material with me, but didn't get it out. I was too bu ... Read more

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Like Terrie, I had brought reading material with me, but didn't get it out. I was too busy! Either eating, sleeping, talking to the technicians, nurses, aides etc. that circulate so frequently, and walking a little. An I-pod with recorded audiobooks was helpful, actually more at home when I was trying to sleep at night. I guess they were boring enough, they put me right to sleep! Again like Terrie, I didn't use much of what I took except for my own toothbrush and brush. I didn't even put on the robe or boxer shorts I had taken for hall walking, as the nurse the first day used her invention "The Superman Cape" which was a hospital gown opened up and worn like a cape, snapped at the neck. That did the trick for backside exposure. I did use my slippers, and wore them home since my feet were swollen with the fluids pumped into us during surgery. Make sure your going home clothes are loose and easy to get into, including your shoes, for there will be no bending over or lifting of your arms. You should do good this week, we will be thinking of you. Eleanor.

Karen Sievers Thanks Terrie and Eleanor. I was planning on bringing a robe but may not now. I am taking short JP's ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks Terrie and Eleanor. I was planning on bringing a robe but may not now. I am taking short JP's and a longer pair of capri pants, like sweat pants but cooler, because when I was in the hospital for tests it was freezing in there. I have button down shirts to wear home and elastic knit pants to leave the hospital and I have slip ons also other shoes in case my feet are really swollen.
Terrie, how did you get those socks back on?
Did you need to bring shower soap? I'm packing tomorrow as pre-surgical testing is Wednesday afternoon and then an education class so we are staying overnight at a hotel because I have to be at the hospital at 5:15 am on Thursday for a 7:30 am surgery.
Eleanor, I like the superman cape. They do that in the Women's Center when I go for a mammography at the same hospital. Maybe they will do that here, but I will be prepared with underwear and short PJ's.
Thank you ladies for all your helpful advice. Karen

Joaquim Cimoes Dear Karen, good luck for you.

Karen Sieversposted a journal

3877 days ago

Hi again, I feel a little less anxious after writing to friends and also talking about my heart surgery. I still have a week to go. I read the book the surgeon's ...Read more

Hi again, I feel a little less anxious after writing to friends and also talking about my heart surgery. I still have a week to go. I read the book the surgeon's office gave me and saw that pre-op will take about 4 hours since they do an education class for family during the pre-op. I know I will be very nervous by then and the next day have to be at the hospital by 5:15 am for a 7:30 am surgery. I am glad it is an early surgery. I just hope I make it through. I guess that is normal, at least I hope it is. I'm also nervous about after the surgery but I was in their cardiac short stay unit for my tests and everyone was great. I'm glad they leave the monitors on you but will be glad when all the tubes are out. I guess I am more nervous because my surgeon said I was frail (in his estimation) because I am overweight and walk with a cane. I also am nervous about not being able to get up from a seated position without pushing up with y arms and I know I can't use my arms to do that. The surgeon told me I couldn't and I know I can't because the sternum has to heal. I will be using a walker as that keeps me more evened out, with equal stress on each side. I can walk some without help but the sitting thing really has me concerned and also walking up steps as that is the only way into my home. I guess I should just take this one thing at a time. My father died from a clogged aortic valve in 1977 so I am glad that medicine has come a long way in making this surgery available to everyone. When my father was going through this, there was only one hospital in NJ and when he went for a procedure they said he was too heavy. Months after that he died. OK, I guess I have been under more stress than I thought. I guess my anxiety comes and goes. Thanks for "listening". Karen S

Tom Elliott Hi Karen. The week before is tough, no question about it. I had different doubts and fears than yours ... Read more

Tom Elliott Hi Karen. The week before is tough, no question about it. I had different doubts and fears than yours, but after a certain point they're all the same Great Big Doubt and Fear. Hang in there and let us help you stare them down.
Specific to the question of standing up from a chair, your body will figure out a way to do this while protecting itself. The hospital is unlikely to want to let you go until you can climb stairs and get up from chairs.
All the best wishes for a successful surgery and a swift and uncomplicated recovery.
Best,
Tom

Karen Sievers Thanks Tom. I know we all have doubt and fear before surgery and I'm guessing after too for a while. ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks Tom. I know we all have doubt and fear before surgery and I'm guessing after too for a while. We all understand what we are all going through. I can use all the help I can get to stare down my anxiety.
I may go to a rehab facility before I'm able to come home. I guess I will find out.
I appreciate the response. Karen S

Daniel Spurgeon Karen, I was also quite nervous about my surgery, but continued reminding myself that if I avoided t ... Read more

Daniel Spurgeon Karen, I was also quite nervous about my surgery, but continued reminding myself that if I avoided the surgery I'd only be cheating myself. By focusing on the life-preserving nature of heart surgery you might also be able to see the procedure as a benefit to be thankful for.

