Jennifer Holly  I had a fever for over 30 days. Mine was related to post-pericardiotomy syndrome that was finally diagnosed last week! I also had pleural effusion that needed to be drained. Tests needed to make the diagnosis were a CT, Echo, several chest x-rays and several blood tests. Also an analysis of the pleural effusion fluid. I have read that some early fevers can be reduced through use of the incentive spirometer. Either way monitor and report any symptoms to your cardiologist or surgeon. I hope you feel better soon.

Mike Wynn  My surgery was on 4/16/2025 at Franciscan Health Heart Valve Center in Indianapolis.  This picture was taken on 4/21/2025 as I was preparing for discharge.  Dr. Marc Gerdisch conducted the surgery to replace what was thought to be a bicuspid aortic valve with stenosis.  What a surprise to find out it was a unicuspid valve (just one flap).  Amazing that I had not had previous issues being so active all my life.  During surgery, my dialated ascending aorta was assessed and replaced.  Due to previously diagnosed paroxysmal A-fib, Dr. Gerdisch preformed a Cox Maze ablation - including a left atrial appendage clamp.  Also, due to heart rhythm issues, I had wires inserted that were used with an exterior pacer to keep track of my heart rhythm.  I will now wear a monitor that speaks to a smart phone for a month to see if my heart will get into sinus rhythm on its own of if I need a pacemaker.  I had done a significant amount of research on valve types and after a final consultation with Dr. Gerdisch, I decided upon the On-X mechanical valve.  I began on warfarin in the hospital and I will be visiting my local coag clinic today for my first INR check.  BTW, so far neither I or my wife hear the valve.  Hopefully, next week I will start some cardio rehab.  I have already taken my first few walks.  While there is some pain and loss of stamina, I have been able to get by thus far with only Tylenol and some nice warm showers.  I can't say enough about Dr. Gerdisch and the Franciscan team.  I am so thankful that God lead me to this surgeon, team, and facility.  I also owe a huge thank you to my wi8fe of  my wife of almost 44 years and my daughter (a NICU nurse) who accompanied me to Indianapolis from FL.  And last, thanks to Adam for this site and for establishing such a great community of heart warriors.  Blessings, and keep on ticking.  Mike

Corey Potter  Awesome report and great information. I have been going to Cleveland Clinic for past five years and went to Franciscan for another opinion.  Its only an hour from home where Cleveland is six hours.  I'm teetering between the two.  Both  have indicated that I will need a new valve.  I am 59 and interested in the On-x but thought I might be too old.  Interesting to hear your story.  I will be meeting with Dr. Gerdisch soon and looking forward to his feedback.  Best wishes on your recovery. 

Tammy Gonzalez  Hi Mike! Dr. Gerdisch did my surgery on April 2nd. I'm from FL as well! We have some things in common. A speedy recovery to you!

Adam Pick  Mike, You locked into one of the best out there. Great job finding Dr. Gerdisch.  Regarding the recovery, did Dr. Gerdisch talk to you about his Rapid Recovery Protocol? If not, this video should give you even more comfort about Dr. Gerdisch's accelerated recovery protocols for both sternotomy and minimally-invasive patients. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxDtIONg9Hc

Sue Maize  You are so well prepared and ready Mike!! We look forward to you joining us in recovery! 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

Michael Smith  Best of luck Mike!  We seem to be on a similar course, (my valve issue is the mitral valve).  I contacted Dr. Gerdisch several days ago to get a second opinion and it’s nice to know you have had a good experience with him.  You have great support to help you on your journey 🙏.

Richard Munson  I thought it depended on how fast you recovered. So many variables, in each case. So hard to predict. 

Grace Mason   It is definitely a call you want your surgeon to make. I think 10 days after major surgery is the recommended minimum.

Tammy Gonzalez  Having surgery on Wednesday the 2nd and we are scheduled to fly home on Saturday the 12th barring any complications. I am a little nervous, but driving back home from IN to FL is not an option. I hate being on the highway. I'd be a nervous wreck. 

