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 ...Read more
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.
Hey Kevin an improvement is good news. The pacemaker, well.....whatever works and keeps you with us. ... Read more
Hey Kevin an improvement is good news. The pacemaker, well.....whatever works and keeps you with us. Love your sense of humor. Stay positive and strong. God bless you dear friend.
Rita Savelis Hi. I've had 2 mechanical valves and a pacemaker since April 2015. I got the pacemaker 2 weeks after ... Read more
Rita Savelis Hi. I've had 2 mechanical valves and a pacemaker since April 2015. I got the pacemaker 2 weeks after OHS. Metal detectors don't spot any of it. Take care, bionic man.
Kaye Lewis Hi Kevin. Can I just say, I had exactly the same thoughts as you re the Pacemaker and Detectors etc. ... Read more
Kaye Lewis Hi Kevin. Can I just say, I had exactly the same thoughts as you re the Pacemaker and Detectors etc. lol but have had NO problems whatsoever with mine. Had a Duo one fitted 3 Weeks after OHS. Good Luck. You will be fine I'm sure!!
Steven Methot What was that quote from the opening of The Bionic Man? "We can rebuild him!"
Tracy Fallu Our human body + medical field = an outstanding outcome. Sometimes it’s crazy to think what equipme ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Our human body + medical field = an outstanding outcome. Sometimes it’s crazy to think what equipment is available to help us lead our best health life.
Kevin Lee @Steven Methot Yep. I get the honors of watching reruns since it was before my time, but I was thinki ... Read more
Kevin Lee @Steven Methot Yep. I get the honors of watching reruns since it was before my time, but I was thinking the exact same thing lol.
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 ...Read more
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.
Shannon Gray I have not experienced what you’re going through but I do want to extend my sincere thoughts and wi ... Read more
Shannon Gray I have not experienced what you’re going through but I do want to extend my sincere thoughts and wishes for some positive changes with this news for you. We are here to support and encourage you as you face this.
Kevin Lee Thanks Shannon. Still working though the emotions and processing everything. I am trying to learn m ... Read more
Kevin Lee Thanks Shannon. Still working though the emotions and processing everything. I am trying to learn more about the subject, but it is difficult as the doctors are trying to learn more and develop a game plan.
Rose Madura Oh my. I'm so sorry for you. Again, I'm no doctor but I'm pretty sure people live with CHF for a lo ... Read more
Rose Madura Oh my. I'm so sorry for you. Again, I'm no doctor but I'm pretty sure people live with CHF for a long while - at least my Mom did. Did your cardiologist discuss exactly what that means for you?
Barbara Wood So sorry Kevin...that is a crushing diagnosis to deal with. Are you certain that it is not a temporar ... Read more
Barbara Wood So sorry Kevin...that is a crushing diagnosis to deal with. Are you certain that it is not a temporary thing, I was told by an er doctor that I had chf early on - I had had afib, this was before my mitral surgery. It threw me into an absolute panic for several weeks until I saw my cardiologist who told me that I was, at the time, technically in heart failure, but that it was a misleading thing for me to be told that. My ef was low at the time & has improved to normal from meds & exercise. It still lingers on in my chart, but my cardiologist said that it is no longer an issue. I do weigh myself everyday still, have no water restrictions. Have they staged you & such? I know the statistics are scary, my heart goes out to you...keep us informed, sending you all good wishes & vibes.
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 ...Read more
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.
Susan Lynn Wow! Glad you're out, Kevin! I'm sure it wasn't easy especially during the restrictions of this pan ... Read more
Susan Lynn Wow! Glad you're out, Kevin! I'm sure it wasn't easy especially during the restrictions of this pandemic, but you made it! Wishing you a speedy recovery at home! ❤
Kevin Lee Thanks Susan. Great news is I am feeling great, I just need to build my endurance back up. That wil ... Read more
Kevin Lee Thanks Susan. Great news is I am feeling great, I just need to build my endurance back up. That will come with time though.
Frank Giovanniello Oh wow, you been locked down for 7 weeks. It's gonna feel amazing walking out for the first time. Jus ... Read more
Frank Giovanniello Oh wow, you been locked down for 7 weeks. It's gonna feel amazing walking out for the first time. Just take it easy, listen to your doctors and your body. All things good !!
