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Patrick's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: January 17, 2015

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Patrick Schweitzer posted an update
11 years ago (February 22, 2015)
Surgery went well on Wednesday. It was only 4 hours but they kept me under anesthesia until the evening where I woke up with the breathing tube still in. I bit disconcerting but in all it was a non-event and went quick to remove it. My upper palate and throat... Read more.
Terrie Syvertsen
Patrick and your lovely wife! So only 4 days! Glad you are in your "own chair" but happiest to read you say is "Now I just need to listen to your body" as this is the most important thing you can do as you progress with your recovery. Don't feel... Read more.
Cheryl Batzing
Glad to hear you are recovering well at home Patrick. Will pray for your continued healing!
Bob M
Great recovery! Home is where your fixed heart is. God bless and rise up!
Virginia (Ginger) French
Wonderful news! Agree with Terrie who, as usual, hits the important points. Take your time, relax, and heal. Remember to give yourself a break!
Patrick Schweitzer posted an update
11 years ago (February 16, 2015)
Had my pre-op work last Friday and got my arm band. My young engineers at the office were curious about the band. I just said that I can buy the beer 😀. We are due for about 8 inches of snow tonight, so one last chore before I go into... Read more.
Eleanor R
My daughter says my red wrist band made me look like an escapee from a hospital. I was afraid it would come off, or get really messy so I ended up covering mine up with a tennis sweat band. I had freaked myself out about germs going into surgery with... Read more.
Wiliam Height
Not sure how close you are to hospital, but I found it relaxing to stay near the hospital the night before--just me and my wife. We had an unbelievable dinner and time the night prior talking and only had to take a short cab ride to hospital.
Patrick Schweitzer
Funny about closeness of the hospital. I will have my normal commute Wednesday morning as I have to be at the hospital at 7AM. I work for exxonmobil which is directly across the street from Inova Fairfax. The other coincidence is that Just last week Inova announced that they were... Read more.
Wiliam Height
Great attitude--there is no reason to be nervous, we had the threat of snow storms the night prior to surgery in NY and being close made it helpful / more relaxing. I felt the same way--once you know it has to be done, move on. just make sure you have... Read more.
Bob M
Almost there. Wednesday will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!
Patrick Schweitzer posted an update
11 years ago (February 1, 2015)
My surgery is Feb 18th unless an earlier opening comes up. My pre-op is Friday the 13th. Hope that is not an omen. Looking to get this done.
👍 Kathy Lesnau reacted to this
Kimberly Biddick
Patrick, I read your story and it sounds like you are very blessed to have had this happen in the US! How large is your aorta dilated? I am sure you are very much looking forward to getting this done and behind you. You will find an incredible amount of... Read more.
Anonymous, heart valve patient
Anonymous
Patrick, welcome to the community. I'm also glad to hear that you are back in the US so you can have your surgery here. Best wishes to you. You'll not be alone in your journey with the people here. You'll get plenty of support and more prayers than you might... Read more.
Patrick Schweitzer
I think my aorta is 5cm and normal for me is 3.9cm or that is what cardiologist and surgeon told me. That rupturing was actually scarier than the valve issue. I've always been active cycling and in my younger days speed skating so working out at aneoribic threshold was normal... Read more.

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