Michael Meyer Karen:
You always have some anxiousness. I remember very vividly the nurse asking me on a level of 1 ... Read more

Michael Meyer Karen:
You always have some anxiousness. I remember very vividly the nurse asking me on a level of 1-10 how nervous I was. I was honest and said a 5, but that I trusted the surgical team to repair my heart. We get educated, trust in our caregivers, have the surgery and do the recovery work to help ourselves get healthy. That becomes your focus and rightfully so. I wish peace and calm for you as you prepare for the surgery next week.

Karen Sievers Daniel S, I do see the surgery as life saving because I know I will die without it but it still scary ... Read more

Karen Sievers Daniel S, I do see the surgery as life saving because I know I will die without it but it still scary to me. Karen S

Karen Sievers

Karen Sievers Michael M, I think I would be more than 5 on the scale but I do trust my surgical team. I have had m ... Read more

Karen Sievers Michael M, I think I would be more than 5 on the scale but I do trust my surgical team. I have had many surgeries and have gotten anxious before each one but this seems to me to be the most important of all the surgeries I have had so I'm more nervous this time. Thank you for wishing me peace and calm. It is funny I get really anxious but then the day of surgery I get calm. Thanks again for your support. Karen S

Virginia (Ginger) French Karen, I had many issues that you are dealing with, yet my surgery went fine and I am now eight weeks ... Read more

Virginia (Ginger) French Karen, I had many issues that you are dealing with, yet my surgery went fine and I am now eight weeks out -- hard for me to believe. Years ago I had a head/brain injury from which I still have flare ups and problems. I cannot walk a straight line, as I am plagued frequently with vertigo and the nausea that comes with it, as well as migraines and balance problems. Because of the vertigo, I am unable to get much exercise, so am not at an ideal body weight. I took a cane with me to the surgery and used it post-op quite a bit. And while everyone reacts differently, I found to the surprise of my family that I had more mobility than any of us expected. That included getting out of chairs. The staff at the hospital will help you learn the most efficacious way to get out of a chair and out of bed. If they do not spontaneously offer, just ask. They cannot read your mind, but will either help you or have physical therapy come to teach you the best ways. I remember so many people telling me "You will be fine". It's a good mantra to use to replace negative thoughts between now and surgery, Because it is true - You will be fine.
With warm thoughts and prayers, Ginger

Karen Sievers Thank you so much Ginger. I know the surgeon doesn't want me to use the cane as he said it would be a ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thank you so much Ginger. I know the surgeon doesn't want me to use the cane as he said it would be an uneven weight on one side and not good for the sternum. He did say I could use the walker as that would even out the weight. I will ask the nurses or ask for help. I speak up as I've had many surgeries and have learned that you have to ask that they are not mind readers. I'm hoping after the surgery that my mobility will be better as my legs are quite swollen now and I am hoping they will get thinner and stronger after the operation. It just is a scary surgery. I've had my knees replaced and my cervical spine fused in two separate operations and was in rehab but none of the surgeries were this involved at least to me. I was scared at those surgeries so I know I get nervous but I will remember the mantra I will be fine. Plus so many people are pulling for me and praying for me. Thank you for your pep talk. Take care Karen S

Debbie cross Karen,wishing you all the best,and I am equally nervous!

Karen Sievers Thanks Debbie. All the best to you too. I think as the week wears on so will the nerves but once the ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks Debbie. All the best to you too. I think as the week wears on so will the nerves but once the day is here I feel I will be calm. Good luck on Friday!

