Paul's Journal

W. Carter  Its very positive. The upper body work helps with chest and shoulder pain. You will have a heart monitor on so they will read your vitals under pressure like a stress test.

Flo Em  I had a very positive experience with Cardiac Rehab. I learned a lot and I lost weight too - which was wonderful!

Jeanette Davidson   I did not have cardiac rehab per recommendation from my surgeon and cardiologist. I had he wanted valve replacement and triple bypass. I'm 53 years old. I've been walking, taking one to one Pilates once a week and taking a dance class and it's working out fine for me. do what feels comfortable for you! Best of luck!❤️

Gary Stripling  I'm 56 and not athletic in the least. So cardiac rehab is helping me on 2 fronts: it is providing much-needed exercise and is restoring my self-confidence in my health outlook after such an invasive OHS & pacemaker lead replacement surgery. I highly recommend you at least give it a try!

Kenny Knox  I'm 33 and did not do cardiac rehad. I recovered fine. I used to coach basketball but I wasn't very active right before the surgery. If insurance pays for your cardiac rehad, may be worth trying.

Michael Shaughnessy  I did not attend cardiac rehab. I am a runner and triathlete. When they came to evaluate me for rehab determined I didnt need it. Already ahead of expectations at 1 month. Hired a Yoga instructor from Cleveland clinic instead for 6 weeks. He was great. I was in pretty good shape going into surgery so if you are not ,probably not a bad idea to go to rehab

Liz Burroughs  I think that you should give cardiac rehab a try & see if it will work for you. Today was my 4th day at CR. I'm really enjoying it! They start you out slow & plan an exercise program designed just for you. You're always on a heart monitor & they get your blood pressure before, during, & after exercise. So far I've been gradually increasing my levels & time on the machines. The program also incorporates education that meets your individual needs. Good luck!

Paul Taylor  Thanks for your your input everyone. I did my best to get in good shape before the procedure, but was limited a little by the beta blockers and condition. Now 6+ weeks out I feel amazing just doing what "I'm doing." But, I think I'm going to go and at least get consulting for a few sessions on how and when to push harder on my own and what my limits should be.

Mary K  Paul, I think that you are wise to go. I am just finishing up, and am happy with both my progress physically, and in the newly acquired deep understanding of the process of conditioning my new improved heart.

Peter Woglom  Hey Paul. Was just wondering how things went. Good to hear that you're home and following Stelzer's orders.

Lisa Heinen  Great news Paul! I think count is off as was told I was #585 on sept 30th with Dr Stelzer 😊 welcome to recovery!

Doran Herritt  Wait I thought I was 585. Just kidding. Good to hear you are doing well. I am 8 days postop and would agree being home is easier than I expected.
Take care,
Drn

Lisa Heinen  LOL - I'm just glad to be on the recovery side! I figure with such a huge surgery I should at least have my #/claim to fame:-) Dr. Stelzer truly is an Amazing surgeon and Incredible Man! No matter what # - we are all truly blessed to be in his care.

Doran Herritt  Absolutely! Just trying to get everybody to smile. Congrats to both of you. I wish you both the best. 585 or not!

Terrie Syvertsen  All I can say is......You are all very special! Congratulations no matter what number you are!!! You all sound happy and positive and this is all that is needed to assure you all continue to thrive at recovering from such an important time in your lives. All of you take care and be patient with your progress!

Kenny Knox  You got this Paul plus the doctor/surgeon you chose are some of the best! Take it from another 30 year old- it'll all be over quickly and you'll be back to your occasional beer and whiskey before no time! The hardest part is waiting and you'really almost done with that! Good luck with everything!

John Schutte  I echo what Kenny says. I'm 39 and am feeling pretty darn good just 12 days post op. I bought a FitBit to track activity, and have logged almost 4 miles today. You've got this! Continue to choose courage and you'll be on the road to recovery in no time!

Gerald Schaffer  Best of luck, there's no reason why you won't do great. I'm just a little over 6weeks post op and it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Betsey Osgood  You have a great attitude that will serve you well in recovery!!! I am day 17 post op, walking everyday and surprised at how well I'm doing! Acceptance was the key for me, and then turning it over to the surgeons, and medical teams! They are amazing and hero's in my eyes!!!

Jean Raber  FWIW, I'm sure I'm not the only one who starts the day praying for everybody over there on the Upcoming Surgeries list. Even if you're not a believer, it tells you you're not alone, and this is a good place to get info and support.

Elaine Cutri  It sounds like you're in good shape and have a great surgeon. Stay busy this week and soon you'll be on the other side of surgery- with success!

Eddie Patton  The worst part is before. You can do nothing about your situation now and that really messes with you. As soon as you come around from surgery you will start being able to actually do thing to recover. That helpless feeling before really sucks. Good luck.

David Augustus  You got this Paul! What you are feeling is completely normal and we all went through it. Positive mindset is the only one you'll need!

Liz Burroughs  Hi Paul, I really understand how you feel! I'm two weeks away from my surgery. Sometimes I can't believe that I'm going through with this surgery but I know it's the right thing to do. You definitely have youth on your side! Keep your positive attitude and lean on your family & friends for support. Take care & I'll be praying for you.

