Louanna Miller - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

March 13, 2019

Adam Pick, thank you for the webinar late this afternoon. Wonderful information from Northwestern Medicine. Thank you for this supportive website and community. You have served all heart valve warriors well. I appreciate you.

Like | Dan Baltazor likes this

Paul Pierce why did youhave to stay 11 days in the hospital

Update posted on...

February 22, 2019

Happy Heart Valve Awareness Day!!

Thank you Adam Pick for this informative and encouraging place for us who experience heart valve diesease.

Like | Tom McDonald, Janice West, Diane Maher and 7 others like this

Paul Pierce never mind i read your post further down sorry.

Here's my newest picture!

February 20, 2019 Like | Shannon Gray, Dan Baltazor, Susan Lynn and 4 others like this

I am a heart warrior and am proud of my sternum scar. Today marks 6 months post OHS for severe mitral valve prolapse, severe regurgitation, etc, etc, etc. Northwestern Medicine Surgeon, Dr Patrick McCarthy, performed my successful MV repair. My recove

Jeff W Hi Louanna, it’s Cathy. What a beautiful picture! I’ve read your story on here and have to say how much I admire you! Wear that scar proudly! It shows the world just how strong you are 😊👍🏻

Dan Baltazor Looks Great!!

Bruce Adams Nice battle scar. I've been joking and telling everyone that I'll be wearing a one piece swimsuit this year like the kind men would wear a hundred years ago. You wear it well.

Susan Lynn Happy 6 Month Anniversary!!! ❤🍾🥂

Tracy Fallu Happy 6 months and many more happy months to come.

Fay Kozas You look great! Happy 6 Month Anniversary and many more heart anniversaries.

Rob Sparling You look great! Be proud of the zipper! Congrats on 6 months marker!

Dan Vechiola You look great and happy Louanna! Congrats on the 6 months! Keep marching because I am right behind you!

Mava Reif You look beautiful! Thanks for your encouragement!

Update posted on...

December 15, 2018

I have a Warfarin question. I have been on it since surgery in August. This is my last month to take it and I am wondering if I am supposed to wean off, or can just stop on the last day of the month?

Also, for others who took Warfarin following OHS for short term anticoagulant purposes, did you have to go get your INR checked once or twice after you were discontinued on the medication?

Like |

Thomas Brusstar I just quit after 12 weeks, as scheduled. Cold turkey. I haven't had my INR tested since. I don't miss it!

Louanna Miller Awesome. Thank you, Thomas. And Merry Christmas to you and your family. You’ve been a great suppport to me.

Dan Baltazor Yes, you get to come off that!

Dan Vechiola Hi Louanna! I went once a week to have my INR check until it became consistant than it was every other week. I came off the warafin cold turkey after 3 months ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Hi Louanna! I went once a week to have my INR check until it became consistant than it was every other week. I came off the warafin cold turkey after 3 months post op with a switch to a baby aspirin. I have been getting answers to my questions by sending messages to Taylor (Dr. Thomas' RN) using the My Chart app. Its a nice way to ask a quick question and get a quick answer.

Here's my newest picture!

November 22, 2018 Like | Mark Wilbur, Meredith Geneja, Meredith Bray and 6 others like this

Three months ago on Monday, August 20, I had open heart surgery for Mitral Valve repair. I’m in Chicago for Thanksgiving and went to Northwestern Medicine yesterday to reflect on my OHS. Tough 11 day hospitalization, but much better now. So thankful!!

Jeremiah Erez Louanna you look absolutely fabulous!
I am happy to hear you are doing well.
Best wishes to you as you continue on your recovery journey!

Meredith Geneja Love your happy smile! I share the gratitude with where you are today. You've come a long way. Thank you, for your support given to others:)

Louanna Miller Thank you both.

This can and will be all heart warriors as you face OHS and recover.
Again, I’m blessed and thankful!!

Tracy Fallu Great to hear from you; I have been wondering how you are doing.

Rob Sparling Great pic, Louanna! Thanks for sharing! Congrats!

