MaryAnne's Journal

Kate Watson  Hi MaryAnne- similarly to you, I had a valve replacement back in 2016, but it was double valve and it my second one. And then I had to have #3 OHS unfortunately last July. I've been on blood thinners for 10 years now. While they are a pain in certain ways and interact with a lot of drugs, supplements, etc, I have learned how to manage it and don't think much about it. I do home testing which is covered by my insurance and it's very convenient and easy with just a finger stick. It sounds like you will be going to a great hospital, so you'll be in good hands there! 

Just remember how you can't use your arms for much while on sternal precautions, so practice now in using your butt and legs to stand without using your arms.  You've been through this before, so at least you know what to expect for the most part. I have learned that many people find repeat surgeries easier because of that. I'm sending lots of strength to you. I know it's scary but chances are good that you will do well. 

MaryAnne Jardis  Hi Kate.   Thank you. Great suggestions too. I feel better after reading that you had three OHS! Sounds like you are doing great!

Kate Watson  I'm glad I could help. I'm not on here much but I pop on at times, and I especially feel for people who need multiple OHS. I never expected to need 3 and I was terrified beforehand so I know what it feels like. I'm grateful to be in this world still! 

Robert Miller  OHS is never easy but a second OHS is easier because you know what to expect. I can't add much as you already had the experience. One thing to (re)consider is the mechanical valve. I don't know your age but wouldn't another tissue valve make sense if you are a candidate for it? And what about tissue-in-tissue now or in the future should a new tissue valve fail again? These are things I would discuss with the possible surgeons. And talk to at least a couple of surgeons. As for blood thinner, I don't take warfarin which is probably what you will have to take if get a mechanical valve. That means you have to check your diet. But otherwise, I don't think blood thinner is a big deal. Yes, bleeding takes longer to stop, you bruise up more, more nose bleeds, etc. I am pretty active handling tools, etc and being on blood thinner hasn't been a big issue for me. 

MaryAnne Jardis  Thanks Robert. I chose a mechanical valve mainly because I did not qualify for a TAVR and don’t want to go through OHS again if possible. I am definitely way over 39 in age lol so don’t want to go thru again this in my 80’s. 
Thank you for your thoughts and hope you are doing well!

MaryAnne Jardis  Had a successful second aortic valve replacement surgery yesterday May 6 at Brigham and Woman’s hospital in Boston. On the road to recovery!💜💜

Larry Beck  The anesthesia is much more effective than my first time 10 years ago. If they can extubate you before you wake up that’s a big bonus. 

William Trankle  If you get an OnX valve, you may be able to use Plavix rather than warfarin, if you qualify (I have a clotting disorder, so I didn't), so ask your cardiologist to do some blood tests if that's the valve you're going with.  Other than that, the second surgery is both better and worse because you know what's coming!  Since it's been so long since your last one, recovery may be a bit slower, so be kind to yourself, be patient, and don't let the ups and downs of recovery make you feel low.  You got this.  

JULIA LAFEAR  Wishing you all the best and once you get the dosing and food down warfarin isn't too bad. Like a similar post I was able to do home testing which is super easy and now Im at one testing per month

I started warfarin last June after mechanical mitral valve. I worry too about having another open heart surgery but youre in great hands and we're all here to support you.

Maureen Hoganson  Hi MaryAnne! Yes, OHS is always a little scary -- but I, like you, faced two valve replacements. My first was in 2013 and had my bicuspid valve replaced with a bovine valve at age 46 by a top surgeon in cardiovascular surgery. I had a Trifecta valve, which apparently was the up and coming valve, but failed early in many recipients, so I was thankful my lasted as long as it did. (My first surgeon felt they needed to work out more issues with the Ross Procedure back then so didn't offer it). Then in June 2025 my valve began to fail, but I was able to do the Ross Procedure this time by a surgeon who did most of the re-ops of my original surgeon who is now retired. I was more apprehensive this time knowing that I was older, but did have a better idea what to expect and was hopeful that they could do the Ross once they were in there. I had written a song after my last surgery that I recorded prior to my Ross Procedure -- and it actually helped wake me up when I was still out from the anesthesia! That said, I won't say this time was easier by any means and had different challenges, but take it one step at a time -- and just make sure you always have someone with you in the hospital and that they are aware of any allergies or sensitivities you may have! This time I also got sternal plates since it was my second surgery, so you may want to ask about that! (I only had to take low dose aspirin for the first few months with the Ross, so can't answer about blood thinners since I really don't tolerate them.) Coming up on my one-year anniversary and very thankful! I will pray all goes smoothly for you and that you are able to get all of the answers you need to help you feel more comfortable and less stressed before your surgery!

