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Lisa's Posts
Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm
Member Since: February 23, 2020
Member Since: February 23, 2020
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Lisa Hoyt posted an update
4 months ago (March 16, 2026)
It's been 2 months today! (Aortic replacement/ biologic aortic valve replaced bicuspid valve). Lots of ups and downs: Post surgery was "mostly" normal, discharged at 7 days, home for a week then afib (alerted by my Fitbit, FYI). EMS hauled me away at 9 pm, spent 18 hours in the... Read more.
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Kimberly Eisenhut and John Cook reacted to this
Robert Miller
4 months ago (March 16, 2026)
That is quite a story. Very nice incision. Can barely see it. I hope you are doing better these days. If not, you might want to see an electrophysiologist. Maybe get one of those 2-week heart monitors to see how you are doing.
Marie Myers
4 months ago (March 17, 2026)
Great healing on your scar!
Lisa Hoyt
4 months ago (March 17, 2026)
I'm seeing the EP tomorrow and hope to be able to tweak some meds. I can't go back on beta blockers until BP gets higher and I had a bad experience with flecainide many years ago. Fingers crossed, but I'm feeling much better!
Robert Miller
4 months ago (March 17, 2026)
I am sure you are already planning on this but if you see your EP, which I assume means electrophysiologist, see if your continuous episodes of AFib and flutter can/should be addressed with ablation. Since you have AFib, I assume you are already on blood thinner. If not, that would... Read more.
Rose Madura
4 months ago (March 17, 2026)
Lisa, glad you are feeling better but so sorry you are having these issues. I had both AFib and Aflutter after my surgery. I seemed to bee very symptomatic to the inflammation. I had fluid buildup around my heart and fluid around my lungs that didn't seem alarming to anyone... Read more.
Susan Lynn
4 months ago (March 17, 2026)
Lisa - Sorry to hear about the post-op afib. It's unfortunately very common after surgery. Glad the cardioversion finally worked. Let us know how you make out the electrophysiologist. All the best!
Lisa Hoyt posted an update
7 months ago (January 12, 2026)
I have been following this site for a few years and now, suddenly, I am having surgery this Friday - Jan 18. Any tips for recovery after open heart? Or where to look? I have googled and watched videos, started making my own videos for people in my own situation.... Read more.
7 months ago (January 12, 2026)
Lisa, I had the same surgery as you over eight years ago and am doing well. A couple things to bring is a long charger cord, and a travel pillow. At home, you'll need someone with you for a week or more and a recliner was helpful because sleep is... Read more.
7 months ago (January 13, 2026)
I found in the hospital last week in recovery for 6 days I really used the extending back scratcher tool not only to itch places had to get to but it served as a reacher for me for things i just couldn't reach out for when my wife or nurse... Read more.
7 months ago (January 13, 2026)
I just ordered a back scratcher! I hadn't thought of that. I have no one staying in the hospital with me for most of the time. I feel so healthy right now that I keep forcing myself to think what I won't be able to do so I can plan... Read more.
7 months ago (January 13, 2026)
A back scratcher. Good idea. I always backed up to a tree with rough bark. It was a bear of a job though.
7 months ago (January 13, 2026)
Lisa - Almost everything is provided for you, but a robe and pajamas pants made the frequent walks in the hallway more comfortable. Noise canceling ear buds or headphones may also be helpful. You'll be just fine. Best of luck to you!
7 months ago (January 13, 2026)
Thank you everyone! It's getting really real now.
7 months ago (January 14, 2026)
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php The only thing I can think of bringing to the hospital is your phone and charger so you can communicate with your support team. But you probably will be tired so it won't matter much. And the most important thing to me after surgery was taking a shower. Expect... Read more.
7 months ago (January 14, 2026)
Comfortable pillow, blanket from home, and slippers (non slip) were my favorite things to have❤️
7 months ago (January 14, 2026)
Lots of great ideas here. I also found there were a few "invisible" items to bring to the hospital that I wrote about here - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/10/29/top-5-invisible-things-patients-must-bring-to-the-hospital/
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
Thanks Adam, I have loaded up on the invisible things!
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
Bring something to read - I brought a Kindle. I spend endless hours sitting in a chair or lying in the bed between walks down the hallway and visits from nurses/doctors. It can get boring.
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
Hi Lisa, I am thinking about you today as you approach your surgery date. I had an aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta repair on December 2, so I am now six weeks post surgery. Wishing you the best, it will all be fine and before you know it, you'll... Read more.
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
Chapstick. If you ask at the hospital they will give you a tube of blistek or whatever, way too medicinal (and then they bill $37 for a tube of it...). Especially after intubation, chapstick is nice.
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
As for the invisible things, you will VERY likely be a lot better off afterwards. And I never felt more secure than going into the surgery. Yes, if you know what they actually do it can feel scary. But during surgery, you probably have half a dozen people around you.... Read more.
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
I also wanted to send a quick post-surgery email to my family and close friends, to report that I'm all good. To avoid having to collect all the right emails on my phone in a hospital bed, I created a blank email beforehand with all the email addresses, then put... Read more.
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
9-10 foot phone/tablet charging cable!!!
7 months ago (January 15, 2026)
The eye mask is very helpful because lights can be bright overhead and not always easy to find the right switches, much less get to them! Also, if you have an app on your phone to give you some sounds or "white noise", it helps to drown out all of... Read more.
6 months ago (January 16, 2026)
Great ideas here some I never thought of. I would also bring some "booty" wipes. Lol baby wipes work too. They are great for a quick wash. I had a bad stint of diarrhea after surgery due to the fiber supplements being too much for my gut. The wipes would... Read more.
6 months ago (January 16, 2026)
Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery 🙏🏻💕
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed over 5,000 heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.