Linda's Journal

Rose Madura  Linda, I'm sorry you are having these issues. Tachycardias are no fun for sure and I can see why you are tired and dizzy. I had bouts of Afib and Aflutter after my surgery to which my body acted aggressively. This happened for about six weeks. It was about 3 months before I felt like I turned a corner and probably a year before I fully recovered. What does your cardiologist have to say about it?

Dylan Kempers  Linda, sorry to hear what you are going through. I had mitral valve repair almost 6 months ago. The same evening I was discharged from the hospital I had afib (which I hadn't had any before my surgery) and had to be re-admitted to take care of it with medications. I haven't had what you describe, but had other non-heart-related complications (anaphylaxis, pleuritis, etc) as a result of my surgery. As Rose says, I would check with your cardiologist, and would get one or two more second opinions from other cardiologists.

Joyce Shelby  Yes, I had the same after my surgery and at one point I had to wear a Holter's monitor. it eventually just worked itself out.

Linda Alsdorf  Thanks for the kind comments! Love you a!! Went the ER and spent 2 days in the hallway by the nurses station. I finally left because I just couldn't take it anymore. Besides dealing with my arrhythmias, I had people around me with Covid. (Note: This is a heart hospital) The earliest outpatient cardiologist appointment I can get is in Nov. Believe me I can wait!.

  Sorry to hear about what you are going through Linda. Will pray that these things leave your body and you start feeling better. God bless you

Patsy Stewart  Oh, my! Is this your regular cardiologist? Have you tried going through your general practitioner? Sometimes they can get you in faster. Sending prayers that you feel better and get a faster check up. ~❤️

Linda Alsdorf  Thanks again everybody and I will take Patsy's suggestion and call my primary care! God bless you all!

Rita Savelis  This can be part of the healing process. I myself got a pacemaker about 2 weeks after OHS (I was still in the hospital). My heart never recovered its regular beat (it was way too slow). This happens in about 3% of cases and since I had double valve replacement there was work in several parts of my heart which can make this kind of outcome more likely. I wouldn't jump to conclusions about needing a pacemaker. Blood pressure and hearbeats vary after surgery as your body adjusts. Also they can be related to the meds you have to take (especially betablockers). Many people get a heart monitor at some point to verify things. Your heart has been through a lot and needs time. Some hearts need more time. Wishing you the best. Take care. It's hard, I know.

Rose Madura  I'm sorry you are experiencing these issues. I had a myriad of complications after my surgery, afib/aflutter being two of them in addition to fluid buildup around the heart and lungs. The Afib/aflutter lasted about six weeks and a pacemaker was discussed although I'm thankful I didn't need one. There is a video on this site that discusses it and it's quite common for about six weeks after surgery. It was about 3 months before I even began to feel somewhat normal. You aren't doomed. Sometimes it takes one a little longer to bounce back. What is tour cardiologist sa saying? I would think they would try a cardioversion, then an ablation before a pacemaker. That was what was discussed with me. I know it's rough. God bless you on this journey. Please keep us updated.

Marie Myers  I also had the flashing lights (optical migraines, auras), and they gradually decreased with time. Don’t give up, they will get better...

  Hi Linda, I also had the flashing lights and discomfort after surgery but as my dear Marie states they will get better, be patient and hang in there. Praying for you, God bless you

Marie Myers  I know it is hard , but try to just take one day at a time. Do the implants have to come out now, or can that wait? And is your AVR imminent? Perhaps you could seek another opinion on your foot problem, and concentrate on the heart issue. Either way, I hope you realize you will be handle it when the time comes.

Susan Lynn  Linda - As Marie said, take it one day at a time. Your physician should assist you in prioritizing your medical challenges and you will get through it. Keep looking ahead and stay positive. It is said, the night is darkest just before the dawn. Believe - better days are coming. ❤

Linda Alsdorf  Thanks to all of you and God bless! Can anyone who has had an AVR with aneurysm with median sternotomy rely as to the amount of pain and discomfort you'll suffer after open heart surgery from your back, chest ,and shoulders? Any restrictions? Thanks Again!

Marie Myers  I had a full sternotomy, with ascending aneurysm and aortic root aneurysm repair. I was worried about the post-op pain also, I was pleasantly surprised that I did not experience a lot of sternal pain, and have heard this from many patients. The chest tubes were uncomfortable ,but they came out quickly. I felt generally just not comfortable. I took narcotic pain meds for about 2 days, but I have a bad time with nausea and vomiting from them, despite anti nausea meds. So, Tylenol helped a lot for me. I did experience a lot of upper back and shoulder aching, and would have paid anything for a massage. Looking back, I wish I had asked for a muscle relaxant; maybe that would have helped the upper back ache.

