Rafael Martinez - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Here's my newest picture!

November 9, 2015 Like | John Noriega, Elaine Cutri and 1 other likes this

4 1/2 months after surgery. Felling great.

Rafael Martinez Next Doctors visit July 2016.

Tammy Pilcher Congrats Rafael! Looking great!

Feel great after 2 months of my surgery.

Journal posted on August 23, 2015

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.

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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

Here's my newest picture!

August 3, 2015 Like | Jeanette Davidson , Mary K likes this

Here at the cardiology appointment last Friday the 31 of July. 5 weeks after surgery. Next visit in 3 months.

Lora Lee Peterson That's awesome, Rafael!

Adam Pick Awesome Rafael!

Jeanette Davidson Congrats! You and your scar look great! ❤️

Rafael Martinez Thx...a little tender in the chest part I guess is the wires. ..fells funny.

Cheryl Batzing looking great, Rafael!

Bob M Nice scar! Keep smiling!

Rafael Martinez Thx all
I really appreciate, I'm feeling great day after day.

5 weeks after surgery. ..felling blessed. ..

Journal posted on August 3, 2015

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.

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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...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
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new ... 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 good after surgery after only 1 month...I imagine in 6 months to a year...;-).

1 and last After surgeon appointment.

Journal posted on July 17, 2015

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.

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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.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Adam Pick, Jeanette Davidson , Ericka Carlson likes this

3 weeks after surgery...1 day at the time...getting back.

Rafael Martinez My 3 week after surgery I'm feeling great in general. Pain levels are limited now on my movement and
Doing exercise every day 3 times since day 7 after surgery. ... Read more

Rafael Martinez My 3 week after surgery I'm feeling great in general. Pain levels are limited now on my movement and
Doing exercise every day 3 times since day 7 after surgery.
I'm bored as hell ...I can't wait to get back to the car auctions check the cars, make good money, etc.

Adam Pick Boom! The Smiling Scar Selfie Team expands!!! Great to hear you are doing so well Rafael!!!

Tammy Pilcher Healing great, Rafael! God bless!

Bob M Nice scar! Take it easy heart brother!

John Jones Good deal Rafael. I can relate to that boredom thing. Keep it up.

Gerald Schaffer Your scar looks great for such a short period of time.

Full week day 8 experience some sharp pain..

Journal posted on June 30, 2015

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.

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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 community! It is helpful that you share your experience with ... 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

7 days after surgery.

Journal posted on June 29, 2015

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.

Like | John Noriega, Meredith Bray, Steve Offenbecher and 1 other likes this

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.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Adam Pick, Jim Kelly-Evans, MARIA LECOLE likes this

Start preparing to pull out the tubes.

You are a tough guy. Glad you are rounding a corner. I don't think I will be able to watch.😧

Lila Robinson I didn't watch!!!! I was so glad when it was DONE!!!! Heck, I didn't really look at them much at all when they were in! You're brave Rafael!!! But, getting them out means you're healing well!

You are brave!
I was on so much medication that I remember very little from my first four post-op days. Lucky for me, I
don't remember anything about any of the tubes!

Bob M I did not watch either. Hey, my tubes were bigger.

Adam Pick Whoa. This just brought back some memories. You got this Rafael. And, welcome home!!!

Rafael Martinez thank you guys, it was not that bad on the time of pulling out weird sensation but that was the cause of 90% of my pain. keep you all posted.

Day 5 after surgery may realese tomorrow.

Journal posted on June 27, 2015

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.

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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 ... 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! 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, 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 having some pain presumably where the tubes were between the ... 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 they took them out; but it was "quick" with the pressure bandages ... 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!

Day 1,2 and 3 after surgery. ..

Journal posted on June 26, 2015

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.

Like | Kelly Weisgarber and 1 other likes this

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 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 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 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, well, I just don't! My first memory is banking my hands ... 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!!!!

Finally the day have arrived. ..

Journal posted on June 22, 2015

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.

Like | 1 person likes this

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 of the community with you on your Big Day!. Have a good ... 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 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 able. Bienvenida al otro lado de la cirugía!

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

7 Days for my surgery. ..

Journal posted on June 16, 2015

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. ..

Like | 1 person likes this

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!

Surgery Date. June 23/2015

Journal posted on May 29, 2015

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.

Like | 1 person likes this

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like |

With my 3 years old son Gabriel, teaching how to swim.

Finally I have a surgery Date. June 23 2015

Journal posted on May 7, 2015

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.

Like | Meredith Bray and 1 other likes this

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."

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Adam Pick, Jim Kelly-Evans, Kathryn Waymire likes this

Charlotte NC. Weekend. Downtown. 01/17/15

Surgeon appointment tomorrow at 1 30pm Grady Emory Hospital

Journal posted on January 6, 2015

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 ...

Like | Jim Kelly-Evans and 1 other likes this

felling odd...

Journal posted on December 21, 2014

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.

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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 ... 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 dealing with a such a serious recovery. Call your cardiologist, or go ER, right away.

Or your visiting nurse, if you have one.

felling palpitations constantly. ..

Journal posted on December 18, 2014

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.

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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 lottery...matters...apreciate.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Joan Napier, Sonny Abbasi likes this

Here having pizza with my 2,1/2 year old Gabriel ...my Angel. My reason to live and complete my mission in live.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Joan Napier likes this

This was take today at QT. Gas station they where exibit this dream car on the side...oficial race car.

Blue Baby Need a new tuneup...

Journal posted on December 15, 2014

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.

Like | Linda Crawford and 1 other likes this