Marjorie Murphy - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

938 days ago

Had two valves replaced in 2018. Aortic & mitral.
I am experiencing skipped heart beats. Cardiologist is not overly concerned. Going to wear a ...Read more

Had two valves replaced in 2018. Aortic & mitral.
I am experiencing skipped heart beats. Cardiologist is not overly concerned. Going to wear a holter monitor. Anyone have issues with skipped heart beats.

Jan Findlay Hi Marjorie, I haven't had anything serious to date. I think stress can be an impact for me though.... Read more

Jan Findlay Hi Marjorie, I haven't had anything serious to date. I think stress can be an impact for me though. Good luck for your outcome. If you can, stay mellow!

Rita Savelis I don't know exactly what you mean by skipped beats but I occasionally feel changes in my heartbeat a ... Read more

Rita Savelis I don't know exactly what you mean by skipped beats but I occasionally feel changes in my heartbeat and yes, maybe I could call it skipped beats. It's been 8 years since double valve replacement. I don't worrry about it, I just notice it. Take care.

Marie Myers The Holter moniter will let the doc diagnose the type of irregular heart beat you are having. Some ... Read more

Marie Myers The Holter moniter will let the doc diagnose the type of irregular heart beat you are having. Some irregular beats are harmless, and some are worth treating. I occasionally experience a few irregular beats, but they don’t last . Like Rita, i just notice them but don’t worry. Hope yours are harmless!

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for your comments. I feel pretty good. Walk at least a mile or more every day.

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

1015 days ago

Found the post. Thank you

I am curious if anyone has had the Abbott Trifecta aortic valve implanted and has had issues? Can you have a tavr ...Read more

Found the post. Thank you

I am curious if anyone has had the Abbott Trifecta aortic valve implanted and has had issues? Can you have a tavr to replace damaged valve?

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

1016 days ago

Trying to find
Mike Winn’s post regarding the Trifecta GT heart valve
Thanks

Tom Everson You can also find out information by google Trifecta Heart valve. It seems in February 2023 there was ... Read more

Tom Everson You can also find out information by google Trifecta Heart valve. It seems in February 2023 there was a article about this valve.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you

Rose Madura It's Mike Wynn

Grace Mason There is a "Find member" search in the drop down you can use Majorie.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you everyone

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

1016 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

I was just notified that the Abbott Trifica GT aortic bio valve that I had inserted August 2018 at Mayo Clinic is subject to early deterioration. The echo ...Read more

I was just notified that the Abbott Trifica GT aortic bio valve that I had inserted August 2018 at Mayo Clinic is subject to early deterioration. The echo I had in March 2023 showed valve was working properly. This has me quite concerned as I am. 81 years old and have already had 2 open heart surgeries….mitral valve repair: mitral valve & aortic valve replacement. Any comments would help. Thank you

Grace Mason Hi Majorie,
I saw Mike Wynn had posted something about these valves. You could check his journal for ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi Majorie,
I saw Mike Wynn had posted something about these valves. You could check his journal for the article if you are interested in reading it. Have you talked with your Cardiologist about your concerns? Hopefully your valve will be the one that functions as it should for many years

Marjorie Murphy Thank you. Yes. Talked with my cardiologist. He said so far everything looks good. Will do a yearly ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you. Yes. Talked with my cardiologist. He said so far everything looks good. Will do a yearly echo to
monitor. Also to
let him know if I have worsening symptoms.

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2472 days ago

I had both my aortic valve and mitral valve replaced with tissue valves. I was on Coumadin for about 7 months then my cardiologist switched me to Eliquis. ...Read more

I had both my aortic valve and mitral valve replaced with tissue valves. I was on Coumadin for about 7 months then my cardiologist switched me to Eliquis. Has anyone else been switched to Eliquis? One reason I chose tissue valves was so I would not have to take blood thinners the rest of my life. Don't understand why I'm still on them. Maybe overly consevative?

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Marjorie.
Following my mitral valve repair, no blood thinners.
After the second OHS, mitral val ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Marjorie.
Following my mitral valve repair, no blood thinners.
After the second OHS, mitral valve replacement with tissue valve, I was started on Eliquis because of A fib, hence the “risk of stroke” and must stay on it indefinitely.
Best wishes, Bonnie

Rose Madura I was on Eliquis for just about a week when I had my Afib attack. But took me off of it to have my ... Read more

Rose Madura I was on Eliquis for just about a week when I had my Afib attack. But took me off of it to have my second surgery for pericardial window. Then, they never put me back on it. I believe it helps to prevent strokes when you have afib.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2518 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Low platelet I am almost 10 months post aortic valve and mitral valve replacement. I was on warfarin for about 7 months. Then my cardiologist put me on ...Read more

Low platelet I am almost 10 months post aortic valve and mitral valve replacement. I was on warfarin for about 7 months. Then my cardiologist put me on Eliquis. After a routine CBC it was noted that my platelet count was 104. The low normal is 150. It is now 114 My and red blood count are normal. Has any one else had this problem? My PCP sent me to a hematologist. I was also on amiodorane for about 3 months. Quit that th 1st of January. This is freaking me out. Thanks for any comments you might have

Susan Lynn Marjorie - Throughout my life I've been at the low end or below normal in my platelet count and that ... Read more

Susan Lynn Marjorie - Throughout my life I've been at the low end or below normal in my platelet count and that was without medication. You may find that increasing foods with vitamin k is all you need to get back to the normal range. I was surprised after OHS, how sensitive my INR was based on my diet. I ate a bunch of blackberries and threw the number way off! Don't panic - your physician will get to the bottom of it. All the best to you! ❤

