Kathi's Journal

Adam Pick  Way to go Kathi!!! Thanks for sharing!!! And... Moooooooooooooo!!!! Keep up the exercise. That's wonderful!

Civita Fahey  Nice to hear Kathi. Glad all is well. We are of the same class of 17. I just had my 2.5 year anniversary. Here's to many for all of us.

Barbara Wood  I don't think it is...mine wasn't until 6 months after but I had noticed that a lot of people had them much earlier, so 3 months sounds about right. I know I was very nervous about mine, but all was good - hope yours is as well:)

  I think it just depends on the procedure you had and the doctor. I had an echo at 30 days. Glad to see you are doing well.

  Hi Kathi, I had a scheduled echo booked for 8 weeks post OHS as per the regular routine here.

(I've also had two other echos since surgery but both were because of the complications I've had post-op.)

Peggy Whitecotton  my first echo was at 8 weeks after surgery. My cardiologist says they always get one within the first 2 or 3 months. He calls it a baseline echo.

Phyllis Petersen  I didn't have them until I went off of the metoprolol. Then, it was a rollercoaster ride for a few months.

Peggy Whitecotton  my blood pressure did that off and on for about 2 months, now 27 months after heart valve surgery my blood pressure averages 110/76 and now only take 25mg of Metoprolol. My surgeon told me that my heart would have to go through a remodeling stage and actually has to learn what to do with a new valve because it was used to being overworked (enlarged) for so long with a bad valve. He said the surgery itself would take about 2 to 3 months to heal but the heart would take about 9 months to a year to heal and return to normal size. He was right my first echo my heart was still enlarged my echo a year later heart was normal size. There were times during that first year my heart would do some strange things that would scare me, like race or beat real slow or I would get short of breath for no apparent reason. Even now I get short of breath if I don't watch my salt intake and have to take Lasix.. I get concerned but my cardiologist doesn't seem to be, says my heart sounds good, but I am having my yearly echo next week.

Leslie Bakos  Sorry Kathi I am still waiting for mine...But I can imagine....I have a lot of crash down just after abalation....and what meds are you on?

Barbara Wood  Kathi, it sounds very familiar. I had night sweats, not so much all over, just my head - many people have mentioned it. Also had lightheadedness at times- still do- if you're on a beta blocker, like metatoprol, that's a common side effect. Take care, best wishes for a smooth recovery!

Gerald Poulton  As Barbara sais, the lightheadedness may very well be the medication, are you able to check your blood pressure ? I had some lightheadedness after I came home but I was able to check my blood pressure at home and found it was low, thus the reason.

Lilly Black  OMG! yes, Kathi....migraines, pain, night sweats......you name it. It's all part of the healing process. Take one day at a time.....it can seem long, but as long as you continue to progress, that's key! I wish you a speedy recovery!

Rose Madura  I would say all us normal. U didn't have the sweats but dizziness which I attributed to the medicine. Hang in there. It will get better.

Phyllis Petersen  Yay! You did it! You still have hard work ahead of you, but the worst is over. All the best for a smooth recovery!

Dorothea Sautter  Kathi, so glad to hear that all went well! Yeah, we did it, didn‘t we? Now we can look forward to starting our life anew! Still in hospital, had a fib today, but better now. All my best wishes!

Anna Jones  Sounds like everything is going well. That is great news. Sending wishes for a continued trouble-free recovery.

Gerald Poulton  Good to hear Kathii, take care for a while, it is easy when you feel good to forget how long it takes to heal.

Bob Fessler  Yeaaaaa. It sounds like you had a textbook surgery. Happy for you and wish you a speedy recovery. Your attitude will definitely help.

Amy Steele  Glad to hear that you're on the other side of surgery. Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself... Be patient and you will be better than before...

Tina Williams  Hi Kathi ! I am 2 1/2 weeks post-op and still cannot even fathom the idea of wearing a bra.. There is just way too much "awareness" of that area along with mild and intermittent discomfort and swelling. I am up and about and even venture out into the public but I just layer up with a jacket.

Barbara Wood  I agree with Tina...I wore a stretchy camisole for the first few weeks & layered up if I went out. I asked my surgeon about getting a surgical bra before surgery & he said if they thought it was necessary the hospital would supply one- that might be the case for you too.

Rose Madura  The hospital supplied me with one and I didn't even broach the subject. It was a sleeveless camisole type that used velcro in the front and had these little soft pads you could insert at different areas of it for comfort. I did use it for several weeks until I could wear a bra.

Rita Savelis  No need to wear a bra until it feels comfortable (months later sometimes), but the hospital will put you into a surgical (after surgery) bra if your breast size warrants it, to avoid pulling on your sternum.
Otherwise try to wear loose clothing for awhile.
It's too bad this very important and practical subject doesn't come up sooner in the whole getting ready for surgery procedure really...
Take care Kathi. Wishing you the best.

Laurie Lietka  Honestly, I do not like open front bras. Forgive me for being blunt, but to me they squeeze everything together, which is the opposite of what I wanted. I ended up using an old soft bra (no underwires, not stiff) that was tried and true. It gave me a little support and it was comfortable.

Noreen Kitchen  I got a cotton bra with no wires. It was more like a bralette. I got it a size larger than usual and wore it right away after my surgery. I found it very comfortable and helped my pain too. What works for one doesn’t always work for others. I hope you can find something that makes you feel comfortable.

Marie Myers  I worried about waking up with the tube also. But let me assure you, it was a non event.. I knew it was there, but it did not bother me! Remember, in the post op area, you are still sedated, and things just did not seem to be a problem. I don't even remember having any pain. Take the anxiety Meds, and try to get some good sleep. You will be on the recovery side before you know it...

Civita Fahey  Hi Kathi My biggest fear was waking up with the tubes in throat but like Marie, I did wake up with them but, it was ok.. I remember feeling them and they were gone.. So, being so sedated, I couldnt tell you how long it was from the moment I woke up to the moment they took them out.. So, its really not that bad.. just try to relax and it will go by quickly. you will be into recovery before you know it.

Kathi Mancuso  Girls.... thank you !!!!!!
I swear I will drive everyone crazy before this is over including myself.

Dorothea Sautter  Kathi, I hear you! The same things are running through my mind as well. My AVR/root replacement is planned for the week of October, 23 but I still haven‘t got the exact day. Emotionally, it‘s an absolute roller coaster, isn‘t it? From being calm and rational to sobbing uncontrollably in a moment! As much as I fear OHS, after four months‘ waiting time I will be glad when this is over. So good to have this site where we can vent without burdening our nearest and dearest all the time. We will get this!

Kathi Mancuso  Yesssss.... Dorothea ..... I feel at times I am crazy 😜. Luckily I am very busy with preparations..... and that is keeping me hopping. I have gotten the sense since the pre op that I am sick of this waiting. Let's get it over with !
You are right behind me by a few days..... I will be praying for all of f us !

Civita Fahey  I actually felt more at ease after my pre-op.. I realized that they do this every day, hundreds of times a year and they know what they are doing.. I felt much more reassured and almost calm..I don't think that the fear will be gone until you wake up after the whole thing but, ask a lot of questions and they will make you feel comfortable and reassure.. good luck.. prayers are coming your way.. you will be just fine!

Gerald Poulton  Hi Kathi, again the fear is the worst of it and fear and anxiety only makes it worse, I know, easier said than done but I was just there not that many weeks ago, you will do fine, try to think of it as a small step to fix your medical issues 💐It seems s actually a positive event.

Laura Shepherd  Kathi, when I read you intro, it mirrored what I had written. My time is on 10/13 & I'm still terrified but this sire has helped me tremendously, I find my personal Journaling is cathartic & it does help others. Sending you prayers .

Barbara Wood  It is such a scary time, pre-op makes it all so real! Like Civita, I felt calmer after mine knowing that everything was set & in place. Sending lots of positive vibes & prayers your way!

Phyllis Petersen  There aren't many people who aren't scared, anxious and wishing it all would go away on its own. Stopping the NSAIDs plus almost everything else before surgery was very difficult. I could take Tylenol, which helped a little. Soon you'll be on the road to recovery; praying that it is uneventful and you'll soon feel much better.

Steven A Husted  yes it is a scary time i wanted to put it off but the doctor seen i was having a hard time and he sent me to the hospital right away and 3 days later i had a new heart valve it was not as bad as i thought it would be praise the lord i am 3 years plus out and doing fine with my bovine valve you are in my prayers

Gerald Poulton  Like you said Kathi, it is diff for everyone and different hospitals have different rules. In the hospital I was in they count the day of surgery as day 0 and the earliest they can discharge you is day 4. There are so many reasons why they may want you to stay a bit longer but you can be sure they are all in your best interest.

Rita Savelis  I was in hospital a month. I thought it would be about a week. And I certainly didn't feel up to leaving until a month had gone by.

Civita Fahey  I had my surgery on a Monday morning at 730 and I went home on Friday morning. I believe the average time is 5-7 days depending on any issue that arise. I had none, thankfully. I also was up that night walked a few steps and sat in the chair. They said the sooner you can get up the better, so I gave it my best. take care

Barbara Wood  5 days- surgery Mon, released Sat - had the full sternotomy. I was up walking & sitting in a chair within a few hours of surgery, but only know that because my family told me. I have almost no memory of being in the icu!

Gerald Poulton  Good for you Kathi, how bad was it compared to the worry and fear you experienced before the test 😀 And how good is it that your arteries are clear and you dont need the bi pass, darn you are half way there already, soon you will joining us on the recovery side 👍Good job and keep positive

Marie Myers  I remember worrying about the upcoming cath also. Just like you, I found it wasn't as bad as my mind made it out to be...Congrats on "passing" your cath exam!

Jill Lawrence  I got the all clear from my heart cath. The worst part was being thirsty because mine got pushed from 9 to 3! But you'll be wheeled in, they put something in your IV, and you wake up in what feels like 3 seconds later, They used my wrist. The whole thing was a breeze.

Ellen Leng  Agree that the angiogram is not that bad. I was frozen for about 10 minutes as it was cold in the room, I had room temperature fluids going in, the table is cold, and then they put these cold monitor patches on! Finally, I got covered with a warm blanket which was heaven!
I thought the angio took about 20 minutes, tho it was really closer to an hour. They numb the area that they are poking and give you nice meds to keep you comfy.
I'm sure that there are people who need earlier surgery related to the angio, but that is not common.
Keep asking question!

Tina Williams  I agree, angio was easy but it did surprise me when 2 nurses scooted stools next to my bed, climbed on them and leaned their entire weight of pressure onto my groin for what seemed like half an hour. The next day I was bruised from groin to mid thigh and its still there a week later. Wondering what bruising is like after surgery?

Gerald Poulton  It is not as easy to stop the arterial bleeding from the leg as it is from the arm That is actually common even when they have to remove the clamp. Also, some clot netter than others. If they can do it in the wrist/arm which they usually do if it us an exploratory before surgery, it us much easier.

Jill Lawrence  Tina - I had no bruising from my incisions and tube holes, only bruises from where they drew my blood in my hand (stupid idea). I was shocked that I had no bruising from my incision - it's weird, but true.

Tina Williams  No bruising Jill! Maybe your doctor is just really gentle - but that would be beyond weird for me:( It seems like I bruise just thinking about bruises....

Rose Madura  I agree, the angiogram was not too bad. They used some sort of plug on me and did not have to apply all that pressure. I was able to go home in just an hour or two. I was awake (although in the twilight) but was able to watch the dye going through my veins. Cardiologist said they were excellent. I told him it was from my eating oatmeal most days for breakfast! :) I did bruise - and bruise badly. I had pain for several days afterward but it all got better.

Barbara Wood  Mine was easy as pie...through the wrist, no pain:) I dreaded it too, but really there was no reason to!

Laura Jacobs  Angiogram - very easy. However, my arm surprisingly sore and aching and very badly bruised. I had pain for about a week and the bruising looked bad for more than a month. It scared me at the time because I wondered how I was going to handle the surgery if I was having such a hard time with the angiogram...it was needless worry. Tylenol controlled the aching, and the surgery was so much easier than I had anticipated. (I was an odd case for the angiogram because I have very small veins and the staff was going back and forth as to whether they should use the femoral artery instead.) So, don't worry....just make sure you have Tylenol at home.