Duane Beeman  Paul: I''m one of the poster children for having a rough time during and after surgery. 19 days in ICU and 5 days in step down. I was threatening to roll myself straight up I-75 in my wheel chair when they finally released me. My point is, I'm the exception....not the rule. Stay positive. I got through a worst case scenario, but I got through it....you won't have to do that.

Steven A Husted  i know i was scared to death of ohs until i decided to turn it over to the lord a few days before surgery it gave me a peace about the whole thing my prayers are with you heart brother steve (popeye)

Summer Lane  Paul
My 30 year old fiance had his ohs on March 11 of this year at Shands hospital in Gainesville FL by Dr. Philip Hess under Dr. Martin and he is already working out and jogging/walking regularly. My prayers are with you in these upcoming days. Just breath. We spent 4 weeks in the hospital 3 prior and 1 week after. I remember praying daily and God got us through it. Everything is going to go smooth and you are in great hands. I'll send prayers your way!

Daniel Spurgeon  Hi Paul, I was 35 when I had my OHS to repair an aortic root aneurysm. When I was diagnosed during an unrelated doctor's appointment I was shocked. I felt much better once I booked a date to get it over with, sort of an acceptance phase where I could calmly concede that it was out of my hands. Hopefully you feel better soon knowing that the problem will be fixed.

Kathleen F.  The wait is hard, but once you're at Mount Sinai you can take comfort in the fact that you will be safe and you will receive the best possible fix of your heart with Dr. Stelzer. I had the Ross Procedure with him on Dec. 29, and I just comfortably ran the hilly Boston half marathon this weekend, at the same pace I ran a year before my surgery. But it felt so much easier this time! It will be worth it. Best of luck to you and I look forward to reading about your recovery!

Kathleen F.  Interesting - I was diagnosed on 7/31/14, exactly a year before you. You might consider keeping a journal of this intense time. Looking back now, I vividly remember all of it. It really is a lot easier on this side of surgery. Thinking of you this weekend, and all my best to you (and Dr. Stelzer)!

Mindy Currence  Paul,
Wishing you the very best Paul! I have trouble sleeping as well, but I cannot imagine how you are feeling just 2 days away. Enjoy your family and know we are all with you! You can do this!

Mindy

Kelly Weisgarber  Good Luck Paul. I have my surgery scheduled at the CC November 16th. I'll be anticipating your surgery and recovery story. I'm sending prayers to you, your surgery date is my birthday.

Paul Taylor  To all who commented while I was away, it almost brings a tear to my eye to read these responses. Thank you so much for your support and thoughts. I'm happy to report that things are going very well to this point! Knock on wood!

Enrique K  Paul, good luck in your upcoming surgery mine is Oct 9. Look forward to feeing well once and for all.

Peter Woglom  Hi Paul. Stelzer #532 here. You're in great hands with Dr. Stelzer, although it looks like you're already well aware of that!

Christine Oliva  Best wishes on your surgery may it be a lot less scary than it seems now. Blessings to you during and after surgery and quick recovery too!

Adam Pick  Paul, Great job finding Dr. Stelzer. A great surgeon who is a Ross Procedure guru. If you need anything, let me know. I also had a Ross Procedure - almost 10 years ago! Adam https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Paul-Stelzer-New+York-New%20York.php

Paul Taylor  Thanks Adam! It seems like I may become another number on the growing Stelzer "Ross List." In fact, based on what I've been reading, I may be a perfect candidate as I'm sure you were when you had your procedure. I look forward to meeting him.

Kathleen F.  Hi! I was Dr. Stelzer's #567 Ross procedure, last December. I recall asking his assistant Kathy the question about his availability to operate when I was just scheduling my initial consultation, and he would have been able to schedule it within the month, I was told. I recall waiting 3 weeks for the consultation. I believe if my numbers had been more serious he likely would have juggled some less urgent surgeries to get it done - he's a wonderful man. In 2014 he seemed to average 2 - 3 Ross procedures a month, but did regular valve replacements daily (multiple surgeries a day sometimes). I waited a month or so after the consultation to schedule it, and then it was just a two-week wait. He was pretty booked in January already but December was lighter, so I took the plunge over the holidays. I liked the fact that the hospital was not too busy when I was there, and I was able to get my own room as a result. Waiting is not easy, and I was advised in general that it's good to have this done as soon as the doctors approve surgery. There seemed to be no benefit to waiting for the Ross procedure, at least. Best of luck to you!

Paul Taylor  OK, that's great information. My aortic regurgitation has progressively become symptomatic and it is literally hurting my heart by causing heart failure. My cardiologist wants to get this done sooner than later and I have a feeling Dr. Stelzer will agree. I expected a wait of 2-6 weeks, so we'll see what happens when I see him Tuesday.

Just trying to get my "ducks in a row" as far as work, scheduling, other arrangements surrounding the surgery.

Thanks for your help!

Paul Taylor  Dr. Stelzer is the man. Surgery on 10/19, most likely Ross. I will be Ross 580-something I believe.

Kathleen F.  He is the man. Choosing him as my surgeon was the best decision I've ever made. Congratulations on your decision!

Lisa Heinen  I am Ross #585 with Dr. Stelzer - He truly is an amazing surgeon and human! I am 17 days post-op and doing incredibly well! You are in the best possible hands and will soon be on the recovery side as well.