Peter's Journal

  Great story. You have gone through a lot but come out the other side with flying colors. Great wife and daughters, congratulations! Keep up the good work. God bless you and your family and stay safe.

Marie Myers  Happy Anniversary! It is really all a miracle what surgeries can be done, and how our bodies can heal. Wishing you many happy, healthy years ahead.

Susan Lynn  Happy Anniversary, Peter! Happy to read you're doing well! Wishing you many more decades of celebrations! ❤🥂🍾

Adam Pick  #ROCKSTAR - Peter, so great to hear that your aortic valve repair and aneurysm fix is rock solid one year out. Woo-Whoo!!! Yes, where would we be without our family, friends and spouses. Nothing better than seeing the words "unconditional love" in a post. There really is nothing better. Congrats on all the great things happening! By the way, you brought up a great point about aortic valve repairs. Many patients are not aware that aortic valve repair are possible at times for aortic regurgitation. That said, I wanted to post this video to help others learn from your experience. Thanks for sharing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CohwJ9nyqoI

Peter Eglinton  Thanks, all, for the kind words. I also appreciate the link. This forum was one of the most valuable resources for me, and the discussions about valve options helped me prepare mentally for what I'd do if my valve couldn't be repaired. Patients report quite a range of outcomes and complications of their surgeries. It's wonderful that folks have a place to express concerns, learn, and get support.

Mike Roskowinski  Great news Peter. I agree with Kathy. Sleep is still hard for me but melatonin and metropol have made it so much better. Take both before bed and your sleep should improve

Rob Sparling  Peter, it took me several (5?) months before my FitBit stopped squawking at me about inconsistent sleep patterns. You’ll get there!

Frank DeGrazia  Sounds like great progress Peter! And thank you so much for recommending this site . It's been enlightening

Susan Lynn  Peter - Thanks for the update! Sounds like you're doing well. Keep up the great work and keep us posted on your progress. Your milestones continue to inspire the heart warriors in the waiting room and those who are recovering!

  Glad to hear you're making great progress Peter!
Keep it up my fellow heart warrior.
Peace and blessings to you!

Naomi Gray  So nice to hear that you are doing better day by day. It's encouraging to hear that you are walking better and farther.

Mike Roskowinski  Good to hear Peter. Seems like things are moving along quite well. It’s great to be in recovery and my continual prayers for you to get better.

Tom McDonald  Great news to hear Peter.
Keep on Trucking! I'll be there soon, I hope.continued success in your recovery. Take care.

Catie B  So sorry for the new high-platelet issue, Peter, and the urgent need to see a specialist! I pray this issue resolves very quickly for you.

Joy Vera  It's good they discovered but it sure had to be unnerving to hear "the highest she had ever seen". The hematologist visit does sound reassuring. I hope things normalize soon.

Andrea Smith  I had my surgery two years ago. I had a high temperature the whole time I was in hospital (two weeks) and nothing showed up. It was obvious I was fighting an infection but they didn’t seem to be able to find where it was. When I got home I developed a cough and lost my voice. A visit to A&E revealed a chest infection which was successfully treated with antibiotics. Hopefully when they establish the cause of the infection the fever will abate. Best wishes for a continued speedy recovery.

Steve Kaminski  Hi Peter, I too had those daily low grade temperature spikes every afternoon and evening the whole week I was in the hospital and over a week after I got home. To treat it in the hospital they gave me high doses of Tylenol, which, in conjunction with the other effects of anesthesia and post-surgery drugs seemed to have caused my liver function to deteriorate and caused great concern for a while, to the point the surgical team was reluctant to let me go home. After cutting out several of the meds including Tylenol the liver turned around. The cause of the fever was elusive -- cultures came back normal but it persisted. I did have a lot of bleeding during surgery, needed several units of blood and the bleeding continued in my chest for a few days and it's remnants showed up as a shadow on chest xrays. When I went home my cardiologist was concerned, worried that what was showing on the xray was a pocket of some kind of weird infection so ordered an immediate chest CT scan with a warning he thought I'd need to be admitted. The reader of the scan determined the shadow was just the lingering hematoma, not a pocket of infection. So my doc sent me to an infectious disease specialist. The final theory was that the fevers were just one of the body's reactions and effort to get rid of the lingering blood mass. Eventually the fevers started to be less intense and frequent but while I had them they were unnerving and uncomfortable with bad chills, and inability to do much when they flared up almost like clockwork each day. Hoping that like mine you'll find them finally waning and eventually just one of the memories of the weird journey.
Steve K.

