Max Diggs - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Max Diggsposted an update

887 days ago

Susan Lynn, Patsy Stewart reacted to this

One year later…

Ana Brusso Welcome back Max. So good to hear from you and congratulations on your first anniversary. God bless y ... Read more

Ana Brusso Welcome back Max. So good to hear from you and congratulations on your first anniversary. God bless you

Marie Myers Love the tee shirt! Happy Anniversary!!

Rose Madura That's a cool shirt!

J Alexander Lassally Where did you get this shirt. It is great!

Susan Lynn Love the shirt!!!

Robert Miller Cool T!!

Max Diggsposted an update

887 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Grace Mason , Susan Lynn reacted to this

Hello all! Big day for me. Today marks one year since my surgery! God is good!
Thanks to everyone for all the information and support over the past year. ...Read more

Hello all! Big day for me. Today marks one year since my surgery! God is good!
Thanks to everyone for all the information and support over the past year. Onward and upward!

Kathy Ozio Happy Heart-iversay!

Rose Madura God is good! Happy Anniversary!

Pamela Gregory Happy Anniversary Max!

Klara Čičić Hi Max, happy anniversary. I remember following your story was one of my firsts here, as I am approac ... Read more

Klara Čičić Hi Max, happy anniversary. I remember following your story was one of my firsts here, as I am approaching my own first anniversary 😊

Max Diggs Great! Happy early first anniversary to you as well !

michael swarzman Congrats Max - wishing you only the best going forward!

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary!!

Robert Miller Happy anniversary! It's incredible what medicine/science can do!!!

Max Diggsposted an update

933 days ago

Hello all. I haven’t posted in a while, but I have a quick question. I’m 10 months post surgery and I have the dreaded colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Has ...Read more

Hello all. I haven’t posted in a while, but I have a quick question. I’m 10 months post surgery and I have the dreaded colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Has anyone here undergone this procedure post-op, and have any experiences/reassuring words about being put under anesthesia with a new valve?
Thanks!

Richard Munson I had one 6 months post surgery. Because i also do endoscopy, i opted for doing them both at the same ... Read more

Richard Munson I had one 6 months post surgery. Because i also do endoscopy, i opted for doing them both at the same time. They balked at that but i was persistent. Had to stop eliquis for 3 days prior to. My cardiologist gave me the ok after i asked.

Max Diggs Thanks Richard. Any problems with the anesthesia?

Kathy Ozio Thanks for asking that. I was scheduled for one just as I was finding out I had to have heart surgery ... Read more

Kathy Ozio Thanks for asking that. I was scheduled for one just as I was finding out I had to have heart surgery. I'm not anxious to do anything surgery wise. I am curious

Richard Munson No problem at all. Keep in mind, it is not the same dead to the world anesthesia you get for heart su ... Read more

Richard Munson No problem at all. Keep in mind, it is not the same dead to the world anesthesia you get for heart surgery. Maybe dead to the world is a poor choice of words. You will be fine. Plus, getting a clean bill of colon health will do you good mentally. Preparation for it far exceeds the actual test as you know. I cringe thinking about it. Good luck.better you being up all night on the can than me.

Ana Brusso Hi Max, I, like Richard had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at the same time 7 mos. After ohs and all was ... Read more

Ana Brusso Hi Max, I, like Richard had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at the same time 7 mos. After ohs and all was well. Both surgeon and cardiologist gave permission. Good luck

Rose Madura I had one since surgery but it was about 4 years later. The anesthesia was no big deal. It's good sl ... Read more

Rose Madura I had one since surgery but it was about 4 years later. The anesthesia was no big deal. It's good sleep! 💤

Max Diggs Thank you everyone.

Rita Savelis No problem. Have had 3 surgeries with 2 mechanical valves.

Valerie Allen They use more like a twilight sleep for a colonoscopy. You go under and come out quickly.

Max Diggsposted a photo

1069 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Rose Madura, Amy Berger and 2 others reacted to this

Morning by morning, new mercies I see…

Marie Myers Great picture, with a great attitude…

Rose Madura So beautiful!

Robert Miller Great picture... Looks chilly... Time to go skiing...

Susan Lynn Beautiful photo and perspective!

Max Diggsposted a photo

1069 days ago

Grace Mason , Andrew Dial, Rose Madura and 5 others reacted to this

My new beautiful granddaughter Josie, who was “on the way” during my aortic valve surgery. What a gift.

