Rex Anderson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

August 18, 2018

OK, day 8 after recent surgery. Back home in Cape Coral FL after flying home yesterday. I’m doing great including just getting a BP reading of 120/61 with no AFIB (1st time since the latest surgery).

I’m walking laps around the inside of my home because it’s over 80 degrees outside at 8:15am outside. Next step is my Sole treadmill.

I have little pain and am feeling great.

Congrats and many thanks to Dr Johnston and the entire staff at Cleveland Clinic in OH.

More ASAP.

Rex

Like | Valerie Herndon-Vitarella, Jennifer John, Diane Maher and 12 others like this

Rex Anderson Thanks also to everyone for the many we’ll wishes and prayers!

Marie Myers Glad you are back home! Let the healing begin...

Susan Lynn There's no place like home... especially with that view! Speedy recovery, Rex!

Janis Fiorentino Great news

Willie Radl Great news Rex. Glad to hear things are looking good!

Judy S Congratulations Rex!

Dan Vechiola Way to go Rex! So glad to hear. Keep up the great work. We appreciate your posts. We've been following your journey and it's so nice to hear your progress.

Valerie Altman Home sweet home! Glad you're doing so well! 😁

Update from Rex

Journal posted on August 15, 2018

Second day in Step Down Unit with beautiful private room. Slept great the last 2 nights — not even much coughing last night.

Should get the last tube out of my chest today.

My surgeon, Dr. Johnston, not only did a great job, but has actually come to visit me in my room each of the past two days and explained more about my surgery and the need for a redo on one of my bypasses.

Cleveland Clinic is fantastic.

There is a remote possibility that I will be discharged today and a better chance for tomorrow.

We’re both looking forward to getting home to our new adjustable bed — thanks Jim and Janet for overseeing the delivery and installation.

More ASAP.

Rex

Like | Shannon Gray, Rose Madura, Phyllis Petersen and 13 others like this

Dan Vechiola Awesome news! Glad you are having a great experience. You don't get many shots at this so you might as well go with the best. Take it one day at a time.

LINDA ROBERTS Hi Rex, glad to hear things are running smoothly. I am having tests done today at the clinic.

Catie B The fact that you're getting real nights' sleep in the hospital is very impressive. Glad everything is going smoothly!

Louanna Miller Great to hear. So thankful all is going well

Waiting to leave ICU

Journal posted on August 12, 2018

Anne here, Rex is doing well today. He had a very quiet day in ICU yesterday and slept almost all day. They decided to keep him in ICU overnight for second night because of blood pressure issues. He is more alert, off the pain pump and happily watching the PGA today. He is ready to have 2 of the chest tubes removed and move out of ICU when they have a bed available. He is in Afib and they are adjusting his meds. Looking firward to the move to a private room. By tomorrow.

Like | Valerie Herndon-Vitarella, Kelly Stoll, Janet Bates and 13 others like this

LINDA ROBERTS So glad to hear the update on Rex and he is watching the PGA. I will be there Wednesday and Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic for tests and surgery Friday. ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS So glad to hear the update on Rex and he is watching the PGA. I will be there Wednesday and Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic for tests and surgery Friday. Perhaps we will get a chance to meet. Hope each day is better.

Rex Anderson Best wishes Linda on a successful surgery Friday.

Bill Gillam Good to hear. Best wishes!

LINDA ROBERTS Thank you. Know you will be glad to move to a private room tomorrow.

Janis Fiorentino Wonderful.news

Louanna Miller Great to hear.

Debbie Chatzky Great news!

Diane Maher Thank you so much, Anne for your detailed report....wonderful and encouraging news indeed for all of us who are a few steps behind.
Glad Rex was able to watch a very enjoyable PGA today.

Steven Methot This is great news.

Surgery successful

Journal posted on August 10, 2018

Surgery went well. New valve in place. Needed to do a bypass because of scar tissue from prior surgery. All’s good and we are looking forward to seeing him on ICU in a couple of hours. Anne

Like | Willie Radl, Karen Warren, Diane Maher and 23 others like this

Jill Mullikin Great to hear!

Susan Lynn Excellent news!!! Thank you for the update!

