I'm checking in today exactly three years from the day I had mitral valve repair surgery. I'd like to be a supportive and encouraging voice to those awaiting ...Read more
I'm checking in today exactly three years from the day I had mitral valve repair surgery. I'd like to be a supportive and encouraging voice to those awaiting surgery or in recovery by saying this: heart surgery does not loom large in my life today. I rarely think of it! The diagnosis and events surrounding the surgery was only a moment in time and there have been countless moments since. Some happy, some sad, some with feelings of success, some accompanied by frustration... all to say that life post surgery is just plain normal. Global pandemic notwithstanding, of course.
My very best to everyone on this path.
On February 3rd, 2018, I had OHS to repair my mitral valve. My 60th birthday occurred in May and today, exactly six months after the surgery, I tell people ...Read more
On February 3rd, 2018, I had OHS to repair my mitral valve. My 60th birthday occurred in May and today, exactly six months after the surgery, I tell people that I feel stronger at 60 than I have felt for the last few years. The decline during my 50s had been gradual but the improvement was immediate because the day after surgery was when I first noticed that I could stand up from a laying position and not feel lightheaded.
I had several weeks of cardio rehab, which I recommend highly, and returned to my desk job at the end of April. My thinking was still a bit fuzzy then but it's crystal clear now.
12.5 mg. of Metoprolol a day keeps my resting heart rate below 100. It's odd, but my resting pulse used to be about 65. After the repair it became elevated, but still of little concern to my cardiologist.
Valve repair was one of the most exciting, interesting and life-changing events I have experienced. I'm grateful for Adam's demystifying book, for this community and for the many knowledgeable and skilled professionals in whom I placed my trust.
Susan Lynn Happy 6 month anniversary! It's great to hear that you feel stronger and have quickly gotten back t ... Read more
Susan Lynn Happy 6 month anniversary! It's great to hear that you feel stronger and have quickly gotten back to enjoying life! Very inspiring words for those who are awaiting their own procedures. Great news!
Mark Wilbur Thanks for the encouraging report, Michael. Gives me something to look forward to.
Anna Jones Best wishes on your 6th month anniversary!
Michael Neverisky Thanks all. One more thing I'd like to share with folks awaiting surgery. An acquaintance of mine is ... Read more
Michael Neverisky Thanks all. One more thing I'd like to share with folks awaiting surgery. An acquaintance of mine is a retired MD and upon hearing the news of my upcoming surgery sent me a short note of assurance. He reminded me that the procedure has been done many thousands of times and that while it is highly technical, heart surgery is "a very well trod path".
I am on warfarin for a few months now and it was suggested by the clinic that I consider wearing a medical alert tag or bracelet. Have other received this advice ...Read more
I am on warfarin for a few months now and it was suggested by the clinic that I consider wearing a medical alert tag or bracelet. Have other received this advice and, if so, what does your ID say? I suppose an indication of warfarin and the fact that I have a ring around my mitral valve as well as titanium plates attached to my sternum would be useful since I think that indicates that I cannot have an MRI.
Susan Killian I am not sure if I will end up on coumadin or not but you raise good questions. I was assuming we wi ... Read more
Susan Killian I am not sure if I will end up on coumadin or not but you raise good questions. I was assuming we will need something to carry for air travel do to the sternum closure and I also will have a ring around my mitral valve.
Cathy Zuber Hi Michael and Susan. I've worn a Medic Alert bracelet for years. I hadA-fib problems and Asthma. A ... Read more
Cathy Zuber Hi Michael and Susan. I've worn a Medic Alert bracelet for years. I hadA-fib problems and Asthma. A year ago I had Mitral valve replacement. Mine now also says Heart Valve and Takes Coumadin. I have a card that shows the serial number of my mechanical valve. Haven't flown in a couple years, but all the metal shows in the scanner...so another part to this already bionic woman!!
Susan Killian Cathy Zuber, nice to hear from you, I already told my kids that if a end up needing a mechanical valv ... Read more
Susan Killian Cathy Zuber, nice to hear from you, I already told my kids that if a end up needing a mechanical valve to buy me a bionic women t-shirt. LOL If repair works I said a I'm a survivor t-shirt or a wonder women one. LOL How are you doing since your replacement?
Michael Neverisky Thanks Susan and Cathy. I do have a few cards in my wallet now, one for the sternum closure (I call ... Read more
Michael Neverisky Thanks Susan and Cathy. I do have a few cards in my wallet now, one for the sternum closure (I call it the "get out of TSA jail" card), one for the mitral valve ring and one for warfarin. I think an ID bracelet/tag with an ICE phone number on the back is more obvious though.