Marie Myers Glad you are headed home! That was a long hospital stay, and you are really going to enjoy your “fr ... Read more
Marie Myers Glad you are headed home! That was a long hospital stay, and you are really going to enjoy your “freedom”. Keep on recovering!
Herb Greenberg Kevin, any idea where the infection came from?
Pat Bluemel WOOHOO! Get out of there and get home and walking in fresh air!
Kevin Lee @ Herb Greenberg - The doctors were able to identify the bacteria as a form of strep. However, they ... Read more
Kevin Lee @ Herb Greenberg - The doctors were able to identify the bacteria as a form of strep. However, they could not identify where it came from.
Herb Greenberg Thanks, Kevin. That's certainly a risk that goes with new valves, tho low, it's there. After I had my ... Read more
Herb Greenberg Thanks, Kevin. That's certainly a risk that goes with new valves, tho low, it's there. After I had my surgery, while still in the hospital, they noted a possible abscess in my prostate (incidentally); I went home with 6 wks worth of Cirpo and 6 wks of intravenous vancomycin via a PIC line - a double whammy that treated the possibility of strep or staph for anything else that might ruin the party while the valve was settling in. Glad to hear you are recovered.
Kevin, you are a miracle. So glad to hear you are going home. Take it easy and be well. God bless you ... Read more
Kevin, you are a miracle. So glad to hear you are going home. Take it easy and be well. God bless you
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 ...Read more
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!
Marie Myers Great news! Many times the numbness like you have is the result of the arm positioning during surgery ... Read more
Marie Myers Great news! Many times the numbness like you have is the result of the arm positioning during surgery. With time, it can get better.Keep on recovering!
Hi Kevin, always be glad for the small victories. Give yourself time and be patient in your recovery. ... Read more
Hi Kevin, always be glad for the small victories. Give yourself time and be patient in your recovery. God bless you
.
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 ...Read more
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.
Hello Kevin, I had my surgery seven months ago and I also had the same issue with my left hand and th ... Read more
Hello Kevin, I had my surgery seven months ago and I also had the same issue with my left hand and the pain on my left shoulder. I was told that if the hand issue would not go away to see a Neurologist. Well both issues went away on their own after a couple of months. So many things surfaced after Open Heart Surgery as any nerve or ligament or something can be hurt when they cut through our chests. Our arms are kept extended for the duration and you could have pulled something and those parts are still sensitive. My issues went away and I hope your will go away also. Try to continue to do all the other things you need to do for your recovery and walk as much as you can. Be patient with yourself and remember you just had OHS. Hope you feel better soon. Keep us updated on your progress. God bless you
LINDA ROBERTS So sorry you had to go through your recent surgery for a second time. I am glad you are doing well. ... Read more
LINDA ROBERTS So sorry you had to go through your recent surgery for a second time. I am glad you are doing well. Hope the tingling numbness will dissipate in time. Stay well.
stephanie arnold that's weird. my right hand gets numb...the middle and first finger , on the tip. I thought it could ... Read more
stephanie arnold that's weird. my right hand gets numb...the middle and first finger , on the tip. I thought it could be the ulnar nerve impingement. whatever, it goes away.
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 ...Read more
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.
Carlos Banuelos I’m really sorry to hear you had to go through another surgery, especially so soon after your first ... Read more
Carlos Banuelos I’m really sorry to hear you had to go through another surgery, especially so soon after your first one. I’m glad to hear it was successful though and that you made the decision to go to the hospital in the first place. Did the doctors say what they think caused the endocarditis? Good luck with the healing process and happy to hear you’re getting better. That’s scary stuff.
Shannon Gray I am so sorry you have had to experience this. It’s like living through a nightmare in real time. W ... Read more
Shannon Gray I am so sorry you have had to experience this. It’s like living through a nightmare in real time. What valve choice did you go with you this time? Any idea as to how endocarditis was contracted? Prayers upon prayers as you recover.
Civita Fahey Wow.. what an experience.. I'm glad you were smart and went to the ER and all worked out well. God Bl ... Read more
Civita Fahey Wow.. what an experience.. I'm glad you were smart and went to the ER and all worked out well. God Bless.
Kevin Lee @Carlos Banuelos - they are not sure where it came from. They do know that it was a type of strep. ... Read more
Kevin Lee @Carlos Banuelos - they are not sure where it came from. They do know that it was a type of strep. However, since I am have not been sick with strep, they are not sure where it came from.