Janis Fiorentino Amen. God Bless

Dan Vechiola Awesome news! So great to hear!

Joey Hardee Awesome!!

Adam Pick Woo-Whoooooo!!!!

LINDA ROBERTS Fantastic news!

Bill Gillam Excellent!

Janet Bates Thankful for the good news!

Louanna Miller Wonderful news!!! Thankful!

Rose Madura Good to hear. Thank you for the update.

Good meeting with Surgeon Dr Johnston

Journal posted on August 9, 2018

We are done with all of the pre-surgery meetings and surgery is scheduled for 7 AM tomorrow and expected to take about 5 hours. It will be full open heart with replacement of the valve with a bovine valve but not the rapid deployment one used last year. Expected hospital stay is 5 days with expected return to Florida 3 or so days later. A less invasive procedure was not an option.
They do not know the reason for the previous valve failure but there will be a pathology done on the old valve.
Surgeon indicated risk was similar to original surgery. Surgeon and staff made us feel comfortable with surgery and expectations for good outcome. We feel Rex is in very good hands. Rex’s son Travis is in Cleveland and will be with Anne tomorrow.
Tonight the 3 of us are going on a dinner cruise.
Thank you for all the good wishes and prayers, Next update after surgery tomorrow.

Like | Adam Pick, Mary Woods, Diane Maher and 11 others like this

Adam Pick Great to hear you are on a good path Rex! You are in great hands with Dr. Johnston. He's a super guy and an excellent surgeon. Many patients from our community ... Read more

Adam Pick Great to hear you are on a good path Rex! You are in great hands with Dr. Johnston. He's a super guy and an excellent surgeon. Many patients from our community have had stellar outcomes with him and the Cleveland Clinic team! Thoughts are with you!

LINDA ROBERTS You will do great tomorrow!

Debbie Chatzky Thinking of you for successful surgery and complete recovery!

Janis Fiorentino Praying for all

James saunders Thinking about you! Sending prayers.

Cardiac cath good news

Journal posted on August 8, 2018

Anne here. Cardiac cath completed and doctor said original bypasses are good and no new blockages and he will not need any bypasses during heart surgery, Yay

Like | Mark Wilbur, Diane Maher, Dan Vechiola and 17 others like this

Mark Wilbur Thanks for the update, Anne. We know that every bit of good news is appreciated by you and Rex even more than ever. Prayers for you both this week.

Louanna Miller Great to hear. Blessings.

Dan Vechiola Awesome news Rex! Take that success and run with it!

Susan Lynn Excellent news!

Update posted on...

August 7, 2018

Full day of tests and appointments at Cleveland Clinic today. We met with his assigned cardiologist who provided a little more information. 1 if the 3 sutures holding the valve in has come apart and allowing the leakage of the aortic valve.
His symptoms have been getting worse over the last few months. The cardiologist confirmed that there is not an opportunity for a simple plug of the hole. It will need to be. Open heart surgery. He is having cardiac catheterization procedure tomorrow to determine if there are any blockages in the arteries.

He will meet with surgeon Thursday to discuss the surgery,

Like | Dan Vechiola, Shannon Gray, James saunders and 3 others like this

LINDA ROBERTS Thinking about Rex and all that he has been through and sending him best wishes for a very successful surgery, so he can move into recovery.

Dan Vechiola You are doing the right thing and are in the right place Rex. Our thoughts are with you!

Kelly Stoll Thinking of you and your family.

Louanna Miller Thinking of you as you have a heart cath. Take care of you.

Update posted on...

August 7, 2018

I have checked in at the Cleveland Clinic and will be undergoing lab and echo tests today with cathertization procedure tomorrow and meet with the surgeon and surgical team on Thursday for preparation for surgery on Friday, August 10th. I will post updates about the procedure and my status here.

Like | Janet Skinner, Kelly Stoll, Diane Maher and 6 others like this

Anna Jones Sending best wishes.

Louanna Miller Everything will go well. Take care if you and keep us posted.

Dan Vechiola Good luck Rex you will be in great hands with the professionals at the Cleveland Clinic. Keep us posted Rex and take it one day at a time!

