Michele's Journal

I completed my cardio rehab program on 12/4/2019 and had a mini graduation ceremony at the facility. Received my completion certificate with warm wishes from all the staff members at the cardio rehab center at St. David’s Hospital, Round Rock, Texas.
Established membership at Gold’s gym close to my home. My husband is my exercise partner. Facility has all the exercise bells and whistles and a great staff.
Now it’s all on me to get out there and exercise each day. Just finished reading a great article explaining how exercise can lengthen telomeres which should result in a longer life.
OK all you heart warriors life gets better each day. Enjoy your life. Be thankful for our very skilled and spiritual surgeons. They’ve done their part. Now it’s own turn. Stay strong and make your surgeon and cardiologist proud.
I’ve done so well that I know see the cardiologist every three months vs every six weeks. He’s changed my meds and feel like I am doing very well. I turn 76 in February and hope I can be one of those patients who live another 10-15 years.
Thanks to everyone for their encouragement and support. Enjoy the real life with family, friends and fellow warriors!!! OK go exercise and live life to the full.

On October 28, I am officially two months post ops. I am sleeping fine and am able to get around very well. I found out about a week ago that my heart’s ejection rate is now 60 percent vs the 20 percent when I was hospitalized in April for AFIB. I re-started cardio rehab and have 13 more sessions to complete the program. The change in my health is very noticeable when I’m doing rehab exercises. My stamina has increased tremendously and I am also feeling more positive and cheerful.
A friend of mine completed cardio rehab in another city. She said the program had helped her immensely and she encourages everyone to take the program. She completed hets and is now exercising independently and going strong.
I thank everyone again for their encouragement and help.

I had my post op appointment with my heart surgeon on Monday, Sept 23rd.
Dr. Mark Felger was happy with my progress and provided surgery details previously unknown to me or my husband. My aoretic stenosis was much worse than the echocardiogram revealed and Dr. Felger had to change his operating plan. The surgery was much more extensive than originally planned. I am thankful that Dr. Felger is a dedicated health professional who puts the well being of his patients above expediency. I truly feel his integrity is a big factor in saving my life.
I am sleeping much better and look forward to becoming more physically active.

Life is good!!! I was finally able to sleep on my back and left side. In addition, I was able to sleep for five hours straight. Getting back to normal is baby steps but oh so wonderful baby steps.

I was able to get into my regular bed and sleep on my right side on Sunday night (9-15-19). It was absolutely wonderful. I am still sleeping in short sleep cycles. I’m looking forward to longer sleep periods of 5-8 hours.
Every day is a little bit better. I’m doing physical therapy at home and can feel myself improving.
Thanks to everyone who has given me encouragement. Your messages and posts were VERY helpful

Still in considerable pain, but it is tolerable. I have two recliners in the living room and a very comfy sofa. I rotate through all of them each day. I only sleep 20 minutes to 1.5 hours each sleep cycle. I’ve been watching a lot of Prime movies to distract myself.
I crave normalcy.

Had my surgery. It was a true E-ticket ride. Doctor had to stop the procedure as I was having bloodless surgery and needed to be taken off heart lung machine. Pain is tolerable. Coughing is the pits.
Everyone is helpful and kind.

How soon were you able to start using scar treatment products? What scar treatment did you use? How effective was it?

The Heart Hospital on Lamar called to schedule my pre-admission tests for
8-27-19. This includes a chest x-ray, various blood tests, giving medical and medications history to a nurse and meeting with an anesthesiologist. Does anyone have any suggestions for this milestone? I know this is a very tiny step in the big scheme of things. Did any of you feel you wished you’d done or said something at this point that you did not do initially?

The Heart Hospital contacted me to schedule me for my pre-admission tests. This will include a chest x-ray and various blood tests. A nurse will take my medical history and review the medications I am currently taking. I will also meet the anesthesiologist at that time. Do any of you have suggestions for this milestone? I appreciate any and all tips and information.

Did any of you use a support bra after surgery? Did it help? Was it front closure? Do you have any suggestions in this matter?

I thank all who posted on my initial journal entry. All of you are very welcoming and supportive. I appreciate your thoughts and support. I am in cardio rehab and will stay in the class one more week, have the aortic valve replace the then return to cardio rehab as soon as my doctor gives me the green light.
Thanks again to all that posted. May God bless you all for your wonderful support.

My name is Michele Ripley. I am 75 years young with severe aortic stenosis. I have a bicuspid aortic valve which will be replaced through open heart surgery on 8/28/19. The surgeon will do a second procedure to help my AFIB. Like others I have been having my share of anxiety bit am trying not to dwell on my situation too much. I do have an excellent surgeon. I appreciate finding this web site and have read through the wonderful messages left for many patients. I have less than two weeks to surgery.