Kevin Lee @shannon gray - they replaced both the aortic and mitral valve with the on-x valve which is a mechani ... Read more
Kevin Lee @shannon gray - they replaced both the aortic and mitral valve with the on-x valve which is a mechanical valve. Doctors are not sure how I contracted the infection. It took a long time for symptoms to show up which makes it difficult to identify.
Pat Bluemel Hey Kevin, I'm very sorry to hear you joined the club again, especially w/ Endocarditis. However, you ... Read more
Pat Bluemel Hey Kevin, I'm very sorry to hear you joined the club again, especially w/ Endocarditis. However, you give me hope and certainty as I face my second, and also confirming that OnX is the way to go for me this round.
Pat Bluemel Also curious - do your new valves tick in unison or compete, I suppose you can hear them both right? ... Read more
Pat Bluemel Also curious - do your new valves tick in unison or compete, I suppose you can hear them both right?
Marie Myers Wow! What an experience! So glad you are on the mend now.
Kevin Lee @Pat Bluemel - On-X valves are good valves for us younger fokes that can handle being on the blood th ... Read more
Kevin Lee @Pat Bluemel - On-X valves are good valves for us younger fokes that can handle being on the blood thinners. The benefit of the valves is that they last a really long time. I will tell you that I found the second surgery to be less painful. However, like every surgery, it has it moments. As far as the ticking, it is difficult for me to tell because I have grown use to it. They do sound really close together and the mitral valve is a little bit louder. However, I have found other people asking what that ticking noise is when they are around me before I even hear it.
Kevin Lee @ Pat Bluemel - if this is your first experience with the on-x valve, it will take some time to get u ... Read more
Kevin Lee @ Pat Bluemel - if this is your first experience with the on-x valve, it will take some time to get used to the ticking. After my first surgery I was thankful to hear the ticking, but since I was not used to it, I t was difficult to rest and sleep. That will improve after a couple of days.
Rose Madura Oh my. Thank goodness you went to the ER. Glad all is well now.
Pat Bluemel Thanks Kevin for your responses. Definitely feel better about this second go round reading that. I'm ... Read more
Pat Bluemel Thanks Kevin for your responses. Definitely feel better about this second go round reading that. I'm not sure which is harder, going in without knowing any true recovery details or going in knowing full well what is in store:-).
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. ...Read more
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
Anna Jones Happy 2nd Anniversary. I'm so sorry that you had so much to deal with emotionally during that time, a ... Read more
Anna Jones Happy 2nd Anniversary. I'm so sorry that you had so much to deal with emotionally during that time, and am very glad that you successfully dealt with it all. Sending prayers and best wishes for a happy and healthy life ahead.
Dan Vechiola Happy Anniversary Kevin Your post was very inspiring. So sorry for your losses and congratulations o ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Happy Anniversary Kevin Your post was very inspiring. So sorry for your losses and congratulations on overcoming such adversity. I am copying your post and keeping it with others on this site that I find inspirational. Thanks!
Kevin Lee - Thank you Anna. Thank you Dan, please feel free to share. Receiving news that you have to have op ... Read more
Kevin Lee - Thank you Anna. Thank you Dan, please feel free to share. Receiving news that you have to have open heart surgery is never easy. I hope my story will give strength to others.
Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary! That's tremendous trauma to go through all at one time. Be strong and brave - gr ... Read more
Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary! That's tremendous trauma to go through all at one time. Be strong and brave - great advice and words to live by! Thanks for the inspiration!
Debbie Chatzky Kevin, thanks for sharing. Sorry for your loss. Your words are very inspirational.
Diane Maher What a wonderful, inspirational post which gave me such a positive boost for my own surgery on Monday ... Read more
Diane Maher What a wonderful, inspirational post which gave me such a positive boost for my own surgery on Monday. Thank you so much for sharing❣️
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 ...Read more
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.
Kevin Lee They went threw the sternum so yeah I was in a lot of pain from that. But the Doctors will help cont ... Read more
Kevin Lee They went threw the sternum so yeah I was in a lot of pain from that. But the Doctors will help control that. I also found that being in a recliner instead of bed helped A LOT. Pain is different for everyone, so make sure you communicate with your Doctors so they can change medications to help you better if need be.
Laura Dirico Thanks. I am going to buy a recliner this weekend
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 ...Read more
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.
Steven A Husted it may be to much to soon we are all different and our body's heal slower or faster depending on our ... Read more
Steven A Husted it may be to much to soon we are all different and our body's heal slower or faster depending on our body makeup we all want to hurry things up but we may take longer to heal than others so we need to give our body more time to heal if we dont our body will let us know with pain and strain on our muscles and tissue around our incision and other body parts i still have some moments of pain at almost 3 years out i dont think it is any thing to worry about
Meredith Bray I still feel pressure and pulling if I'm not holding the weight close to my body. Everyone is differe ... Read more
Meredith Bray I still feel pressure and pulling if I'm not holding the weight close to my body. Everyone is different!
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 ...Read more
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.
Lise Bowles Kevin,
I had my surgery the exact same day you did! As I write this I am laying down with an ice pac ... Read more
Lise Bowles Kevin,
I had my surgery the exact same day you did! As I write this I am laying down with an ice pack on my right chest because I am feeling that familiar throbbing that hurts like a son of a gun! Last week we had a hurricane in Florida and because I had been feeling better I decided to chip in and do some serious raking of oak limbs and leaves! Needless to say the pain is back, I am having aching in my shoulder, my ribs on my right side and am very uncomfortable! So yes, I feel your pain!
I learned a lesson, take things slow!!!
Lise
Jane Buttram yes. actually, the incision site is only mildly sore, the pain is on the right side of my chest and ... Read more
Jane Buttram yes. actually, the incision site is only mildly sore, the pain is on the right side of my chest and under my right arm. I've been told it's muscle damage. (12 days post-surgery)
Kevin Lee thank you guys. It is hard to remind myself that I have to build up my body. After all of this time ... Read more
Kevin Lee thank you guys. It is hard to remind myself that I have to build up my body. After all of this time, I am ready to be 100%
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 ...Read more
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.
Nancy Lewis Good for you Kevin. Picking up your two little ones must just be the best.
Ellen Leng That sounds great, Kevin. So glad you are doing so well
Maeve Dwyer It's so encouraging to hear your recovery is coming along well! You've been through a lot the last co ... Read more
Maeve Dwyer It's so encouraging to hear your recovery is coming along well! You've been through a lot the last couple of months, I hope you can hold your little ones soon.
Regan Runnalls Hey Kevin,
Glad things are travelling well. How old are your daughters? Mine are 4 & 6 and I'm wonder ... Read more
Regan Runnalls Hey Kevin,
Glad things are travelling well. How old are your daughters? Mine are 4 & 6 and I'm wondering how things will go trying to stop them jumping all over daddy!!
Kevin Lee Thank you everyone, Regan, mine girls are 5 and 2. They have done really well. We talked with our o ... Read more
Kevin Lee Thank you everyone, Regan, mine girls are 5 and 2. They have done really well. We talked with our oldest Daughter. We explained to her that Daddy was going to have to get his heart fixed. So she would have to be gentle but everything would be okay. She did a wonderful job and really wanted to do things to help me out. Both girls loved our walks around the hospital which was nice because it made them feel like they were helping me feel much better. (It was awesome to see how their faces lit up)
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 ...Read more
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
Catie B Awesome to hear this, Kevin. So glad things are coming along for you and pleased to know how well you ... Read more
Catie B Awesome to hear this, Kevin. So glad things are coming along for you and pleased to know how well you are feeling!
Amy Steele Great to hear that you're feeling so well! I look forward to not dreading stairs or walking uphill. ... Read more
Amy Steele Great to hear that you're feeling so well! I look forward to not dreading stairs or walking uphill. A few more weeks for me before surgery. It helps so much to hear about those who are past the worst part and on the road to recovery.
Phyllis Petersen Your progress despite all the heartbreak in your life is very encouraging. Just over 3 weeks to go, s ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Your progress despite all the heartbreak in your life is very encouraging. Just over 3 weeks to go, so I need all the encouragement I can get.
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. ...Read more
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!
Catie B Glad things are progressing so well, Kevin!
Corey Sines Glad to hear Kevin, keep plugging away!
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 ...Read more
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.
Denise Kirchner Kevin: My heart aches for you on the loss of your father. You have my deepest sympathy. I will kee ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Kevin: My heart aches for you on the loss of your father. You have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you and your family n my prayers at this very difficult time. I pray also that you continue to progress in your recovery. 🙏🏻
Craig Gay May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your wife and give you the strength to get through this dif ... Read more
Craig Gay May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your wife and give you the strength to get through this difficult time. You've been through SO much. God bless you! Craig and Yvonne
Kate Watson I am so sorry. Having OHS is bad enough but dealing with the deaths too- that is a lot. Please lean ... Read more
Kate Watson I am so sorry. Having OHS is bad enough but dealing with the deaths too- that is a lot. Please lean on all of your supports and consider talking to a therapist if you are willing. I have been doing so post surgery and it is really helpful. Wishing you lots of strength and peace during this hard time.
Catie B Kevin, I was wondering about you earlier today. I'm sooo sorry for your loss. Do take extra good and ... Read more
Catie B Kevin, I was wondering about you earlier today. I'm sooo sorry for your loss. Do take extra good and gentle care of yourself and don't hesitate to seek out extra support. Praying for you.
Wanda Mroz I'm so sorry Kevin. My deepest condolences. You've got a lot of emotional things going on, but a wo ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I'm so sorry Kevin. My deepest condolences. You've got a lot of emotional things going on, but a wonderful family to keep you centered. Prayers for you and your family.. 💞🙏🏻
Marilyn M I'm so very sorry to hear about your father. I know what you are going through because my mom passed ... Read more
Marilyn M I'm so very sorry to hear about your father. I know what you are going through because my mom passed unexpectedally three and a half weeks after my surgery. It was emotionally and physically exhausting. Sending prayers for you and your family. 🙏
Steven A Husted yes prayers for you and your family the lord will comfort you
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. ...Read more
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
Being able to walk is liberating to a degree. I just get mad I can't do more yet. Congrats on this ac ... Read more
Being able to walk is liberating to a degree. I just get mad I can't do more yet. Congrats on this achievement more will come.
Julie Slade Glad to hear it!!
I'm having surgery next week, any helping hints as far as what to take with me to t ... Read more
Julie Slade Glad to hear it!!
I'm having surgery next week, any helping hints as far as what to take with me to the hosital would be greatly appreciated!! My family is staying with me, can they stay right there with me?
Kevin Lee To Julie Slade, it depends on the hospital rules. No one could spend the night and visitation was li ... Read more
Kevin Lee To Julie Slade, it depends on the hospital rules. No one could spend the night and visitation was limited while I was in ICU. ICU for me lasted about 36 hours and then I was released to cardio recovery. At that point, visitors could come and go.
As far for helpful hints, walk, cough and breathe. I made it a point to walk about every hour to two hours. Just as much as I was able to. They will tell you to cough, when you have to to keep from getting an infection in the lungs. (It hurts so use your heart pillow to help with the pain.) I also found that using my breathing incentivizor helped with that as well. I used it about every hour or so and found that I was not coughing as much.
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 ...Read more
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.
Kevin Shackelford That is so much to deal with. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Bob Fessler I'm really sorry for you and your wife's loss.
Conrad Skowronski Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Wanda Mroz I feel your pain... Prayers to you and yours.
Corey Sines Prayers for you and your family! Take comfort, odds are you will be fine!
Sorry to hear about you loss Kevin! Best wishes and prayers to you for you upcoming surgery. Positiv ... Read more
Sorry to hear about you loss Kevin! Best wishes and prayers to you for you upcoming surgery. Positive vibes!
Lise Bowles Hi Kevin, I see we are both doing surgery tomorrow! Yikes, I will say a prayer for you as well, best ... Read more
Lise Bowles Hi Kevin, I see we are both doing surgery tomorrow! Yikes, I will say a prayer for you as well, best wishes and I am so sorry about your wife's Uncle! Godspeed, Lise
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 ...Read more
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.
I don't know maybe. I just got home tonight and live in a 2 story home. I went up stairs just to see ... Read more
I don't know maybe. I just got home tonight and live in a 2 story home. I went up stairs just to see my own bed and I was huffing and puffing. I walked 1.2 miles in the hospital and had no issue because it was a flat surface.
Rita Savelis Stairs are tiring, but you can do them. (go slow). I still get tired on stairs 16 months post-op.
