Robert's Heart Valve Journal

Robert Frederick  My appreciation also goes out to Dr. Clifton Lewis and his team at Princeton Baptist for repairing my mitral valve and providing excellent care. They were ... Read more

Robert Frederick  My appreciation also goes out to Dr. Clifton Lewis and his team at Princeton Baptist for repairing my mitral valve and providing excellent care. They were all glad to be with me and saw me through it.

Catie B  Congrats on your recovery! It's so cool that you've stayed with the rehab folks who helped build your strength after surgery! What a cool picture. :)

Cardiac ... Read more

Catie B  Congrats on your recovery! It's so cool that you've stayed with the rehab folks who helped build your strength after surgery! What a cool picture. :)

Cardiac rehab is such a great program, and the staff are so supportive.

I fell in love with the staff at mine, and will miss them big time. But a change in insurance came and it's much closer and cheaper to work out in my town. That starts this week.

Robert Frederick  Not to mention my heart rate went up to 145 and they had to put me in time out for a couple of minutes. I recovered quickly and carried on. 11 weeks post mitral ... Read more

Robert Frederick  Not to mention my heart rate went up to 145 and they had to put me in time out for a couple of minutes. I recovered quickly and carried on. 11 weeks post mitral valve repair with ddi Vinci robot under the control of Dr. Lewis at Princeton Baptist.

Petey Bello  Congratulations Robert. I just read your 'story'. Very detailed & inspiring. I am due to have (hopefully) a mitral repair in April. Both my leaflets are damaged, ... Read more

Petey Bello  Congratulations Robert. I just read your 'story'. Very detailed & inspiring. I am due to have (hopefully) a mitral repair in April. Both my leaflets are damaged, but they say there is a good chance of a repair. I am glad all went well for you! Great pictures :)
God Bless!

Robert Frederick  Being back at work is a mentally challenging. Have several items that could be done, but am holding back to make it through the week. So have to adjust to ... Read more

Robert Frederick  Being back at work is a mentally challenging. Have several items that could be done, but am holding back to make it through the week. So have to adjust to an "interim normal".

The people at work who have been doing things for me have been very kind and encouraged me to go at a slow and steady pace.

Rehab orientation was today, and I start re-hab tomorrow. Rehab nurse asked me my overall goals. I said, "I want to loose three pounds." She and my wife both laughed. I said, "Well after I loose three, then I could try for three more!"

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

  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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

Robert Frederick  I also had time to tell them the heart surgeon joke I had prepared for them before my surgery, but was scrapped because I went out before I got to the operating ... Read more

Robert Frederick  I also had time to tell them the heart surgeon joke I had prepared for them before my surgery, but was scrapped because I went out before I got to the operating room last month.

They laughed really hard (the doctor was not there).

Robert Frederick  I learned from the anesthesiologist that they perform the highest volume of valve surgeries in the nation for a private hospital. They are number six if you ... Read more

Robert Frederick  I learned from the anesthesiologist that they perform the highest volume of valve surgeries in the nation for a private hospital. They are number six if you include university medical centers.

The place is a hidden gem.

Robert Frederick  Adam: Your video was one of the main reasons I got interested in Dr. Lewis and Princeton Baptist. It is a great video. After being there, I can say that ... Read more

Robert Frederick  Adam: Your video was one of the main reasons I got interested in Dr. Lewis and Princeton Baptist. It is a great video. After being there, I can say that they have a wonderful program at every point. Since they have high volume of surgeries their skills are excellent. Because it is a relatively small hospital the doctors, nurses, and staff all have great relationships that allow them to provide the best patient care.

Robert Frederick  A copy of my favorite heart surgeon joke.

A heart surgeon came home early for a dinner party that his wife had been planning for months. Several important ... Read more

Robert Frederick  A copy of my favorite heart surgeon joke.

A heart surgeon came home early for a dinner party that his wife had been planning for months. Several important people were attending. However, a plumbing problem had caused all of the facilities in the house to back up and created panic in the house.

His wife exclaimed, "You are always at the hospital and never have time for things like this! Get this fixed now and I mean it!"

The heart surgeon got a plumber on the phone fast. "Get over here stat, and I will pay you whatever you ask." The plumber was there in 5 minutes. He emerged from the bathroom after two minutes of work and everything was fixed and running perfectly.

"That will be $300," said the plumber wiping off his hands and placing his wrench in the toolbox.

