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Michael's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: August 6, 2022

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Michael Swarzman posted an update
3 years ago (November 13, 2022)
Hello All: Asking for feedback/advice/recommendations on the following two questions. I will be in San Diego after New Year's, and am seeking a cardiologist and a referral to cardiac rehab. I had surgery six weeks ago, am starting cardiac rehab in another week (a bit more actually), and will only... Read more.
Tom Everson
3 years ago (November 14, 2022)
Hi. I Read where SCRIPPS OF LA JOLLA. ( San Diego area) is rated # 27 I have no experience with them Google them and check it out It is a start anyway
Michael Swarzman posted an update
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
Hi, and a special hello to those who are "angsting" about their upcoming aortic valve replacement surgery...today I had an appointment with the cardiologist who referred me to Northwestern for this surgery, which I had nearly five weeks ago (via mini-thoracotomy). I'm happy to say that I'm walking between two... Read more.
❤️ Rhodie Jacobson, Rose Madura and reacted to this
George Gardopee
3 years ago (November 3, 2022)
Michael - that's great to hear that you you are doing well and I'm glad that it was less traumatic than you expected. Cardiac rehab will likely give you another boost in the right direction. How did the intubation go for you?
Ana Brusso
3 years ago (November 4, 2022)
Great to hear of your progress in recovery. Continued good health and God bless you
Klara Čičić
3 years ago (November 4, 2022)
Michael this sounds very much like my recovery :) which is good, I think :) in 2 weeks I will also start my cardiac rehab! Good luck with your further recovery!
Susan Lynn
3 years ago (November 4, 2022)
Michael- it's always great to read a success story! Our pre-op thoughts can certainly be scary- waiting definitely is the worst part. Continued success with your recovery! ❤️
Miriam St.Clair
3 years ago (November 5, 2022)
I'm so glad you're doing well and most importantly, up and about and walking those distances.
Michael Swarzman posted an update
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
Hi and Good Morning: I'm a few days short of three weeks from aortic valve surgery at Northwestern here in Chicago. All has gone well, and I'm very glad to have had this forum as both a source of support and resource. I'm hoping to get feedback from those who... Read more.
Rose Madura
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
Hi Michael, I would get nauseous at certain odors - like peppermint which was odd. Things that never bothered me before. Sleep will get better in time. I used lots of pillows and would then sleep for a couple hours and then go downstairs to a recliner and travel pillow... Read more.
Klara Čičić
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
I had postoperative nausea for a week and then it went away. Zofran (ondansetron) helped. I am 3 weeks postop and sleeping is interrupted, I wake up 2-3 times during night, mostly due to pain in my thorax. I am not overly concerned by insomnia cause I believe as the... Read more.
Ana Brusso
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
I didn't have nausea but it did take a few weeks for a good night sleep. It's different for everyone.
Rita Savelis
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
Never had nausea ever since I spoke to anasthesiologist beforehand and told her that I tend to get nausea when I wake up from surgery. The more info one gives an anasthesiologist the better as they can concoct an individualised potion for you. As far as sleep goes, it can... Read more.
Marie Myers
3 years ago (October 19, 2022)
I did have some nausea, despite antiemetics. Mine was more related to narcotic pain meds which I quickly discontinued. As far as sleep goes, it was very hard to get more than 2-3 hours of sleep at a time, even when I got home. Luckily, I had no responsibilities, so... Read more.
Michael Swarzman
3 years ago (October 20, 2022)
Thanks for everyone's helpful comments.

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