David C Hard to say. I expected stairs to be a problem, but they haven't been. Hills still kick my ass a litt ... Read more
David C Hard to say. I expected stairs to be a problem, but they haven't been. Hills still kick my ass a little when I'm out walking [4 weeks post op], but I just take them slow. When you get out of the hospital you'll only be about 5 or 6 days post op. I'd want someone who could spot me, standing behind me the first time I went up, just to be sure. Honestly, it's a good question for your doctors.
Denise Campbell I used my stairs right way. Just have someone go behind you. And of course your not going up an ... Read more
Denise Campbell I used my stairs right way. Just have someone go behind you. And of course your not going up and down more then once a day for a while.
Diane Capece I was just discharged a few days ago and was told stairs are fine but take it slow and one step at a ... Read more
Diane Capece I was just discharged a few days ago and was told stairs are fine but take it slow and one step at a time and make sure you put both feet down on the step before going to next one. Works great. Good luck...
Corey Sines Make sure to communicate this to your caregivers, they may elect to keep you another day to ensure yo ... Read more
Corey Sines Make sure to communicate this to your caregivers, they may elect to keep you another day to ensure you will be successful in getting up them and steady enough. But yea, you will go very slow one step at a time, but doable.
Cathleen Weed I lived in a 2nd floor condo after my 3rd OHS and when I got back the elevator was being worked on lo ... Read more
Cathleen Weed I lived in a 2nd floor condo after my 3rd OHS and when I got back the elevator was being worked on lol. I climbed the stairs one at a time. Hold the railing. You'll be fine, just tired 😊.
Joanne Casserly our bedrooms are on the 2nd floor, had no trouble getting up here, hold the rail, I'm with Cathleen, ... Read more
Joanne Casserly our bedrooms are on the 2nd floor, had no trouble getting up here, hold the rail, I'm with Cathleen, you'll be fine. :)
Bobbi Rockey I put a small bed in my living room for about a month. Then I started climbing my stairs nice and slo ... Read more
Bobbi Rockey I put a small bed in my living room for about a month. Then I started climbing my stairs nice and slow with the help of my husband. I have lung disease too so that may have made matters worse for me. You do what you have to. God bless.
Steven A Husted i agree with Diane Capece one step at a time very slow it may even be more comfortable to sit on step ... Read more
Steven A Husted i agree with Diane Capece one step at a time very slow it may even be more comfortable to sit on steps and take one step at a time what ever works the stronger you get the better you will be going up the stairs
Kate Watson You can do it, just take your time, hold the railing, and take breaks along the way.
ConNie Romo It's doable. Just pace yourself . When I got discharged from the hospital I stayed at my sisters plac ... Read more
ConNie Romo It's doable. Just pace yourself . When I got discharged from the hospital I stayed at my sisters place and her room is on the second floor and I stayed in the guest room downstairs but I would climb up to her room. I would rest every 4-5 steps ( 14 steps stair) , take a deep breath continue on until I reach the top. I made sure I hold on to the handrail too. I did it almost every day! 😀
Meredith Bray I'm going to second what Corey said above - this needs to be communicated to the hospital, prior to t ... Read more
Meredith Bray I'm going to second what Corey said above - this needs to be communicated to the hospital, prior to the surgery, so they can arrange the appropriate physical therapy. I was asked about stairs in the home 3 times - once by the intake nurse, once by a physical therapist, and once by a social worker.
-Meredith
Phyllis Petersen Another thing to know about! Another useful thread here. I also live on the second floor, but could s ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Another thing to know about! Another useful thread here. I also live on the second floor, but could stay in a ground floor apartment if needs be. I'd prefer to be in my own place. Thankfully, my stairs are relatively shallow.
Priscila Marino Mine is 21..... And counting...... Right there with you..... It seems so far away, I keep doing the s ... Read more
Priscila Marino Mine is 21..... And counting...... Right there with you..... It seems so far away, I keep doing the same thing s everyday and every morning I wake up and know that before I'm ready it will be the day.......praying for you.
Lise Bowles Kevin, mine is the same day as yours, August 16! Yikes! I will be att CC where will you be? I am gett ... Read more
Lise Bowles Kevin, mine is the same day as yours, August 16! Yikes! I will be att CC where will you be? I am getting nervous so I don't think I am going to count, but I know it's looming!