Grace Mason Beautiful !

Miriam St.Clair How nice! What a beautiful baby!

Pamela Gregory Beautiful

2 wonderful gifts in one day!

Shelly Hubbard absolutely precious!

Angela Meletiadis Max, you are truly blessed!!!

Rose Madura Very cute!

Kath Duggan What a beauty and a very special 💝 gift!!

Klara Čičić Absolutely beautiful and precious

Susan Lynn Precious baby!

Ana Brusso What a blessing! Congratulations to you and your family. Continued good health and God bless you. � ... Read more

Ana Brusso What a blessing! Congratulations to you and your family. Continued good health and God bless you. 🙏❤️

Rhodie Jacobson What a beautiful baby-You and your family have so much to celebrate...Congratulations!! Whew---so hap ... Read more

Rhodie Jacobson What a beautiful baby-You and your family have so much to celebrate...Congratulations!! Whew---so happy for you!

Max Diggs Thanks, all!

Max Diggsposted an update

1069 days ago

Grace Mason , Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Today is my 6 month surgery anniversary. Feeling great. I finished cardiac rehab two weeks ago. I have a new granddaughter and I’m looking forward to Spring ...Read more

Today is my 6 month surgery anniversary. Feeling great. I finished cardiac rehab two weeks ago. I have a new granddaughter and I’m looking forward to Spring and Summer. A special thank you to Dr. Frederick and the team at Sanger Clinic in Charlotte, NC, and all glory to God.
To all those awaiting aortic valve surgery, keep the faith. You can do this, and soon, you’ll be sharing your story and celebrating your anniversaries.

Grace Mason Max, congrats on your 6 months. Well wishes to you and your family.

Max Diggs Thank you Grace.

Marie Myers Wishing you many healthy anniversaries!

Pamela Gregory Congratulations on both accounts!!!

Shelly Hubbard Max thank you for encouragement as I will be going through this very soon

Rose Madura Congratulations Max! Happy Anniversary!

Klara Čičić Happy halfversary :) looks like you are doing great, I hope it will stay that way...

Susan Lynn Happy 6-month Anniversary, Max!

Ana Brusso Nice to hear from you, congratulations!

Max Diggsposted a journal

1212 days ago

Patsy Stewart, Rose Madura reacted to this

First day of Cardiac Rehab. Very impressed with the program at our local wellness center. I’ve been dealing with occasional high heart rates but then they ...Read more

First day of Cardiac Rehab. Very impressed with the program at our local wellness center. I’ve been dealing with occasional high heart rates but then they come down. I’ve tried to limit caffeine and salt, but I guess this is just a part of it. Looking forward to going to rehab Wednesday.

Ana Brusso Good to hear from you Max. Wishing you a successful Cardiac Rehab. Keep us posted. God bless you

Phyllis Petersen Good for you! The really great thing about cardiac rehab is that you have professionals monitoring th ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Good for you! The really great thing about cardiac rehab is that you have professionals monitoring things, so you can do more without fear. They can make adjustments when needed. All the best!

Rose Madura Glad you are doing so well Max!

Klara Čičić That's great Max! I am really happy for you. Keep going!

Max Diggsposted a journal

1243 days ago

Klara Čičić, Kimberly Eisenhut, Timothy Andre reacted to this

Day 9 of recovery. Feeling better and walking more. Heart rate numbers seem to be becoming more calm and consistent. My sleep schedule is still slightly out ...Read more

Day 9 of recovery. Feeling better and walking more. Heart rate numbers seem to be becoming more calm and consistent. My sleep schedule is still slightly out of synch, but that’s a small thing. Blessed by family and friend visitors bearing delicious meals and providing needed support.
This holiday weekend brings back memories of the old MDA telethons, that always ended with Jerry Lewis singing, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Pretty appropriate for this year.
Happy Labor Day Weekend to All!

Klara Čičić That is such a positive and inspirational post! I am glad all is going so well for you ❤️hope it ... Read more

Klara Čičić That is such a positive and inspirational post! I am glad all is going so well for you ❤️hope it stays that way!

Timothy Andre Great news Max, Having all the support from friends and family is so important. Glad you are doing ... Read more

Timothy Andre Great news Max, Having all the support from friends and family is so important. Glad you are doing well and continuing to make good progress. We are here for an added bonus of support which is invaluable. Keep updating us! God bless you

Rose Madura Max, your attitude is great! Glad you are doing so well

Terry Tannenbaum Glad to hear the wondefull news Max. Days turn to weeks and before you know it it will all be behind ... Read more

Terry Tannenbaum Glad to hear the wondefull news Max. Days turn to weeks and before you know it it will all be behind you in the rear view mirror of your life. My first mitral valve repair in 2010 seems like a distant memory now.