MARIE PICUN My patelets count also goes up and down. I check out on Google what foods will raise my platelet ups. ... Read more

MARIE PICUN My patelets count also goes up and down. I check out on Google what foods will raise my platelet ups. Started to eat the foods and my platelet count went up.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for your comments. Now the hematologist wants me to have an ultra sound of my spleen and ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for your comments. Now the hematologist wants me to have an ultra sound of my spleen and liver. I am freaking out. My white and red blood counts are normal. Not elevated at all. Liver functions are also normal. Is he just being overly cautious. What was number. Was your low platelet count?
Thanks again

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2565 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Question I was on warfarin fir about six months. Dr. switched me to Eliquis. My platelet count is 104 which its below the normal range. Has any one else ...Read more

Question I was on warfarin fir about six months. Dr. switched me to Eliquis. My platelet count is 104 which its below the normal range. Has any one else experienced a low platelet count while taking blood thinners?

Susan Lynn I can't help you with your question, but I hope one of our heart warriors can. Wishing you all the ... Read more

Susan Lynn I can't help you with your question, but I hope one of our heart warriors can. Wishing you all the best, Marjorie!

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2614 days ago

Has anyone had frequent PAC's and PVC's ? I am 7 months out of OHS with two valves being replaced. Saw the cardiologist this past Monday and he does not seemed ...Read more

Has anyone had frequent PAC's and PVC's ? I am 7 months out of OHS with two valves being replaced. Saw the cardiologist this past Monday and he does not seemed alarmed. Don't know if this is normal..kinda scary!

Sommer Russell I could feel my PAC's in the beginning. They felt very different from the PVC. I remember reading u ... Read more

Sommer Russell I could feel my PAC's in the beginning. They felt very different from the PVC. I remember reading up on the PAC's and came across an article saying the PAC's are so common that almost 99% of people have them and could be thought of as a variant of being normal. I don't really feel PAC's much anymore, but I still have PVC's. I have them during cardiac rehab, but I don't feel it- I just saw it on the EKG print outs. I do feel them at night. Mine pass so very quickly- in like 5-10 seconds. They are common for everyone, not just us cardiac patients. My cardiologist had me to cut out alcohol, dark chocolate, and caffeine (basically any kind of stimulant). I could tell my PAC's went away almost immediately, but the PVC's are still sticking around. It is scary!

Marie Myers I had frequent arrythmias for many months after surgery.. The highest number of them occured in the f ... Read more

Marie Myers I had frequent arrythmias for many months after surgery.. The highest number of them occured in the first several weeks postop. Luckily, the episodes were short-lived, each lasting less than 15minutes. They gradually decreased in frequency, and now I feel them only occasionally. Hopefully yours will decrease in frequency, also.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for your comments. I am going to eliminate my glass of wine/beer and coffee. Hope that w ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for your comments. I am going to eliminate my glass of wine/beer and coffee. Hope that will help!!!

Joey Hardee Hey Marjorie. I haven't had surgery yet but I am a PVC machine. No PAC's, or at least none that I fee ... Read more

Joey Hardee Hey Marjorie. I haven't had surgery yet but I am a PVC machine. No PAC's, or at least none that I feel. I think my aortic regurgitation is at least partly responsible for the PVC's I have. I was hopeful a valve that opens and closes properly would reduce or eliminate the PVC's but I guess you don't know until you try. :-)

Catie B Unfortunately, yes. Esp. PACs. And because I had post-op afib for awhile, I kept having to be sure t ... Read more

Catie B Unfortunately, yes. Esp. PACs. And because I had post-op afib for awhile, I kept having to be sure the palpitations were innocuous. Things gratefully calmed down. Also, several non-cardiac meds cause me loads of palpitations, so I stay away from them.

Marjorie Murphy I have eliminated caffeine a nd alcohol. Hope this helps. Reduced my metoprolol to 12.5 mg at n ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy I have eliminated caffeine a nd alcohol. Hope this helps. Reduced my metoprolol to 12.5 mg at night about 2 weeks ago was taking 25mg twice a day which made BP extremely low along with heart rate. Maybe it's taking system awhile to adjust. Also was told to drink a lot of water.

Civita Fahey I started having PVCs at about 8 months post op. I had a Holter monitor and it showed over 20,000 in ... Read more

Civita Fahey I started having PVCs at about 8 months post op. I had a Holter monitor and it showed over 20,000 in a day which I never felt. But, I was put back on Metropolol 25mg and its seems to be taking care of them. I only feel them when I'm stressed out.. it seems to be a trigger for me and I also have eliminated caffeine and I don't drink alcohol. So, I guess they are normal, though we don't want too many.. my lask EKG had none!

Marjorie Murphy Civita
Is the metoprolol you are taking metoprolol tartrate or metoprolo ER succiinare? Do you ta ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Civita
Is the metoprolol you are taking metoprolol tartrate or metoprolo ER succiinare? Do you take 1 25mg a day. Or spit it and take it twice. Is your BP and heart rate normal! I am thinking I might need to up my dose to the 25 mg a day. Currently I don't feel as good as I did! Thanks

Civita Fahey I take the 25 mg. ER succinate, once at night.. My BP is normal and so is my HR. it ranges in the mi ... Read more

Civita Fahey I take the 25 mg. ER succinate, once at night.. My BP is normal and so is my HR. it ranges in the mid 50s to low 60s.. except on exercise, which it goes to around 110.. never really goes much higher. I saw an electrophysiologist also.. she was really good about explaining the PVS issue etc..she is the one that re- started the Metropolol.

