Patricia's Journal

I am almost 6 months post aortic root and ascending aorta repair. Was doing well until I found out a couple mos ago my post op moderate pericardial effusion is slightly bigger. Has anyone experienced a lingering pericardial effusion (fluid in the sac around the heart)? Were you treated w/ Colchicine? It's not unusual to have a pericardial or pleural effusion after surgery, but my surgeon said it is usually absorbed within a few months. I was on colchicine for pericarditis after my first surgery. Did great on it. Currently experiencing atrial flutter but sorting that out in next couple wks. then likely a pacemaker in near future. Small hurdles in the big picture. :)

I am a little over 4 wks post aortic valve sparing aortic root and partial ascending aorta replacement. (David procedure) Performed at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Roselli via sternotomy. Left appendage clip done as well. I am very fortunate my aortic valve was spared. I am s/p Robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022 which was done locally. I ended up getting a total of 4 opinions for this surgery. Getting extra opinions is definitely overwhelming, but will provide much needed clarity on what is the best route. I needed to be in a high volume aorta center and a center that performs more second open heart surgeries. We live about 10 hrs from Cleveland. It is definitely more challenging to do a surgery far from your hometown, but it is doable and feels good once all the moving parts are figured out.
My family stayed at the Residence Inn which was .5 mile away. Easy walk. I even walked to hospital on my surgery day. (I was afternoon case). CC has a shuttle that can take you to nearby hotels, so leaving the car at the hospital some of the time was a cheaper option than hotel parking. I had excellent care at CC. Only in ICU around 16-18 hrs. Had some arrythmia issues on back end of admission so ended up inpatient 11 days. Traveled home by plane that night. Very little pain. Airport wheelchair on departure and arrival ends were vital.
This surgery is definitely tougher in some ways. More restrictions till the 6 wk timeline when sternum is considered fused. Although my robotic surgery was longer from start to finish. I returned to work 3 1/2 wks s/p robotic surgery in 2022, but it was definitely too early. We all recover at different paces so my advice is listen to your body. It will be ok. It takes energy even if you primarily work at a desk. This week has been so much better for me. Making slow progress w/ walking, but progress always feels good.
Compression socks helped w/ post op swelling and circulation. Used medium which seemed to be best. High grade socks would have been too hard to get on and off first several days. Oversized button up shirt is easier to get on and off for first couple wks following discharge. I also had the pain in the back that others have spoken about. Felt like a golf ball size knot by my shoulder blade. Heat and massaging it seemed to help. Nearly resolved at 4 wks. I am fortunate and have not needed to sleep in a recliner. I figured out at about day 5 or 6 post surgery that I could lay down w/ a couple pillows pretty comfortably.
The first few days are a little rough bc of tubes and needing more help getting out of bed/walking. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. Having tubes pulled and temporary pacemaker pulled weren't bad either. The provider talks you through it. I do remember being extubated in the ICU but it was not traumatic. I was told to breathe out as they pulled it out. Went fast. My first surgery I was extubated before leaving the OR. Nausea, vomiting, and a parched mouth/throat were my biggest problem in the ICU this time. N and V resolved in a few hrs or so.
I am so relieved to have this surgery behind me. Waiting is the hardest part.
I did not know about this community and website till several months after my first surgery. Can not echo enough how valuable it has been to me. I am humbled by others (especially those that are much younger) and have found strength in journeys others have been on. The webinar educational opportunities on this site prepare and empower us and help ease the fear that sometimes creeps in. I hope some of my experiences can help someone else.
Be well.

I am a couple wks away from my aortic root aneurysm repair. Hopefully aortic valve sparing. Met Dr. Roselli and cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic 12/29/24. Left with reassurance and clarity that I made the right decision to go there. This is my second OHS in less than two years. Robotic mitral valve repair first time. Sternotomy this time. I will be happy to share the differences for those who might be contemplating the two options. (if there is a choice)
We live 11 hrs from Cleveland. Booking flight home, but uncertain how many days post op to book it for. I know a lot depends on how things go. I was told 5-7 days inpatient. I have arrythmia issues already and know a pacemaker is a possibility. So I'm expecting 7 days inpatient. For those who had to travel home by air, how many days post op did you book it for? How uncomfortable was the flight? Any suggestions? I know I have to stay in the area 3-4 days for a final check up before traveling.

I am looking at a second OHS due to increased aortic root aneurysm. I am post robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022. It is daunting to say the least, but certainly feel far more prepared and educated going into this one. After getting 3 outside opinions, I am going to Cleveland Clinic. Was very fortunate to be offered a slot mid January 2024 with Dr. Eric Roselli. David procedure (aortic valve sparing) vs Bentall (includes tissue aortic valve) procedure.
I have pre op tests, echo, ekg and consult w/ Dr. Roselli the end of the month. Working on logistics around surgery and being far from home. I have been noting all the suggestions and experiences others have shared on this board.
We are probably going to book a suite at the nearby Residence Inn.
I know I will learn more at the consult appointment, but generally how many days should I expect to be inpatient? (Barring no "bumps" in the road).
How many days will I need to stay in town before being discharged to home? I have a friend in Cleveland area, so will recover there some of the time.
Those who travel post surgery, when did you see your local cardiologist for follow up?
Is there a later follow up appointment at CC?

I am reaching out for recommendations for an aorta surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I had a robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022 in GA and may be looking at an aortic root repair in 2024. CT showed slight increase to 5.1cm. Aortic valve is stable at mild to moderate regurgitation. I have not seen an aorta surgeon locally yet, but probably will this fall. Getting through arrythmia issues currently and happy to say I responded to Sotalol the day before a scheduled cardioversion for atrial flutter. I did not do a second opinion w/ my first OHS, but will do so this time because of many who have recommended it on this site. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can share with me.

Has anyone switched from Metoprolol to Coreg (Carvedilol)? Any side effects from it?
Also, my aortic root has been stable at 4.8 cm since I was diagnosed last year. Had robotic assisted Mitral valve repair. Currently w/ mild- moderate aortic valve regurgitation. For those who have had the aortic root repaired, at what point did you consult a surgeon? Hopefully mine will stay stable, but I plan to get a second opinion elsewhere at some point.