Karen Sieversposted a journal

3879 days ago

Hi all, I'm 66 years old, live in Alabama, and have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. I have been seen by a cardiologist since 2012. This past July ...Read more

Hi all, I'm 66 years old, live in Alabama, and have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. I have been seen by a cardiologist since 2012. This past July my echocardiogram gave a severe reading and my cardiologist said it was time to do replace my valve. I had a cath and a TEE and both showed severe stenosis, actually my cardiologist said the leaflets in the valve were fused. He and the cardiologist who did the cath said I would feel much better after the surgery. I really haven't noticed many signs of a BAV but I do have swollen feet and legs and some harder breathing after walking a distance. Anyhow, irregardless of symptoms, I need the surgery. I met with the surgeon two weeks ago and he wanted some more tests. I had a CT of my lungs, doppler of carotid arteries and a breathing test. Passed all tests. I saw my surgeon today and discussed the surgery in more detail. I am getting a bovine valve as I have some walking issues and he doesn't want me to fall and put me at risk for a stroke. Also, he is doing a mini-sternectomy instead of the full sternectomy. I believe the difference is about four inches of incision but the loss of blood is less and recovery time is shorter. At any rate, when I went to schedule the surgery date, I was asked when I wanted to have the surgery, I said as soon as possible. Little did I know, he had an opening next Thursday. So I am having my OHS on Thursday, 9/25/14. I guess that is less time to be anxious. Glad I am on here with everyone who understands.

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Karen S. I think it is good you will not have to wait and that you will be going in as many of ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Karen S. I think it is good you will not have to wait and that you will be going in as many of us are just beginning the recovery phase and will be able to help with any questions and give you support too. It sounds great you can have the smaller incision as I had the full and either way the heart will be in better shape soon which will make things so much better for you sooner than later should you have had to wait. I am 65 yrs. old and live in California. I hope while you are waiting you will really check out all of the recent journals by people who will make you feel better going forward with this surgery. I am only out almost a month but I am amazed at how quickly the incision is healing an how fast the body wants to mend! so I am glad you are here with us on this journey and we will all as your heart sisters and brothers try to help in any way we can. You take care and I will watch for your further posts. Terrie

Karen Sievers Thanks for the welcome Terrie. I will read the journals and have also read Adam's book. But I'm still ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks for the welcome Terrie. I will read the journals and have also read Adam's book. But I'm still hyperventilating. The surgeon said it would probably take me 6 months to a year before I feel completely fine. He considers me frail as I have some weakness in my hands and legs. I am concerned about being able to get up out of chairs and the bathroom commode without pushing up with my arms. The surgeon said I had to learn not to push up with my arms for my sternum to heal. I guess I will be practicing that for the next week and a half.
Thanks again for welcoming me. Karen

Eleanor R Wow, that is quick! But, less time to worry, and if the tests reveal "severe" aortic stenosis, it is ... Read more

Eleanor R Wow, that is quick! But, less time to worry, and if the tests reveal "severe" aortic stenosis, it is time to take care of it. That was pretty much my story as well, and I'm now 10 weeks post surgery. I'm 68, had a bovine tissue valve, and a mini sternotomy, a small incision about 3 to 4 inches, which does tend to heal nicely. However, the sternum and rewiring does limit the use of your arms, so make sure you have everything you will need for the first two or three weeks at home well within reach. I found I could not reach the top of my closet - I have double hanging rods and the blouses hanging from the top had to await someone else to get them down. Same for dishes on the upper shelves. Move your favorite things into an easily reachable position. I was even limited in how far I could stretch out my arms forward. Not painful, not scary, just limited range of motion for a while. Oh, and practice sitting down and standing up without using your arms - you will need that skill post-surgery, as you will not be able to push off using your arms. Good luck to you, I am glad you are being taken care of. Eleanor

Karen Sievers Hi Eleanor, glad to hear you had the same or similar surgery as I am having. I do know about the arm ... Read more

Karen Sievers Hi Eleanor, glad to hear you had the same or similar surgery as I am having. I do know about the arm limitation but thank you for reminding me to put things within reach. My hubby will be home so he will be a big help. I may go to rehab before coming home, depending on how my hospital stay goes and how I am doing. I walk with a cane and know I cannot do that after the surgery so will use a walker, the surgeon said I could. But I do have to practice getting out of a chair as now my legs are too weak and I need to push off out of a chair or anything seated to get up. I had cervical spine surgery, twice, the last time in 2003 and that left me with a weak left leg and I do have some foot drop. I also have had two knee replacements. Soon there will be more parts in me that are not original issue. Anyhow that is why I use the cane and have to really practice getting up without using my arms. The surgeon said that I have to do it. It is so scary between the OHS and valve replacement and also worrying about getting up from being seated. Sorry I vented. But I am scared.
Thank you all for being here and understanding what I am going through because you have gone through it yourself. Karen

Lynne Jeffreys Good luck and a quick time does mean less worry time. The healing time can take awhile and I've sort ... Read more

Lynne Jeffreys Good luck and a quick time does mean less worry time. The healing time can take awhile and I've sort of expect my time to be 6 months to do the things I'm use to doing without excess stree on healing tissues. I'm expecting to have minimally invasive robotic surgery that uses a 3 inche incision above the right breast between the ribs, so not open sternum at all. This is because of fibromyalgia pain and try to lessen it.