Kevin Lee Thank you Priscila. I will be praying for you as well. Does it not seem that time flew by while you ... Read more
Kevin Lee Thank you Priscila. I will be praying for you as well. Does it not seem that time flew by while you are waiting? May 31 my BAV was upgraded to serious, the next thing I know, here we are at the end of July.
Kevin Lee Lise, I will be at the Texas Harris Hospital in Downtown FW. At times, I feel anxious about it. As ... Read more
Kevin Lee Lise, I will be at the Texas Harris Hospital in Downtown FW. At times, I feel anxious about it. As fast as this summer has gone by, our date is just around the corner. I guess it is because of those feelings that I am ready to get this show on the road. I am so ready to start feeling better and I know this will help.
Kevin Lee Priscila and Lise, really cool to meet you guys. With surgery and recovery up ahead, know I will be ... Read more
Kevin Lee Priscila and Lise, really cool to meet you guys. With surgery and recovery up ahead, know I will be rooting for you guys. Keep on ticking.
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 ...Read more
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
I have never had one chest pain, lucky I guess. I hear that is a symptom.
Marilyn M I noticed pressure/pain in the chest if I exerted myself. Carrying groceries from the car to the hou ... Read more
Marilyn M I noticed pressure/pain in the chest if I exerted myself. Carrying groceries from the car to the house and sometimes even from walking I would feel it. I had bicuspid valve and aortic stenosis.
Kevin Lee Same here Marilyn. Dan - Marilyn thanks for the response. I was curious because it seems like It co ... Read more
Kevin Lee Same here Marilyn. Dan - Marilyn thanks for the response. I was curious because it seems like It comes and goes, I haven't quite figured out what triggers it other than the condition itself.
Peggy Whitecotton Yes, I had a tight pressure/pain in my chest especially going up stairs, even from walking. The first ... Read more
Peggy Whitecotton Yes, I had a tight pressure/pain in my chest especially going up stairs, even from walking. The first time I noticed it I was carrying luggage up a ramp at an Amtrak station about 4 years before my surgery and my valve was mild back then. By the time it became severe it would happen with very little assertion, it's a common symptom. After my AVR it never happened again. My heart was fixed. :)
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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)
Chris Vereb I am 11 days out or surgery. I am 51. I did really great. Of course you are nervous. Like I am sure p ... Read more
Chris Vereb I am 11 days out or surgery. I am 51. I did really great. Of course you are nervous. Like I am sure people are telling you now, you will do great as well. The waiting is the hardest part. After surgery is when you can make the difference to getting back to normal.
Franklin Wyrick I have a bicuspid aortic valve replaced and part of my aorta replaced to fix an aneurysm three weeks ... Read more
Franklin Wyrick I have a bicuspid aortic valve replaced and part of my aorta replaced to fix an aneurysm three weeks ago. I am now walking over two miles a day and doing well. They are very good at this sort of surgery. 97 to 99 per cent success rate. You will do very well. We all have been in your shoes and its very unnerving, I hope you find some comfort here as I did.
Kevin Lee Thank you Chris. I am glad to hear your surgery went well. We are in agreement, I am finding that ... Read more
Kevin Lee Thank you Chris. I am glad to hear your surgery went well. We are in agreement, I am finding that waiting is the hardest part about all of this.
Kevin Lee Thank you Franklin. Wow, three weeks into recovery and walking over two miles. That is awesome!
Marilyn M Kevin, I had my aortic valve replaced 2 months ago with a tissue valve. I had a mini thoracotomy. I ... Read more
Marilyn M Kevin, I had my aortic valve replaced 2 months ago with a tissue valve. I had a mini thoracotomy. I told my surgeon I wanted a big enough valve put in so I could have TAVR down the road if I needed. I didn't even know he did an annulus enlargement until I read the report. I'm happy he put in a larger valve because my heart is small. I agree waiting is the hardest part. Trust your surgeon and you will do fine. Reading on this site also helped me so much.
Steven A Husted yes this site helped me so much it would have been very very hard to go thru this journey with out th ... Read more
Steven A Husted yes this site helped me so much it would have been very very hard to go thru this journey with out this site i am coming up on 2 years out and i am doing fine
Thanks everyone for the support.