Linda's Journal

Rose Madura  Linda, the TAVR is such a new procedure that they really don't have enough data to say how many times.  I do know that my aunt had a SAVR, then 12 years later had a TAVR and 9 years after that another TAVR. But she got an aggressive cancer and passed away so we don't know how long the 3rd valve would have lasted. Praying for a successful TAVR for you.  Godspeed. 

Steven Hayden   Linda, I had an AVR via sternotomy last month.  I originally though I wanted a TAVR but two separated surgical teams talked me out of it based on my age.  I am 58 and both recommended replacing the valve via a full sternotomy.  The reasons where the likelihood of another valve replacement.  Both teams explained to me that a TAVR in TAVR is a much risker and more complicated surgery than replacing a valve via TAVR into a valve that was replaced via SAVR. They cited reasons such as not only replacing the valve but correcting any other problems they found reducing the risks/complications for a follow on TAVR.  They also would not commit to how long an initial TAVR valve would last.  In my own reading I found plenty of supporting evidence that the durability as comparable to a SAVR valve.  Maybe this can help with a new conversation with your Doc.  You are going to be fine.  You got this.

Grace Mason   Sorry to hear you have to go through another surgery so soon Linda. ❤️
Glad they discovered it and are getting you healthy again.

Juanita Linn  Oh!! This is great news for you but awesome information for me as I've been going crazy being told I need all this! I'm a pretty strong person so maybe I will save all the expenses and take a trip! So happy to read this! I think I might get a peaceful sleep now! Thank you! May God continue to bless you with a wonderful recovery!

Jane Buttram  So encouraging to hear your news. I want to bounce back quickly too. What was that old book from years ago, Living Well is the Best Revenge. Hahaha. I like your spunk.

Lilly Black  Linda, that's great news! Congrats! I was up and about quite quickly as well after my second surgery, and I was 63 at the time! my husband thought the same as you....walker, cane, etc. 6 weeks later I was walking 2 miles a day, cooking meals, and doing chores. We are lucky.....but we are all different, and cannot compare ourselves to others. Our experiences are unique. Happy for you, Linda!

Corey Sines  Great for you Linda! How do you feel energy level wise with a functional Aortic Valve compared to before?

Linda Ritchie  Last May was when I noticed a big change in my body. I use to walk 10,000 steps a day and I could barely do 2 blocks. I had to stop and rest and it got progressively worst. My calves would ache and I was exhausted all the time.

Joshua Trimberger  yes, depression and anxiety are normal. I had regular "attacks" for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Im in my 4th week now and they don't come as regularly lately so it does get better

Darlene Smith  I only experienced depression once, and that was after I was discharged from my local hospital after a bout of pleural and pericardial effusion. I guess I lost my confidence and the setback was upsetting. But within about 2 days, I was back to my old self.

Rita Savelis  Yes, but it didn't happen for me until months after OHS. Then it was a long haul. Keep communicating about how you feel, see a therapist if it helps. All these feelings are normal. I feel for you, Linda.

Conrad Skowronski  15 days post op, only discomfort is my right shoulder blade and my upper right chest is numb. This is common according to my Surgeon's PA.

David C  @Dan, yes. Crazy Sciatica last week from all this weird sitting/awkward sleeping. It's moving on, but man, I wish I didn't have it on top of everything else. I actually had stopped taking any real kind of pain meds, and pulled some of the more narcotic ones out last week due to lower back/hip/glute pain.

Debbie Bentley   Yes that hurt me worse than having my chest split open . I'm 8 weeks post op and it still hurts at times.

Kevin Shackelford  7 weeks post op and my neck and collarbone area ache at times. Gets worse in the evening. It feels as if it getting better as time moves on however.

Wanda Mroz  I had pains so bad I couldn't take a deep breath... Took a few weeks to go away. They prescribed muscle relaxers and hot and cold packs. Eventually a tennis ball on a string given to me by a physical therapist in the hospital helped tons. Basically a dog toy. Feels great rolling on the back.

David C  I am not sure I want to know. I can tell you I had some pretty crazy neck and shoulder pain about 3 weeks after the surgery...It's mostly gone away, but I do have a little sciatica in my lower back now. Think about it, though. We are laying still for MANY hours...on a cold steel slab. I think I was out for 12 hours before the breathing tube came out. That in itself will cause back/neck pain, not to mention the nature of the surgery and what it takes to let them access the heart. Again, not sure I really want to know. :) I can tell you the more I walk, and stay active, the better I feel.

Linda Ritchie  I asked my surgeon when I saw him last month. He had to approve that I was a candidate for TAVR. He said that during open heart surgery they pull your ribs aside during the operation and this is what causes the pain afterwards.

Susan Schweter  I know how you feel. On one hand I need to talk about it, but on the other hand when I do I start crying. The whole situation really sucks. Good wishes and prayers for you. I hope your recovery is easy.

Rita Savelis  They mean well. They don't know how to say the right thing, whatever that may be. There is so much emotion surrounding OHS. Crying is what you need to do sometimes. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I wish you the best.

Meredith Bray  I say, talk about it! The week before surgery is blurry in my memory - maybe because I couldn't see anything through all the tears! And I had PMS, so I was just a mess. ANYWAY, here's to no more tears after surgery! My wish for you (and everyone else having surgery) is that you wake with a smile on your face with the realization that "I MADE IT!" and look forward to the long recovery road. Emotionally, the toughest part is leading up to your surgery date.
You got this!

-Meredith

Linda Yaff  Linda - this site has been so helpful to me. I think you will find it helpful too. It's hard no in advance and your mind runs like crazy with all the "what if's". I am 4 weeks post op and feel better each week. I will keep you in my prayers. Best of luck!

Lilly Black  Linda, I noticed you live only about 50 miles from me. Where will you have the surgery? Please read my journals and story. I am doing great now! Most people do really well after the surgery, so try not to dwell on the fear. However it is scary, and everyone can relate to the fear. I wish you the best outcome. Let me know if you have any questions.

Conrad Skowronski  Sorry to out-do you Kevin. 4 days post op. Not feeling great (tired, exhausted after walks), but my docs say I'm doing extremely well and I think they're sending me home tomorrow.

Linda - I wish you well on your journey. I'll be thinking of all who are going to surgery soon and all my new recent friends who are still in recovery.

Lilly Black  I just noticed you will be at French Hospital in SLO. I've heard great things about this hospital, but have never been there. I wish you all the best, Linda! take care

Meredith Bray  You'll be surprised to learn how many of your friends and family have either had the surgery, or know someone else who has had the surgery. This site is a wonderful way to connect with other patients, and read about their experiences. let us know what questions you have!

-Meredith