Marie Myers  My aortic root was too large, yours is too small. All of them can be fixed... The choice between mechanical and tissue valve was hard for me. But at 63, I went with the tissue valve. Am hoping that when the tissue valve wears out, I will be able to have a TAVR.. Usually, the surgeons advise the mechanical valve for younger patients since the life span of a tissue valve is less (10 ish years) in younger people. Best wishes for peace in your decision.

Amy Steele  Hi Kathi... It's definitely a tough choice. Make sure you do your homework (you're off to a great start asking questions here!) and remember that YOU have the final say in whichever valve you choose. I needed my aortic root replaced when I had my aortic valve replaced last year. I went with the Medtronic Freestyle valve. It's a stentless all-in-one tissue aortic valve and root. My surgeon told me that it has great flow dynamics. I went from a soda straw to a garden hose... I was 52, young for a tissue valve, but knew I didn't want to be on blood thinners. I also had an ascending aortic aneurysm that the surgeon repaired with Dacron. I take a baby aspirin daily as a precaution and didn't need Coumadin at all after surgery. I'm so glad I went with a pig valve rather than mechanical. If my valve starts to fail, I'd be eligible for TAVR to insert another valve into my current one. Keep asking questions, get as much information as you can, and follow your intuition.

Gerald Poulton  The choice between bioprosthetic valve opposed to a Mechanical valve is a tough one. I suggest you do a lot of research and not just here. You have to consider your age as well as your health condition. There is no guaratees about the Future of tye TAVR at this point although many believe it will be a more viable option in the future. If only there was a happy medium but there is not. Mechanical probably lasts forever and even though the new Onyx valve allows for a smaller does of warfarin, at this time there are no other blood thinners for valves. So yes a life on Warfarin unoess a new blood thinner is found.
A prosthetic valve last vetween 8 and 20 ish years but that depends on your age and a lot of other things, it only requires an 81mg asperin per day. I am 65 but in very good health, because of that my surgeon and cardiologist recommended a mechanical valve. I did endless research and spoke to a lot of other people who chose each as well as to my internal medicine specialist and my own doctor. In the end I decided on the bovine bioprosthetic valve with the realization that I will need another AVR in 8 - 15 years. I am not on any other medications and very healthy and plan to stay that way. If the TAVR gets more reliable I will consider it down the road, if not I will have surgery again. I believe my good health justifies my decision and my life style and is much better siuted to a life not on warfarin.
Research a lot, talk to your doctors and together try to make the best decision for your lifestyle and health. We get to make our own decision vecause we are the ones that have to live with it after.
All the best with your choice and operation.

Kathi Mancuso  Thank you everyone!!!
I am tending towards a tissue valve...... my husband wants me to have a tissue valve .
I was thinking mechanical yesterday BUT I love kale salads.... spinach.....and my cocktails once in a while !

Steve Farthing  If you get a tissue valve and if it needs to be replaced in 10-20 years, they can often slide a new one in thru a leg artery without surgery. Not possible with mechanical. But confirm with your doc for your situation.

Laura Jacobs  Good luck with making your final decision Kathi. I went with a tissue valve..I am 61 years old. Same reasons drove me to my choice..long term warfarin would not suit my lifestyle and I was afraid that I would not be able to deal with the clicking of the mechanical valve. The only right choice is the one that suits you. Best of luck to you.

Catie B  Had an aortic root replacement along with valve and aneurysm last year. It's not uncommon at all, Kathi. I'm so glad you're moving forward, as I remember that it's been very very hard for you emotionally. My heart goes out to you and hope you'll have peace and comfort in the coming days. I had to go with tissue because of gastric issues.

Rita Savelis  Not to influence your decision, but know that you can eat what you want to with a mechanical valve Kathi (kale, spinach and occasional cocktails), you just adjust your meds to your regular diet.
I haven't changed a thing that I eat or drink.
Best wishes to you.

Bob Fessler  I didn't see how anywhere how old you are. I'm 65 and a tissue valve was an easy choice for me. No INR checking/warfarin taking and no clicking of the valve which would drive me crazy. I think they will get this TAVR thing figured out in the next 10 years.

Jennifer McInerney  Even though I'm still in the "waiting" room I have, along with my Cardiologist, decided on a tissue valve. I am 63 and didn't want the hassle of Coumadin. I decided that by the time I needed a new valve. TAVR would likely be the gold standard.

