Nicholas 's Journal

Jeffrey Dyer  My capabilities when I got home were walking...trying for a few laps around my circular driveway three times a day...increasing a little every day. If I felt like I needed a break, I wouldn't walk...but I wouldn't do that more than once a week. I used my spirometer as I was told to. I rested. I took rides in the car with my wife whenever I could. I am 3 months out from my surgery and I've hit tennis balls from a ball machine twice. I've ridden my bike. I walk almost every day. I've also jogged a bit.

Just be gracious with yourself. You'll probably wish you could do more than you can or feel like doing. Guys (especially) can get depressed because of the limitations. Be as active as you can, but don't over do it. Slowly work back into activity. And go to rehab!

Hope that helps.

Marie Myers  That is a good explanation from Jeff. I felt very tired the first week, so lots of naps were taken. I needed a chair to sit during showers for the first 2 weeks. Part of that is due to the low blood count that occurs after surgery.
I walked in small spurts, and I increased the distance every day or so. It would be good to have someone available for at least a week or two. Emotionally, I was labile for a few weeks. Could cry at the drop of a hat!. But that got better, as everything did, bit by bit. I was well enough to go back to work part time in 8 weeks. Fast forward to 2 years, and I feel everything is back to normal. Wishing you a smooth ride through surgery and recovery!

Brian Tinsley  I am due for an aortic root replacement, aortic valve and replacing my old Dacron tubing from prior Type A Aortic dissection, after almost 17 years, my aortic valve is leaking too much and my left ventricle is getting too large. Having trouble sleeping now not being able to catch my breath so got a chair last night again from my folks how. This chair help me through my original AD at 40, my prostate cancer recovery surgery and my left hip replacement and now back again for my surgery due on 12/19. My surgeon is Dr. Gabriela Aldea at the U of W. I remember my last surgery, it was an emergency open heart, unfortunately, I will have to have a full stern opening again for this one. I wish I could do TVAR but my aortic valve it too big they say. Keep in touch, brian@aorticdissection.com

Andrea Webb  I had a 4.5cm ascending aortic root aneurysm first diagnosed about 3 years ago. Along with my new aortic valve and double CABG, they were able to replace my aortic root last month, so no more aneurysm.

Justin Gosling  I initially had a valve sparing aortic root replacement 18 months ago. At that point my aortic valve looked good so wasn’t replaced. 18 months later I was told I had a heavily regurgitating aortic valve..so they had to go back in and replace it, that was 10 weeks ago. Wish they had done it all on the first attempt.

Helen Daw  I'm going to Mount Sinai on the 21st for a follow up with Dr Adams. I'll see if I can find any info for you.

Joey Hardee  Wow! This is incredible. I sent all of my scans to Dr Stewart and was working with insurance to cover him doing my AV Repair and Root replacement. My last cardiologist left his practice so I am now on a new cardiologist locally and I guess back to square one looking for a surgeon. Crazy!
Dr Roselli at Cleveland Clinic was my second choice.

Helen Daw  Hi Nickolas, I didn't see Dr Adams, but I did ask the attending fellow and he did not know. I also asked the nurse practitioner and she didn't know either. Not sure if they are not saying anything or they really dont know. Sorry about that.

Marie Myers  I would absolutely schedule a consultation with the other doc. A higher number of surgeries and better outcomes sound like a great combo to me. You have to do what is best for you, so definitely get the consultation .

Michael Neverisky  It is most important for you to choose the surgeon with whom you feel the most comfortable and in whom you have the most confidence. I can't imagine any reason to not consult with the other surgeon! Keep an open mind, get the answers you need and then make the choice.

Best wishes!

Steve Farthing  Absolutely. I consulted 3 surgeons who were all
well qualified, but the 3rd one was clearly a better choice for my situation so glad I allowed the time for the additional consultations.

Lise Bowles  Yes, this is your life and your heart! I also consulted 3 different surgeons, ask questions, do research, you will know who you feel most comfortable with after speaking with him. Think about how much effort most of us put into buying a car, etc. This is alot more important in my opinion. Good luck, Lise

Nicholas Belle   Thank you all...Very helpful...Will schedule appt tomorrow...Will keep everyone posted...Does anyone know of Dr. Paul Stelzer at Mt Sinai?...

Helen Daw  I had my surgery at Mount Sinai 3 weeks ago and my surgeon was Dr Adams. Highly recommended. Look him up.

Steve Farthing  If you search on Paul Stelzer at the top of this page using the almost invisible search field, there are numerous references to him on this site.

Darlene Smith  I know folks who used both Dr. Stewart and Dr. Stelzer and both seemed to love their choice. I used Dr. Adams at Mt. Sinai but I had mitral issues and he is their mitral expert. I'd consult with both and see who you feel most comfortable with.

Cynthia Pagiatakis  Research the hospital and its reviews, too. For me, it was important to have a private room, and that was one of the several reasons I went out of state to Brigham and Womens'.

Nicholas Belle   Hi Debbie...Very anxious about the multiple procedures and the length of the surgery...Did your valve need replacement or repair?...