Dan Baltazor Congratulations!

Dan Vechiola Congrats Louanna. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for the update and keep on keeping on!

Sara Moyce You are an inspiration Louanna!❤️

steve pruett THanks and glad all going well. Looking forward to consult this week with Dr. Thomas and McCarthy. With Barlow that makes it more complicated but hope they ... Read more

steve pruett THanks and glad all going well. Looking forward to consult this week with Dr. Thomas and McCarthy. With Barlow that makes it more complicated but hope they can repair using minimally invasive process. Will know more later this week as options.

How long were you in hospital? Did it take long to feel 100 percent? What if any rehab was involved.

THanks,

Louanna Miller Steve, I’m not sure Dr McCarthy does minimally invasive. He will be honest and tell you the best treatment plan. I was in the hospital 10 days. I had issues ... Read more

Louanna Miller Steve, I’m not sure Dr McCarthy does minimally invasive. He will be honest and tell you the best treatment plan. I was in the hospital 10 days. I had issues with my blood pressure dropping, oxygen being too low, heart rate dropping, and fluid in the pleural sack. The fluid was causing issues with oxygen as my left lung could not inflate fully. I had a thoracentesis to remove the nearly 3 cups of fluid and immediately felt better. So, then was discharged a day or two later.

I had full sternum restrictions for 8 weeks. Was released to drive at 6 weeks, but waited until week 8. I had lots of sternum pain and soreness.

At 3 months I really noticed fetling much better. I’m able to do so much more and have greater endurance now. I’ve nearly completed 2 months of cardiac rehab, which is most helpful.

Let me posted. You will do grea.

Update posted on...

September 28, 2018

When I was seen for my cardio surgical follow up, the NP for the surgeon told me many OHS patients use Cica Care on the incision beginning around week 7 if no drainage. Other patients told me they used Vitamin E on the incision. What have y’all used with success? Thanks.

Like | Cristian Mesa, steve pruett likes this

LINDA ROBERTS I am 8 weeks out and they told me not to use anything on my scar yet for I still have a couple of scabs and not to take any chance the incision could open. ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS I am 8 weeks out and they told me not to use anything on my scar yet for I still have a couple of scabs and not to take any chance the incision could open. I am wanting to use something on my scar soon so will be interested in knowing what people suggest.

Update posted on...

September 25, 2018

I have a question about others experience with taking pain medication. How long did you continue to take hydrocodone post surgery and discharge? I know pain and pain management is different for everyone.

Like | Heather Brown, Heather Brown and 1 other likes this

Louanna Miller I am 5 weeks post mitral valve repair through the sternum and continue to require 1 Hydrocodone every 8 hours with an extra strength Tylenol taken in between each.

Duane Brown I took dilaudid for 40 days after surgery. I had pain in throat whenever it wore off for first 6 weeks. However I had some type of pain start at 5 1/2 weeks ... Read more

Duane Brown I took dilaudid for 40 days after surgery. I had pain in throat whenever it wore off for first 6 weeks. However I had some type of pain start at 5 1/2 weeks that was 10/10 whenever pressure exerted on rob cage anywhere. Lasted for 2 weeks constantly and 2 mg dilaudid every 6 hours even with 1000 mg of ibuprofen didn't seem to help.

Marie Myers I took Percocet for about 10 days after surgery. Mostly I took it at night to get some sleep. Tylenol was enough during the day for me.

Bradley Dunn I refused the prescription and only took it the first night in step down to help me sleep.

Dan Vechiola I will be 3 weeks post op on Thursday. I was taking 6 regular strength Tylenol (2 after each meal) and 2 Hydrocodone at night (1 at 10 p.m. and the other ... Read more

Dan Vechiola I will be 3 weeks post op on Thursday. I was taking 6 regular strength Tylenol (2 after each meal) and 2 Hydrocodone at night (1 at 10 p.m. and the other when I woke up around 2 a.m.) Last night I only seem to need 1 Hydrocodone before bed so today I am going to try to shift to 6 Extra Strength Tylenol (at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.) and no Hydrocodone and see how it goes.

