Kevin's Journal

Robert Miller  Good news. May I ask why they decided on a pacemaker? Was his heart not beating by itself or was it beating irregularly or something else? My heart wasn't beating by itself for the first 3 days or so after the first surgery but eventually it started doing its job again and they decided no pacemaker was needed. 

Ana Brusso  Glad to hear from you dear Kevin. Your dad is in recovery and that’s great news. Now you can relax  and help him recover. God bless you and your family. 🙏❤️

Mark Buttell  Hey Kevin, This is ok. I remember this well. After my 4th open heart in 2005 they put a combination pacemaker defibrillator (ICD) in me just 4 days after surgery. This is a smooth procedure and this devise is there for good reason so please know it will help him in keeping paced which allows him to maintain his energy and overall well being. This all good and know he is in good hands. You keep yourself healthy and positive for him. He needs that reinforcement and positivity from you to keep on tickin!

Susan Lynn  Kevin - I'm sorry to read this news, but it's not uncommon to need a pacemaker after surgery. I'm sure it's not what you planned, but thankfully, the technology and medical expertise are available to correct his issue. Your father will be better than new in a few weeks!

  Hi Kevin. I have a pacemaker that was implanted one month after my surgery for mitral mechanical valve. I was four days in ICU and 12 days in hospital after the first surgery. That was 5 1/2 years ago and I am very happy to have the pacemaker. I had arrhythmias that didn't respond to any or the usual medications and had an unusual rhythm, so the decision to put in a pacemaker was obvious. I was 64 when I had my OHS and pacemaker implant. Best wishes to your Dad. 

Kevin Excu  Thank you all! Jan my dad is 62 and he just seems to be having a rough time. I know it's barely been three days since his operation and to put his body through another procedure for the pacemaker seems like a lot. On a positive note one of his nurses thinks he may be discharged on Tuesday, although that may only be from he ICU. Like in many things time heals all but it so hard to see him this weak. I supposed we had unrealistic expectations of how his recovery would go.  

Rose Madura  Kevin, trust the doctors. I have a feeling that once he receives the pacemaker, he'll start feeling better. When your rhythm is off, it wears you out.  At least it's not a major surgery like the first one.  Will be praying.

Brady Busch  Hi Kevin,hey that's my middle name.Your dad's sounds a lot like my recovery,being very tired and getting a pacemaker.They put mine in,about 4-5 days after surgery.There wasn't much to it,a sedative to numb any pain and I actually slept through it,because I remember a nurse asking if I had a nice sleep. 

Kevin Excu  He has his pacemaker placed this afternoon but they put him fully under again to get it done. He’s now back on a breathing tube…feels like one step forward three steps back. His surgeon reassured us that everything looks good and he even thinks he could be discharged on Tuesday. Getting hard to keep positive 

Rita Savelis  I feel for you. I also had a pacemaker implanted and it was a surprise. As I said before, it happens in about 3% of cases. Sometimes a heart does not get its proper rhythm back because invisible electric lines can be cut during surgery. Normally pacemaker implantation is not done with general anasthesia but maybe this was the best choice for your father.  Even though I was upset to get it, the pacemaker has been no problem. I forget I have it (can't feel it) but it's an  unsightly bulge on the beach as I have a very skinny body. I see a rhythmologist once a year to have it checked. That takes  5 minutes. SO many people have pacemakers for so many different reasons (not necessarily after heart surgery). But, yes, I hear you. After heart surgery NO ONE wants to have another procedure. I truly believe that at this point all of this is harder on you than on your father. I do think he should stay in hospital as long as he needs to. Stay positive. Setbacks are SO common after heart surgery, but not spoken about much before. His heart has been through a lot and is doing the best it can. This is affecting many other organs in his body. But things will settle. Most people experience two steps forward, one step back. Thinking of you.

Rose Madura  Kevin, I had a lot of setbacks including a 2nd surgery and as Rita said, many people experience them.  But I feel great now.  So hang in there and listen to what the doctor is telling you.  Praying things will improve soon.