"Three hundred dollars!," exclaimed the heart surgeon. "That's $9,000 per hour!" I am heart surgeon and I don't make that kind of money.

The plumber closed his toolbox and mumbled, "Yeah, I didn't make that much money when I was a heart surgeon either."

Robert Frederick  I was a probably little too talkative as my nurse anesthesiologist zapped me with a good dose of Versed as we left for the operating room. I was talking ... Read more

Robert Frederick  I was a probably little too talkative as my nurse anesthesiologist zapped me with a good dose of Versed as we left for the operating room. I was talking away as we went down that long hallway to surgery and that is the last I remember until I woke up in the ICU.

  Great picture! I had a similar experience (sans joke). :) I started to tear up as I was being wheeled back. I remember a nurse telling me everything was going ... Read more

  Great picture! I had a similar experience (sans joke). :) I started to tear up as I was being wheeled back. I remember a nurse telling me everything was going to be ok and next thing I knew, I was waking up after surgery!

Jean Raber  Hahaha! I've been given that zap of "shut up" anesthesia for several medical procedures, because the stuff they give you for "relaxation" made everything seem ... Read more

Jean Raber  Hahaha! I've been given that zap of "shut up" anesthesia for several medical procedures, because the stuff they give you for "relaxation" made everything seem hilarious. I'm glad you went in happy (though I'm sorry you didn't get to tell your joke). How are you feeling now?

Robert Frederick  A heart surgeon came home early for a dinner party that his wife had been planning for months. Several important people were attending. However, a plumbing ... Read more

Robert Frederick  A heart surgeon came home early for a dinner party that his wife had been planning for months. Several important people were attending. However, a plumbing problem had caused all of the facilities in the house to back up and created panic in the house.

His wife exclaimed, "You are always at the hospital and never have time for things like this! Get this fixed now and I mean it!"

The heart surgeon got a plumber on the phone fast. "Get over here stat, and I will pay you whatever you ask." The plumber was there in 5 minutes. He emerged from the bathroom after two minutes of work and everything was fixed and running perfectly.

"That will be $300," said the plumber wiping off his hands and placing his wrench in the toolbox.

"Three hundred dollars!," shouted the heart surgeon. "That's $9,000 per hour!" I am heart surgeon and I don't make that kind of money.

The plumber closed his toolbox and mumbled, "Yeah, I didn't make that much money when I was a heart surgeon either."

  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 ... Read more

  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.

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 ... Read more

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. ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

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 ... Read more

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.

Whitney Nelson  Hi Robert! I am from Alabama as well and am seeing a surgeon at UAB, however, he is the only one I have seen so far. Can I ask what made you choose to go to ... Read more

Whitney Nelson  Hi Robert! I am from Alabama as well and am seeing a surgeon at UAB, however, he is the only one I have seen so far. Can I ask what made you choose to go to Princeton and your surgeon? Also congratulations and I will pray for a speedy recovery!!

Ginger Marine  To me the only thing better than leaving the hospital was the surgeon saying, "You can drive now!" I had been away from my home, garden, chickens, and cats ... Read more

Ginger Marine  To me the only thing better than leaving the hospital was the surgeon saying, "You can drive now!" I had been away from my home, garden, chickens, and cats for 5 weeks,and I burned up the road getting back!

Robert Frederick  Whitney:

For the surgery I was facing, mitral valve repair, I wanted the following: 1) robotic surgery for a repair and not a replacement, 2) a surgeon who ... Read more

Robert Frederick  Whitney:

For the surgery I was facing, mitral valve repair, I wanted the following: 1) robotic surgery for a repair and not a replacement, 2) a surgeon who did a good number of these operations, and 3) a surgical/hospital team that had good experience with all that this would entail.

If I could get all three in Alabama, it would be much easier for my family to provide me with support during the process.

So I found that Dr. Clifton Lewis and his team are quite good. Some of the nurses told me that he has done as many a 7 operations in one day although that is not his normal routine.

The hospital is no 5 star hotel, but I felt like everyone was capable and interested in my welfare. The doctor was never far away and I saw him every day after surgery. The staff definitely know the way he wanted things done.

My opinion is that Dr. Lewis might consider the robotic surgery on a broader array of clients that perhaps other hospitals because of the experience of his team and his own strategies for success. But I can't really speak for him.

So, I felt that Princeton Baptist and Dr. Lewis' group had what I needed.

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

  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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 :)