Rob's Journal

Aloha Adam,Thanks for your blog. I’m e-mailing from Maui, 74 years old, and a fellow surfer. I am 11 weeks post surgery on an aortic valve replacement. I had amazing care at Hoag hospital in Newport Beach. I’ve run into an issue that I haven’t found anyone talking about on the Internet or anywhere really. A week ago I came down with Covid. I’m fully vaccinated so was supposed to have an easy go at this infection, which I’ve had except for the cough. If you read up on this Omicron variant they are talking five days, easy go at it,  however there is a good chance of a severe lingering dry cough that goes for 20 days or longer. I’m surprised that this isn’t being talked about because in your post open heart with your sternum mending you do not want to get this. As a recipient there is no information out there of how to deal with this situation. Your sternum is mending and your chest and stomach muscles are recuperating from not being used. It’s really painful and also quite frightening not knowing if your sternum can be damaged or not. With the pain you’re assuming the worst and just looking for some positive information and feedback. Again I haven’t found anyone talking about this but there should be an all points bulletin informing post operative heart patients to at all cost do not contract Covid during this healing period what ever that is. Any input would be appreciated.Mahalo and again thanks for what you do.Rob Kaplan…