Marie Myers I stayed on metoprolol tartrate 12.5 mg twice a day since my surgery. My resting heart rate is 52-58, ... Read more

Marie Myers I stayed on metoprolol tartrate 12.5 mg twice a day since my surgery. My resting heart rate is 52-58, and will go up to the high 70’s if I am on the treadmill . I cut the 25mg tabs in half, which is only easy because I am so nearsighted. I feel a rare pvc/pac every now and then.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2627 days ago

I received results from Holter monitor I wore last week. It appears that I am experiencing several Pacs and Pvcs. My heart rate very slow. A friend (retired ...Read more

I received results from Holter monitor I wore last week. It appears that I am experiencing several Pacs and Pvcs. My heart rate very slow. A friend (retired doctor) wonders if this could be caused by beta blocker??? Too much or two little. I do have an appointment with electrophysiology doctor in a couple of weeks I also had an echo last week. Dr. Said EF is 50% which he states is to be expected after mitral valve replacement. I was feeling pretty good mentally and physically before these test results. I've been going to cardiac rehab and walking almost every day. Has any one else had these issues?

Mike Roskowinski Hello Marjorie. I would talk to your cardiologist about the Beta Blockers. They put me on them but ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski Hello Marjorie. I would talk to your cardiologist about the Beta Blockers. They put me on them but my resting heart rate was in the upper 40's and when sleeping I was down to the low 40's upper 30's. I have a naturally low heart rate so they just moved me to a blood pressure medicine which helped a lot.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you. I have an appointment in a week. My HR dropped to 30 yesterday. Still feel fine. Cr ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you. I have an appointment in a week. My HR dropped to 30 yesterday. Still feel fine. Crazy.

leslie terjesen Yes I would check on the beta blockers. I took one Tenormin from my 30's to s few years ago(68 now). ... Read more

leslie terjesen Yes I would check on the beta blockers. I took one Tenormin from my 30's to s few years ago(68 now). Think my body got used to them and my cardiologist switched me to Bystolc which worked great. I had my aortic valve replaced on 2/19, came home on metapropel but my cardiologist switched mr back to Bystolic, for now twice a day, each 5mg as my heart rate was over 100 although my b/p perfect. I saw my cardiologist down here the other day and he's hoping I'll get back to one a day. I have been wearing my Fitbit and my heart rate is actually in the 70s so guess it is working or everything is just healing wonderfully. My occupational therapist and I went walking yesterday and it was great to be out walking. Not out of breath or anything but then I was also totally asymptomatic before the surgery with critical stenosis. As Adam says, go to a doctor who does this all the time and a hospital that does this all the time. Wise words which I am borrowing these days.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you. I am going to see cardiologist in a week. I think problems armrest due to metropoli

Rita Savelis Hopefully you can lower yr betablocker dose. They tend to slow everything down.

Dan Vechiola I am on Metropolol and my heart rate is lower as well. Its at 60 as I am typing this after drinking 2 ... Read more

Dan Vechiola I am on Metropolol and my heart rate is lower as well. Its at 60 as I am typing this after drinking 2 mugs of coffee.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2642 days ago

Irregular heart beat It has been 6 months since my aortic and mitral valve were replaced with tissue valves. I am feeling almost like my old self. However ...Read more

Irregular heart beat It has been 6 months since my aortic and mitral valve were replaced with tissue valves. I am feeling almost like my old self. However I just noticed as I was taking my pulse that my heart is skipping beats. What is strange is that when exercising the beats are regular. I am scheduled to get a Holter monitor next week. I do not feel any palpations. I wouldn't have noticed this if I hadn't taken my pulse. I am taking .25 metoprolol twice a day. My heart rate is really slow. Just wondered if any one else has had this problem and what the results were. I think we tend to worry when we have a hiccup after OHS<

Marie Myers The Holter monitor should give you some answers. Until then, try not to dwell on the negative. Easier ... Read more

Marie Myers The Holter monitor should give you some answers. Until then, try not to dwell on the negative. Easier said then done, I know...

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2710 days ago

I am 15 weeks post OHS. Finally am sleeping 5-6 hours a night. I take one Ativan tablet about 30 minutes before I go to bed. It really knocks me out ...Read more

I am 15 weeks post OHS. Finally am sleeping 5-6 hours a night. I take one Ativan tablet about 30 minutes before I go to bed. It really knocks me out and I enjoy a deep sleep. No panic attacks! I hate medicating the problem and I fear becoming addicted to the drug! Other than the sleep issue I am doing great. Go to cardiac rehab twice a week and either walk or go to the gym other days. I have started going to a therapist who specializes in PTSD. Ready to try amything! Has anyone else been thru sleep issues and what did you do. Thanks for all your support in the past. This website has been my lifesaver!😊

Marie Myers Yes, I had/have sleeping issues. Just can't seem to sleep through the night unless I take a temazepam ... Read more

Marie Myers Yes, I had/have sleeping issues. Just can't seem to sleep through the night unless I take a temazepam 15 mg. I limit myself to 2-3 times a week, on the night before I am going to work. Otherwise, I rarely sleep more than 6 hours unless I am physically exhausted.
If I have a long exhausting day at work or I played tennis that day, I can usually sleep well. Otherwise, I tend to wake up after 2-3 hours, and will eventually fall back asleep. I usually listen to calming videos on UTube at night if I can't sleep. Hope you find some answers! Ativan works well, but that family of Meds (benzodiazepines) can be addicting.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2722 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Amiodorane Question? I am three months out of OHS. I had my aorttic and mitral valve replaced with tissue valves. When I was dismissed from Mayo my medication ...Read more