Steve Farthing I took an Aleve every 12 hours and 3 tylenol per day starting 4th day post op for 2-3 weeks.

Catie B I left the hospital with Tylenol only and had been ok on it for the last day or two, in-patient.

Meredith Bray Surgery Wednesday, last pain pill on Friday in preparation for drain tube removal. I was given a prescription for something, but never filled it. Strictly acetaminophen ... Read more

Meredith Bray Surgery Wednesday, last pain pill on Friday in preparation for drain tube removal. I was given a prescription for something, but never filled it. Strictly acetaminophen (Tylenol). The back pain was the worst pain, but my PT helped me find a way to get rid of it.
Meredith
Holiday, FL

Kathy Sansone I took oxycodone doe the first 2 weeks and then weened off . Now I just take Tylenol at night but wondering if I really need it

Louanna Miller Thank you. I’m going to shift to extra-strength Tylenol only.

LINDA ROBERTS I just took tylenol for a few weeks. Oddly enough when I started becoming more active in my chest area-around week 6 or 7, I now feel more soreness. Nothing ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS I just took tylenol for a few weeks. Oddly enough when I started becoming more active in my chest area-around week 6 or 7, I now feel more soreness. Nothing that warrants a pain pill but different than what I felt initially after surgery.

Here's my newest picture!

September 12, 2018 Like | Lisa McLaughlin, Shannon Gray, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella and 9 others like this

September 12, two weeks since discharge from Northwestern Medicine after OHS for valve repair. Today was my first follow-up appointment at Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

Rob Sparling Great pic! Congrats. Big happy smile of accomplishment and relief!,

Richard Buckley Congratulations on the great progress.

Ricky Stutts Great news

Nancy Luth Congratulations!

Sue Tom Terrific news. Congratulations!

Dan Vechiola Great pic. I am so glad things are coming along nicely.

Meredith Geneja So happy for you! Louanna, you are a true encouragement to others. Thank you, for your posts, much appreciated. You've come a long way:)

Susan Lynn Louanna - you look fabulous!

Louanna Miller Thank you all!!! I have not looked or felt as good as in this picture for a long time. Slow progress, but I can feel a little improvement about every 2-3 ... Read more

Louanna Miller Thank you all!!! I have not looked or felt as good as in this picture for a long time. Slow progress, but I can feel a little improvement about every 2-3 days. Stay encouraged as you proceed through the healing process. We all heal differently!!!

Update posted on...

September 12, 2018

On my way to my Cardiac Surgery follow up appointment with Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern Medicine. Hard to believe surgery was 3 weeks ago this past Monday and I was discharged 2 weeks ago today.

Like | Bradley Dunn, Brent Moore, Lisa McLaughlin and 2 others like this

Dan Vechiola Wow yes that did go by fast. Have a great trip to Chicago and I hope you have a great appointment with Dr. McCarthy!!

Louanna Miller Thanks Dan! I saw his NP.

X-ray looks good and no need to remove the foid behind the left lung. I was glad. Vitals are good, Heart sounds great, EKG is ... Read more

Louanna Miller Thanks Dan! I saw his NP.

X-ray looks good and no need to remove the foid behind the left lung. I was glad. Vitals are good, Heart sounds great, EKG is good, stay on pain medication if needed, walk, rest and heal.

Update posted on...

August 30, 2018

Yesterday afternoon I was discharged on day 10 pos-surgery from Northwestern Medicine. On Monday, August 20, my Mitral Valve Repair was successful. I spent two days in ICU, then
moved to the 11th floor. Long, long recovery. All of my MDs consider me to be in excellent health, but recovery is unique to each person.
I still have a long way to go.

Thank you for your support and envouragemt.

Like |

Phyllis Petersen Glad to hear you're home now! I hope all the issues are behind you and you can really start moving ahead with your recovery. Just being in your own place can make a real difference.