Susan Lynn Max - Keep up the great work! Don't worry about your sleep for now, you'll get back to your sched... Read more

Susan Lynn Max - Keep up the great work! Don't worry about your sleep for now, you'll get back to your schedule eventually.

I also remember those telethons and love that song. You're truly never alone on this site.

Max Diggsposted a journal

1246 days ago

Susan Lynn, Klara Čičić reacted to this

Day 6 of recovery. Going great with an Angel of a wife who happens to have her CNA. It’s hot in Charlotte, but the fact that There’s only one more day of ...Read more

Day 6 of recovery. Going great with an Angel of a wife who happens to have her CNA. It’s hot in Charlotte, but the fact that There’s only one more day of August encourages me. Autumn is the best, and while this year may look different, there is a beautiful season of life ahead. So bring on the pumpkin spice, cool breezes, and colorful leaves. And, although I won’t be at the App State/ UNC game Saturday, GO Mountaineers!!

Glad you are enjoying being home and being pampered by your angel wife. Continued good health heart w ... Read more

Glad you are enjoying being home and being pampered by your angel wife. Continued good health heart warrior and many blessings 🙏❤️

Danielle Elizabeth When you’re released from the hospital and if it’s convenient, there is a heart of walls in Charl ... Read more

Danielle Elizabeth When you’re released from the hospital and if it’s convenient, there is a heart of walls in Charlotte by the light rail. It’s a nice stroll in South End. It would make for a decent recovery walk if you’re up for it early morning. I’m assuming you’re at Sanger Heart and Vascular ❤️ Hoping you have lots of strength and recovery goes well! Enjoy the game

Susan Lynn Congratulations on your progress, Max, and kudos to your wife. OHS is definitely a team effort - ... Read more

Susan Lynn Congratulations on your progress, Max, and kudos to your wife. OHS is definitely a team effort - where would we be without our caregivers??

Max Diggsposted a journal

1248 days ago

Patsy Stewart, Rhodie Jacobson, Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

Day 4 of recovery. The small bumps in the road have been minimal and temporary. I have been off the major pain meds and only on Tylenol since 2 AM Saturday. ...Read more

Day 4 of recovery. The small bumps in the road have been minimal and temporary. I have been off the major pain meds and only on Tylenol since 2 AM Saturday. One thing that has surprised me is that all coffee tastes bad- even Dunkin! I know that will change back, and it’s probably God’s way of saying, “Let’s lay off the caffeine for a while.”
The nurses have been angels around here, but I will not miss the 2 AM sticks or 3:30 AM chest X-rays.
Discharge should be tomorrow afternoon. Time to take this recovery home! God bless you all and thanks for the encouragement. For those waiting, you can so do this! Feel free to ask me anything.

Rhodie Jacobson sorry to hear about the coffee...i hope you find a replacement beverage

Kenneth Southard I remember everything they gave me in the hospital pretty much sucked, the coffee being about the wor ... Read more

Kenneth Southard I remember everything they gave me in the hospital pretty much sucked, the coffee being about the worst. They even thought I was having issues with my appetite and supplemented me with Ensure. There were no appetite issues, it was just that the food was horrible with no seasoning, and it was steamed to the point of having almost no moisture. That and the unwatchable TV channel selection were my only two complaints.

I get "heart healthy" in that no one should expect a rare cheeseburger. However, if you want to promote people transitioning to a "heart healthy" diet after they are discharged, what they are doing in my opinion is not the way to do it.

Rita Savelis After OHS there are numerous side effects, including some foods temporarily tasting different. I stil ... Read more

Rita Savelis After OHS there are numerous side effects, including some foods temporarily tasting different. I still drank coffee (in hospital) but was turned off by anything sweet. Heart surgery is a big deal and affects your whole body in strange ways. They are all normal as your body adjusts to the ordeal it's been through. Take care.

Marie Myers You will be able to rest so much better when you get home. I did not sleep well at all in the hospita ... Read more

Marie Myers You will be able to rest so much better when you get home. I did not sleep well at all in the hospital…

Max Diggsposted a photo

1250 days ago

Klara Čičić, Rose Madura, Rhodie Jacobson and 1 other reacted to this

Surgery a success. On to
recovery!

