Richard's Journal

A dilemma: I had my aortic valve replaced in September and feel great, but I struggle with heart-healthy meal plans. I am single and work full time, so cannot cook (but can warm things in a microwave) for lunch. Meals should feed 2 at most. If you know of a website or book for this, please share with me.

Follow up checks with cardiologist and surgeons...everything as it should be, no afib and cleared to drive and return to work (which I will do part time when I am ready). This Friday will be 4 weeks from surgery. Great crew at Providence Hospital Columbia SC!!

Friday was my 3 week anniversary. A couple of suggestions: 1. Ask lots of questions from the right people- your cardiologist and surgeons. Too many online experts with dubious knowledge out there. 2. Be sure you have someone to stay with you during your hospital stay. You don’t need them with you there so much as having someone to cook and freeze meals for later use, shop, go to the pharmacy, and yes- visit with you to help you keep a clear head and mind. 3. If you have a large dog, board it with a reputable kennel. Once you are home and able to walk, do not try to walk it alone – it is well worth hiring someone to handle him or her, especially if he or she pulls and chases after things. I know- I have a 78-pound Catahoula hound with an attitude….and he is a counter surfer. 4. TV channel guides at hospitals are worthless. Find a guide to all the local and cable shows on the internet so you can figure out what to watch. 5. Build as large a local and long-distance support network as you can… breaks the monotony. Family, local friends, a church if you’re a believer, interest groups and select friends from work. 6. DO NOT let employers or supervisors push you into doing work, even remotely, while you are recovering. It isn’t worth the stress. Too often they figure if you can answer work issues, you are ready to come back. Just sayin’. 7. A power lift chair is great, even more so if you have a variety of pillows of various firmness. It will help during recovery and the pillows make all the difference. I use it during the day. I found that one of the therapeutic triangle wedges and a pillow or two work better for sleeping, either on my couch or in my bed to work better and provide more rest. Try to keep your back straight, not hunched over or concave. 8. Get a 7-day pill dispenser with morning and evening compartments. It will be a big hassle saver. 9. Shower when they let you; Guys, don’t worry about shaving…might discover a new you that you didn’t know about! 10. You’re going to have to give up (almost all) salt, and no, I have not found any acceptable substitutes. At the very least, don’t add salt to any prepared foods. If you have to cook with it, keep it to a minimum. 11. Find the local Mended Hearts group and see what support and advice they can provide. If you’re up to it, maybe you will be open to helping the organization after you recover. 12. If you are a retired Veteran, be sure to update your files. You will go on 100% disability for the 1st year as of the date of your admission to the hospital. The VFW service officer for your region can help you submit the paperwork. Check with you local VFW chapter for contact info.

I have AVR scheduled for this Friday and have a question. In 1982, I had a parietal pleurectomy done to correct a fully collapsed right lung. Because of this, they will have to split my sternum instead of going between my ribs. Someone posted that the lungs are collapsed during AVR surgery, and if this is true, it would present a problem since the lung is adhered to the rib cage. The pleuria around the lung was removed. If you have informed information, I'd like to know how this is handled. Adam?

Had my 4-month consult with the cardiologist yesterday at Providence Heart Health in Columbia. Because of symptoms I'm having, he said I need to schedule the heart catheterization to be done ASAP, followed by talking with surgeons to pick one and schedule aortic valve replacement.

Sometime in the next year, I expect to have my aortic valve replaced. As a government contractor, I have a security clearance that could be at risk if opiods are used for pain management. What options do I have? I certainly do not want to risk addiction or loss of a great job.

I'd like to hear from two groups of people- (1) people who had the surgery done in Columbia, SC, or (2) anyone who has had to go through this without a support group. Family members all live out of state and are fully obligated with other issues. What worked and what did not work to help you get through surgery and recovery?

I have a new job starting Dec. 4th in Columbia, SC and lined up an apartment. They tell me that sometime in the next year I need to get my aortic valve replaced. Any issues with going up/ down stairs after surgery? Please respond asap!

I was diagnosed with aortic stenosis several years ago, and learned yesterday that I "probably should get the valve replaced during the next year". Although I knew about the condition, I don't have any idea where to start or what questions to ask. I am a navy retiree on Tricare Prime, so referrals to a good surgeon and hospital are an issue. I'm inviting other military on Tricare to send me their "lessons learned", questions I should ask, and support as I go through this.