Amiodorane Question? I am three months out of OHS. I had my aorttic and mitral valve replaced with tissue valves. When I was dismissed from Mayo my medication was warfarin and 12.5 metoprolol twice daily. Three weeks out of surgery I developed a-fib and went to local hospital. Only saw a hospitalist never a cardiologist as it was on a weekend. I was prescribed 400 mg of amiodorane a they doubled my dose of metoprolol. Two weeks later I saw my cardiologist and he lowered the amiodorane to 200 mg. I have been going to cardiac rehab and burning up the machines. Heart stays in perfect sinus rhythm No issues. I have anxiety and am lucky if I get two hours sleep a night. Spoke to cardiologist and he said this is not due to amiodorane!(has he not read the side effects?). Was told to check with my PCP. Wonderful. He put me on Xanax and told me to apply for a medical marijuana permit. Even with Xanax I am lucky to sleep 4 hours. And I hear it is highly addictive. Has anyone else had issues with amiodorane?

Dan Baltazor I was prescribed amiodarone 1 week prior to my surgery to prevent afib. I never did experience afib, ... Read more

Dan Baltazor I was prescribed amiodarone 1 week prior to my surgery to prevent afib. I never did experience afib, so I assume that preventative measure worked. I did not continue the drug after I was discharged. I think you have to be gradually dosed down to discontinue the drug. I'm sorry I'm not much help, but I completely understand your concerns with the drug. Hopefully they can start to take you off of it soon.

Barbara Wood Hi Marjorie, I was on amiodorone for about 5 months after mitral valve repair. I had had several afib ... Read more

Barbara Wood Hi Marjorie, I was on amiodorone for about 5 months after mitral valve repair. I had had several afib episodes prior to surgery & another about 2 weeks after. I was also on 12.5 mg metoprolol. I was taken off the amiodorone after going 5 months with no afib & wearing a 24 hour holter monitor. It is a powerful drug & you are right to be concerned - my thyroid levels & lung function were monitored while I was on it. I don't remember any particular side effects, but definitely felt better once I was off it. I think I was taken off cold turkey, it remains in your system for months afterwards, but I'm not sure about that. Definitely do talk to your doc about it. Best recovery wishes to you!

Marjorie Murphy My cardiologist will be taking me off amiodarone cold turkey the first of January. I can't wait. ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy My cardiologist will be taking me off amiodarone cold turkey the first of January. I can't wait. He said it stays in your system at least 52 days after you quit taking it. Currently I am still having trouble going to sleep. My brain will not shut down. And then the anxiety starts. PPC has me on Ativan. Don't want to medicate myself. Any suggestions???

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2767 days ago

Today I am celebrating 7 weeks post op of my aortic and mitral valve replacement. This was my second OHS< All went well with the surgery. I was in the hospital ...Read more

Today I am celebrating 7 weeks post op of my aortic and mitral valve replacement. This was my second OHS< All went well with the surgery. I was in the hospital 8 days. At about 3 weeks post op I had a-fib . Went to ER and was in hospital for a couple of days. I never saw a cardiologist only a hospitalist. I was put on amiodarone and my dosage of metoprolol was increasedl. This has appear to correct the problem I saw my cardiologist this past week and he reduced the dosage of amiodarone to 200 mg once a day. I am also on warfarin and my INR has been steady the last couple of weeks. My main problem now is not being able to sleep. Roughly getting a couple of hours a night. This along with panic attacks is wearing me out. I am told by my cardiologist that this is fairly common. He stated that I have PTSD. Does this have anything to do with my medications? I would love to hear from those who have had this problem and how they dealt with it. Thanks!

John Lant I had an A-Fib event almost 8 weeks out from my surgery, but thankfully they gave me some meds at the ... Read more

John Lant I had an A-Fib event almost 8 weeks out from my surgery, but thankfully they gave me some meds at the ER and brought my heart rhythm back to normal. I am now 4 months post surgey and I feel great. Your PTSD or panic attacks will subside as you feel yourself getting stronger and your doing more activities. I would recommend to you to go to cardiac rehab, this will help you rebuild your strength and get you motivated again. Wishing you all the best on your recovery.

Rita Savelis I hear you. Insomnia is common after OHS. And PTSD can occur as well, especially for someone like yo ... Read more

Rita Savelis I hear you. Insomnia is common after OHS. And PTSD can occur as well, especially for someone like you who has had multiple surgeries. I feel for you. It's hard. I would take meds to sleep for now, because your body needs the rest. I normally try to avoid meds, but my doctor convinced me that my body needed sleep after OHS so I took them every few days. Do what you have to do to sleep, take naps, go on the sofa, whatever works for you. Metrapolol made me feel pretty low energy. I encourage you to see a therapist to talk about PTSD and anxiety. You've been through a lot and it helped me to be able to talk about it with an outside person. Take care.

Susan Lynn Marjorie - Congratulations on your 7 week anniversary! I haven't slept well for amount 20 years, so ... Read more

Susan Lynn Marjorie - Congratulations on your 7 week anniversary! I haven't slept well for amount 20 years, so I actually slept a little better after OHS since I was so exhausted and also on metoprolol. I had a huge sense of relief that surgery was in the rear view mirror, but if you're not feeling that way, I agree with Rita that you could probably benefit from addressing the ptsd. I also recommend going to cardiac rehab. I met such fantastic people there and it reminded me that we're not alone in this journey. The exercise will also build your endurance, confidence, and may even improve your sleep. All the best to you.

