Paul's Journal

Been a good while since I have posted but today is fitting since one year ago this morning I was in the OR at Brigham and Women's in Boston having my aortic valve replaced due to AS. Can still remember the drive in and the feelings most all of us have when facing this type of situation. Spent 5 nights in the hospital and was home by Thanksgiving. My first exercise was walking down and back on my driveway. Lots of rest but felt better and better as the weeks went by. My surgeon was spot on with recovery saying you'll be 70% in 6 weeks and 100% in 12. Feeling great now, recent echo came back fine. So glad this is behind me. For all of you who have this in front of them realize we have specialists who have performed these surgeries many, many times and hospital staffs that are the best in the world. I am grateful I found this site back in early 2021 as it answered a lot of questions and helped put my mind at ease somewhat. Thank you Adam. Put your trust in God and your surgeon. Happy Thanksgiving and great health to all!

Today is 18 weeks since my aortic valve replacement surgery. Feeling great! Late start on cardiac rehab because they are so backed up in my area but beginning it in early April. Last November when I had my operation seems like a long time ago but time sure goes by quick. Was back at the hospital a couple of days ago for a stress test and felt so relieved compared to last year. Good luck and prayers to all who have any type of surgery in front of them. Just remember these surgeons are pros and do this day in and day out. The waiting is the toughest part!

Good evening all- 6 weeks post-op today. Amazing how fast time has flown by. I was told over the phone by my primary care doc back in February that my aortic stenosis ( bicuspid valve) had gone from moderate to severe status. I said what does that mean? His response was you can either get it repaired or replace. That was the beginning of worrying and thinking about this every day up until surgery day which was November 18th. For everyone dealing with the stress of having this situation overhanging your head just know that once you set a date you will feel so much better. Surgery day will go by very quickly and you will be past this speed bump in life. Do your homework when it comes to what hospital you will go to and most importantly who your surgeon will be. This website has been such a great resource in helping me make some very important decisions over the last several months. I am back driving and walking every day feeling good. Just as a frame of reference my surgeon said I would feel 70% at 6 weeks and back to 100% at 12. So far I would say 70% is on target. While this has been not nearly as bad an experience as I thought it would be, I am ready to close the book on 2021. I wish everyone great health and fast recoveries as we enter the new year!

Outstanding job by Brigham and Womens Hospital. I checked in a week ago tomorrow and this past week has been a blur. Quite a surreal scene being wheeled out of the hospital late yesterday afternoon as that was the culmination of almost 10 months of waiting and worrying. Last night was a bit tough but today has been better. One day at a time. So glad to have found this site. Happy Thanksgiving.