Rhonda Williams So glad to hear it was successful. You're going to be surprised how much better you feel just being out of the hospital. Congratulations!

MARIE PICUN Good to hear your home

Dan Vechiola So great to hear from you and so glad your surgery was successful. Yes everybody's recovery is different so you can now put the surgery in the rear view mirror ... Read more

Dan Vechiola So great to hear from you and so glad your surgery was successful. Yes everybody's recovery is different so you can now put the surgery in the rear view mirror and focus on recovering each day. Congratulations on being home and take it one day at a time.

Bill Gillam God bless you!

Debbie Chatzky So glad it’s behind you!

Sue Tom So glad to hear that your surgery was successful. Sending you best wishes for a smooth recovery at home.

Ricky Stutts Great news

Louanna Miller Thank you everyone. Now I feel like I can get the necessary rest for healing and recovery. I appreciate all of your words and wishes of encouragement.

Robert Bach Louanna, glad your surgery was successful and you are home. I had mitral valve surgery with Dr. McCarthy on July 30, so it has been five weeks for me. I hope ... Read more

Robert Bach Louanna, glad your surgery was successful and you are home. I had mitral valve surgery with Dr. McCarthy on July 30, so it has been five weeks for me. I hope you are recovering well. Like others have said, we recover at our own pace. Best of luck to you.

Update posted on...

August 30, 2018

Yesterday afternoon I was discharged on day 10 pos-surgery from Northwestern Medicine. On Monday, August 20, my Mitral Valve Repair was successful. I spent two days in ICU, then
moved to the 11th floor. Long, long recovery. All of my MDs consudervme to be in excellent health, but recovery is unique to each person.
I still have a long way to go.

Thank you for your support and envouragemt.

Like |

Rita Savelis Congrats! 10 days sounds like a short stay to me. I had 28 days! Best of luck as your recovery continues.

Louanna Miller Thank you, Rita.

LINDA ROBERTS So glad you are on this side of recovery. Know it must feel great being home.

Update posted on...

August 7, 2018

Headed to Northwestern Medicine tomorrow morning for Echocardiogram, and to see cardiologist, Dr. Thomas and surgeon, Dr. McCarthy. I’m ready to move forward with surgery in a few weeks.

Like | Rhonda Williams likes this

Dan Vechiola Good luck Louanna! I also had an echo at Northwestern and met with them both on July 25th and am moving forward with both of them with my surgery scheduled ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Good luck Louanna! I also had an echo at Northwestern and met with them both on July 25th and am moving forward with both of them with my surgery scheduled for September 6, 2018. Tell them both (along with their fellow Dr. White should you see him) I said Hi ! Sounds like you have the same schedule I did. lol

Adam Pick Louanna, You are in great hands with the Northwestern Medicine team. MANY, MANY, MANY patients from our community have had stellar results with Dr. McCarthy ... Read more

Adam Pick Louanna, You are in great hands with the Northwestern Medicine team. MANY, MANY, MANY patients from our community have had stellar results with Dr. McCarthy and his team. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-McCarthy-Chicago-Illinois.php

Dr. Patrick McCarthy - Heart Surgeon in Chicago, Illinois

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-McCarthy-Chicago-Illinois.php

See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Patrick McCarthy, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Chicago, Illinois.

Louanna Miller Thank you both!

Debbie Chatzky I had surgery with Dr McCarthy on May 31st. It was a very complex mitral valve replacement and maze procedure. He preformed a successful surgery He is known ... Read more

Debbie Chatzky I had surgery with Dr McCarthy on May 31st. It was a very complex mitral valve replacement and maze procedure. He preformed a successful surgery He is known as “the legend”
At the hospital.
Best wishes!

Rhonda Williams Praying for a textbook surgery and a fast recovery!

Michael Meyer You are looking at some excellent physicians, Dr. McCarthy was on my list, but I decided to go to Cleveland Clinic.

Louanna Miller Thank you all!!

John Lant Good luck on your upcoming surgery. You will feel so much better after it is done.

