Kathi's Journal

Kathi Mancuso  Friends and Family:

❤️❤️Celebration of a HAPPY HEART❤️❤️

A year ago today my mind was crazy with worry!
I was scared beyond belief.
I was ... Read more

Kathi Mancuso  Friends and Family:

❤️❤️Celebration of a HAPPY HEART❤️❤️

A year ago today my mind was crazy with worry!
I was scared beyond belief.
I was trying to figure out how to escape the open heart surgery that was to take place the next day 10-17-17 to correct an unknown heart defect/ aortic valve replacement that I was born with.
It seemed that there was not enough Valium, Xanax, or anything else that my Doctors tried to give me that could prepare me for the actual day of my surgery.

I am a fairly optimistic person and I pride myself on being able to see the bright sides of most situations but on this day a year ago there didn’t seem to be a bright side, no silver lining, no sun, no new day........
I just seemed “zombie like “ going through the motions.
I was trapped in time for several hours where all I could hear were my own negative thoughts and where I could only relive my own worst fears over and over.

Not many knew, but I had lost my own father on the operating table 25 years earlier.

My surgery got bumped from 7am to 2 pm due to an infant emergency open heart surgery. I was thinking
“ that poor little baby so tiny”
At that point I knew I had to be brave and conquer my fears.
Dominick kissed me and said he’d see me in a few hours and away I went !

I came out of surgery and into ICU and did very very well immediately.
I was up sitting in a chair with in a few hours and walking within 12.
I made a promise that day NOT to focus on the surgery itself anymore but to REVEL in THAT DAY always !
10-17-17 would be my life changing day forever.

Fast forward :
I feel great and walk EVERY day!
I have had fabulous check ups.....my new bovine valve works wonderfully!
My Medical team was the best and I know God was along side them during the surgery 🙏

Now after the long story ........

I want to thank family and friends for all your thoughts, love, encouragement, prayers, and support. We truly couldn’t of made it here without each of you !

Thank you

Kathi

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 ... Read more

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:)

  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 ... Read more

  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 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 ... Read more

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.

Kathi Mancuso  Three weeks ago today was my AVR- OHS surgery!
It is hard to believe that it is behind me and I am here on the recovery side !
I know several had surgery 10-17 ... Read more

Kathi Mancuso  Three weeks ago today was my AVR- OHS surgery!
It is hard to believe that it is behind me and I am here on the recovery side !
I know several had surgery 10-17 but have lost touch. Hoping everyone is doing well .
I just wanted to post to keep in touch with oldies and give hope to any newbies.

I am doing well, walking 1/2 mile daily for exercise.
Headaches are gone now. No sternum pain except if I 🤧 sneeze. No pain pills. I left the recliner ten days ago and now back in bed on my comfy mattress.
Next week I go to the Surgeon for my 2 nd and last visit so am thinking he will release me and tell me I can drive soon . Not sure if I will stay on the metropolol but I seem to be tolerating it ok.
My first cardiology Dr appt since surgery is Dec 15.
I am just so happy 😊 it is all over !

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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!

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 .

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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  You can get a lot of bruising from the angiogram , a lot depends on how easily you bruise but also how hard it is for them to find the artery and how long it ... Read more

Gerald Poulton  You can get a lot of bruising from the angiogram , a lot depends on how easily you bruise but also how hard it is for them to find the artery and how long it takes them to stop the bleeding. That is some heavy duty clamp they put on it but it is not easy to stop bleeding from an artery. I agree with Bob as well, good your doctor knows in case you tend to bleed easily or excessively.

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 ... Read more

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

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

  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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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... ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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...

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 ... Read more

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!

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 ... Read more

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. ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 😏

Phyllis Petersen  I was first told that the regurg was severe in January, but had to wait until May to have the TEE to confirm it. Next tests were in July (they were scheduled ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  I was first told that the regurg was severe in January, but had to wait until May to have the TEE to confirm it. Next tests were in July (they were scheduled for August, but the cardiologist pushed them up). Then more than a month wait to hear from the surgeon. Due to changes in his schedule, I was able to get a date in October instead of November or December.

Nancy Lewis  My rheumatologist found it in July. Recommended a cardiologist. 1st visit cardiologist sent recommendation to surgery. Over July had transesophogeal echocardiograph ... Read more

Nancy Lewis  My rheumatologist found it in July. Recommended a cardiologist. 1st visit cardiologist sent recommendation to surgery. Over July had transesophogeal echocardiograph and catheterization with the cardiologist. August 1 met the surgeon, Got in for Sept 22. All in 3 months. It depends on your condition and on the hospital and your surgeon's schedule.