I am still amazed by how generally OK I feel so quickly after such an invasive procedure. A testament to modern medicine.
My resting pulse is in the mid ...Read more
I am still amazed by how generally OK I feel so quickly after such an invasive procedure. A testament to modern medicine.
My resting pulse is in the mid 70s, which is maybe 10 BPM higher than before. My cardiologist says this is likely temporary and may have to do with my heart adjusting to the increase in blood volume now that 50% is no longer being regurgitated back to the atrium. Metoprolol Tartrate for now.
One lingering effect, however, is that I find I tire quickly and naps are still an important part of the day. Something to consider as I plan my return to work. Even though I have a desk job, I can't imagine being at work a solid eight hours yet. I'm targeting 6 weeks post-op for my return. I am interested to read what others have experienced regarding return to work and energy, stamina levels.
A foot of fresh snow fell last night. I love New Hampshire!
Best to all,
Michael
Susan Roberts Glad to hear that you are making good progress after your surgery. When you do return to work. You m ... Read more
Susan Roberts Glad to hear that you are making good progress after your surgery. When you do return to work. You may want to back part time or at the end of one week to help ease back in. I am on the pre surgery side so will watch to see how you do! Best wishes!
Helen Daw HI Michael, My resting pulse is around 80 and it used to be around 70 and sometimes it goes as high a ... Read more
Helen Daw HI Michael, My resting pulse is around 80 and it used to be around 70 and sometimes it goes as high as 100BPM. I was told it is ok. I never napped after my surgery and did not feel the need for it. I stopped by the office today for 3 hours just to catch up on things , but I cant imagine going back to work full time yet. I will try to stop a couple of hours a week just to make sure that I dont go back to a big mess...lol. My appointment with the surgeon is on March 21st. I'm still not driving and very limited on the things I can do. I did walk for 3 miles yesterday and it felt great.
We got 18 inches here in northern part of NJ. I love New Jersey and love the four seasons.
Susan Killian I too am pre surgery but glad you are doing well, I know you will have to take it one day at a time a ... Read more
Susan Killian I too am pre surgery but glad you are doing well, I know you will have to take it one day at a time and you and your surgeon will know when it is time to go back.
Rita Savelis It is still very very early for you Michael. The tiredness (exhaustion for me) can last months and is ... Read more
Rita Savelis It is still very very early for you Michael. The tiredness (exhaustion for me) can last months and is completely normal. I was told I would be tired for a long indefinite time and was glad my surgeons were honest. Your heart has been through a lot. Many people start back at work part-time at first. In any case, those first days/weeks back at work will be tiring and you may need to rest and do not much else after work for a bit. Then, you will slowly begin to have more energy. But be easy on yourself.
Michael Neverisky Thank you Susan, Helen, Susan and Rita for the feedback. No naps, Helen?!
Michael Neverisky Thank you Susan, Helen, Susan and Rita for the feedback. No naps, Helen?!
Maybe I can work out a way to ease back into work with my local management. We're part of an enormous multi-national with an HR department that recognize part time work for salaried employees. But I know my manager is sympathetic. An aside: the two best managers in my 35 year technical career have been women.
OHS has been such a gift to me and this community is certainly part of that gift. So thanks to Adam too!
Civita Fahey Hi Michael, I also have a desk job and at one month, I got the ok to work 2 hours a day and then adde ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Michael, I also have a desk job and at one month, I got the ok to work 2 hours a day and then added on weekly until 10 weeks when I returned full time. Though we feel great, its tiring.. my pcp wouldn't allow me any more than that at first and she was right.. Even at 10 weeks, the first couple of weeks, I had to go home and take a nap after 8 hours at work. I think the fatigue is the last to go, at least it was for me.. so, take it easy and if possible start slow and work your way up.
Barbara Wood Good to hear you're doing well & enjoying the extra dose of snow! I went back to work 1/2 days at 6 w ... Read more
Barbara Wood Good to hear you're doing well & enjoying the extra dose of snow! I went back to work 1/2 days at 6 weeks - not terribly strenuous, but on my feet & lots of moving around. I often went home tired & napped for 45 min., then felt fine & refreshed.