  I know your fear. My mother had her aortic valve replaced in 2001 and never left the hospital. She died from infections. She was in Icu for 90 days. Like my mother, I have aortic stenosis. August 16, last week, I had a balloon valvaplasty to open my valve a little to take pressure off my heart. It is a bridge to aortic valve replacement. I am being worked up for a TAVR procedure in the next few months. I was shocked at how easy the valvaplasty was. They went up through my leg artery and I was hope in 2 days. TAVR is similar. They put the valve in through your leg. It is true things have changed light years in a short period of time. The worst part is the wacting. Find a cardiac team you feel comfortable with. I am sure your father is watching over you. Best wishes. Karen Warren

Craig Wise  Kathi, I had your fears. They were terrible - anxious and nervous. I suspect many of us did. For me, after a few months of delaying, like you've done, I finally had the surgery. Living in fear and knowing surgery was inevitable - was simply no way to live for me - OR my family. It was driving them crazy. I used a lot of prayer, then and now; and I asked for the prayers of others. I wish you strength and peace.

  I agree prayer helped me too. My favorite verse I used when I was anxious was Fear not for I am with you. Will keep you in my prayers.

Phyllis Petersen  Your fears are totally understandable. My fear of what could happen if I didn't have surgery was greater than the fear of the surgery. I knew I had a top-notch surgeon and once I made the decision that it had to be done, I wanted it done as soon as possible. Interestingly, the surgeon asked me what I thought would happen if I didn't have the surgery. From this site and book, my cardiologist and my other research, I already knew about heart enlargement and possible heart failure if left unrepaired. We're here with you and, as you've seen, the risks have gone down greatly since your loss.

Peggy Whitecotton  Kathi... my surgery was 2 years ago and I would not be alive today if I had not had it done. You see my valve had been in the mild stage for over 15 years then it became severe, within 8 weeks it was critical. I was told it was a death sentence. My valve was now leaking back into my lungs and I couldn't even walk from my front door to my car without running out of breath. Yes, I was scared... who wouldn't be. I knew that I couldn't handle the fear alone, so I reached out to the Lord... in Phil 4:6-7 it says, to not be anxious but make your requests known to God and He will bring you peace... you cannot do this alone you need peace.. read my journals, peace and blessings...

Kelly Stoll  Kathi,
I can relate very well. As I am preparing for my own surgery, I keep hearing great things about the surgeon my mother had. He is a great surgeon... but her heart was to weak and the surgery "didn't take". It will be five years in November. My only comfort is in the knowledge that I am not my mother. I may be like her, but I am still me... just as you are not your father.

Take care of yourself, especially while you decide what to do. I wish you the best.

Steve Fowler  Wow. Tough issues. 1983 was a long time ago in medical terms. I'm going to have my surgery because I think it gives me the best shot for a full and active life. I understand your thoughts. I looked at ways I could avoid this surgery, but everything pointed toward going through with it. Find a Doctor you trust, and follow his or her advice. They are so busy they would recommend surgery if you did not need it. God Bless you and good luck. I'm having my surgery next Week!

Charlene Lanigan  Please keep in mind how far medical technology has come since 1983!!! If you have a good surgeon that you trust and a good hospital, you have nothing to worry about! Good luck and hope to hear some good news soon!!

Rose Madura  It's understandable to be fearful but the alternative of doing nothing will bring the same result as tour father's surgery. I know it's hard and the decision is huge. I've had a lot of complications and tomorrow is 13 weeks after surgery but even if I knew if these complications before, I'd still go through with it. The Lord will help to calm you. Just ask him. Best wishes for a successful outcome.

Catie B  Kathi, I was utterly terrified--I so understand having massive fear. But I also understand how necessary these surgeries are.
How did your appointment with the new surgeon go?

Larry Ring  Hi Kathi...
Everyone's recovery is different. But, for me, I have a desk job. By week 4, I was back to the office 3 days a week, half time.
By week 6, I was up to 5 days a week, pretty much all day.
I am now at week 10 and work full time. Also do yardwork, mowing the lawn...it's really amazing how fast the body can heal.
Hope that helps...

