Ralph's Journal

PROX 77 hours since my surgery started. Wheeled into the ER . Dr Gillinov came over said Hi told him I was ready for the oil change. (yesterday he told me that my Valve Replacement was just like going to Jiffy Lube for an oil change) Everybody in the ER very organized - going about their jobs - but very friendly just like we were old friends. Got two IV's - one in each arm and the very next thing I remember is seeing my best friend standing next to me . Lasted for one second then i was back out till next morning. Nurses in ICU were awesome. Woke up with no pain except when i coughed. Spent rest of day getting different things checked. DR. Gillinov stopped by to see how I was doing. Was going to the step down unit that afternoon, but no beds available, so had to stay in ICU for another nite . Every single person in ICU was the best that anyone could wish for as far as care and just plain "nice" In step down unit, first walk at noon -- strange, sort of dizzy, sort of weak, sort of I don't know what. probably going to be more than a week till I am walking a couple of miles a day. Just got my computer out - will post more later --- There are not enough good words available in the english language to describe how great DR. Gillinov and his staff are not only at their jobs, but as sincere and caring individuals. Thank You !!!!!!

Well here I am updating my will in case I am one of the 1% ers --- Been very excited about the surgery for months. Now that it is 12 days away, am having strange feelings, not bad, just strange. Probably as much from being away from work as much as the surgery. Have been reading posts about minimally invasive surgery and have not seen anything about Aortic valve replacement using this type surgery. Is that being done and what are the outcomes vs cutting you open? Not sure I want the Doctor cutting and sewing up without a clear vision. First tests at the Cleveland Clinic on the 20th --- Then Yippie --- A new valve on the 25th Looking forward to sharing my speedy recovery !!

First time I have discussed my surgery with anyone but two or three close friends. Have put my surgery off twice because of business responsibilities. Dr. Gillinov is going to perform what I think is nothing short of Magic in the form of Aortic Valve Replacement on 7-25-18. I am looking forward to this in a "controlled excitement" sort of way. My activities have been extremely curtailed for the past 6 to 9 months and I am looking forward to what will be a renewed sense of energy. Not only am I going to get a new valve, but I am going from a bicuspid valve to a tricuspid valve. Should be awesome. Not looking forward to the pain, but ready to get thru it as fast as possible. Adams book has been very helpful along with Heart 411 by Dr. Gillinov. There should be some way to raise the awareness of everyone in our society about the things they have control of regarding their health. We send our kids to school to learn to read & write, but give them little in the way of relationship or REAL health education. Enough of that. Not very good at sharing information, but will try and post some things that are happening as I go on this journey. Would like to be able to say something that will help anyone who is having heart problems, but is in denial as to the real cause. More Later, Ralph