Helen Daw Michael, no naps since I have been home. I do get tired, but don't get sleepy. But I was never a good ... Read more
Helen Daw Michael, no naps since I have been home. I do get tired, but don't get sleepy. But I was never a good sleeper to begin with so I'm ok with it. I just in the recliner and rest.
Deb Lewis I’m presurgery and was getting very tired at work. I was able to schedule a somewhat longer lunch, ... Read more
Deb Lewis I’m presurgery and was getting very tired at work. I was able to schedule a somewhat longer lunch, shut my office door and napped on a yoga mat. I anticipate needing to do the same post-surgery.
I am making these journal entries with the belief that they, like the others I have read, may be useful to future community members.
Yesterday was my official ...Read more
I am making these journal entries with the belief that they, like the others I have read, may be useful to future community members.
Yesterday was my official post-op follow up at my surgeon's office. It was a short visit where the provider looked at my wound, pressed on my sternum and I acknowledged that I was in no pain and was experiencing very little discomfort. I was told that I am now permitted to lift my hands over my head, the 10 pound weight lift restriction was raised to 20 and if I want to, I can drive short distances. They also informed me that I am being released from their care management and into that of my cardiologist, who I will see next week. All good.
The back muscle pain that I experienced, and others have as well, has eased for the most part. My daily non-stop walks are up to 20 minutes now and, yes, naps are still and important part of my day.
One surprising thing had been what I felt to be a loss of mental acuity. When first home, it was somewhat difficult for me till follow long or detailed conversations… it was very tiring to focus hard. I was concerned about this since detailed, technical thinking is a big part of my job. This has improved some now and when I asked my provider about it yesterday she said it was not unusual and was temporary. She talked about being on the heart-lung machine and systemic inflammation in my body.
Anna Jones That's great news. I hope your mental acuity continues to sharpen as the effects of surgery lessen. ... Read more
Anna Jones That's great news. I hope your mental acuity continues to sharpen as the effects of surgery lessen.
Thank you for your updates. Please keep us posted.
Barbara Wood Glad you're out enjoying the beautiful weather! I had that same muddled thinking- hard to follow conv ... Read more
Barbara Wood Glad you're out enjoying the beautiful weather! I had that same muddled thinking- hard to follow conversation, hard to read, even hard to watch tv. Thankfully it did go away, not sure how long it took though...
Marie Myers I felt my thinking/processing skills were a little slow for a week or so after surgery. Thankfully, I ... Read more
Marie Myers I felt my thinking/processing skills were a little slow for a week or so after surgery. Thankfully, I feel back to normal now.
Michael Neverisky Thank you, it's good to know that others have felt a short term fog.
Susan Killian It is so good for us approaching surgery to read about your experiences, now I know what to expect an ... Read more
Susan Killian It is so good for us approaching surgery to read about your experiences, now I know what to expect and if it happens maybe I will not panic. Thank you all for continuing to post updates!
I would like to send a gift to the care takers on the cardiac floor of my hospital and welcome ideas and suggestions. I learned everyone's name and a bit about ...Read more
I would like to send a gift to the care takers on the cardiac floor of my hospital and welcome ideas and suggestions. I learned everyone's name and a bit about the background of each.
Nurses, LNAs and NAs: Mia, Elaina, Christina, Mario, Kelly, Kira, Sandy, Tara, Danielle, Pam, Nicole, Michelle, Lizzy, Joanie. Nurse practitioners: Jayne and Carol. Physical Therapist: Tara.
Anna Jones Ideas to send are:
cupcakes from a local bakery
chocolate from a specialty chocolate shop
flowers
Elaine Phares We have Great Harvest Bread out here that does amazing trays of "somewhat healthy" and delicious brea ... Read more
Elaine Phares We have Great Harvest Bread out here that does amazing trays of "somewhat healthy" and delicious breads, cookies, and bars. I sent that to the floor I was on. There was also an ICU nurse who I at least in part credit for saving my life. I asked her for her personal email address and sent her a gift certificate to a local spa. Often, the nurses aren't allowed to receive large gifts at work...the reason I asked for personal email. I am sure you were one of those patients they love to be with. Very thoughtful!
Bonnie Stone-Hope Sent specialty chocolates for staff on both day shift and night shift. The "thank you " card gave sp ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Sent specialty chocolates for staff on both day shift and night shift. The "thank you " card gave special mention to the day RN and night RN who cared for me on Christmas Day, as they were very special gals.