Saw a surgeon today

Journal posted on July 17, 2018

Today, I saw the first of two surgeons that I will see on which to base my decision for surgery. I was given excellent information and have many questions answered. The surgeon recommends mitral valve repair of the leaflet and ruptured chord. This surgeon would complete it through the sternum. He has completed 1500 mitral valve repairs both via sternum and robotics.

I am very symptomatic and am ready to have surgery and get it behind me. My appointment with the second surgeon is August 8 and then we schedule surgery.

I am not sure if it is best to have this done via the sternum or through robotics.

Like |

Susan Lynn Louanna - Please be sure to consider a mini-thoractomy. I had a mv and chord repair and it was a very easy procedure and recovery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaI9dUTRlm8

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair at Lankenau Medical Center

Dr. Scott Goldman and his team lead one of the most experienced mitral valve repair centers in the country, with superior patient outcomes. For more informat...

Darlene Smith For an intricate repair, make sure you see a mitral valve expert at a center of excellence. You want your surgeon to be at least 95% sure he can repair the valve.

Louanna Miller Thank you both. The first surgeon is very confident he can do a durable repair with full functioning. I am seeing another surgeon who is an expert in the repair of them robotically.

Susan Lynn Louanna - be sure to ask the robotic surgeon about the length of the surgery. I understand that it requires a longer amount of time on bypass - hours longer, ... Read more

Susan Lynn Louanna - be sure to ask the robotic surgeon about the length of the surgery. I understand that it requires a longer amount of time on bypass - hours longer, that is Ironically, the person who talked me out of robotic surgery was a robotic surgeon. He was very honest with me about downside and the possible complications that can result from extending surgical time. He also pointed out that in a year it won't matter how you had it done. (Meaning - everyone is healed similarly by then.) Good luck!

Louanna Miller Thank you, Susan Lynn.

John Lant Just remember you are always better off with your own living tissue Mytral Valve over a Mytral Valve Replacement. So if you can find a Surgeon who can repair ... Read more

John Lant Just remember you are always better off with your own living tissue Mytral Valve over a Mytral Valve Replacement. So if you can find a Surgeon who can repair your Mytral Valve you will know exactly what to do.

Louanna Miller Thank you, John Lant. That is exactly what I am hoping to have done. Repair is the way I want to go.

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I have had both. First I had the robotic with a 2 inch rt thoracotomy and multiple port incisions. A little more than a year and I found out the annuloplasty ... Read more

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I have had both. First I had the robotic with a 2 inch rt thoracotomy and multiple port incisions. A little more than a year and I found out the annuloplasty ring used in the repair was pulling apart from the valve. I then had a full sternotomy to re-repair (because of scar tissue they do not go back robotically the 2nd time). On the re-repair he patched where the ring pulled away and replaced some chordae. Surgery on Monday & discharged Friday morning for both OHS. Pain was not bad with either approach, but different; I only took Tylenol since 2 days post op. I drove in 1 week for robotic & 4 weeks for sternotomy. There are way more restrictions after sternotomy, but I went back to work exactly 6 weeks from both. I would say, pick an experienced surgeon that has great outcomes and that you trust and do it either way the surgeon feels most confident of getting the best repair.

Louanna Miller Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and encouraging me.

Feeling tired all of the time.

Journal posted on July 13, 2018

For months I have been requiring more sleep. I cannot believe how tired I am nearly all of the time. I am so limited as to what I can get accomplished.

I will see a surgeon on Tuesday, July 18 and another on August 8.

How long have some of you waited to have the surgery once you were told you need repair or replacement?

Like | Adam Pick likes this

Susan Lynn Louanna - it was about 5 months for me, but most of that time was consumed waiting for cardiology appointments and preliminary tests. Once I found my surgeon, ... Read more

Susan Lynn Louanna - it was about 5 months for me, but most of that time was consumed waiting for cardiology appointments and preliminary tests. Once I found my surgeon, I was in surgery in two weeks. There was no point in waiting when this condition only gets progressively worse. Plus, waiting is the worst part! Best of luck to you!

