Robert's Journal

Kimberly Eisenhut  I just read your whole story and it is inspiring and hoping to be able to implement some of your wisdom as I am heading into the unknown with my tricuspid surgery possibly soon. I have been very anxious lately as I am a single mom of a 19 year old as well as 2 older adult kids and one granddaugter. I have been feeling very isolated and it is getting harder to feel happy and smile lately. I do want to be more posotive and smile and be silly more, like I used to, just feeling this difficult time getting to me lately. Any wise words or prayers are so appreciated from my wonderful community of friends here. Wishing everyone good health and a wonderful weekend with family and friends or loved pets :)
My echo has been moved up to this wednesday afternoon and then surgeon the 27th. Having more symptoms the past few weeks.

Jim Driscoll   Kimberly, wishing you the best.  The  unknown can be scary but  stay positive.  I didn't have much time to prepare but I studied what I thought I needed to do by being  healthy and in good physical shape.  The recovery is so much easier if you put in the work. In no time you'll have it all behind you and feeling great again.  All the best

Marie Myers  Happy Anniversary! Your Story is a very informative read for anyone who wants to know what going through the open heart surgery experience is like! 

Lorraine Mobley  I agree 100%! What Adam has created here is a literal life-saver and has been a net of support for me as well!

Adam Pick  Robert and Lorraine, Thanks so much for the incredibly kind words. But, it is I who should be thanking you for the opportunity to be of service to you during an incredibly difficult time in your life. It is a gift, honor and privilege to be part of this special community of people who care and support each other til no end. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Wanda Mroz  I was afraid of that too but I try to make it clear that this isn't recovering from a tooth pull, this is unlike anything. I explained things, my still not being 100% and lacking energy,and that has seemed to work. Best of luck on Monday! You will like rehab... I love it.

  Best wishes, Robert! The first two weeks for me were most tiring, but this past week was much better. Timing sleep and making sure I got it was the hardest part (and climbing stairs again). Hope all goes smoothly!

Liz Burroughs  Good luck with work & cardiac rehab! I found my coworkers to be very considerate & caring. They didn't want me to do too much during my first few weeks back in the office. I'm sure that your coworkers will be just as considerate. It's nice that you can work half days at home. Best wishes!

Ed Miskovic  Seven pages, simply divine, a perfect number to express your appreciation for the divine appointment you had with your surgical team. May the Lord, who created the world with words and who moved our hearts with His breath, speak many good things about your health.

Wanda Mroz  That's a wonderful idea... I don't remember all my nurses names though.... That's true. I think they would appreciate it.

Clare Auten  I did write down the names of nurses in a little notebook. That's a good suggestion for those heading in.

Charles Haas  I wish I kept a notebook of the names. But I did send a holiday card with a note both to the surgeon's office, as well as to the hospital floor (dedicated cardiac floor) where I spent 6 days.

  I started cardiac rehab a little over two weeks out from minimally invasive AVR surgery. I went three days each week. They did an assessment on me and monitored my heart with one of those mobile EKG machines. It was 45 minutes, 15 on three different machines and very low impact. I did this for three weeks. After the new year, my insurance restarted and I had to pay out of pocket for the rehab so I received permission from my cardiologist to transition to a gym. The rehab facility gave me a "post" assessment and gave me the correct HR and MET to keep track of when I work out. They also gave me information on stretches. My cardiologist suggested looking on pinterest for low impact exercises and stretches (or search "cardiac rehab"). On one hand, it was nice to have the cardiac rehab people monitoring things, but it was $103 per session. If I were more fragile physically, I would have stayed, but since I am doing well and fairly strong, the gym seems fine, especially given it is $10 per month! Good luck with your decision.

Clare Auten  I agree with Laura, Cardiac Rehab was great. Since my surgery was in January, I had met my deductibles and did not have to pay for the sessions. See what your insurance will cover.

Sophia Ridley  I read so many fantastic reports about cardiac rehab, when I found that I would have to go onto a wait list for the NHS one I've chosen to pay for it. I have no regrets on my decision to go to rehab.

I have 1-2-1 rehab, I get put through my paces as I can't hide! I've been walking around the local area but this is pushing me. I'm going to be fitter than I was pre-surgery!

The other benefit is the monitoring and talking through any issues with a qualified cardiac specialist.

If your insurance covers it, I would take it.

Michael Meyer  Robert:

I participated in cardiac rehab and it just gave me the confidence in knowing how far I could go with exercise without worrying about the heart repair. I also made a lot of progress. The therapists let me work weights into my workout They also did detect some sinus tachycardia which later was resolved. I would highly recommend participating, you can always stop if you appear to be getting limited benefit. I just would not want you to short change the recovery period.

Liz Burroughs  I'm really enjoying my cardiac rehab! I go on M-W-F from 7-8 AM. Everyone wears a portable heart monitor. The staff monitors us during the exercise session & takes blood pressures before, during, & after exercise. Everyone has a personalized exercise plan & the staff incorporates education into the rehab program. I feel like I've been getting stronger since I started the program. It has also been nice to meet & exercise with people who have some type of heart disease & have been through some of the same struggles that I have. I'm now half way through my program & would highly recommend cardiac rehab to others.

Elaine Cutri  I finished my 36 sessions and decided to continue paying out of my own pocket. It gave me a lot of confidence, stamina and strength to get back to work. It's also a fun group of people, very positive environment. I'm a youngster in the group, but I enjoy it.

Wanda Mroz  I love cardiac rehab and have learned a lot from going. It's nice to be monitored and know how far you can push yourself safely. I recommend it.

Melinda Queliz  Thank you for sharing this! I am a Christian and one of my flaws is I have a very hard time putting all my burdens on Jesus and letting him carry the load and trusting him 100%. The controlling person in me still wants to have my thoughts, hands all in it and honestly I make a mess of it so I am slowly learning to just trust.

Robert Frederick  Just knowing that Jesus is there with you and that understands how you are feeling makes all the difference.

Wiliam Height  Love your family and stay in the present moment, that means not even thinking of beyond surgery. As a scientist, keep doing your best to check your emotions/fear--you've done your research to find the best surgical team and have to leave everything in their hands (acceptance). I find there is no much to bring to hospital but ear plugs to help through ICU. No books, electronic devices, etc--get to know your caregivers better and ask questions, it's amazing what these people do to help us through this. With a 90 minute drive home from hospital, make sure you have comfort on the way home--extra pillows as insurance. Once you are home follow the regiment to recover and lean on your support system. This is one of, if not, the hardest things you will do / go through and it's your time so remain positive, things could be worse.

Jeff V.  Robert - I am 52 and had mitral valve repair at the Cleveland Clinic in Dec., 2014. I did not have a robotic repair as my surgeon considered working on my aortic valve too but elected to leave it alone. I had a full sternotomy and subsequent smooth recovery. You may find my journals helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. Jeff

  I just had AVR via mini sternotomy last week. Your surgery will be quite different from mine, but I found chapstick, water with "chewy" ice, and wipes for my face to be most helpful. I'm a psychologist and have experienced personal psychological trauma related to valve issues with my father and aunt. I spent a lot of time educating myself on options and advocated for my treatment and continuity of care (because for some reason, there are holes in the system). Your daughter looks a little older than my kids, but I spent time talking to them about my surgery, what was happening, and what it would be like when I was out of surgery for the first few days (wouldn't be able to give big hugs, would have tubes, etc.). Lastly, the most support I received was from other people who had been through my surgery and could normalize my experience. Best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery. I hope it goes smoothly and you have a restful recovery.

Sophia Ridley  I've just had MV repair (full open). The hardest thing that I've found was that I felt I was very well prepared for recovery and then I was thrown a curveball by developing A Fib post surgery. I like to know what's going on, what solutions are, rationalise everything and this has really knocked me. My advice is don't be too hard on yourself, especially in first few weeks if things don't quite go to the plan you had in mind. And to expect an emotional journey for both you and your caregivers.

Practical - Own pillows (if allowed, with own pillow case so smells of home), ear plugs, eye mask and slippers with backs and good soles. Prior to surgery - Eat well, keep well hydrated and rest.

Tim Goff  I found that my "checklist" was helpful in keeping me focused and reducing stress. As items came off of the list I felt more and more at ease. Dont make the list too big or add to it on a whim. Virtually all of the questions and decisions had been made for surgery and hotels booked for my wife and children so I felt all of us would be well cared for. Items to bring were packed etc so there really wasn't anything left to worry about. We had a nice dinner and relaxing stroll around a mall the evening before and a wonderful feeling of calm came over me, all had been done, time to trust in God and the medical team. I know this sounds odd, but I slept like a baby at the hotel the evening before for those reasons. For the hospital stay; a small pillow to hold on your chest etc, comfy socks, cotton or flannel pj pants, and toiletries were all I needed. A book was nice after a couple of days and my ipod but that was about it. Spent more time resting and walking when they let me as the healing permitted. Good advice above about knowing the caregivers, they are nothing short of heroic. Best of luck
You will do just great
I'm 52 and had a mitral repair, maze procedure and a full sternotomy 9 months ago.

Michael Meyer  Robert:

I did have the robotic mitral repair surgery in 2014 at Cleveland Clinic. I have attached my thoughts from my journal. I also relaxed with family the weekend before the surgery. I would encourage the use of mindfulness music. I did find meditation was helpful in alleviating any stress you may experience. Advise from someone who has never "meditated" before in my life. I suspect you could be ready to go back to work in 6 weeks, as you have learned from reading this site everyone heals at different durations. The robotic surgery should shorten the duration. I highly recommend rehab and not short changing yourself if you need more time off. I eased back into my day job working half days the first week and found this helpful. You'll feel much better after the surgery.

I thought I would share some thoughts of this procedure based on my current recovery.

1. It is amazing with regard to physical function and capability four weeks post op open heart surgery. Although I still lack stamina with physical activity, I still think it is amazing what these health care providers have done to repair my mitral valve.

2. The robotic approach and various incisions was more painful than I anticipated. My wife reminded me that various physicians indicated there may be more pain but a shorter recovery period. Still not remembering those conversations.

3. Your personal health prior to mitral valve surgery is critical in providing you with more options. I was in good health with the exception of the mitral valve which opened opportunities for alternative surgeries.

4. Have your loved stay with you the first night on the floor. The transition from the ICU unit to the floor can be difficult and you need your advocate, I do not care how good a hospital that your are in.

5. Make sure have a sleeping mask and ear plugs for the potential noises from the machines and patients in ICU. Allowing you body to rest and heal is important.

6. No matter where you decide to have your surgery and who you choose as a surgeon, you and/or spouse must be well-educated and your strongest advocate. There may be some bumps in the road and you and your loved need to know the best options to challenge the nurses and /or physicians. Go to the local hospital librarian and review the literature on the subjects. I had to challenge my cardiologist and spouse about what procedure that I wanted to consider as they were "old-school" median sternotomy fans.

7. No matter how sharp you are, you will be taking some powerful medications. Many of these medicines dull your senses and response time and many of them make you tired. Although it may not adversely affect your decision(s) it certainly delays your decision making processes.

8. You are going to have some excellent nurses and patient care technicians and some mediocre nurses and patient care technicians. Set the expectations high for the mediocre crew so your needs are best met. You will quickly notice the difference between the high performers who are proactive and the "I have four other patients" and need to get through the shift.

9. It would have been great to have had this surgery locally in the St. Louis, MO region but the reality is that no hospital in the region would come close to the Cleveland Clinic expertise. That said, being remote to the Clinic provides some challenges in follow-up care even with a primary care physician and cardiologist. You have to be prepared and proactive to get the physicians to address the proper issues (as minor as they might be), especially when the option may be a >10 hr drive time to the Clinic. I still believe this remote surgery (away from home) was the best option for me and my family, but it required a lot of help and planning to ensure kids were cared for, parents could attend surgery, post recovery travel was planned. This work/planning needs to be done before the surgery or your caregiver needs to be able to complete these activities as part of their follow-up.

Robert Frederick  Thank you so much for your insights. We visited the surgeon and did pre-op testing two days ago. Dr. Lewis is very knowledgeable and has a keen ability to talk things through and not make you feel pressured into surgery.

We are going to Birmingham so our family and other support is more accessible.

Emily Rowley  I defiantly feel well recovered after my first OHS; however 5 years later I'm going in to have my second OHS (in Jan, 2016) on my Mitral Valve. I wish you all the very best in your Operation tomorrow, I will be praying for you Robert.
Let me know if you have any questions :)