Mark Yost - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

October 13, 2020

POD #6. I am still here in the Cleveland Clinic. Had two brief bouts of A fib. Currently back to preop sinus rhythm. Also had a ??? left atrial appendage thrombus; subsequently ruled out with a follow up trans thoracic echo. Hoping to get home tomorrow. Was able to get a bovine, Ca-resistant valve with a 2.8 cm aortic graft. Still uncomfortable but looking forward to home bed and cooking.

Like | Steven Methot, Darrin Vohs, Rose Madura and 1 other likes this

Steven Methot Soon!

Here's my newest picture!

October 13, 2020 Like | Steven Methot, Dan Baltazor likes this

The "battlefield" with lots of residual edema.

Rita Savelis Cool photo! (girls can never post one like this)

Steven Methot Do they have you hooked up to the machine that goes "Ping!" (Monty Python reference. Should have bought stock in the adhesive company.

Update posted on...

October 1, 2020

Can anyone give me tips about what to take the hospital for surgery and what NOT to take. TIA

Like | 1 person likes this

Jared Takeshita I went to the hospital with the clothes I was wearing. Had to have them go find my clothes bag after I got to recovery. While I was in recovery, I had my ... Read more

Jared Takeshita I went to the hospital with the clothes I was wearing. Had to have them go find my clothes bag after I got to recovery. While I was in recovery, I had my wife bring my go bag that had all my stuff in it. I only ended up using my iphone, ipad, chargers, bathroom supplies, headphones, and a change of clothes. Even then I only changed out of the hospital gown on the day I was discharged.

Mark Yost Thanks Jared. BTW, your posts are tremendous. Really helpful!

Lee Wright Agree with Jared, I brought a pic of my kids, made me happy to look at it too.

Rose Madura I took a travel pillow for napping in the chair.

Jerome Hill I'm planning to take toiletry items, my cpap (if you use one but check with your hospital if they will provide one or not), ear plugs, clothes, books, pillow and ipad, iphone and chargers.

Jerome Hill I like the pics idea. I just learned that my hospital isn't allowing any visitors, either in the waiting room or in icu or once I'm in regular hospital room.

Barbara Wood I liked having slip on sneakers for all the hall walking, it just feels more normal than walking in hospital socks.

Mark Yost Awesome suggestions....thanks guys!

Susan Lynn Mark - I also recommend pajama pants or shorts and a robe. I felt more comfortable walking around the halls with a little more 'coverage.' 😉

Marie Myers I liked my flip flops for walking the hospital halls. Easy on and off.

Lee Wright My hospital gave special permission for me to have my brother visit each day. He just asked and they approved, can try. But the first few days, I was so tired, ... Read more

Lee Wright My hospital gave special permission for me to have my brother visit each day. He just asked and they approved, can try. But the first few days, I was so tired, would probably have been fine with no visits anyway.

Steven Methot Mark, extended stays in the hospital have taught me that I usually bring too much stuff. I've limited it now to: A nice bathrobe. The electronic stuff I ... Read more

Steven Methot Mark, extended stays in the hospital have taught me that I usually bring too much stuff. I've limited it now to: A nice bathrobe. The electronic stuff I need, Earplugs !!! Yes, even though I have hearing aids, the hospital can be noisy. A good book. Slippers. The clothes I wear get sent home and another set arrives for me to come home. I have learned to get a neck pillow (think air plane). What happens is that I often brace the arm with the tubes coming in and out of it on that.

Mark Yost These suggestions are really useful and I have not seen such a comprehensive list elsewhere...this log is a major resource!

Thomas Brusstar Make sure your charger is long, like 6' or more. Closest plug might not be close.

Mark Yost Thanks Thomas...I was wondering about that...

Thomas Quigley Good luck Mark! These surgeons and this technology are truly a blessing. You'll be just fine, and in fact, way better than the day before your surgery!

Rita Savelis I took an elastic to tie back my hair but it looks like yours is short enough to not bug you so you'll be fine! (There is very little one actually needs....)

Update posted on...

September 27, 2020

Hello to all! I am preparing for an AVR on Oct 7 with Dr. Vargo at the Cleveland Clinic. I have really enjoyed reading the many posts from everyone. It certainly is nice to hear real and recent experiences. I look forward to upcoming conversations and wish everyone all the best!

Like | Darrin Vohs, Steven Methot, Pat Bluemel and 1 other likes this

Elyse Sherman All the best to you, Mark! I am also considering the Cleveland Clinic. How did you choose Dr. Vargo as your surgeon? TIA for your help!

Steven Methot Hi Mark! We're pulling for you. On the plus side you'll be fit as a fiddle and ready for Christmas and New Year celebrations - socially distanced but fit as a fiddle.

john roland You picked a great hospital. Waiting is the worst part. Put your mind in the right place and you will power through the bumps and bruises, which you will have. ... Read more

john roland You picked a great hospital. Waiting is the worst part. Put your mind in the right place and you will power through the bumps and bruises, which you will have. After 12 weeks you won't even look back. Incredible what these surgeons can do now.

Ana Brusso Hi Mark, John R. is right. It’s amazing what heart surgeons can do nowadays. And as Steven says you’ll be fit as a fiddle in no time. Just be patient with ... Read more

Ana Brusso Hi Mark, John R. is right. It’s amazing what heart surgeons can do nowadays. And as Steven says you’ll be fit as a fiddle in no time. Just be patient with your body. Will pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. God bless you

Maryann Gomez I had my aortic valve replaced in 2018 at Cornell in New York. They were wonderful. My surgeon was awesome. Of course in the first 3 or 4 months I kept comparing ... Read more

Maryann Gomez I had my aortic valve replaced in 2018 at Cornell in New York. They were wonderful. My surgeon was awesome. Of course in the first 3 or 4 months I kept comparing myself to other patients. Don’t do that! It’s fustrating and makes you push too hard. Let your body heal. Be good to yourself. There is no hurry. It took me a good year to heal and now 2 years later I feel like it’s finally a complete recovery. Best thing I did was rehab. Treat your body gently and lovingly. Good luck

Mark Yost Elyse...it was rather random when I inquired about being seen. Thanks to all for the nice and supportive comments. What a great community!