Marie Myers  I am planning to return part time after 8 weeks. Will see how I am feeling at that time and then make a final decision.

Julie A McIntyre  Yes I went to see the surgeons on the 10 tho and my surgery is this Wednesday 5-17 so many people said not to wait so I took the 1st date available. I'm going to wiz through this😀

Amy Dorsey  Definitely slippers and a robe :-) I took two bags full of things to do to keep me occupied but didn't need or want any of it! The hospital will supply just about everything you need. I took a blanket, a robe, and slippers and that is all I really used. As far as for home goes, if you don't have a recliner, make sure you have plenty of pillows or a wedge to prop yourself up with. That's the only way most people can sleep after heart surgery. Get yourself a shower chair as well for home. I used one for the first 3 to 4 weeks because standing long enough to take a shower I was getting lightheaded and dizzy. The chair was a lifesaver! Those are the top ones on my list. I'm sure others will add more. Keep us posted!

Amy Dorsey  ...as a sidenote if you are a bath person, you may or may not know this, you won't be able to take a bath for many weeks due to the incisions in your groin. So I highly suggest the chair for the shower. :)

Kathi Mancuso  Hmmm... I didn't think about bra? But I thought I read somewhere that they put a certain bra on a woman After surgery but maybe I am wrong ?
Maybe better bra less ?

What about a riser for the toilet ?

Darlene Smith  Hi Kathi, the only things I used at the hospital that I brought from home were men's lounge shorts (sooo comfy), toothbrush, chap stick, a hair clip or ponytail holder, and my phone. I wish I had brought a comb, face soap, and a pen. I wore the hospital socks which I found very comfortable and I did not wear a robe (too hot!). That's why I wore the lounge shorts under my lovely gown. The hospital even provided a bra after surgery, but check because all hospitals are different. I didn't have any groin incisions like Amy did, so ask if they are going through your jugular or groin, or neither (I don't think anything is standard with this surgery!). My recommendation is to pack very light. If you decide you need something, your family can bring it to you. And be sure to pack comfortable, loose clothing for discharge. Some people gain weight because of all the fluid retention. I bought sandals that could be adjusted as I thought my feet might be swollen and they were.

Darlene Smith  Yes some hospitals provide bras. They want you in one especially if you have large breasts. The weight will make your incision uncomfortable if you go braless. I did not need a riser for the toilet, but the recliner was priceless. So happy I had a couple at home that I could sleep in. I used the recliner for about 7 weeks, and it was great.

Jane Buttram  I liked the idea I read on this site earlier about taking some mens boxers to wear under the hospital gown. You know how those gowns can flop open in the back while they have you walking up and down the halls! I plan to take my cell phone, my good wireless headphones for listening to earth sounds (I love listening to the one that is rain -- it sends me off to sleep) and they block outside noise. (I can't even hear my husband snore). I will also take my eye mask I sleep in to block light from the hall when the nurses leave the door open. Most of these ideas come from when I was in the hospital with a ruptured appendix & I remember what "bugged" me. I will take some moisturizer for my face, but skip makeup, a hairbrush, my most comfortable slip-on shoes, some knit pants to wear home with a button up the front shirt. I bought a couple of mens shirts in medium to wear for a while as I usually wear pull over knit shirts. I've read lifting your arms is challenging for a while.

Darlene Smith  Kathi, mine was only left in for 24 hours, so when I was unable to pee the next day, they had to put it back in, ugh! So it came out for good on day 3.

Amy Dorsey  I did not wear a bra the whole time I was in the hospital and still at two months later have a hard time wearing one but I had lateral incisions. Also, I had major issues with my bladder after surgery ( evidently it did not want to work on its own after they restarted my heart) and had to be recathed as well. I had the catheter in for four days total and then had to be put on mens prostate medication to help me release my bladder for about a month afterwards. from what I hear typically the catheter should come out on day two.

Kathi Mancuso  Oh Gosh Amy .... ThAts why I asked. Although I thought everyone would think my question as stupid !
I had a previous gallbladder surgery in 2000 and had a similar problem as you did with the bladder restarting 😏

Cathleen DeWitt  For the hospital: Soft cotton pajamas that button up the front, earplugs, and an eye mask so you can get some sleep ❤️