Susan Jones Welcome to recovery. Be kind to yourself.

Terrie Syvertsen Great to read another of our precious Hearts is on the mend! Congratulations and be patient with your ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Great to read another of our precious Hearts is on the mend! Congratulations and be patient with yourself!

Shelly Hubbard Hi Max so glad you are done. I will be going in within months also asymptomatic same bicuspid. Did yo ... Read more

Shelly Hubbard Hi Max so glad you are done. I will be going in within months also asymptomatic same bicuspid. Did you get mechanical?

Max Diggs Thanks, Shelly. I went with an Inspiris biological (bovine) valve.

Max Diggsposted an update

1250 days ago

Klara Čičić, Rose Madura, Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Day 3 of recovery. My surgery went well and I was moved out of ICU the next afternoon (Thursday). Got all tubes and catheter out yesterday. Walked 3 times yesterday ...Read more

Day 3 of recovery. My surgery went well and I was moved out of ICU the next afternoon (Thursday). Got all tubes and catheter out yesterday. Walked 3 times yesterday but the fatigue and shortness of breath is very real. Hoping for discharge Sunday or Monday and an uneventful, speedy recovery Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. Proud to be a member of the club.

Klara Čičić Wow Max! Congratulations!! I'm very happy for you! Stay well and God bless you on your recovery journ ... Read more

Klara Čičić Wow Max! Congratulations!! I'm very happy for you! Stay well and God bless you on your recovery journey...🙏❤️

Marie Myers Welcome to recovery! The fatigue was what surprised me most. It gets better, day by day…

Miriam St.Clair This is so good to hear! I know your progress will continue to go well.

Rose Madura Congratulations and welcome to recovery. May your recovery for well and be uneventful.

George Gardopee Excellent news! You will feel better very quickly.

Great job! Good to hear and continued good health heart warrior! God bless you ❤️🙏👍

michael swarzman Great job and only best thoughts to you!

Robin Shanahan Congratulations, you will feel stronger every day, 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Danielle Elizabeth Congrats and wishing you a speedy recovery. The walls and incentives spirometer are very important

Max Diggs Thank you all.

Max Diggsposted a photo

1256 days ago

Klara Čičić reacted to this

My wife of 37 years, Helen. My private nurse who will carry me through this.

Marie Myers Nice!

Brady Busch Your picture reminded me of a saying I heard once."Love is not looking at each other,but looking outw ... Read more

Brady Busch Your picture reminded me of a saying I heard once."Love is not looking at each other,but looking outward together."

Max Diggsposted a photo

1256 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Max Diggs My granddaughter and partner in crime. Love this little girl.

She is lovely

Rose Madura Very sweet picture.

Max Diggsposted a journal

1256 days ago

Wish I’d made journal posts all along, but perhaps I can help someone by journaling my recovery. This is my weekend to get ready. Packing for the hospital ...Read more

Wish I’d made journal posts all along, but perhaps I can help someone by journaling my recovery. This is my weekend to get ready. Packing for the hospital and post-op stay. We live a couple hours from the hospital where I’ll have the surgery, so we’ll be staying in Charlotte for a few weeks before returning home. We live on top of a mountain, so we want to make sure things are going well, before we return home to the NC High Country.
Trying to dodge Covid a few more days. It has made a comeback where we live. I don’t need any delays at this point. Wrapped up work on Friday. Felt strange walking out the door, knowing (or not knowing) what all will happen before I walk back in.

Danielle Elizabeth Are you having the surgery at Atrium? I really enjoyed my CHD specialist Dr. Alegria there but I move ... Read more

Danielle Elizabeth Are you having the surgery at Atrium? I really enjoyed my CHD specialist Dr. Alegria there but I moved unfortunately. Sanger Heart and Vascular is an excellent facility. Best of luck with your surgery

Rita Savelis Yes please journal your recovery. It can be helpful to write everything out. Take care. Wishing you t ... Read more

Rita Savelis Yes please journal your recovery. It can be helpful to write everything out. Take care. Wishing you the best.

Rose Madura Yes, you will be pleased you had a journal. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a recovery wit... Read more

Rose Madura Yes, you will be pleased you had a journal. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a recovery without complications...

Max Diggs Danielle,
Yes, Atrium Main with Dr.Frederick. The guy was awesome.