Mark Wilbur Very surprised and very sorry to hear that you have to go through another surgery, Rex. What an upsetting year it has been for you. This time should fix the ... Read more

Mark Wilbur Very surprised and very sorry to hear that you have to go through another surgery, Rex. What an upsetting year it has been for you. This time should fix the problem! Best wishes for a successful outcome and prayers for you and your family.

Janet Skinner Best wishes Rex. Take care and as Dan says "one day at a time!"

Update posted on...

July 29, 2018

In Ontario, Canada visiting family before heading to Cleveland clinic in a week. Was referred to Dr Douglas Johnston and expecting surgery on August 10th.

Like | Adam Pick and 5 others like this

Adam Pick Hey Rex, You are in great hands with Dr. Johnston. He's a great guy and excellent surgeon. Many patients from our community have had awesome results with ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Rex, You are in great hands with Dr. Johnston. He's a great guy and excellent surgeon. Many patients from our community have had awesome results with him. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Douglas-Johnston-Cleveland-Ohio.php

Dr. Douglas Johnston - Heart Surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Douglas-Johnston-Cleveland-Ohio.php

See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Douglas Johnston, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Cleveland, Ohio.

Catie B I am sooo sorry you need another surgery so soon, Rex! Wishing you the smoothest possible journey this time and a tremendous recovery!

Here's my newest picture!

July 23, 2018 Like | Bonnie Stone-Hope, Susan Lynn, Rose Madura and 4 others like this

Update posted on...

July 23, 2018

Anne and I will be going to Cleveland Clinic on August 6th with expected surgery to replace the aortic valve that was put in a year ago on August 10th. I will fill in additional information when we are at Cleveland Clinic.

Like |

Anna Jones I am so sorry. Sending prayers for an easy repair and recovery.

Bonnie Stone-Hope Sorry to hear that you need to have another surgery. Cleveland Clinic has a wonderful reputation. Best wishes for a successful surgery and easy recovery.

Marie Myers How disappointing to have another surgery so soon! I hope everything goes very smoothly for you.

LINDA ROBERTS So sorry to hear you have to go through another replacement so soon. Who will be your surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic? You will be at a top hospital to get good results.

Update posted on...

June 27, 2018

I had open heart surgery 11 months ago (double bypass and Aortic valve replacement - bovine) and I was just diagnosed with Paravalvular Leak. Has anyone had this condition? How did it get fixed? Any help is appreciated -- I'm scared to death.

Like |

Chris Purvis Rex I’m sorry. I read your post but I have no idea about that...hoping others will jump in with some ideas.

Susan Lynn Best of luck, Rex. I'm not familiar with that condition, either, but our docs know how to deal with everything. We'll be here to support you. Please keep us posted.

Another update on Rex

Journal posted on July 17, 2017

I'm doing great! Blood pressure, pulse and heart rhythm are under control now and I'm walking most days. No pain from wounds or heart even when I cough.

We took a bunch of folks over to Fort Myers Beach in our boat yesterday for a lovely lunch at Parrot Key and, while it was a stressful day for me, I recovered nicely. Going to another wine tasting event tomorrow that I am looking forward to -- and I may even swallow some of the wines this time.

The Physical Therapist was here today for his 2nd-to-last visit and I see the surgeon tomorrow for my final sign-off with him. I should be starting the cardio rehab program in a week or so.

All in all, I'm doing very well and looking forward to our August trip to Canada to visit with my sons and their families including our two grandchildren.

Thanks to all for your well wishes!

Regards,

Rex

Like | Bob Gillespie, Cathleen DeWitt, Cathy Zuber and 8 others like this

Jill Krajnovich Glad to hear things are going so well for you, Rex!

Laura Jacobs Sounds wonderful Rex. Good for you!!!

Rose Madura Great report Rex. Glad everything is going well.

Very Positive Update on Rex

Journal posted on July 9, 2017

Sunday 7/9/17 and I am doing much much better. I walked over a mile today without any heart rate issues so I think I am really over the hump now. My recall for a 4th CardioVersion on Friday was a setback but I'm back in normal Sinus Rhythm now and feeling great.