Marjorie Murphy Thank You everyone for your comments. I am starting cardiac rehab tomorrow. I know this too will p ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank You everyone for your comments. I am starting cardiac rehab tomorrow. I know this too will pass!

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2808 days ago

Discharged yesterday. Had. A bad night. Panic attacks. Couldn’t sleep. Anyone have this problem

Marie Myers I did not sleep well at all while in the hospital. And yes, I had a couple of times when I felt panic ... Read more

Marie Myers I did not sleep well at all while in the hospital. And yes, I had a couple of times when I felt panic/anxiety during my stay. One time was during the removal of the neck line, and I had to lay flat for a while. Another time was during the night when I could not sleep. No fun at all...Hoping things will be better at home- I am sure they will.

Nancy Luth Marjorie, I am so glad you were released but so sorry about the panic attacks. Will the Drs. let you ... Read more

Nancy Luth Marjorie, I am so glad you were released but so sorry about the panic attacks. Will the Drs. let you take Valium or some other anti anxiety drug?

Rita Savelis You made it through a physical ordeal and now you are experiencing the emotions of all you went throu ... Read more

Rita Savelis You made it through a physical ordeal and now you are experiencing the emotions of all you went through. I am sorry that you have to go through this. Post anxiety is as normal as pre anxiety. Sleeping can be very hard after OHS and then it's easy to have anxiety. I encourage you to take meds to help you sleep to give your body and mind the rest they need. I don't normally take sleep meds but was encouraged by doctors after OHS to do so if i had spent too many sleepless nights. Take care.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2816 days ago

Shannon Gray and 2 others reacted to this

Today's the day. Had a heart cath yesterday and arteries clear. Thank goodness. Suppose to be at hospital at 5:30 this morning. Have to shower with antibiotic ...Read more

Today's the day. Had a heart cath yesterday and arteries clear. Thank goodness. Suppose to be at hospital at 5:30 this morning. Have to shower with antibiotic soap and put antibiotic salve in noise. I am ready to get this over with. Thank you everyone for all your encouragement and prayers. Adam. I am so glad I found this website and read your book. Thank you! I will get this done!

Marie Myers Wishing you a smooth trip through surgery and recovery!

Marjorie Murphy Thank you Marie

Rob Sparling Go get ‘em Marjorie!

Marjorie Murphy I’m ready!

MARIE PICUN May God have his hand on you for a healthy recovery

Jennifer McInerney Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. God Bless

Valerie Altman Prayers and thoughts are with you

Nancy Luth Hoping for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Joey Hardee Prayers for a quick recovery, Marjorie!

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2822 days ago

Barbara Wood, Robert Bach, Dan Vechiola reacted to this

Time is closer! Several of us heart brothers and sisters are scheduled for surgery this 1st week of September. Just think this time next week we will be ...Read more

Time is closer! Several of us heart brothers and sisters are scheduled for surgery this 1st week of September. Just think this time next week we will be on the recovery side! Won't that be a relief? We can do this I know. God and our very capable surgeons have got our trust. Look forward to hearing from all of you. Prayers are with you and sending everyone love and healing. 🙏🏻

Debra Gioquindo Best of luck to everyone. My prayers are with you.

MARIE PICUN Saying prayers for all thoses going to surgery.

Kathleen Colby Sending healing energy and prayers.

Dan Vechiola Marching right with you all! Visualizing our successful surgeries and uneventful hospital stays for ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Marching right with you all! Visualizing our successful surgeries and uneventful hospital stays for us all and thinking about us on the recovery side next week at this time. Lets go!!

Paul Kurf Marjorie, prayers and all the best to you! I am just under 6 weeks out after my AVR+double CABG and ... Read more

Paul Kurf Marjorie, prayers and all the best to you! I am just under 6 weeks out after my AVR+double CABG and am still doing incredibly well. Had very little pain and feel markedly better, though still prone to getting tired, easily. Just take things as they come along and trust in your medical team--they really are there for you as are we. We look forward to your posting good news about your procedure and recovery!

Sue Tom Marjorie, I am right behind you and Dan by 1 and 1/2 weeks with surgery on 9/18. We can all do this! ... Read more

Sue Tom Marjorie, I am right behind you and Dan by 1 and 1/2 weeks with surgery on 9/18. We can all do this!

Jennifer McInerney God bless everyone heading to surgery in the near future. Praying that you have successful surgeries ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney God bless everyone heading to surgery in the near future. Praying that you have successful surgeries and speedy recoveries

MARIE PICUN Amen

Richard Buckley The best to everyone with surgery this week. We in following week are right behind you!

Tandy Mazak Prayers to everyone facing surgery this week and to all in recovery. God is with all of us!

Kathy Sansone I'm 9/4!!

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2829 days ago

Jennifer John reacted to this

I wish my mind would stay focused on positive thoughts. This is so hard. Woke up early this morning and worried about my husband remembering family birthdays ...Read more

I wish my mind would stay focused on positive thoughts. This is so hard. Woke up early this morning and worried about my husband remembering family birthdays so I go up and listed all of them in case I am not here!!! Terrible thoughts! UGH Now I am concerned about scar tissue from previous heart surgery. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Jennifer John Marjorie, it’s funny what we do to fill our minds. I reorganized my files, cleaned out every closet ... Read more

Jennifer John Marjorie, it’s funny what we do to fill our minds. I reorganized my files, cleaned out every closet and drawer! I had OHS via sternotomy in 2001, then MV repair via thoracotomy on 5/31. Scar tissue was a factor in how my surgeon approached this second surgery. See my journal posts for more insight. Keep the faith — and trust the science.❤️

MARIE PICUN Yes right behind you

MARIE PICUN Going for test on Monday, seeing the surgeon after words.

