Kevin's Journal

Got some good news and bad news. Well, at least I can make some jokes about the situation. (Wait for it!) My last Heart Failure appointment showed evidence of a slight improvement. However there is still along ways to go. There is a 95% that I will be getting a pacemaker in Feb 2021. With the two mechanical valves, I am consider my heart to be 50% machine, 50% human. With the pacemaker, I think that would count as 75% mechanical now. I am looking forward to driving security crazy at the metal detectors.

So, I wanted to reach out to this community and say thank you for all of the support and prayers over the past couple of years. 2020 has taken a toll on my health. My second surgery was in June to replace two valves. Today, I just heard the words Congestive Heart Failure as a diagnoses. I never thought I would hear scarier words than Open Heart Surgery. I feel like there is a direct link between my double valve replacement and my current condition. Is there anyone in the community that has experienced this and if so, would you be willing to share how you battled though? Thanks again.

So thankful for today. After 7 weeks of being in the hospital, I have my last antibiotic treatment scheduled tonight, and due for discharge first thing in the morning. Although I am going to miss the view from by bedside window, I am looking forward to the fresh air and freedom that is just around the corner.

I am so excited. Over the past week or so, physical therapy provided some exercises to address the numbness in my left hand. Today, for the first time, I have some feeling in the tips of my finger. The little victories!

Happy 4th everyone. I have a quick question for the group. After my surgery, I have been experiencing a tingling numbness in the (pinking and ring fingers along with the bottom part of my hand and wrist.) There is also a small amount of pain in that left elbow. Doctors believe it is an issue with a nerve that was agitated during surgery. However, with no improvement after three weeks, my fear is that time alone, may not be the cure. Has anyone experienced this after surgery? If so, what was done to resolve the issue? Thanks.

It has been a long time since I have posted here on this support group. 2020 has been a difficult year for a lot of people. Covid-19 has made a lot of people sick or kept people home. In 2016, my Aortic Valve was replaced with an on-x valve. It was my hope that it would be my only open heart surgery. That was until June 4th 2020. Experiencing back pain, I decided it was best to check in to the Emergency Room. I originally thought that it was kidney stones which is typically not that big of a deal. Boy, was I wrong and thankful that I went in. Doctors were able to rule out kidney stones, however the test were able to confirm what was causing all of the pain. Endocarditis, and it was spreading. I was sicker than even first thought. A team of Cardiologist, Surgeons and Infection Specialist were able to come together and decided that the only way to recover was for a second operation. This time, they would have to remove the aortic on-x valve which was infected along with removing the mitral valve and repairing the aortic artery. Plus, an additional 6 weeks of IV antibiotics after surgery. I seriously though after my first surgery that this would be it. The news of having to go though a second open heart surgery was to say the least shocking. Unlike previously, I was able to prepare my family and myself. This time, there was no warning. Being out of town when this happen has also been difficult. As I am recovering, I am thankful. The surgery was a success and the two new valves work like a charm. Technology has allowed me to keep in contact with my wonderful Wife and Kids. I am also thankful that the good Lord was watching over me, and guided the medical team that was caring for me. My second surgery was on June 11,2020 and I am now currently recovering with IV treatment. I still have about another 3 weeks to go but I am physically getting stronger each day.

August 16th 2016 - D-Day. One of the scariest days of My young Family and Mine's Life. In May of 2016, My Cardiologist gave us the news we all knew was coming. My aortic valve's lifespan was coming to an end. It was time to replace it. After all of the test, we finally set a date. August 16th 2016. As we prepared mentally, Life threw us a curveball when My Wife lost her Uncle three days before surgery. We were punched in the gut again when I lost my Father while I was in the hospital. I share this because these are examples of the mountains that we have to overcome. Be strong and Brave. Do not let fear win the day. That scar, well that will remind you of the time when you were victorious and will serve as a reminder that you can overcome anything! #ticktock

For those that are apart of this club. This one is for you! #ticktock

One year ago today, Doctors replaced my Aortic Valve. 6 Days in the hospital and regular medication, I am feeling much better. My last EKG results even showed improvement.