Rose Madura  Try to remember that the odds of success are greatly in your favor. These doctors are very talented and do this every day. Best wishes and God bless you.

Joe Tarango  Stay strong Linda! That’s great the surgery was moved up. You are in good hands and will do well. I pray for my brother and sister heart warriors. May God Bless you!

Linda Alsdorf  Thank you all so much for the support! MayGod bless each and everyone of you! Just can't get a handle on it but I must!

Peter Linn  Have you tried meditation? I have been taking 15-30 minutes every day. I am not great at it yet but I find myself so looking forward to these daily sessions. There are plenty of guided meditations available. Getting the mind to be still is very difficult for me but I am trying and it is starting to work. We are with you.

Peter Linn  I am about 2 weeks ahead of you. This is the place to be. I have been reading a lot and talking to people. I am starting to calm down a bit. There is much to learn. It is terrifying. However, it seems from what I have processed that the anxiety and sadness can be worse than the cure. There are so many uplifting stories here. Once you know the suggested treatment you will undoubtedly find folks here who have gone through the same. Welcome to a new extended family.

Errol J. Simonitsch  I went through an aortic valve replacement 11 weeks ago as well as 2 valve repairs and just getting over irregular heart beat. I’m doing very well and my incision is healing very well. The news is devastating but the result will be well worth it. Hang in there Peter!

Debra Keife  HI Linda, It is very shocking and scary to get this kind of news but, you caught it in time! I am still feeling anxious and afraid but, I am so relieved this was caught in time for me. Waiting is the hardest part and keeping you mind active on other things. It's hard to do but, I have been trying to do little projects to keep myself busy. I am not supposed to do any physical activity until after my surgery so I am being careful. Your body will tell you when you have overdone. Get some rest. This is a wonderful outlet.

Richard Munson  Who among us is not scared and nervous about impending heart surgery raise your hand. Put your faith in the hospital , the doctors , your self determination and most of all the big guy and you will be fine. There is no bigger baby on the planet than me and i got thru it. A splinter stresses me out. Keep telling yourself you are doing the right thing.

Peter Linn  Richard, I might challenge you for the biggest baby title! I have had plenty of procedures along the way, usually the most painful variety (i.e. kidney stones 3x, hemorrhoidectomy, parathyriod removal, pilonidal cysts) and got through them all. But I still stink at anything medical. I will say though that my anxiety is reducing somewhat largely based on this wonderful website.

Richard Munson  I am ready to challenge you to a duel over biggest baby. Lol. I had a kidney stone removed just prior to my heart surgery and it was very painful. When i saw it afterward it was grain of salt size. Some of your other stuff i had to google. I never knew about this site before my surgery but agreed, it is great.

Richard Munson  Peter, i looked at your story regarding your upcoming surgery. My mitral valve was repaired at mass general in january and my surgeon dr. Malnechouk ( sp) was great. If you need a name. I also have an aortic aneurism that is 4.cm but they said they prefer surgery over 5 cm. I worked in waterbury ct. for years and i am 6-5. They had to put an extension on my hospital bed. Everything about mass general was top shelf.

Fred Earls  Aortic Valve replacement 3 weeks ago. I feel great! Being scared is part of the process. Learn to trust the surgeon! Many people here have stories of success here. Read them as it will help you remain positive.

Richard Munson  It is good to focus on all the success stories which far outnumber the non success i believe. Still heart surgery is a biggie and is bound to cause anxiety. If it is hand surgery that fails, you still have another one. Most of us only have one heart.

Peter Linn  For those with an aortic aneurysm, this article may be useful:  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48572-9

Dave Raynor  You are getting ready to have almost exactly what I had done 8 months ago. For me, I found the anticipation and anxiety was the worst of it. I had one set back post surgery but that all worked out. Try to stay relaxed and trust in your cardiac team. They will knock you out and you'll wake up in the ICU and it will be done.

Adam Pick  Hey Linda, I literally just posted this video. I hope it helps answers some of your questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dR66_iUx9E

Richard Munson  Keep the faith. There is nothing wrong with being nervous just don’t let it consume you. I tried reading, working harder, playing with my dog more, you name it to try and erase the pre ohs blues but it always became the 400 pound gorilla in the room so i just accepted that i needed it and i picked a top hospital and surgeon, and put myself in their hands.