We went to our Wine Tasting group last night and I tasted (but spit out) all 10 Syrah/Shiraz wines and enjoyed good food and good times with good friends.

We're going to see Stringtown again tonight at Micelli's and I'm hoping to last through the whole evening this time.

Thanks again for all the prayers and best wishes -- they have been much appreciated.

Regards,

Rex

Like | Jill Krajnovich and 3 others like this

Rex Anderson For clarification, only 1 cardioversion since open heart surgery. 3 others plus ablation prior to surgery.

Here's my newest picture!

July 9, 2017 Like | Valerie Archual, Bob Gillespie, Cathleen DeWitt and 2 others like this

Here I am 15 days post op.

Jeanette Davidson Looking great!❤️
Congrats ! Go easy along your recovery!🤗

Jennifer McInerney Wow, you look great. So encouraging for the rest of us awaiting surgery.

14 days post Op - Cardioversion

Journal posted on July 8, 2017

Have certainly been up and down in recovery from aortic valve replacement and double bypass 2 weeks ago. Feeling good one day and then bad the next with AFIB and racing pulse. Had cardioversion to get back to normal rhythm. What a difference! Now I feel like I am on the mend.

Like | Cathy Zuber, Barbara Wood and 6 others like this

11 days post op and firing on all cylinders!

Journal posted on July 5, 2017

My BP is very normal now and my pulse is holding nicely under 100. I did my full exercise routine today including 4 laps of my indoor racetrack. I'm slowly getting my strength and wind back and all is good. No pain pills needed now and I'm sleeping through the night soundly.

I made it to Micelli's on Sunday but pooped out early due to heat. Had a delightful dinner at RumRunners last night with Jim and Janet but again I may have been pushing the envelope.

I should make it to Wally and Shirley's wine tasting and be able to sip my first post-surgical wines. I am really looking forward to that!

All in all, I'm doing great and excited to getting back to full strength.

Love you all!
🥂🍹🍾
Rex

Like | pam williams, Shannon Gray, Phyllis Petersen and 6 others like this

Catie B Great report, Rex! Steady on!

Matt Sheffield Happy to hear the good news. Keep getting stronger.

Back home

Journal posted on June 28, 2017

Thrilled to be home after the surgery.

Like | Scott Killian and 8 others like this

Laura Jacobs Congratulations Rex! I came home on Sunday afternoon and it was so nice to be back.

Here's my newest picture!

June 28, 2017 Like | Phyllis Petersen, Barbara Wood, Matthew Russo and 4 others like this

Back home 6/28, 5 days post surgery with my emotional service dog, Buffy.

Rex Anderson Nice stockings, Rex. Rest up now.

Steve Farthing I am wearing the same ones right now!

Phyllis Petersen It's a fashion statement on here! We've all worn them.

Rose Madura Congratulations. Glad you are on the road to recovery.

Cathleen DeWitt Awwww, cute doggy!! They are the best 🐾🐶❤️!

Laura Jacobs Hey, I had those socks!!!!!! All the best!

Rex Anderson Thanks to all for their support and best wishes!

As an update, I had Cardioversion 14 days post-surgery and am still struggling with high heart rate and flipping ... Read more

Rex Anderson Thanks to all for their support and best wishes!

As an update, I had Cardioversion 14 days post-surgery and am still struggling with high heart rate and flipping in and out of AFIB AFL. Hopefully, a change in my meds can stabilize this.

Day 4 post op

Journal posted on June 27, 2017

Day 4 post op and all the tubes are out of my chest.

I'm walking pretty well (with a walker) and there's a good chance I'lol be going home tomorrow.

Rex here. Doing much better today. Final tube out and walking a little with walker. Hope to be going home tomorrow. Thanks to all for your support for both Anne and me during this difficult period. Thanks again everyone.

I'm looking foreword to Happy Hour somewhere.

Like | Jill Krajnovich, Cathleen DeWitt, Shannon Gray and 8 others like this

Scott Killian Going home..gotta love it..

A lot of sleeping and hopefully healing today - 2 days post

Journal posted on June 25, 2017

Anne here again. Rex slept most of the day, except for times when medical staff probed and pricked him. They did pull out some of the tubes today but still some to go. I think they kept him mostly knocked out because of the work they did. Not really eating yet. Yesterday was all liquids and today's food looked good, but was barely touched. I am hoping he will be feeling a little better tomorrow.