Ron Weaver  Yikes. Sorry you have a fever. I hope it goes away soon. You’ve been through a lot. Thanks for keeping us up to date so we can learn what the whole process is like. Sending healing thoughts your way.

Gil Solomon  Yes, absolutely for two months and gradually resolved. As a physician, I wanted to research this and did a literature search. Stress, such as ICU care and even traveling in space, can reactivate Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes mononucleosis). They have seen virus RNA in the blood in those situations. I had similar symptoms to when I had mononucleosis in my 20s-fatigue and fevers to 100 or 100.5, gradually decreasing over the weeks. My guess is that this occurs more commonly then is realized as you can see from the comments above with fevers and no sources after investigation. My team did some fungal cultures and followed the CBCs, but that was the extent of it. My guess is that this will gradually resolve over several weeks as you can see from the experiences of the comments above.

John Lant  After my AVR surgery I had night sweats for about one month afterwards. I did not have any fever during the day but at night I did feel warm and was sweating profusely & had to change my undershirt nightly untill it all passed about 3 to 4 weeks later.

Diane Esposito  Hey, Peter. I’ve been running a low grade fever on and off since the hospital, rarely over 99. Today it was 100.4 with no symptoms; my doctor is aware, visiting RN comes twice a week; no idea why the fever but I hope it goes away. I hope yours does too.

Alan Jamieson  We're getting through this Peter. One day at a time. I, too, echo having good moments and not so good ones. Chin up, and I'll keep mine up too.

Mabel Juric  So beautifully said!! Good and bad days, then mostly good ones and finally you can say, "Wow, the worst is over!!" Stay strong and each day gets better , I Promise

Kevin Bradley  Peter, everything you are experiencing is normal. I’m almost to week 5 and I still have pain, limited mobility, and times of sadness. It’s hard at times for your body to move slow when your mind is moving fast. I get burst of built up energy that is hard to release when you can’t do much. I know things will get better so I keep my head up and move forward. You will feel the same so know it’s normal and keep going. The worst is over and you just moved mountains. We are here for you brother if you need to talk.❤️💪🏻

Diane Esposito  What a beautiful post, Peter. I’m up and down too and it helps to hear people say that it’s normal; I keep trying to remember that I went through serious trauma and to be gentle with myself and accepting of however long the healing process takes. Easier said than done some days; we’re all so anxious to feel well again.

Adam Pick  Peter... Whoa! Double Whoa! Triple Whoa! That was beautiful. Are you a writer? Fyi, you just brought me back, way back, to my early recovery over 13 years ago. Your words moved me - back in time - to a place of uncertainty and doubt. I remember. I remember the highs and lows. I remember my complaining to Robyn, "When is it going to get better?" And, I remember Robyn saying to me, "You will get better. You just need to hurry up and wait." That said, embrace your impermanence. I love that!!! Especially knowing you are healing right now. As I write this, you are getting better. Right now, your heart is pumping better than it has in years. More better pumping means more blood flow to circulate and accelerate the healing. Whether you know it or not, you are in amplified healing feedback loop that is picking up momentum. I know that doesn't make the lows any easier. But, in time, you will look back on this and think to yourself, "I did that!" and "If I can get through that, I can take on anything!". This is a big deal Peter. You are a bigger deal!!! You got this!!!

Tracy Fallu  Wow, goosebumps! So spot on and with class you shared. I can tell you have a great mindset which is part of the battle in recovery.

gail himmelsbach  well written. To be sure, there is a level of suffering, and then we get better- but we all know that phase, and remember it.

Lea Parker  Peter, your words perfectly capture the spirit of recovery. The emotional journey of getting past the surgery itself and then the ups and downs of recovery. Find the gratitude whenever you can as that is the greatest source of strength and know that healing is not linear. When I look at that crooked little white line down my sternum, I flood with emotions and it reminds me the journey was not a straight line. Find support through groups like this- people who know what it is like to clutch the heart pillow and pray for no sneezes today. For all those who wonder, “when will I be normal again?” — well, you will heal but you are forever changed because now you are a heart warrior with the scars to prove it! Be patient. Be grateful and most of all, take a few minutes each day to look back at your progress. You look awesome and you have all the right words to share with the next person facing what you have been through....blessings...Lea

mara katz  Thanks for sharing! It’s very relatable for sure. Today is my 3 week anniversary. I definitely feel stronger but definitely not like before surgery. I keep reminding myself to be kind and loving in my self talk given the situation. Instead of impatient and frustrated. Healing is a journey and it is a connection between mind and body the “whole person.” It seems like I’ll get a burst of energy then I push it and end up very exhausted. I assume this is normal at 3 weeks? Sometimes I can’t even wrap my head around the fact that I even had heart surgery. All in all I am grateful that it is over and that my healing process continues. Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth which is why I scheduled my surgery at this time:-))🌻