Marjorie Murphy Thanks Jennifer, I am going to talk to my surgeon. Even if I have had a previous sternotomy they c ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thanks Jennifer, I am going to talk to my surgeon. Even if I have had a previous sternotomy they can do the thoracotomy? I am having to have two valves replaced. Aortic and Mitral I guess I need to quit trying to be in control and let God and the surgeon handle this.

Jennifer John Yes, they most often like to avoid doing another sternotomy if possible. See my post from today.

MARIE PICUN I have been in the waiting room two years. Some of our warriors left letters in there drawers just in ... Read more

MARIE PICUN I have been in the waiting room two years. Some of our warriors left letters in there drawers just in case. Every one of them made it. We all go through our emotions some more then others.

Jennifer McInerney Oh my goodness, the things that come to mind as we go through this process. I started thinking about ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney Oh my goodness, the things that come to mind as we go through this process. I started thinking about my funeral and getting it arranged, just in case. Hopefully the plan won’t be needed. I never thought about family birthdays. That is now added to my list. It’s all too much. I think I need a glass of wine!

Dan Vechiola Distract Distract Distract! When my mind goes there I distract my mind and think of the 1% fatality ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Distract Distract Distract! When my mind goes there I distract my mind and think of the 1% fatality rate. I would be all day on those odds. Also if my mind goes there during the day I go for a walk with someone or loud headphones, If I wake up in the middle of the night (usually when my mind goes there) I turn on my tune in radio app and listen to a station or podcast I enjoy. I am trying to stay busy to distract my mind. Also, I think of what EVERYONE on here says that the waiting is the hardest part. What we are feeling just prior to surgery is normal but we got this!

MARIE PICUN Well said Dan

Marjorie Murphy Thank you everyone!! I would be completely freaked out if I didn't have this website. You are all ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you everyone!! I would be completely freaked out if I didn't have this website. You are all such a blessing. It is so helpful to know that I am not the only one having these horrible feelings. As I have said before. Do not worry about tomorrow. God is already there.

Robert Bach I remodeled my condo before I had mitral valve surgery a month ago. My reasoning was that I'd be spen ... Read more

Robert Bach I remodeled my condo before I had mitral valve surgery a month ago. My reasoning was that I'd be spending more time at home during recovery, but the main reason was that I needed something to keep my mind occupied. Condo turned out well and so did my surgery. I know your surgery will, too.

Valerie Altman I'm planning on putting the tree up lol

Marjorie Murphy Thank you everyone for your encouraging words.

Brent Moore Yes, I agree, the waiting is definitely hard.

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2831 days ago

Jennifer John, Mike Tirrell reacted to this

Walked 2 miles this morning...still no symptoms. Trying to stay positive. It seems that I sleep well but then wake up early and my mind gets out of control! ...Read more

Walked 2 miles this morning...still no symptoms. Trying to stay positive. It seems that I sleep well but then wake up early and my mind gets out of control! As long as I keep busy I seem to do ok.

Dan Vechiola No symptoms have to be better than having symptoms. This will help you in recovery. Keep on keeping ... Read more

Dan Vechiola No symptoms have to be better than having symptoms. This will help you in recovery. Keep on keeping on and distract your mind with positive thoughts. We will do this!

Marjorie Murphy Thanks Dan Wow Now I see my picture in upcoming surgeries. I want this done and over with. 'Don ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thanks Dan Wow Now I see my picture in upcoming surgeries. I want this done and over with. 'Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray...Before you know it a sense of God's wholeness everything coming together will come and settle you down'. I AM TRYING!!

Dan Vechiola Yep its crazy to see our pictures there. We will be on the recovery side of things before you know i ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Yep its crazy to see our pictures there. We will be on the recovery side of things before you know it. Everybody seems to say that the waiting is the hardest part. I am just going to try to keep myself busy. I have something going on the next 5 days then boom it is Labor day and then hopefully get a sense of calm as others say as well. We got this!

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2833 days ago

Dan Vechiola, Susan Lynn, Julie Fehrenbach-Cain and 5 others reacted to this

Just saw a saying as I was in an office today. DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW! GOD IS ALREADY THERE! Isn't it amazing the way God speaks to us?

Dan Vechiola And if we do what we fear the fear disappears.

Marjorie Murphy I'm working on it!!!

Dan Vechiola It's not easy. I ran from my fear of OHS for 40 years!

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2833 days ago

I am trying to think positive thoughts and visualize myself and healthy and active after surgery. My husband and I just got back from our planned Baltic Cruise. ...Read more

I am trying to think positive thoughts and visualize myself and healthy and active after surgery. My husband and I just got back from our planned Baltic Cruise. I am so thankful that we were able to go. On our trip I think we walked at least 4-5 miles every day on excursions. Also on the ship, I could climb 2-3 flights of stairs without a problem.. I still do not have any symptoms, It is difficult to cope with OHS and two valve replacements when I am feeling great. My thoughts are all over the place. I am trying to be tough for my family but in private and loose it. The last time I had OHS I had no symptoms also. However then I did not have a lot of time to ponder. I am probably rambling but it helps to verbalize my feelings

Anna Jones Hi Marjorie Murphy. I think most everyone feels the same way as you are feeling. So, you are in goo ... Read more

Anna Jones Hi Marjorie Murphy. I think most everyone feels the same way as you are feeling. So, you are in good company. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this a second time. Try to keep in mind that heart surgery has really advanced within the last 13 years since you had your first surgery, you are going back to a top hospital. Around 5% of valve repairs need to be re-done within 20 years, so there is ample evidence that even with 2 replacement valves you will be just fine. Sending best wishes and prayers for an easy surgery and gentle recovery.