Barbara Wood Glad to see you are doing well! I took a basket & 2 lbs lindt wrapped truffles when I went in to offe ... Read more
Barbara Wood Glad to see you are doing well! I took a basket & 2 lbs lindt wrapped truffles when I went in to offer to everyone who came in my room - got mighty good care! Afterward I sent a donation ( my hospital was a non profit) mentioning the names of my favorite nurses & aids & my icu nurse. Like you I wrote down everyone's name! Looks like you had all women - I had lots of male nurses!
Best wishes for a smooth recovery!
Lilly Black I gave my nurses my flowers. I also gave them great reviews on the hospital site! They work so hard, ... Read more
Lilly Black I gave my nurses my flowers. I also gave them great reviews on the hospital site! They work so hard, don't they? So nice of you to show your appreciation. I agree with everyone's ideas. I'm sure they will appreciate the gifts!
Here in New Hampshire yesterday we were treated to 70° weather. Extraordinary for February, so I took my 15 minute walk outside. What a gift! Back to the 30s ...Read more
Here in New Hampshire yesterday we were treated to 70° weather. Extraordinary for February, so I took my 15 minute walk outside. What a gift! Back to the 30s today.
I've been sleeping in my bed for the past several nights, even laying on my side. I take no pain medication and have a regular daily routine. We have acquired a shower chair which enables me to sit under a warm shower with my back to the spray. It's a wonderful thing.
INR is checked twice a week and warfarin dosage is modified accordingly. Warfarin will be part of my routine for three months.
Appetite is fine, naps are still important.
Next Monday, the 26th, is my first follow up appointment at my surgeon's office.
Heath Knight Here in Maine we where granted a nice 65* day also. Great to get out and enjoy the day even if it is ... Read more
Heath Knight Here in Maine we where granted a nice 65* day also. Great to get out and enjoy the day even if it is short lived, but we'll get it back soon enough. How long has it been since your surgery?
Helen Daw Close to 80 degrees here in NJ yesterday. Felt so good to go out after being trapped in the hospital ... Read more
Helen Daw Close to 80 degrees here in NJ yesterday. Felt so good to go out after being trapped in the hospital and home for 9 days.
Civita Fahey I hate that it was just a tease! got to 76 in Boston area.. felt so good..I'm glad you're doing well ... Read more
Civita Fahey I hate that it was just a tease! got to 76 in Boston area.. felt so good..I'm glad you're doing well neighbor.. Like Heath said, we will soon get that nice weather back.. We hope :-)
Michael Neverisky Heath, surgery was two weeks ago today. Truthfully, the way I see it post-op, any type of weather is ... Read more
Michael Neverisky Heath, surgery was two weeks ago today. Truthfully, the way I see it post-op, any type of weather is OK by me. But, Spring is on the way, and you and I will be here to enjoy it!
Jennifer McInerney I'm grateful for 7 here in Ontario, Canada. It's a gift after minus 15. Prayers and best wishes for e ... Read more
Jennifer McInerney I'm grateful for 7 here in Ontario, Canada. It's a gift after minus 15. Prayers and best wishes for everyone on their "heart" journey.
One week ago at this time I was in surgery. Today I am home in my recliner. I took 1000 mg of Tylenol this morning having not taken any pain med since 10:30 ...Read more
One week ago at this time I was in surgery. Today I am home in my recliner. I took 1000 mg of Tylenol this morning having not taken any pain med since 10:30 last night. I took a shower this morning, which may have precipitated the need for Tylenol.
Appetite is good, home PT is no trouble and I climb a 14 step flight of stairs twice a day.
Reading a Dan Brown page turner, listening to music and journaling to pass the time. Oh, and napping. Naps are good.
I am sleeping in a recliner, which I find more accessible than my bed right now. That adjustable hospital bed was helpful.
I had a slipped disc and sciatica two years ago. In comparison, a much more difficult recovery and painful challenge than what I am experiencing now.
Dan Marcantel I slept in my recliner for a month. Laying flat was just too uncomfortable. Congrats!
Marie Myers Glad to hear all went well! Welcome to the recovery side...
Gina Fiorentino Thanks for the update. So happy to hear you are doing well in your recovrry and resting comfortably ... Read more
Gina Fiorentino Thanks for the update. So happy to hear you are doing well in your recovrry and resting comfortably today.
