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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: April 29, 2018

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Kim Carpenter posted an update

7 years ago (December 11, 2018)

Had my 1 year ct scan/check today ! Met with surgeon to go over results ! good news ! I was nervous going in, since I didn't have any symptoms when this whole thing started!, but thanks to my great surgeon my New valve is working as it should and... Read more.

👍 Shannon Gray, Phyllis Petersen and reacted to this

Rebecca DeMarino

7 years ago (December 12, 2018)

Great news, Kim! ❤️ Can't wait for my 1 year!!

John Morales

7 years ago (December 12, 2018)

Congrats Kim , im just starting my journey and hope I can have great results like you

Dan Baltazor

7 years ago (December 12, 2018)

Congratulations.

Kim Carpenter posted an update

7 years ago (November 15, 2018)

I am grateful, thankful, and blessed! One year ago today my family sat in a waiting room for 8 hours while I had aortic valve replacement and an aneurysm repair... they laughed, cried, took selfies and prayed! They took such great care of me ! Here I am a year... Read more.

👍 Shannon Gray, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella and reacted to this

Susan Lynn

7 years ago (November 15, 2018)

Happy One Year Anniversary, Kim! Celebrate! ❤🥂🍾

Dan Vechiola

7 years ago (November 15, 2018)

Congrats! BIg accomplishment! Celebrate!

Marie Myers

7 years ago (November 16, 2018)

Happy Valve-Versary! Glad you are doing well.

James A. Corbett

7 years ago (November 16, 2018)

I had to write, HAPPY VALVE-VERSARY too. Great phrase. All the best to you Kim.

Kim Carpenter

7 years ago (November 19, 2018)

I like that, valve-versary! 👍🏻Thank you so much ! It feels great! To all those out there going through the same thing and For those who have had many anniversaries...stay strong and keep on ticking!!❤️❤️❤️❤️We're all warriors!!!! Best to all ! ☘️

Tracy Fallu

7 years ago (November 24, 2018)

Happy 1 year to you. 💫♥️

Kim Carpenter posted an update

8 years ago (April 29, 2018)

Surgery was almost 6 months ago and I've been using vitamin e on my scar. Wondering if anyone Has advice on what to use to help even skin tone and help with fading ?

👍 MONIC DELA ROSA reacted to this

Pam Williams

8 years ago (April 30, 2018)

Hi Kim had trouble with my scar also after AVR 17 months ago it was keloid it didn't fade it stayed very pink and was raised itchy and sore, I have been attending the dermatologist for steroid injections into the scar every 3 months I have my last session this... Read more.

Rita Savelis

8 years ago (April 30, 2018)

Avoiding any sun exposure for at least a year should help with an even skin tone. Your scar color should eventually match the color of your skin if you avoid the sun, but it takes time (maybe a year at least). I hear you on being self-conscious. It takes time... Read more.

Heath Knight

8 years ago (April 30, 2018)

Believe it or not I found some SCAR GEL at Wal-Mart that seemed to help with my scar. I put it on once every morning as soon as I get out of shower. It helps and didn't really cost to much. The tube has lasted me about a month so... Read more.

Michael Eichhorn

8 years ago (April 30, 2018)

Hi Kim, I cannot comment about the scar yet as my surgery is in two weeks but would love to ask you a few questions about your mechanical valve. If you don't mind please email me at eichhorn33@gmail.com. Similarly, I have been recommended to go mechanical. Thank you

Denise Campbell

8 years ago (April 30, 2018)

Don't be embarrassed. Bit shows how strong you are. You survived and thrived.

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

Hi Pam, luckily mine is flat but it is red/ pink of course at the top ! Don't think I'll need a dermatologist but thanks and good luck with yours ! They say it does take a long time to get back to norm ! We'll have to be patient... Read more.

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

Hi Rita, thanks for info on the sun I'll be sure to keep the scar covered! Thanks

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

Thanks for the info Heath I'll check Walmart !

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

I'm actually not sure if I post responses on my journal our yours hope this gets to you guys????😬

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

Michael, would love to answer questions I can email you ! I do wish you the best of luck on your surgery and you'll do fine I'm sure! This is the right place for answers, support and positive vibes oh and everything drs don't tell us !!!

Kim Carpenter

8 years ago (May 1, 2018)

Denise, thanks so much for your positive words! It really helps!!! I have to keep telling myself that!

Adam Pick

8 years ago (May 3, 2018)

Hey Kim, Great question... I used Mederma. It worked really, really, really well for me. Here's more about it - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/04/02/ointment-gel-skin-surgery-healing-mederma/.

I Used A Great Scar Cream Called Mederma…

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/04/02/ointment-gel-skin-surgery-healing-mederma/

I just received a great, often-overlooked question from Tim who asks, "Hey Adam - I just saw the pictures of your chest scar after heart surgery. I'm curious to

Phyllis Petersen

8 years ago (May 3, 2018)

I'd add massaging the area of it doesn't cause pain.

Bonnie Stone-Hope

8 years ago (May 5, 2018)

I used no creams, oils. Just kept it clean with dial soap to ensure no infection. You can hardly see my scar. (but I agree that this scar is a source of strength for me to realize that I am strong)

Jennifer Barnett

8 years ago (May 6, 2018)

When I first got home about three weeks after surgery I just gently bathed the area with a flannel using warm water with Lavender essentail oil added, about a week later I used pure aloe vera gel (which is great for healing scars) with a few drops of 100% pure... Read more.

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