Marilyn Gilbert  I agree with you Mara. I’m at my 3 week mark and feel the same! Let’s stay positive and continue healing and being grateful! 🙏

Rob Sparling  Peter, what a special gift your update provides! For me, days after surgery, 500 steps was all I was worried about moving to 501 and then 502. Keep looking forward, walking forward, pressing forward. KOKOPOR. But as my cardiologist teaches “never plant the flag of victory”. We aren’t ever done.... ❤️💪

Peter Eglinton  Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. This site has been an important support for me. Best wishes to all.

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Peter great to hear from you!! I figured you should be posting soon. Glad to see that everything went well and you are on the recovery side. You should be able to rock this out from here on out! Keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Peter Eglinton  Knowing that friends and family are with me in spirit really helps a lot. As is said frequently: you got this! It'll happen fast when everything starts.

Tim Saint   Great result Peter, once you get up and start walking you will be on the road to a full recovery. All the best.

Reghu Madathil  Great to hear from you Peter. My Husband is going to have similar surgery I am the wife who opened a account on his name(Reghu). I was very nervous. This gives me a lot of relief. Take care.

Joey Hardee  Awesome, Peter!! Time to get rolling on that recovery thing. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Susan Lynn  Peter - You're going to do just great. It sounds like you're mentally prepared to put this in the rear view mirror. We did it, you can, too! All good things are coming your way! We are all cheering for you and looking forward to your post-op good news!

Kevin Bradley  Good luck, Peter. I know the nerves do creep up but know once you are on the recovery side, it wasn’t worth all the worrying. The first 2 days are a little rough, but are manageable and go by fast. We are all here rooting and praying for you. See you on the recovery side.

Mike Roskowinski  You got this Peter. 1 week and I will be joining you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let’s go tackle this and get in the recovery side. Everything will be better soon

Susan Lynn  Congratulations, Peter! Completion of pre-op day is a major milestone and you did it! Sorry you had to endure the needle sticks, but you got through it as you will with everything else that's ahead. Surgery will be behind you before you know it and we'll be here to welcome you to recovery. You've got this! ❤

Marie Myers  Yes, the preop testing was far more exhausting than I expected it to be...Wishing you a smooth trip through surgery and recovery!

Marie Myers  I had the same "Trifecta" surgery as you 2 years ago. Got a new bovine valve, aortic root and ascending aorta. While it was not a walk in the park, it was way easier than I thought it would be. You are doing great by remaining calm. I was very anxious prior to surgery, and lost a lot of sleep over it. Wish I could have been more calm in the weeks before surgery. Best wishes that you will sail through it all!

Alan Jamieson  You're going to rock it Peter! I'll be following along two days later with my AVR, so I know the anxiety and nervousness well. We'll get through it!

Civita Fahey  I actually didn't have much pain.. except if I sneezed or coughed. the hospital will give you the proper medication to keep you comfortable.

Mary Letschert  I did not have much pain at all except for the incision and chest tube incisions. I think that was the worst. I had a complete anoretic replacement weakness is a very big thing, but just remember to be kind to yourself and most of all be patient . I'm guessing you are having open heart? with 6-7 in incision ? I also had bicuspid replacement. For me the biggest , hardest part was mood swings while you recoup . One day high, next day...Linda Blair in the room. Everything they tell you about depression and mood swings are very true . Good luck..If you have any questions, happy to help. I had no one

Marie Myers  I had an AVR, aortic root, and ascending aneurysm resection with a full sternotomy, and I also did not have a lot of pain. I was exhausted, and spent a lot of time napping after walking. I needed a chair in the shower cuz it was difficult for me to stand the first week or two. Totally in agreement about the mood swings. I could cry at the drop of a hat...

Willie Radl  Keep your pillow close, and keep a glass of water nearby. Avoid coughing at all costs! Don't worry, if you forget you will learn quick :) I also thought a recliner was very helpful for sleeping, I didn't want to be twisting and rolling trying to get in an out of bed.