Greg Lewis  Hey Kevin!  I also had a LOT of setbacks. 2 surgeries in 3 days, heart failures, afib, atrophy, ER visits, delirium... you name it!  Was pretty touch and go for awhile. Recovery has been a bad dream. But...here is what I want to tell you, from experience...when you are feeling down, that's OK! Just don't leave it there. You have to tell yourself the positives! And then look to the future..positively! You do this, because your outlook affects those around you. When your dad hears, and sees your happiness and upbeat vision of things, it will help him! 
I know that setbacks are not great, but is it a setback?? This is what is needed to heal correctly. So it's a step in the right direction...not back. So viewed in that light, you can be happy, that he is getting what he needs. And he will see it as a step forward, when you believe it this way. See what I mean? 
I have had to learn this one, sooo many times. Most issues can be viewed in different ways. You can see it as a bad thing or you can choose to see it in a positive light! Or at the minimum, ignore it, and smile.
So ...some advice, I also need often.
Anyway...I sure will pray for your dad. And for your strength. Get some rest. Good luck!!
PS...talk to God! He has got me through the roughest times! He has been the biggest positive in my recovery, and life, without question!!

Rita Savelis  I'm so sorry to hear that. I had much discomfort but not pain in ICU. He should ask for all the pain medication he needs. Hope he is better today.

Donna Casaletto  Hoping they’re able to manage the pain. I worry how my 24 and 21 year old will react seeing me in ICU too. Thank you for your honesty! Sending more prayers 🙏

Kevin Excu  Thank you! I’ve always been a bit anxious/nauseous around blood/needles so I probably should have known better. I’ll let everyone know how it goes today. 

Rose Madura  Oh Kevin, I feel for you. I had a similar incident years ago when I went with my parents to "help" them and nearly passed out. I think they stuck smelling stuff under my nose before I went completely out. Anyway, so glad that your Dad's surgery went well! Wonderful news! And yes, once the tubes come out, he'll feel better. I had little pain so agree with others..he should stay ahead of the pain by asking for it as often as it's allowed for the first few days, then try to wean to Tylenol. God bless you...

Susan Lynn  Kevin - Glad your father is on his way to recovering. I, too, was pretty squeamish until I was in the hospital myself. Your father is making progress with every passing moment. If he's allowed, take a walk around the hallways with him. A change of scenery will be good! You're both going to get through this.

Pamela Gregory  So glad your fathers surgery was successful Kevin! Definitely stay ahead of the pain for a few days. It is more upsetting to see your loved ones in pain than to be in it yourself

Thomas Brusstar  Oooh, sorry about what happened!   But the tubes were really what hurt for me.  A lot.  They took the drainage tubes out and I got much better immediately.   By 48 hours after surgery I was on regular strength Tylenol.  

Richard Munson  I pass out when i see my own blood so i get your anxiety. I’m a barrel of laughs in the lab. I bring my own smelling salts.

Kevin Excu  Thanks everyone! I went to see him again today and didn't pass out so that was good. He just seemed super tired and would fall asleep mid conversation so I'd let him rest. They remove the IV in his neck and catheter right before I arrived. The only thing left seems to be the chest tubes which last night his doctor said could come out today so we're not sure why he still has them. It's now been a full 48hrs since the end of his operation and I think he's a bit frustrated to still be in the ICU. He's able to do walks around the unit but mentioned that his blood pressure was still low and that they might need to insert a pacemaker due to a slightly irregular heart beat. How long did everyone else spend in the ICU? I'm assuming the extreme tiredness is normal given what his body has gone through. 

Diane Pellowe  You are so good to be so supportive of your dad.  I was in ICU for four days, discharged after 7, then back in a day later for 6 more!  Everyone is so different.  We all want to get home, but sometimes an extra day or two is necessary and not all together bad.  Hope your dad continues to improve daily and gets those chest tubes out soon!

Pat Munn  So happy for you and your family.  Your dad is lucky to have a good support system. Hoping each day is better than the last

George Gardopee  Extreme fatigue is pretty universal - so nothing surprising there. It will likely last for a few weeks.  I was in the ICU for two days. One of my chest tubes was out after one day but the other one was left in until the day I was released (Day 4) because of excessive drainage. I also had blood pressure swings but things stabilized after two or three days. It sounds like your father is doing well.

Amy Berger  Hi - I’m 9 days post op from Avr. I was given option to leave ICU after 24 hours but because my BP was a bit low and they were sort in rooms, we opted to stay in ICU one more day. Much better nurse to patient ratio, but it’s much noiser, scarier and uncomfortable. You being there will spur him on to get better quicker! I was in hospital 5 days including the day of surgery. It’s so nice to be able to shower at home and I have nice recliner to sleep in. Be sure to tell your dad he will be home soon and how comfortable he will be. The worst is behind him !