Susan Lynn Marjorie - I suspect we all lost it at least once before surgery - some of us more than once! It sou ... Read more

Susan Lynn Marjorie - I suspect we all lost it at least once before surgery - some of us more than once! It sounds like you have a fantastic husband and so many adventures ahead. While it isn't easy to face surgery when you feel well, you have time to prepare emotionally. You'll be ready when your surgery date arrives and we'll be here with you every step of the way! Keep thinking those positive thoughts!

Marjorie Murphy Anna & Susan.
Thank you so much for your comments I will get thru this!!!

MARIE PICUN I am 64 and I had coritation of the aorta;43 years ago. Now I am looking at my Aortic valve surgery. ... Read more

MARIE PICUN I am 64 and I had coritation of the aorta;43 years ago. Now I am looking at my Aortic valve surgery. Going for a Cath test on Monday. The surgeon will look at my test and let me know. Scared of the Cath test. Last time I try pulling my arm out. They say things are different now. Hope so. May God put his hand on all of us in this room

Dan Vechiola I can share your feeling. I am asymptomatic as well and I wake up in the morning shaking my head rea ... Read more

Dan Vechiola I can share your feeling. I am asymptomatic as well and I wake up in the morning shaking my head realizing that this is all happening. When I question things I look into the my wife and daughters' eyes and feel stronger and like I am doing the right thing. We have to get it before it gets us. I am set for September 6th so I can relate to that feeling as well. I have been trying my best to think positive and visualizing a successful surgery. We are all in this together and there really is strength in numbers!

Marjorie Murphy Yes. My daughters paid me a visit Sunday. We talk a lot and I kinda opened up. Kelp visualizing a ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Yes. My daughters paid me a visit Sunday. We talk a lot and I kinda opened up. Kelp visualizing a successful surgery and recovery. I will be praying for you all

Marjorie Murphy Meant 'Keep'!!!

Marjorie Murphy Marie.
I have a catch scheduled for September 6. I have never had one. Or if I did it was during ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Marie.
I have a catch scheduled for September 6. I have never had one. Or if I did it was during my last surgery when I was out. Really don't know what to expect

MARIE PICUN I will keep you posted

Anna Jones Marjorie Murphy, the heart catherization is really easy and painless. You will have a chest X-ray. ... Read more

Anna Jones Marjorie Murphy, the heart catherization is really easy and painless. You will have a chest X-ray. You will have a blood test. Then you will be wheeled down to the cath lab. The cath lab is really cold. You will be placed on a table. Usually the table is warmed in some manner so that it feels nice. You will be given an injection to make you relax and to be in a twilight awareness. You will not have too many memories because of this medication. You will be shaved. Then you will feel a little prick either in your wrist or your groin. You will feel warmth as the dye spreads through your body. You can watch the monitor to see what the interventionist is seeing or you can do like I do and close your eyes. In what feels like minutes you will be told it is all over. You will be placed back on the bed and wheeled back into the waiting area where you will lie for a few hours. There will be a bandage on you. The next day you can take the bandage off.

Try to remember to ask to have your cath burned to CD and given to you before you leave. Keep the CD for your records.

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2833 days ago

Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

My scheduled OHS September 7 is becoming a reality.

Kathleen Colby Wow. Sending your patience and calmness.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you Kathleen

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2879 days ago

Susan Lynn, Penelope Bodek, Steven Methot and 2 others reacted to this

The date has been set! Yikes. My appointments with cardiologist and surgeon at the Mayo Clinic confirmed that both my mitral valve and aortic valve will need ...Read more

The date has been set! Yikes. My appointments with cardiologist and surgeon at the Mayo Clinic confirmed that both my mitral valve and aortic valve will need to be replaced. My husband and I had already scheduled a vacation the last of July. We were given the go ahead to go on vacation. The surgeon states that this surgery needs to be done before my heart is damaged. I have been through open heart surgery 13 years ago and I did not have any problems. Why am I so scared this time? Other than my heart I do not have any health problems. I am trying to put my trust in God.

Susan Lynn It definitely gets real after you have the date, but that means you're closer to putting it in the r ... Read more

Susan Lynn It definitely gets real after you have the date, but that means you're closer to putting it in the rear view mirror. You're a pro, since you've done this before, and you will get through this round, too. Enjoy your vacation.
Marjorie- you'll be just fine! 💖

Marjorie Murphy Thank you Susan for the response. I need to quit getting on the internet and checking mortality rat ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Thank you Susan for the response. I need to quit getting on the internet and checking mortality rates for re-operation.

Susan Lynn I was a research junkie after my diagnosis! I know what you're going through. Be careful not to t ... Read more

Susan Lynn I was a research junkie after my diagnosis! I know what you're going through. Be careful not to take this stuff out of context. Since people and their medical situations are all unique, it's difficult to draw definitive conclusions with aggregated statistics. There's only one YOU and you're going to be great!

Willie Radl You're in good hands at Mayo I just had my Aortic valve replaced there in April. Everything went extr ... Read more

Willie Radl You're in good hands at Mayo I just had my Aortic valve replaced there in April. Everything went extremely smooth and care was exceptional. I was very happy with my outcome and experience.

Marjorie Murphy Thank you for the positive comments. This website is so helpful.