Rita Savelis  The first days out of surgery are a daze and not fun but for me they were not about pain at all but about discomfort, exhaustion, the inability to sleep, just feeling all over discomfort. I did not have pain, and did not really need pain relief, but took morphine in the hospital to help forget about how intense ICU is. Afterwards I didn't take any other pain meds.
Those who have pain often have it because of positions they were in during OHS and muscle strain because of it. It really really varies. If you need pain meds, take them. Pain is highly personal. You'll be taken care of in hospital to deal with your pain. But one of the surprises for me was that unlike every other surgery I've had, OHS was not painful. It was a lot of things, but not painful.

Rose Madura  The most pain that I had was my shoulders because of how I was positioned during surgery. The sternum was not too painful. My advice is to stay ahead of it with meds and transition to tylenol as soon as possible. Also, they got me a heating pad for my shoulders which helped a lot. Tell your nurses, they will do a great job of keeping you comfortable. At home, my husband helped a lot. Most pain was trying to reach for something. Go easy on yourself.

Thomas Brusstar  My experience with OHS suggests you'll be fine! I went camping for 2 nights at 90 days, and then flew to Denver and back for several days. By 90 days, I was off blood thinners and had a great time. Avoid truly heavy stuff, but basic travel was fine for me.

Alan Jamieson  Thanks for posting this - I have a similar question, but going to Hawaii after AVR (about 60 days after). This is good info Thomas!

Civita Fahey  I'm sure you will be fine.. though we all heal differently. I know I was still pretty tired at 3 months but I was working full time and doing all normal things still. So, know that what lingers is the fatigue for most us, but all in all you should be fine..enjoy! Europe will be hot in July so make sure you drink plenty of water, its really important to stay hydrated.

Susan Lynn  Peter - I, too, was terrified of needles, medical procedures, and hospitals in general. I did discover that the needles are very thin and are far less painful than I remembered from my childhood. More importantly, they are part of the bigger plan and a necessary piece of the process. For as big as a wimp as I am, I found all the pre-op tests and my surgery completely tolerable. You will, too. The first step is believing you can do this.
Please keep us posted on your progress. All the best,.

Marie Myers  I would say congratulations on the progress you have already made with your fears.Just be sure and let the medical/surgical staff know your history when you are admitted. Premedication with alprazolam or lorazepam can be really helpful in the time leading up to your surgery. Wishing you a smooth ride through the heart journey!

Rob Sparling  I never look at a needle. I stare a hole into the ceiling and tell them why. The small amount of discomfort with a needle prick isn’t an issue for me, I just can’t see the needle in advance (or after). You’ll get there!

Jennifer John  Peter, be upfront about your apprehension, and they’ll be gentle. Maybe even use a smaller needle. Look away, as Rob said, and tell them to keep talking. You can do this!👍🏻

Sommer Russell  Hey Peter. I can tell you that the only IV stick that I remember is the first one. After that, they didn't start anything else until they gave me the most fabulous drug called Versed. I was so relaxed I didn't give a flip what they were doing and now can't even really remember! I do remember asking if I could get versed as an essential oil! Someone on here had a saying they used all the time, and he helped me come up with my own. Summer time and the living is easy. It was a nice little play on my name and summer time is my most favorite. I kept saying that in my head when I would get scared. We will have to help you come up with your own jingle to get you through!

Rob Sparling  Normal stuff, Peter! I lost a LOT of sleep worrying. You are in the right place. I joined this community on Sept 4th, only 22 days prior to my OHS. Being here did wonders for me. You got this!

Marie Myers  I had the same surgery as you 2 years ago this week. I lost a lot of sleep preop, and shed some tears myself. The emotional roller coaster may continue through your early post op phase, so don't be surprised. It is a huge surgery, but you WILL come through it all. I did not experience a lot of pain post op, but I was exhausted for a couple weeks. Being grateful that you can be "fixed" is a wonderful thing!

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Peter I feel the same way you do. I do t have a date yet but 1.5 weeks away from planning that date. Any surgery is scary and this one is a big one but we will make it through. Just trust these surgeons they know what they are doing. I want to just get it done now and move on. It is especially hard when I have no symptoms of anything so I feel normal. Soon we will be on the other side. Stay in there brother we will have each here for support after surgery.

Rita Savelis  Pain, no. Complete exhaustion for weeks. Yes.
Your recovery will be your recovery. No one is the same. Give your body the rest and time it needs after going through a big ordeal. I wish you peace. Take care.

Jennifer John  Peter, everyone goes thru this differently. Take a look at some of my past Journal posts. Might help. Can’t hurt.
My mantra: Keep the faith, and trust the science.🙏🏼❤️