Enrique K  Hi MaryAnne, glad everything went well. I'm 2 weeks post op and last week I had my checkup with my cardiologist. He said you have PE but it will be taken care of with anti-inflammatory medicine Naproxen since it's very minimal. He also said he has seen lots of cases with PE after surgery. So if your PE is minimal don't be alarmed the medicine will work. If the liquid doesn't go away the procedure will be a needle in the stomach he even told me it's a very simple procedure (don't think this will be the case) Hope this helps. Keep on resting and wish you a fast recovery. You can read my journal as well.

Michael Bowes  Congrats Maryanne on your successful surgery and now being able to go into the step down unit so quickly!! Also, congrats to you as well Enrique! I pray that both of you have a smooth recovery!

Claire M Miller  So glad to hear surgery went well. My surgery is tomorrow .. thank you for posting. It gives me a positive feel going in. Have a nice recovery and my prays are with you both Mary Ann and Enrigue.

Enrique K  Thanks Michael, I have read your story about the mechanical valve. You have a very good sense of humor. Good luck to you as well.
Claire, I wish you the best in your surgery tomorrow and a quick recovery. Sending you positive vibes and all my prayers.

Steven A Husted  i am glad you are on the other side now if you can i would look into cardio rehab it helps alot with the healing process best wishes and prayers for a great recovery

MaryAnne Jardis  Thanks to all and each day does get better. Thank you Enrique for the info on pe. The doctor did not seem concerned at all.
Will check in again soon.

Doran Herritt  Great on surgery. They will drain fluids off of you in the step down. Just went through it. Am 8 days post-op. Keep going. You will make exponential progress the next three days.
Prayers
Drn

MaryAnne Jardis  I know Claire I am too but I allow myself one panic attack a day and then the rest of the time read about all the successful stories on this site and know I will be joining them. You will be too! Hang in there...we will make it! Faith and trust in the great doctors who will be taking care of us And in our God.

Christine Oliva  Mar y Anne, yes having clear arteries is nice plus. My aortic valve sucked was about 1/3 the size it should be, but fortunately my arteries had only minor issues so I hope this is one less hurdle for us both.

Mary Anne sending positivity your way.

Liz Burroughs  I'm glad that all your tests are fine! I understand about being nervous! I try not to think about it too much. I guess I'm starting out this next surgery week (Oct. 26). We are all going to be fine. We can pray for each other!

Sophia Ridley  Thinking of all of you, and finding all the recovery stories an inspiration.

Have pre-admission tests and my lung CT and function test on Monday (tip to anyone having angiogram... Don't breath shallowly when relax you - low SAO2 means arterial blood test! Ouch!) so I feel I'm not far behind you now (16 Nov).

Mindy Currence  It is so nice to hear others are nervous too. Sometimes I feel as if I am over-reacting, but this is a HUGE deal! I think we are a wonderful power source for each other! My mom and I have made my "heart pillow" for after surgery and I am having all of my friends and family sign it. This helps take my mind off of my fears and place my thoughts on all those who are cheering for me! God has us in the palm of His hands!

Christine Oliva  Good Luck tomorrow. You can do it! God's Blessings to you and your family tomorrow and your recovery. Hugs

susan kotansky  No one could have been more terrified than I was ...it's normal and understandable. Before you know it you'll be back here writing about your recovery and helping others with the same fears. I wish you a successful surgery and rapid recovery...Can't wait to see your first post op posting!!!

Rita Savelis  Hi MaryAnne, I feel for you and all that you've been through. I had cancer in the 70's and the radiation treatment caused my 2 heart valve problems many years later. Heart surgery was a different kind of trauma than cancer. Everyone has a different definition of "normal". I would say 3 to 6 months for me. Yes, I would say the heart is central and the entire body feels something, but again everyone's experience is different. It's scary. You've been through two tough experiences already. Unfair really. OHS wasn't fun, but chemotherapy was possibly worse...

