Kelly 's Journal

Thought I’d pop in for quick update- I’m hardly ever on anymore. Today marks 5 years since my OHS. I’m doing well. Still skipping beats- my new Apple Watch tell me “inconclusive” most times when I check my ECG. Last echo was in February- right before COVID changed the way we live- everything looked stable. Valve is leaking at a moderate level now so we will continue to monitor it. To Everyone facing surgery or recovering, good luck- I’m thinking of you all!

Today marks one year since my OHS to repair my bicuspid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm. I'm doing pretty well. I thought my heart would feel perfect- but I still have skipped beats and times it feels like it's pounding. My last echo showed mild regurgitation. Which I'm told is expected with a repair. I've stayed active and kept off 25 pounds since surgery. Still exploring this pulsatile tinnitus- seeing yet another doc soon. It's hard to believe it's been a year. My youngest started my day with the sweetest 'happy anniversary' text. To everyone waiting and recovering- hang in there. ❤️ You can do it!

I'm 6 months post aortic valve repair/aortic annuerism repair today. I'm feeling pretty good. I finished cardiac rehab a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it and continue to walk and work out at a local gym now. There are still a few things that I can't do, push ups for one... And I sometimes my heart feels like it beats too hard... I feel like it's a process, learning what's normal for our fixed heart, and I am often worried something is wrong. Good luck to all those recovering and waiting❤️

I am feeling pretty good at three weeks post op AV repair and aneurysm repair. I am walking about 2 miles a day, I have little pain left in my chest, my incision is coming along, its about 5.5 inches long, it is healing well. I have a spot from the one chest tube that's still problematic, it is right under my breast, bra or not, its just not in a spot thats not conducive to healing. I am on 100mg a day of metoprolol, hoping that can be reduced at the next appointment, but it was increased due to my resting heart rate being too fast. Also taking 81mg baby aspirin a day and iron supplement. I guess I am feeling physically about where I should be. I still feel the occasional skipped beat and wonder if the valve is working ok. My next appointment is not until January 11th. I also still have pulsatile tinnitus, thats a ringing in my ear to my heart beat... I had hoped with surgery this would improve but it hasn't. I have seen an ENT for this before but will start to explore it more once I am further along in recovery. Good luck to all those having surgery this week, and all those waiting and recovering. I will post more details about my surgery and recovery at the Cleveland Clinic soon. God Bless!

So happy to be home. Feeling pretty good. I'll post on the whole experience later. Many things are fuzzy from Monday and most of Tuesday. That's a blessing I think. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to send a note or a prayer. My husband, family and friends have been great. Such a wonderful support team I am blessed with. To all my heart brothers and sisters waiting, or recovering, hang in there!

Had a visit with Dr. Svensson this morning. CT scan today and pacing wires out of her heart (have not had to be used). If all is looking good maybe home tomorrow. Kelly has read your posts and thanks you all for your prayers and support. She is feeling pretty chipper this morning and looking forward to breakfast after our walk around the unit! Branden

Kelly had surgery today. A keyhole procedure was used and the aortic valve was repaired and the aneurysm was remedied. The surgeon said that things went well. She is extremely groggy in the ICU and I can sense the pain in her chest with movement and deep breathing. I'm praying for a restful night and a move to a step down unit over the next day or two. Branden Weisgarber

I can't say that I'm ready, but I'm certainly ready to have it behind me. Traveling tomorrow to PA to watch my daughters volleyball team compete in the NCAA tournament at Juanita College. On Sunday they won their conference championship, in Indiana. I was so happy to be there, and to see them play together, and share the Big Win! The timing is working out that I can see this game too. Feeling blessed... although I have many things left to get ready before Monday, I'm going to try to just enjoy the trip and my family. Arrival time at The Cleveland Clinic Monday, 5:15. Everyone take care, and my husband Branden will post for me following surgery.

Had another echo at Cleveland Clinic Thursday, then met with my Cardiologist Dr. Stephens. He says it time to schedule the surgery. I am having some strange symptoms (occasional chills, constant pulsatile tinnitus) along with continued light headedness and some SOB. I'm also having worsening vision in my left eye that was diagnosed at low tension glaucoma. This could also be related to the blood flow due to the valve issues. I'm feeling scared and stressed but ready to face what's next. Ill meet with Dr. Svensson soon to schedule surgery.

I am very thankful I got to travel to Colorado Springs with my husband to watch our daughters play volleyball at Colorado College. I was careful about my activity level since I'm sometimes short of breath here in Ohio. I skipped the Pikes Peak trip but hope to go someday after my heart is fixed. What I was able to see was amazing along with watching some competitive volleyball!

Met with Dr. Stephens and Dr Svensson today at the Cleveland Clinic. My echo I had done today looked better than my last one... So they don't feel I'm quite ready for surgery. They also agree that this probably is congenital unlike I was told before.