Meredith Bray I loved napping! Glad you have a comfortable recliner. One o the things I tell people about open hear ... Read more
Meredith Bray I loved napping! Glad you have a comfortable recliner. One o the things I tell people about open heart surgery is that it wasn't as awful as I had it worked up to be. Glad you're home and recovering.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Glad to hear you are doing so well. Did your dog notice anything different when you came home. My d ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Glad to hear you are doing so well. Did your dog notice anything different when you came home. My dog immediately came close to sniff where the incision area is, and did not want to leave my side, day or night.
February 13th, the other side.
The short story: the L5 S1 slipped disc and sciatica I had two years ago was more difficult than the open heart surgery mitral ...Read more
February 13th, the other side.
The short story: the L5 S1 slipped disc and sciatica I had two years ago was more difficult than the open heart surgery mitral valve repair I had 5 days ago. I feel good, I'm going home today on only Tylenol. Yes, it's major surgery with all kinds of technical components... but it is a well trod path. If you remain present and greet each moment of care with a grateful heart you may be surprised at how quickly you find yourself back on your feet.
The details: We arrived at CMC at 5 a.m. on Thursday February 8th and as instructed, used the E.R. entrance and told the receptionist “I'm here for cardiac surgery”. I haven't yet found the words to describe the experience of total surrender but it began at that moment. The efficient professionalism of the nurses who prepped me. The strength and love in my wife's eyes right before I handed her my eyeglasses and was wheeled through the doors. The cheerful kindness of the nurse handling last minute paper shuffling. The warmth of my anesthesiologist, Dr. Kelly who, after shuffling his own papers, took a chair beside me and spoke calmly of what was about to happen and who became another voice describing the brilliance of my surgeon, Dr. Westbrook.
The first set of doors opened into a bright hallway with at least a dozen O.R. team members, dressed in blue from head to toe, standing in wait for my arrival. The second set of doors led to another very bright room filled with equipment and as I was wheeled to what was a nicely heated and warm operating table (felt good!), the blue dozens began moving all around me. Dr. Kelly’s reassuring voice again appeared and one of the nurses and I talked about the joy of having Goldendoodle dogs. A few moments later, another face I recognized approached from across the room. I remember saying “Hello, Dr. Westbrook”. When I looked again, it was my wife's face in front of me saying “your valve was repaired, everything went well, isn't that wonderful! “
One day in ICU. Over the next few days tubes and wires were removed, I became less groggy since i did not need narcotic pain relief. I tired quickly but got stronger every day. Day 5, I am walking up stairs and heading home.
You will be fine. Trust in science, medicine and the present moment. You will be fine.
Anna Jones Thank you very much. It is wonderful news that your surgery went so well and that your recovery is p ... Read more
Anna Jones Thank you very much. It is wonderful news that your surgery went so well and that your recovery is progressing so nicely. Sending prayers and best wishes for a continued smooth road ahead.
Mark Craven Thank you so much. What a relief it is to read your story. I wish the best for you and your family an ... Read more
Mark Craven Thank you so much. What a relief it is to read your story. I wish the best for you and your family and a speedy recover.
Don L Wow, thank you Michael for your post. The vivid picture you paint on arrival spiked some anxiety, fo ... Read more
Don L Wow, thank you Michael for your post. The vivid picture you paint on arrival spiked some anxiety, followed by your calm description. So glad you are doing so well and thanks for your post. You should be a writer!
Gina Fiorentino It is so reassuring to read your post. Thanks for sharing all of those details. Sending good, heali ... Read more
Gina Fiorentino It is so reassuring to read your post. Thanks for sharing all of those details. Sending good, healing vibes... and wishing you success as you recover in the coming weeks.
Barbara Wood Wonderful post...glad all went well, best wishes for a smooth recovery! Btw, ran into a ( black) gold ... Read more
Barbara Wood Wonderful post...glad all went well, best wishes for a smooth recovery! Btw, ran into a ( black) goldendoodle on the trail this afternoon - a big, friendly gorgeous dog!
Pat Bluemel I just posted something similar, I like your eloquent phrase better: "If you remain present and greet ... Read more
Pat Bluemel I just posted something similar, I like your eloquent phrase better: "If you remain present and greet each moment of care with a grateful heart you may be surprised at how quickly you find yourself back on your feet."
Kathy Blank What a positive outlook Michael which will help you recover more quickly! I have no memory of the OR ... Read more
Kathy Blank What a positive outlook Michael which will help you recover more quickly! I have no memory of the OR - I remember saying goodbye to my family after talking to the surgeon and anesthesiologisy and then waking up in my room. Your details are fascinating!
Susan Killian Our stories are similar, I hope my surgery and recovery are too!