Deena Z  Awhh.  You’re  such a loving son. The hardest part is over.  You and dad will soon be celebrating— in a gentle kind of way:)

Susan Lynn  Kevin- Your father is going to be tired for awhile. Right now, it's probably the anesthesia working its way out of his system, but the fatigue may linger through recovery - and that's completely normal. It sounds like your father is making good progress and I'm sure very grateful you're there. You'll see his energy improve with a little time. Plan something fun to do together in six weeks - it's good to have a goal! Keep looking ahead.

Rita Savelis  I was in ICU for 5 days after surgery. Complete exhaustion is common after surgery. I have never been so exhausted, I could sometimes not keep my eyelids open when people visited me. It was not sleep - I did not have the strength to keep my eyelids open. I think that seeing someone who you are close to be in an ICU situation might be harder than being the patient himself.  I could not see myself but am sorry others had to see me with all those machines and tubes. I certainly did not feel like taking a photo as many do here! I did end up getting a pacemaker implanted several weeks after surgery - this happens in about 3% of cases. But they waited to see whether my heart could get its rhythm back before implanting it. This contributed to how exhausted I felt. As is mentioned here, the care one gets in ICU is amazing, but it is not a fun place to be. Here's hoping your father is moved to a regular room soon. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Wow - I asked my family to leave the room when they removed the tubes because of how I cried and begged for pain meds during the swann ganz removal. The Resident who removed them looked uncomfortable because she said she couldn’t stop the removal once starting. Glad you’re there for your dad and hope he can stay ahead of the pain. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Rita - that is so true about the eyelids. It took too much energy for me to smile and keep my eyes open at the same time. I forgot about that. At least time heals. 

Rose Madura  Kevin, my husband was super anxious and he was able to get updates through an advocate and they came directly from the operating room. Trust the doctors. They know what they are doing. Please let us know an update when you can. God bless you and your family. Your Dad has a very caring son.

Susan Lynn  Kevin- I've been thinking of you and your father. I'm glad you got back in touch. You'll likely receive updates during his procedure and remember that part of the time in the OR is preparation and closing - the surgery is only a part of that time. It's going to be a long day for you, but think positively. He's going to do just fine. We're praying and cheering for you, both! We look forward to hearing from you.

Danielle Elizabeth  I think my family was also very anxious. My surgery was at 7:30 am and I don’t remember anything until around 6:00 pm. The surgery took 4-5 hours and my mom received a text message when it was completed. Just please be an advocate for pain, my lungs felt icy and it was hard to speak. Also my call light was not within reach one night and I was in agony, so just little things will help like tying the call light around a rail is so helpful. I actually refered my mom to this support group months before I joined because she wanted to know how to support me - I had no idea… The fact that you found this page speaks volumes about how much you care. 

Pat Munn  Kevin I know that type of anxiety and I think many of us go through it.  While you’re dad is being prepped (and you may be able to be with him at that point) ask the team how you can be updated during the surgery. Asking for help from a patient advocate is a good idea.And, remember, your surgeon and his team are aware of possible complications and are fully prepared both in the ER and ICU should anything occur ..Be sure you ask any questions you have during recovery. Please update when you can.   Positive thoughts to you and you dad

Patsy Stewart  My surgery was during Covid, and my husband was the only family member allowed in the hospital. My son stayed in the car. The chaplain met with us while I was being prepped for surgery. Larry received updates through him during surgery, and he checked in several times after I was in recovery and in the CICU. He was very caring, and spent a lot of time with Larry. He or a different chaplain came to my room every morning and prayed with me. I pray that your father does well in his surgery. My God wrap His arms around you, your dad and all your family and give you peace and surround you with a calm, sweet spirit.~❤️

Greg Lewis  Hi Kevin! Your dad will have people watching him every second. They do this every day, and know exactly what to watch for, and how to respond to any problems.  He will have the same care in ICU too. He will likely have his own nurse, and doctors watching him all the time. 
I am praying for you and your dad for success tomorrow.  
If your feeling overwhelmed,  talk to us, here. And talk to God. He is looking after you. 
Get a good rest! 

Kevin Excu  Thank you all! I’ll probably be posting updates in here throughout the morning until we get the word he is okay. That should help me stay relatively calm. Thankful for this community 

Adam Pick  Hi Kevin,

We can completely understand what you are going through right now.

Quick question: Who is your dad's surgeon at UCLA?

Also, to help dispel some of the fear related to heart surgery, please click this link - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php

Kevin Excu  Thank you for the resources! Appreciated reading about the FEAR acronym. I'm typically a logical person and facts usually help but for some reason I'm thinking too emotionally. I believe it's Dr. Murray Kwon. 