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Glad you will have your husband with you. Depending on the layout of your home, moving i ... Read more

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Glad you will have your husband with you. Depending on the layout of your home, moving into a rehab facility the first week or two might be the safest option for you, and him, as you gain back your strength and learn, under supervision, what you can and cannot do. Medicare would have paid for me to do that, but I chose not to, but I told my daughter that if I have the same surgery again, I probably would do that, to not burden her so much. She is a teacher and was off for the summer, so she moved back into her old room in my house for two months to be on hand to help me, and the first week home, I did need quite a bit of help especially with dressing and showering. By week two I could have managed alone, but she was really into her caregiver role and enjoying it (?), as was I, so I allowed myself to be cared for, after so many years of being the caregiver myself. I wish you the best outcome, and steady progress in recovery. I've come so far in the two months since my surgery, to me it is unbelievable. I have just started cardiac rehab, and I need it! I am a bit afraid to push myself too hard, so it is good to exercise under the supervision of nurses and physiologists. Best wishes to you. Eleanor

Karen Sievers Thanks Lynne. That is great that you can have the robotic surgery. They don't do that at the hospital ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thanks Lynne. That is great that you can have the robotic surgery. They don't do that at the hospital I am going to, don't know why as the do use the robotic system for other procedures. I wish you luck with your surgery and a fast recovery also. When is your surgery?

Karen Sievers Hi Eleanor R, I'm glad my husband is home too but if the surgeon recommends it I will go to rehab. I ... Read more

Karen Sievers Hi Eleanor R, I'm glad my husband is home too but if the surgeon recommends it I will go to rehab. I would rather be home but I know it will be a challenge as I have steps to get into the house and I already have walking challenges. I have a weak left leg left from cervical spine issues that have been resolved but left me with a weak left leg. I know I have to get up by myself without pushing off with my arms and that is a challenge. I have been practicing, sometimes I can do it and sometimes not. I also won't be able to use my cane since that would put too much pressure on one side so the surgeon said I can use the walker and also us it to sit on as it is easier to get up from. But I am wondering how I can make it up steps without holding on. I've been in rehab before after my cervical spine surgeries and after knee replacements so I know what to expect although I imagine it is different for OHS patients. It was great that your daughter could take care of you but I can see where it would be a bit difficult after a while. But it seems like your daughter spoiled you. LOL Take care. Karen S

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Just checking in on you, as your surgery is coming up soon. You had asked how to get up ... Read more

Eleanor R Hi, Karen. Just checking in on you, as your surgery is coming up soon. You had asked how to get up steps without holding on. On my last day in the hospital, the physical therapist took me out for a walk, still in hospital garb, and to show me how to manage stairs. I thought she would take me to a rehab room with small stairs, but no, she took me to the stairwell and showed me on the actual stairs how to go up and come down. Ask that they show you how to manage stairs, especially with your weaker left leg. In my case they had me stand sideways and face the handrail, and go up with one foot, then the other, with my hands on the rail but not pulling on it. Right after surgery you will feel most comfortable with your elbows at your waist, or at least that was the case for me. From that position I felt fine and could rest my hand on the rail. But, have someone behind you the first week or so, in case you get off balance or stumble. Since you will be going very slowly, this probably won't happen, but better safe than sorry. I am in cardiac rehab now, gaining back strength in my legs slowly. I wish you the best for your surgery and recovery, and hope that a new valve gives you a new lease on life. Eleanor

Karen Sievers Thank you so much for the information Eleanor. I am going to try walking up my steps sideways as they ... Read more

Karen Sievers Thank you so much for the information Eleanor. I am going to try walking up my steps sideways as they showed you. I do have three different stairways into my home. I am trying to figure out the best of the three to use. I also read what you wrote to someone about getting in the car. I am going to have to practice that too. With all these practice sessions, I will forget I'm nervous about this coming Thursday. Thanks again, Karen S