Rob's Posts

I am now 11 days post-surgery and I almost can't believe how good I feel. I never knew breathing for everyone else was this easy. I was born with a Bicuspid valve which turned into asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis and a distended Aortic Root. I still have pain and muscle cramps from the surgery, but those are usually short lived, like a few minutes. I walk, cook, play with my dogs, and have grown closer to my wife and children through this process. MY biggest suggestion to anyone going through open heart surgery is: HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU 24hrs A Day! My wife slept on the couch in my room and took care of everything that I could not for the first few days post op, which meant literally having to feed me, dress me, walk to the bathroom, etc.

I am 5 days post open heart surgery. For me, it has been a difficult recovery due to extreme pain. Thankfully my wife has stayed with me 24 hours a day, I have and will need the assistance. My insight to anyone with pending open heart surgery is to make sure to have a solid support person or network. I don't believe I could have made it through without her help. I'm happy to answer any questions about the procedure and initial recovery