Matthew Malooly  Hi Kevin. I'm sitting in pre-op right now with my wife waiting for the OR to clear, after decades of waiting myself. I wish I had some good practical advice, but I'm in the struggle bus too at the moment . I believe there is no such thing as wasted suffering. This is tough, but lean on this community and the people who have been through this. All that's left for me to do is ENDURE. And that's what I'll do. And you know what? That's enough. Prayers for you and your dad.

George Gardopee  Kevin: there are many, many people on this site who have had their bicuspid valves replaced and they have almost uniformly recovered well. I recommend you browse through the journals of people with similar surgeries to get a feel for what to expect. Everyone says the worst thing is the anticipation. The odds are very much in your father’s favor - mortality rates for isolated valve replacement or repair are extremely low. I myself had a mitral and tricuspid repair at age 69. I was terrified for 18 months prior to the surgery. I may have been lucky, but within two or three weeks it was like nothing happened. Wishing your father a good outcome and a quick recovery. 

Kevin Excu  Thank you all! Best of luck Matthew; I'll be in your shoes tomorrow morning. I work in healthcare and are around hospitals/clinics/MDs all the time so I think I'd be handling this better. I know the facts/data back up that this is a common procedure and while invasive, he should be okay and that the likelihood of something going wrong is low. Even if there were to be complications, he's in a level 1 trauma center so there would be no better place to fix any issues. I'm so worried that they won't be able to restart his heart (despite me having no evidence that it'll be an issue) and I think once that part is over, I'll finally be able to breathe. 

Marie Myers  I had my bicuspid valve replaced (along with 2 aneurysms repaired) at age 63. I have to say I was extremely anxious myself, never having had major surgery. After all was said and done, I felt that the heart surgery was not as bad as my worrying mind would have me believe. Your Dad will make it through, and you will get him back. Try not to focus on the worst case scenario…I also work in health care, and have been working as a nurse anesthetist for 40+ years. Trust the science!

Tom Everson  Hi   I was 77 when I had my bicuspid valve replaced and a aneurysm removed. My operation and recovery was uneventful 2 1/2 years ago in Orange County during covid. What worked for me was a complete understanding that I needed it to be done, my faith in the lord and my faith in the heart TEAM.  MY family helped me in recovery by quietly being there for me ( sometimes seeing what I needed before I did). Spend your energy on recovery and let your dad enjoy your company 

Ana Brusso  Kevin, your dad is in great hands at UCLA. I had open heart surgery there four months ago by Dr, Shemin (a miracle worker). I’m also from LA and now live in the desert. Will be praying for your dad’s surgery tomorrow to be successful and recovery smooth. Will also pray for your peace of mind and that of your family. God bless you all 🙏❤️

Kevin Excu2  Hi everyone, had to create a new account since I lost access to my original. We received a call at 3:30am that my dad's planned valve replacement surgery that was scheduled for today needs to be rescheduled. His surgeon was called to do an urgent heart transplant so we'll have to play the waiting game again. Very annoying given all the mental preparation that went into today but nothing we can do. Hopefully they can reschedule for next week. Has anyone else had a last minute cancellation/reschedule? 

Thomas Brusstar  Kevin, I hope you are finding peace.  I had my mitral valve repaired in 2018 in an open heart procedure.  I went in on a Tuesday morning and was home for dinner Friday.  My teen son visited the hospital Thursday for dinner and we had fun watching tv as usual. He ate my cake.Especially at a center like UCLA, they know what they’re doing.  This is a reassuringly physical problem, with a physical fix.  There are mysterious illnesses, but this isn’t one of them.I was told that the heart will sometimes re-start all by itself.  For me, they told me they had to use little the defibrillator paddles on my heart a few times to get it going before they closed me up.  But it worked, obviously!  Once it starts beating, then un-do the circulatory bypass tubes and he’s good to go.  You will be amazed at his body’s ability to heal.

Ana Brusso  Kevin, my surgery was also rescheduled. It all went well. I was grateful mine was not the emergency surgery and your dad will have his surgery at the right time. We will continue to support you and pray for you and your dad for peace of mind. Blessings ❤️🙏

Matthew Malooly  Yes Kevin due to the nursing strike in NYC, I didn't know if I was even having surgery until 72 hours before our plane left. It's so hard. No one should have to go through that kind of uncertainty on uncertainty. Hang in there brother.