Kelly Stoll There is always risks and it is always a little scary, no matter how many times you go through it I'm ... Read more

Kelly Stoll There is always risks and it is always a little scary, no matter how many times you go through it I'm sure. Plus no one likes pain. Having been through it you know the advantage and disadvantages (like pain) all the better. Hang in there and continue to fight. Hoping things go well for you and you heal well.

Rose Madura I think it's normal to be scared. The odds are in your favor. I wish you a successful surgery and ... Read more

Rose Madura I think it's normal to be scared. The odds are in your favor. I wish you a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.

John Lant You will do just fine after the surgery and your recovery will be great. But if I may ask you a quest ... Read more

John Lant You will do just fine after the surgery and your recovery will be great. But if I may ask you a question about your Mytral Valve, have you researched a surgeon who can also repair your Mytral Valve instead of replacing it. My first surgeon said he has only a 60% chance of repairing my Mytral Valve. That I kind of frowned on and I then sought a second opinion with Dr. Adams who told me he can almost garrantee my mytral valve can be repaired. I went with Dr. Adams and I am glad I did.

Marjorie Murphy Actually my valve was repaired 13 years ago. It is doubtful that it can be repaired again as there i ... Read more

Marjorie Murphy Actually my valve was repaired 13 years ago. It is doubtful that it can be repaired again as there is calcification. Bummer!

Barbara Blackwell Hi Marjorie! Feeling many of the same thoughts that you've expressed. I too had my MV repaired 18 y ... Read more

Barbara Blackwell Hi Marjorie! Feeling many of the same thoughts that you've expressed. I too had my MV repaired 18 years ago at the Cleveland Heart Clinic. I now live in England (3 yrs) and am staring a replacement surgery straight in the face. No surgery date yet , and try to educate myself as much as possible without scaring myself too much! Will keep an eye out for any updates from you and wish you all the very best. Hugs.

Marjorie Murphyposted an update

2904 days ago

Prayers are with all of you who are having surgery tomorrow. May you have a speedy recovery.

Marjorie Murphyposted a journal

2929 days ago

Barbara Blackwell reacted to this

I am going to Mayo Clinic May 23 for tests and then consultation with a cardiologist and surgeon the following day. I am anxious to hear what my options are. ...Read more

I am going to Mayo Clinic May 23 for tests and then consultation with a cardiologist and surgeon the following day. I am anxious to hear what my options are. Having had mitral valve repair 13 years ago at the Mayo Clinic I am shocked to hear that there is regurgitation in the valve and my aortic valve is stenotic. My cardiologist is wanting me to get Mayo's opinion as what needs to be done. I am 76 years old and other than my heart I am in excellent condition. I am very active. Walk 2 miles a day without problems. It is pretty frightening to think about having open heart surgery at my age. I read the patient posts everyday. The information here has been a tremendous help. Thank you all for your words of advice.

Anna Jones Hi Marjorie, welcome to the group.

I've read a million times that if you have a mitral valve repai ... Read more

Anna Jones Hi Marjorie, welcome to the group.

I've read a million times that if you have a mitral valve repair it will last your lifetime and if you get a valve replacement there is a high certainty that you will need surgery again in XX years.

But I asked my surgeon if he would be able to repair my mitral valve and how durable the repair would be. I was really shocked when he replied that 95% of patients don't need surgery again for 10 years and a similar amount are good for 20 years, but 5% will need surgery again in that time. In point of fact, I didn't believe him and thought he had a really sick sense of humor!

But I looked it up on the Internet and saw the same statistic. So, I'm not surprised that you have regurgitation or after 13 years you may need surgery again.

At any rate, don't jump your fences. I'm hopeful that you will be given good news at the Mayo Clinic. The surgery has advanced a lot in the last decade, and TAVR is becoming an option too.

Sending best wishes. Please keep us posted.

Susan Lynn Marjorie - welcome to the group. I was told my MV repair was for my lifetime - was 57 when i had it ... Read more

Susan Lynn Marjorie - welcome to the group. I was told my MV repair was for my lifetime - was 57 when i had it done.

Is it possible to repair a repair? Maybe you won't need two valves replaced. I think there have been many medical advances since your last procedure. You're certainly going to one of the best facilities. Don't worry, they'll take good care of you. Best of luck!

Marjorie Murphy Thank you so much for your comments.

Debbie Chatzky Hi Marjorie! I had my mitral valve repaired with a ring 21 years ago. From very early on it started h ... Read more

Debbie Chatzky Hi Marjorie! I had my mitral valve repaired with a ring 21 years ago. From very early on it started having stenosis. Now it is severely stenotic and regurgitating. Also my atrium became severely enlarged and I get adobe from time to time. I was also told the repair would be for life. But on May 31st I will have a second surgery to replace the valve.

Marjorie Murphy Best of luck to you Debbie.

Melissa A I just had my surgery at mayo back in February... you are in good hands!

Marjorie Murphy Thank you Melissa. That he.ps my confidence level.

Petey Bello Good luck to you Marjorie. I had my mitral valve repaired with the sorin ring at age 56. My surgeon t ... Read more

Petey Bello Good luck to you Marjorie. I had my mitral valve repaired with the sorin ring at age 56. My surgeon told me it would last a lifetime & my one cardiologist told me it would probably need to be repaired again in my 70's and yet another told me it would last a lifetime...so I'm not sure they really know and all our bodies handle things differently. I'm only two years out from my surgery so I guess time will tell. The one positive I felt was the advancement of modern medicine. It sounds as though you are in good hands, hang in there!

Marjorie Murphy Thank you