Adam Pick Hi Louanna, First off... Welcome to our community! You are one of our newest members! I hope the educational information and caring people in this community ... Read more

Adam Pick Hi Louanna, First off... Welcome to our community! You are one of our newest members! I hope the educational information and caring people in this community will help you along your journey to a healthy heart!!! Secondly, I did not have any time to wait or plan for surgery. My left ventricle was already starting to expand and my aortic valve was very stenotic and regurgitant. That said, I was not experiencing many symptoms. I am hopeful your visits with the surgeons will give you a path to getting more energy back into your life!!!! Adam Pick (patient & website founder guy)

Michael Meyer Louanna:

You should not wait depending on the problem. I can tell you there is a statistically measurable increase in the mortality rate for those who have ... Read more

Michael Meyer Louanna:

You should not wait depending on the problem. I can tell you there is a statistically measurable increase in the mortality rate for those who have medium to severe mitral valve regurgitation after 3 months. Not sure about other valve conditions, but you ask them, waiting is not typically an advantage.

I do recommend getting a second opinion.

Kelly Stoll Welcome. I waited about a year but my symptoms were more progressed then my valve. Either way, my cardiologist suggested a 1 to 2 year timeline and was great ... Read more

Kelly Stoll Welcome. I waited about a year but my symptoms were more progressed then my valve. Either way, my cardiologist suggested a 1 to 2 year timeline and was great about bringing me in for checkups, etc. until we decided it was time.
It can be a nig process, but feeling better is worth the wait.

Marianne Charters I started getting dizzy at work and my p.a. Reffered me to a cardiologist. Saw him in April. Surgery(mitral valve repair) was May 30th. After test they said ... Read more

Marianne Charters I started getting dizzy at work and my p.a. Reffered me to a cardiologist. Saw him in April. Surgery(mitral valve repair) was May 30th. After test they said if we had waited another month or two I would’ve been in heart failure. I’m 60, good shape,no cardiac disease or blockages and minimal symptoms. But 6 weeks out I am realizing how tired I WAS before. So happy I had this done

Rose Madura I was told in mid April 2017. Had surgery May 31, 2017. Mine was aortic valve replacement, aortic aneurysm, and arch repair.

Louanna Miller Thank you all for sharing your experiences and knowledge. My MVP regurgitation is severe. I plan to have the surgery as soon as the surgeons recommends.

Marianne Charters Your story is so similar to mine. Even the broken cord comment. Ask about left atrial appendage ligation

Adam Pick Louanna - Here's some more information about timing mitral valve surgery. I filmed this with Dr. Marc Gillinov, the chairman of the Cleveland Clinic cardiac ... Read more

Adam Pick Louanna - Here's some more information about timing mitral valve surgery. I filmed this with Dr. Marc Gillinov, the chairman of the Cleveland Clinic cardiac department. I hope it helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gREahMg06NQ

When Should The Mitral Valve Be Repaired?

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - Learn important facts about the timing of mitral valve repair surgery due to regurgitation from Dr. Marc Gillinov, hear...

Thomas Brusstar Louanna, welcome. I’ve had a known mitral valve issue for like 34 years, since I was 20. I had a transthoracic echo May 24 I think, routine follow up to ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Louanna, welcome. I’ve had a known mitral valve issue for like 34 years, since I was 20. I had a transthoracic echo May 24 I think, routine follow up to my last echo of January 2017. They recognized a ruptured chord and a “flail” leaflet on my posterior leaflet. (In retrospect, that probably happened summer of 2017, when I had lots of chest congestion and shortness of breath, which the clinic treated as pneumonia.) It took a few weeks to see the cardiologist of choice at N’western, but he got me in to see Dr. McCarthy later that morning. We set his next available then, namely July 17. At this point I’m eager to get it over with. My heart is starting to get enlarged a bit, and there is pulmonary hypertension from all the backflow at my mitral valve. Good luck figuring this out!