Like | Debby Morgeson and 8 others like this

Scott Killian Rex is blessed to have you. Prayers to both of you.

Bob Fessler He will be eating and recovering soon. Have faith. I will say prayers for you both.

Thank you from Rex

Journal posted on June 24, 2017

Rex is not up to responding or updating the journal but has asked me to thank everybody for their well wishes and prayers. I am hoping he will be doing better tomorrow. So far, he has not been interested in picking up his phone or iPad.
Anne

Like | Debby Morgeson, Scott Killian and 3 others like this

Rita Savelis Best wishes to Rex.
I completely understand not being interested in a phone or iPad. It's time to heal and rest. I was way too exhausted and overwhelmed to ... Read more

Rita Savelis Best wishes to Rex.
I completely understand not being interested in a phone or iPad. It's time to heal and rest. I was way too exhausted and overwhelmed to want to communicate/social media for many weeks after OHS and am astounded by those who do.
Take care.

Marie Myers I agree with Rita. I was so exhausted I was not interested in phones or IPad either. I sure didn't want my picture taken...It is a huge surgery that takes time to recover.

Scott Killian Understood. Anne let Rex know we are with him in heart and spirit !

Here's my newest picture!

June 24, 2017 Like | 2 people like this

Here's my newest picture!

June 24, 2017 Like | 2 people like this

Health Park is a beautiful hospital.

Phyllis Petersen Wow! I thought you were on a cruise ship.

Marie Myers That's a hospital?

Rex Anderson Yes. After dark but very lovely.

Jeanette Davidson Wow!! Looks like a gorgeous hotel!

Roger Bideleux I thought of a cruise ship too! Wow is all I can say. Bet the food there is top notch too.

Out of ICU

Journal posted on June 24, 2017

He has been moved to his regular room at Health Park Hospital. What a beautiful hospital.

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Debby Morgeson, Scott Killian and 5 others like this

Morning after surgery

Journal posted on June 24, 2017

Rex is awake and was sitting up in ICU this morning, they said he was doing good. Hoping that he will be moved out of ICU later today. Anne

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Debby Morgeson, Scott Killian and 12 others like this

Here's my newest picture!

June 24, 2017 Like | Melissa Houser, Phyllis Petersen, Matthew Russo and 2 others like this

Debby Morgeson Looking great Rex! It's such a relief to have the operation behind you! 🙂

Scott Killian I hope I look this normal after surgery !

ICU Sleeping

Journal posted on June 23, 2017

Anne here. Rex was kept sedated all day/evening so far so I did not really get a chance to talk with him yet. They said he is doing good and they hope to get the breathing tube out later tonight.

Like | Debby Morgeson and 11 others like this

Catie B That's great, Anne. Sounds good!

OperAtion over and all good

Journal posted on June 23, 2017

Just heard from surgeon that Operation wS a success. He will be 2 hours longer before I can see him. More later. Anne

Like | Civita Fahey, Steve Farthing, Phyllis Petersen and 12 others like this

Jennifer McInerney Good news! Now recovery begins!

Here's my newest picture!

June 22, 2017 Like | Lynda Ruiz, Debby Morgeson and 4 others like this

Rex and Anne

Day Before Surgery June 22nd

Journal posted on June 22, 2017

Getting packed up for surgery and upcoming hospital stay. Will find out later today what time Anne and I need to be at the hospital in the a.m. Sometime between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m. Friday. Anne will update the journal on the day of surgery. Operation is expected to take 2 to 4 hours and I should be first one on docket. I will be transferred to ICU after surgery.

Like | Debby Morgeson and 10 others like this

Steve Farthing Rex, Here's hoping for no surprises and quick recovery. (FYI - In case you are wondering why you are not on the list of upcoming surgeries, you have to add ... Read more

Steve Farthing Rex, Here's hoping for no surprises and quick recovery. (FYI - In case you are wondering why you are not on the list of upcoming surgeries, you have to add a profile photo to your account in order to appear there.)

Marie Myers Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery!