Rafael Martinez - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3789 days ago

On the way to recovery. ..fell better already than before surgery in just 2 months. ..I still need more time to do pushup and upper exercises but no a big deal...it ...Read more

On the way to recovery. ..fell better already than before surgery in just 2 months. ..I still need more time to do pushup and upper exercises but no a big deal...it will improve for shore... I still fell some soreness on my chest when I do fast move or I lift something heavy. Will keep posting my recovery. Don't be afraid have faith in God and the Doctors ..is worse waiting for the bad to happent..because you now is gone to happend. The only risk of the surgery is not having it.

Gerald Schaffer I'm glad you're doing so well and thanks for the words of encouragement.

Steven A Husted best wishes for a great recovery

John Jones Well said friend

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3810 days ago

I fell great my pain level is 0-4 if I don't move no pain, start sleeping on my favorite position like Michael JFox in back to the future. Last Friday was ...Read more

I fell great my pain level is 0-4 if I don't move no pain, start sleeping on my favorite position like Michael JFox in back to the future. Last Friday was my first and last cardiology appointment since they found everything normal on my heart, no more pills at all...only 2 baby aspirin in the morning with my vitamin and 2 at night. I fell so blessed with the all procedure on my way to fully recover on my journey. My scar is getting clear and only fell some disconford when I do certain movement.

Mary K Congratulations, Raphael, wonderful report.

Tammy Pilcher Congratulations Rafael! God bless!

Rafael Martinez Thx both yes my experience is been like I dream, and I built it in my mind.

Like the atraction law. ... Read more

Rafael Martinez Thx both yes my experience is been like I dream, and I built it in my mind.

Like the atraction law...built in your mind fell like is done and you will see miracles.

Bob M Yes, miracles. My favorite song and my favorite verse from Kutlass: "I've seen miracles just happen
S ... Read more

Bob M Yes, miracles. My favorite song and my favorite verse from Kutlass: "I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do"
God bless and rise up!

Rafael Martinez Thx all
I really appreciate, I'm feeling great day after day. Yes Bob O feel Blessed and life is go ... Read more

Rafael Martinez Thx all
I really appreciate, I'm feeling great day after day. Yes Bob O feel Blessed and life is good after surgery after only 1 month...I imagine in 6 months to a year...;-).

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3827 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Today was my post surgeon appointment and Dr. Kogon told me after check the X. That every think looks Good. Green light to do eventually on my ritmo what ...Read more

Today was my post surgeon appointment and Dr. Kogon told me after check the X. That every think looks Good. Green light to do eventually on my ritmo what ever I wish to do.

John Jones Fantastic rafael. That seems to have gone by quickly. Take care of yourself.

Rafael Martinez I'm impressed my self and my Dr. Have most of the credit for such a fantastic results.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3843 days ago

I'm in pain now with a sharp pain the same you feel when you cough but in the left side... Beside that my recovery is been great. I'm walk 3 times a ...Read more

I'm in pain now with a sharp pain the same you feel when you cough but in the left side... Beside that my recovery is been great. I'm walk 3 times a day for 7 minutes I eat bol of cereal as breakfast. Get apple during the day and regular lunch. As diner a salad chicken or tuna. I have alot support from my family and friends on Facebook as well as here. Still on strong pain killer every 6 hours on less....like now I got it only 3 hour difference. The litter breads machine really helps getting the normal breading back to normal. The coughing part is a killer ...fel the pain x10... Hope this help to understand the process, not easy but not impossible to get true. I prefer this than the risk I was in it and the dificult to breath is gone.

John Jones good to hear of your progress rafael. keep it up.

Terrie Syvertsen Rafael- Glad you are doing so well and have good support from family and friends as well as this comm ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Rafael- Glad you are doing so well and have good support from family and friends as well as this community! It is helpful that you share your experience with your heart brothers and sisters here on our site! I remember the coughing is tough & sneezing but it does go away! You are also eating good food which will help in your recovery/healing!
Good work! Continued good healing!

Bob M Nice scar heart brother. Take it easy

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3845 days ago

John Noriega, Meredith Bray, Steve Offenbecher and 1 other reacted to this

Wow...finally I went #2...twist today so far ...the cough thing is xtrem. ..painfully hard...and I have to do it supposed every hour. ..I have alot mocus thats ...Read more

Wow...finally I went #2...twist today so far ...the cough thing is xtrem. ..painfully hard...and I have to do it supposed every hour. ..I have alot mocus thats why I have to...my for today is get my prescription and 4 or 5 exercise 100ft... so far I walk 5 minutes in the treadmill.

Good for you, Rafael. Keep up the good work, you are on your way.

Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Rafael, for continued progress! God bless you!

Bob M Outstanding recovery! Take it easy heart brother. One day at a time.

Rafael Martinez Yes thank you guys, will keep you all posted.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3847 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Today the drain tube pull out...that was the worst part of the all thing...and I still fell pain in the back of my shoulder don't know why...maybe the position ...Read more

Today the drain tube pull out...that was the worst part of the all thing...and I still fell pain in the back of my shoulder don't know why...maybe the position or the tube inside my chest...around the scar off course there still sore but I manage the pain.

Terrie Syvertsen Congratulations on making it to the other side of surgery and I wish for you a steady and smooth reco ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Congratulations on making it to the other side of surgery and I wish for you a steady and smooth recovery! One day at a time and wishing you lots of patience with yourself and those helping you once you get home! Take care and post of your progress!

Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Rafael, for your recovery! God bless!

Lila Robinson I agree with you, that getting those tubes out kinda sucked....but everything is down hill from there ... Read more

Lila Robinson I agree with you, that getting those tubes out kinda sucked....but everything is down hill from there! You're really on your way to getting out when they take those out!

Going home is the best! I hope the pain in back of your shoulder goes away very soon. God Bless You, ... Read more

Going home is the best! I hope the pain in back of your shoulder goes away very soon. God Bless You, as you go home, and continue to recover.

Bob M Great milestone! Next home! God bless and rise up!

Gerald Schaffer I'm glad you're doing well. With the tubes out you'll be one step closer to home.

Mary K The chest tubes are really hard. I had MUCH more pain with them than the incision. I am still havin ... Read more

Mary K The chest tubes are really hard. I had MUCH more pain with them than the incision. I am still having some pain presumably where the tubes were between the lung and the pleural cavity. Great big ice packs and Tylenol are helping.

Rafael Martinez Yes thank you guys, will keep you all posted.

Lila Robinson I agree with you Rafael; those drain tubes caused me a lot of pain/discomfort. I was scared when the ... Read more

Lila Robinson I agree with you Rafael; those drain tubes caused me a lot of pain/discomfort. I was scared when they took them out; but it was "quick" with the pressure bandages on them and it was so nice to have less hanging off of me! Once they took out the pacer wires I knew I was that close to going home!

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3848 days ago

Kelly Weisgarber and 1 other reacted to this

Hi everyone, I made it... It was 100% success. Last thing I remember was breadth deeply and then ...move your fingers and feed you are done. The ...Read more

Hi everyone, I made it... It was 100% success. Last thing I remember was breadth deeply and then ...move your fingers and feed you are done. The heart bet normal. Atrial fibrillation was gone but. Came back yesterday for haft day...Dc say if under med no goes away in 30 days I may need a shock ...is gone already. .. The nursing team excelent, but the pain is Indiscreptable...the worse ever for me. I'm active: I do exercise, eat healthy, ect. The drain tube are killing me...and still dripping so tomorrow they may pull out that "KARMA". I walk 2 times already and overall everyone is impressed with my recovery. Hopefully everything will be continued this path. Thx Everyone FOR THE BEST WICH.

Lewis Garlisi Welcome Rafael. Glad to see surgery went well. Now comes rehabilitation. Things are going to get be ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi Welcome Rafael. Glad to see surgery went well. Now comes rehabilitation. Things are going to get better for you every day.

Meredith Bray Having the tubes pulled will get rid of a lot of the pain! Make sure you support your neck when rest ... Read more

Meredith Bray Having the tubes pulled will get rid of a lot of the pain! Make sure you support your neck when resting, and stand up as straight as you can when you're walking. Best wishes!

John Jones Great to hear from you Rafael. It is a blessing to me to see the people come out on the other side of ... Read more

John Jones Great to hear from you Rafael. It is a blessing to me to see the people come out on the other side of surgery and improving. Especially as my day quickly approaches

Tammy Pilcher Great news, Rafael! Prayers for recovery! God bless!

Rafael Martinez Yea, thx for the advice ms bray.

Mr. Jones. I was Frick out ...But all the research I did and the ... Read more

Rafael Martinez Yea, thx for the advice ms bray.

Mr. Jones. I was Frick out ...But all the research I did and the support on this side helps alot. And of course I bit of lucky.

Lila Robinson Try as I might, I can't remember the operating room; going in or anything. I think I do and then, we ... Read more

Lila Robinson Try as I might, I can't remember the operating room; going in or anything. I think I do and then, well, I just don't! My first memory is banking my hands on pillows as I was waking up in SICU because I wanted the vent tube off; and they took it off and then all I wanted was water and/or ice chips!!!!

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3851 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Tomorrow morning 530am I will be on Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Getting ready for my pulmonary valve replace and Maze procedure. Excited and ...Read more

Tomorrow morning 530am I will be on Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Getting ready for my pulmonary valve replace and Maze procedure. Excited and bless for all the people involved especially Ms.Estela Moore who inconditionally guide me and help Me true all the steps. Everything was smoth with the preop. Today and tomorrow won be diferent. My family don't speak English so...my next report will be when I can get my mobile phone. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Rafael, for tomorrow! You'll do great! God bless you!

Terrie Syvertsen Rafael- Tomorrow morning you will be on your way to a mended heart and have the prayers and thoughts ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Rafael- Tomorrow morning you will be on your way to a mended heart and have the prayers and thoughts of the community with you on your Big Day!. Have a good evening tonight and try to sleep well. Looking forward to reading that you have completed your surgery and that all continues to go smoothly for you and your medical team! Bless you!

Thinking of you sending good thoughts for strong recovery.

Kelly Weisgarber Good luck tomorrow Rafael, I hope all goes well and we hear from you very soon.

Bob M I pray your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day ... Read more

Bob M I pray your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Joaquim Cimoes Dear Rafael, good luck, our prayers for you from Recife, Brazil.

Cheryl Batzing Praying for your Rafael!

Lewis Garlisi Rafael, hoping and praying your surgery has gone well. Let us know how you are doing when you are ab ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi Rafael, hoping and praying your surgery has gone well. Let us know how you are doing when you are able. Bienvenida al otro lado de la cirugía!

Rafael Martinez Yes thank you guys, will keep you all posted.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3858 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Lastnite I drive back from a week getaway to Miami with my family, visit friend, beach, etc. Miami -Atlanta Feel bad sometimes "dificult to breath" ...Read more

Lastnite I drive back from a week getaway to Miami with my family, visit friend, beach, etc. Miami -Atlanta Feel bad sometimes "dificult to breath" palpitations etc. Hopefully all that will be gone with my surgery...that's the all point dough. ..

David Brunkhorst I had some breathing problems the first couple of weeks. Wait for that first sneeze. Yikes.

Lora Lee Peterson Good luck tomorrow, Rafael!

Lewis Garlisi Best wishes for a very successful surgery and recovery.

Tom Mcinerney Best of luck tomorrow!

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3876 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Lees than a month for my before and after history of my life. Pretty confident and faithfully about everything. ..my Dc, said after some normal cuestions ...Read more

Lees than a month for my before and after history of my life. Pretty confident and faithfully about everything. ..my Dc, said after some normal cuestions like what if...he is not worry about my heart restarting. ..he told me worse case scenario is started with abnormal heartbeat so in that case will need pase maker ...hope not...but is a possibility. Anyway I put on hold alot stuff for this procedure so I just Wana move on and keep up with my mission in this moment of time in the planet earth. God bless anyone like always in my praye.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

3897 days ago

Meredith Bray and 1 other reacted to this

I was ready after may 10th. I told Dr. Kogon, so they call me the day after to inform me that the best available date was June 23. So I say yes!... In ...Read more

I was ready after may 10th. I told Dr. Kogon, so they call me the day after to inform me that the best available date was June 23. So I say yes!... In God I trust.

Tammy Pilcher Rafael, you've put your trust in the right place! Psalms 84:12 "O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Rafael, you've put your trust in the right place! Psalms 84:12 "O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee."

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

4018 days ago

Jim Kelly-Evans and 1 other reacted to this

Tomorrow is my surgeon appointment I guess they going to show me all details and the potential surgery date. I have cuestión tomorow but I like to bring some ...Read more

Tomorrow is my surgeon appointment I guess they going to show me all details and the potential surgery date. I have cuestión tomorow but I like to bring some more from you guys any sugestions. Besides I fell with palpitations during the day on and off, more when I eat or do any activity ...is frustrate I'm so active and I have a 18 moths boy to look after ...

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

4034 days ago

1 person reacted to this

All most all day long my heart since to be out of control, my breathing is hard and i fel tired...but some how I manage the situation. ..not to think about ...Read more

All most all day long my heart since to be out of control, my breathing is hard and i fel tired...but some how I manage the situation. ..not to think about it and taking my 2 aspirin prescription by my DC.

Nancy D if this is a change in your condition and is still out of control despite resting, I suggest you cal ... Read more

Nancy D if this is a change in your condition and is still out of control despite resting, I suggest you call your doctor. Could be a number of things but with shortness of breath and feeling tired, it needs to be evaluated with an EKG to determine what if anything is going on. Take good care!

I agree- if your heart feels out of control, get it checked out right away. No reason to wait when de ... Read more

I agree- if your heart feels out of control, get it checked out right away. No reason to wait when dealing with a such a serious recovery. Call your cardiologist, or go ER, right away.

Or your visiting nurse, if you have one.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

4037 days ago

After my Dc. Appointment were my DC told me all I have...including right side of my heart getting bigger and valve regurgitation+fibrillation and high risk ...Read more

After my Dc. Appointment were my DC told me all I have...including right side of my heart getting bigger and valve regurgitation+fibrillation and high risk of stroke. .. ..My síntomas are getting worse...+ the thinking about recovery. ..no able to work...without insurance. ..is thought.

Bob M Rafael, as you know already, you need to have you health before you can function normally as you desc ... Read more

Bob M Rafael, as you know already, you need to have you health before you can function normally as you described. I pray you have your heart fixed soon.

Tammy Pilcher Praying for you, Rafael!

Rafael Martinez yes I'm trying not to think about it...but Im in risk off stroke...i don't know how close...is a lott ... Read more

Rafael Martinez yes I'm trying not to think about it...but Im in risk off stroke...i don't know how close...is a lottery...matters...apreciate.

Rafael Martinezposted a journal

4040 days ago

Linda Crawford and 1 other reacted to this

Today is my first day on this website. ..after a good friend told me that the recovery time is like 6 months. ..I started looking for answers. ..and here I'm ...Read more

Today is my first day on this website. ..after a good friend told me that the recovery time is like 6 months. ..I started looking for answers. ..and here I'm seeing people having surgery this days and going back home...in 5 days. That's what I like to be too. Get ready for the mudd race with obstacles and have fun do exercise like normal people do.