Jeanette Davidson   Hi Mary Anne~
That's my mom's namer pi 😊 I had cancer too and radiation caused my heart damage ,and I had a stroke 3 years ago. I am 53 years old. Remember every person is different. I really sailed through my surgery and sometimes can't believe it even happened that I did so well. Quite frankly three months out I am having PTSD and anxiety. I am a psychotherapist and understand a lot of this I think it's really normal . Everyone tells me it will take a full year. All of my mental health professional friends and my doctors. Exercise helps me a lot and Xanax as needed . I believe when you have suffered more than one life-threatening illness the trauma is a little bit more intensified. Prepare in advance and make sure you have a good support system and if you feel any emotions that are uncomfortable and concerning seek help. I am not depressed and have a great attitude and living life very Fully ...so stay positive and I am here for you check out my story.❤️

MaryAnne Jardis  Hi Jeanette
You and I have many similarities. I so agree with everything you said. I too was diagnosed with post traumatic stress . I have a great support recovery team of friends and family and I pray constantly. You did so great with surgery. Were you ok with energy levels returning after a couple of months? I would enjoy talking to you in person sometime . We have so much in common. I think you mentioned you live in Florida. My husband and I rent a home in captiva island off the west coast in Florida every March for a week. Just love it there.
Are you back to work yet?
My email is jardismaryanne@yahoo. Com if you ever want to chat about our common challenges! Thank you for being so kind💜

Mindy Currence  MaryAnne, I had Hodgkin's Disease in 1985 and my 2 heart valves have been damaged from radiation as well. In addition, I have had 9 other surgeries to include the removal of numerous organs and 3 small bowel obstructions from adhesions. I will say the body is an amazing thing, and God is good! To look at me you would never know I am struggling with the illnesses I am. I believe our attitude is an enormous part of our recovery! Keep your chin up and trust in God to see you through. You are obviously a fighter!

Mindy Currence  AMEN! I read recently that it is how we handle our struggles in life that people are able to see our trust in God. I am trying to remember that when I face days of fear and sadness. I think, "what will others think about my faith in God if I am not trusting Him with my fears??" Every day is a wonderful blessing and it is up to us to be a great example of God's love and faithfulness.

Ruth Valenzuela  Yes they told me the results as soon as it was over. For prep tests I had a CT scan, a carotid test, a chest xray, blood work,

Meredith Bray  I wasn't completely out for my first cath. When the procedure was finished, my husband was brought in the OR and we were shown the video that showed no blockages. For my second cath I was almost all the way out. The doctor came to my recovery bed with a drawing of what he looked at, and said "all clear." So yeah, you'll probably know the same day. Best of luck to you!

I also had an ultra-sound of the carotid arteries. It was like an echo but on my neck, and a lot quicker.
There's also a PFT - pulmonary function test (breathing - so they can measure your pre-op lung function). It involves breathing in a machine that measures your lung capacities and pressures. Also there's an ABG - arterial blood gas test. I was told it was really painful so I got worked up about it. It wasn't. It was like a typical blood draw. No big deal.
The coolest test, in my opinion, was the CT scan. Of course, the technicians can't discuss any results with you. I got an IV with dye, then laid on a skinny table and went through a donut-shaped scanner. No pain or discomfort. Fair warning though if they mail you a copy of your test . I read a bunch of numbers that I didn't understand, and when I turned the page BOOM a picture of my heart. No warning at all! It made me a little queasy (I still don't like to look at it).

MaryAnne Jardis  Thank you all ...great information! I did already have a CT scan of the heart and when the doctor was showing me my heart on the computer I could not look at it so I know how you feel Meredith !

susan kotansky  They told me immediately even though I was barely awake. But of all the things to remember that was a great memory!

MaryAnne Jardis  Hope I can report the same! I have no symptoms for the aortic stenosis so hopefully all else is clear.

Elaine Cutri  Welcome to the group MaryAnne. You will hear from wonderful people sharing their stories and suggestions.

MaryAnne Jardis  Thank you Elaine! I am in awe of all the great thoughts and education I have received from this site. Getting nervous though which is to be expected.

Meredith Bray  Your nerves will smooth out as the date gets nearer. Walking and praying are great exercises, they'll help tremendously. You'll probably start to feel stronger about a weak after surgery, but don't over-do it. I ran a mild fever about a week after the operation. And I think you'll be surprised at how good you feel in 3 months. I look back and see a lot of symptoms that I ignored or chalked up to "getting old."

Tammy Pilcher  Welcome MaryAnne! If I can help answer any questions, I will. My surgery was Oct. 31, 2014 and wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Praying for you. Isaiah 41:13. God bless!

James Maguire  Hi Mary Anne, Thank you for your very nice post to me. I am very impressed with you Walking three miles every day, you do Yoga, you do Meditation, and finally you Pray. keep up the good work. Your Grandchildren have a tough hard road to catch up to you. God Bless