Darlene Smith  I didn't bother waiting for a cardiologist to decide whether I needed surgery or not. My primary care doctor found the murmur and monitored me until I decided ... Read more

Darlene Smith  I didn't bother waiting for a cardiologist to decide whether I needed surgery or not. My primary care doctor found the murmur and monitored me until I decided on my own to seek the opinion of a surgeon. (I went to the cardiologist once for him to tell me I didn't even need to monitor the regurgitation, so that was my first and last visit.) I called the surgeon as soon as I got the results of my 3rd TEE, waited 10 weeks to get in to see him, and then scheduled surgery 6 weeks later. I got a new cardiologist after my surgery.

Jane Buttram  I saw my primary physician mid-July who ordered an updated echo. When he saw I had gone from "moderate" stenosis to severe, he suggested I see my cardiologist. ... Read more

Jane Buttram  I saw my primary physician mid-July who ordered an updated echo. When he saw I had gone from "moderate" stenosis to severe, he suggested I see my cardiologist. Saw cardiologist on Aug. 15; he ordered CT and cath. Saw surgeon on Sept 8. My surgery is Oct. 3rd. He did not recommend we wait on the surgery until after a scheduled cruise we had planned for mid-Oct. So all told, from beginning to surgery, about 3 months.

Peggy Whitecotton  I was told on july 5 I needed surgery. I saw a surgeon on July 22 had a heart cath and a TEE 5 days later. They said I needed surgery asap as my heart had gone ... Read more

Peggy Whitecotton  I was told on july 5 I needed surgery. I saw a surgeon on July 22 had a heart cath and a TEE 5 days later. They said I needed surgery asap as my heart had gone from severe to critical In less then a month. They said it was a death sentence if I didn't have it now. So had mine on the 18th of August.. at that point I was more afraid not to have the surgery.....I was very fortunate my heart was not damaged because it had gotten so enlarged and the valve had gotten so tight it wasn't able to function and my heart was over working it self.. the surgery went very well but it wasa long hard recovery. My surgeon said that was because my heart was so bad and should have had. The surgery a lot soon.. as it was it took a whole year before my heart return to normal size. So don't cancel anymore surgeries get it done, I was so lucky there was no heart damage and you don't want to have heart failure. It's been two years this past August and doing great with Bessie my cow valve..

Phyllis Petersen  I think most people, if not all, go through that when they reach this point. It doesn't matter how long you have to get used to it and how much research you ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  I think most people, if not all, go through that when they reach this point. It doesn't matter how long you have to get used to it and how much research you do, it's always a bit of a shock when surgery is not just some distant possibility. You have a great community here to help you through!

Jane Buttram  I have same condition as you. My surgery is Oct 3. Very unlike me, I am weepy. I have read a little about "pre-surgery" depression. I've wondered about myself. ... Read more

Jane Buttram  I have same condition as you. My surgery is Oct 3. Very unlike me, I am weepy. I have read a little about "pre-surgery" depression. I've wondered about myself. You have had a big day. You're bound to either still be "out" or just coming to. I'm sending my most positive thoughts to you for peace and healing.

Kathi Mancuso  Thank you both for responding to my post! It's nice to know others with similar issues.
I too, am weepy and beyond, my husband has cancer and I am the supporter ... Read more

Kathi Mancuso  Thank you both for responding to my post! It's nice to know others with similar issues.
I too, am weepy and beyond, my husband has cancer and I am the supporter of the household. I don't know how this surgery for me will happen.

Catie B  I'm sorry that so much is going on, making it much harder on you. I hope the right resources and avenues will open up so your can take care of your own health ... Read more

Catie B  I'm sorry that so much is going on, making it much harder on you. I hope the right resources and avenues will open up so your can take care of your own health issues. Would insurance pay for some home health care for your husband?

Phyllis Petersen  Double whammy! It's hard to think about your own health when you are the caregiver for your husband, as well as main support. You do need to take care of your ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  Double whammy! It's hard to think about your own health when you are the caregiver for your husband, as well as main support. You do need to take care of your own help and reach out for help with caring for your husband during his battle. Prayers for strength and solutions!