Hello all. It has been a while since I have had a chance to visit. A lot of changes since my surgery in August. Looking to change careers and moving forward has become a high priority. I have seen the doctors and they seem happy with the progress so far. I have to be honest though. There is one concern that has come up as of late. I have noticed that lifting is becoming an issue. Stuff that I should be okay lifting is a little more difficult and I feel sore around the incision (scar) sight. I can say this, it feels like it is all soft tissue related but I have to ask the question. Am I trying to much to soon? It has been almost nine months since my AVR surgery.

So quick question to the community. After about 8 weeks of recovery, did anyone experience a lot of discomfort in their chest? I noticed, that I feel sore today after doing a few morning stretches. Sneezing still hurts as well.

First day back at work!

September 16 was officially one month Post Op for me. It has been a long road but blessed road. I am close to being able to pick up my two daughters, and the pain is down to an ache. (Unless I sneeze). I have been walking about 2.5 miles on a daily bases so I am encouraged to step it up a bit and start jogging. I am going to make sure that it's okay with my medical team but I feel confident they will say go for it.

Just got my walk on. Haven't felt this great in a long time. Feels great to no longer hate the stairs. lol Look out #Rehab #Justdoit
I would like to take a moment to offer some words of encouragement. Everyone here is a wonderful source of comfort and information for me and I would love to give back anyway that I can. For those that have just received the shocking news about surgery, or going through PreOp, or just starting recovery. It gets better. The key thing is time. #keeponticking

Saw my Cardiologist today for a check up and INR check. He was really happy with how well I was doing. Which was good news. INR checked out well as well. With everything that has happen. Time to focus on building my endurance back up!

Never did I think the past couple of weeks would be as challenging as they have been. Three days before my surgery, my Wife's Unlce passed away. To add to that and the challenge of OHS and AVR. Earlier this week I found out the awful news that my Father passed away. The past couple of days it has been tough to even find the energy to get out. I am so grateful though for my Wife and Family. They picked up on how I was feeling pretty quickly and rallied around me. Yesterday was my Father's funeral. I was able to stand and speak on behalf of my father. The Texas heat did get to me a bit but I was proud that I was able to speak. Physically, I feel better. I am around three weeks post op and can tell a difference. But with everything that has happen. The Mortality theme still can't quite seem to go away.

Had a great couple of walks today. Twice, I was able to make it from my second floor apartment to the pool and back again. Feeling really pumped about that. Rain cooled air was nice too!

The new found energy is great, up till about bed time. Lol

7 day post op update. This week has been a roller coaster. Good news, I got to go home last night!

3 Days post op

This has been a really rough weekend. My wife's Uncle passed away Saturday. He was in the hospital for Leukemia. During his stay we believe the lack of O2 in his blood may have caused a cardiac episode. With the grieving and my surgery on Tuesday. The possibility of complications is heavy in the back of our minds. Please pray in our families time of need. Please pray for tomorrow as I start my pre op process.

Question to the community - I know this will sound silly but with everything going on, the thought just came to mind. I live on the second floor in my apartment complex. Should I be concerned about getting up the stairs when I am released from the Hospital?

How did those get around this issue.

Last week of work. One more week until D-Day!

20 days and counting

So quick question to the community here. I have been noticing pressure coming from the chest - upper heart region. This sometimes can be uncomfortable or painful. I am wondering if others have experienced this discomfort before their Aortic Valve Surgery? (Or any valve surgery for that matter). Could the be from the pressure from the valve being calcified? Curious

So, today was my appointment with Dr. Richard Vigness to find out the results of my CT Scan. Good news and bad news. First, the concern about the area being to small for the mechanical valve are gone. CT results showed plenty of space to allow for the valve to be replaced. The bad news, the CT Scan showed that the ascending aorta has enlarged because of the stress the valve has placed. So that may have to be replaced as well. Despite that, I feel relieved because of the fact that I can have this surgery at home.

I am glad to find this online community here. I am currently in the process of setting up my surgery for Aortic Valve Replacement. I currently live in the DFW Area. I am extremely nervous because the Aortic Annalus may have to be enlarged for them to place the valve in. My current selected Surgeon advised that if that is the case, I may have to have my procedure in Houston. ( I am extremely nervous about that)