Grace Mason   I recommend requesting wheelchair assistance on your way home even if you feel well enough to walk through the airport. It is helpful to both conserve your stamina and also get you(and family assisting you)through security lines quickly if there are long lines.
I also suggest wearing compression socks and getting up and moving during the trip, every hour or so, if possible.

Valerie Allen  To add to what Grace said, also carrying your heart pillow from the hospital in your lap to press it to your chest if you have to cough, sneeze or you get jolted or pushed. It is also a sign to others to be careful around you. I dreaded the flight (2 of them) back but with these suggestions it was not too bad.

Valerie Allen  Hmm never heard that one before though have no experience with it yet.  Personally I would be concerned if my cardiologist gave very little consideration to the opinion of a well-known center’s surgeon.

DeWayne Adamson  It took quite a bit to get my cardiologist on board.  They want their group surgeon's to get the work.  When I asked if there was anyone local as good as Eric Roselli he acquiesced and gave me his blessing. 

George Gardopee  I have not encountered that issue. In fact, my local cardiologist highly recommended the out-of-state surgeon I ultimately selected. The issue your cardiologist mentioned may be related to the aggregation of local surgeons and cardiologists into larger “practices” that like to keep all the business in-house, so to speak. If nothing else, most of us would recommend getting a second opinion from a high-volume center that specializes in the surgery you require. 

DeWayne Adamson  The other thing they say is that the out of towners are shipped back home so they are not included in the stats. That's just not true. Cleveland Clinic stats include all patients.

Deena Z  Interesting, Mike.
I did have a cardiologist tell me something similar. —Pretty old school and deplorable.
Essentially, he said if I I got my OHS at a different hospital and then had problems and had to go to their ER, I would not get as fast treatment, etc. Something about not wanting bad outcomes/stats, due to some other hospital's treatment. There are so many holes in this statement I will not even start.
Regardless, You need to go to the best surgeon. The surgeon is your number one priority. Furthermore, that same cardiologist that told me about this "issue" now includes my out-of-state surgeon on his referral list. So he changed his mind .

Jennifer Fuller  Deena, that’s bonkers! I stayed in town because my case is not especially complicated and I thought I’d be more comfortable at home. But if I wanted to go elsewhere for surgery I would still expect a high-level of care from my regular docs! What about people who have surgery, then need to move to a different city?

Deena Z  Jennifer, good point!
I think this relates to the 3 months post-surgery, whereby surgeons and their respective hospitals follow their patients and report their patient  outcomes (e.g, ER admissions, infections, mortality, strokes etc).  This information is used for ranking hospitals and surgeons, for accreditation, etc. As DeWayne said above, when reporting is done correctly,  the post-surgical outcomes are linked to where the surgery took place, so should not be to the detriments of any  other doctor and   hospital. 
You will get a survey to complete after 3 months.  - 3rd party. 

Rose Madura  Mike, all good advice above. My two cents is that YOU are the one who makes the decisions regarding your heart surgeon.  Go with the best. Godspeed.

Grace Mason   My cardiologist was on board and even encouraged me to consider highly ranked surgical centers. I think that is so wrong of doctors to discourage patients from getting other opinions and considering other facilities. I agree with many who have already posted. Don't let local groups discourage you from seeking the best care for you.❤️
I went out of town for my surgery and have been admitted locally for a pleural effusion post surgery. I felt well cared for locally in both the ER and the hospital. I would hope the doctors treat you based on your symptoms and needs and nothing more.

Pamela Gregory  If your local cardiologist isn't supportive of whatever decision you make, find a new one no matter what

Darren Ketchley  If you have any doubts or a gut feeling there not on the ball get another opinion. I have found some cardiologists quite dis interested. This is youre life and youre health and its priceless. I was lost in the medical system and not followed up. I believe my OHS was too late and ended up with life changing complications leaving me bitter and angry. Hope you get the attention you need.