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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: March 5, 2015

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Robyn Tatu posted an update

9 years ago (April 7, 2017)

2 Years Ago Yesterday - 2 years ago yesterday I went in to replace a bum heart valve and met with quite an adventure. 3 hours after a very successful surgery, my heart rolled over and put kink my coronary artery. A very rare and completely unavoidable accident. Don't let that scare you - while you need to make sure you take care of things, the odds of something like that happening are truly a billion to 1. On April 7th they gave me 50% chance to survive and were putting me on ECMO. 4 months later I was home. I'm doing fabulously and the journey back to everyday-mostly-normal has been uneventful in the health department. I take a single baby aspirin before bed and that's it for medicine. I like to live while sitting. Getting me up and moving around is a challenge - but then - I hear my heart beat when things are quiet and it reminds me I need to lose some weight. My husband, David is thinking of writing a book about our adventures - could never compete with beloved Adam Pick, but his story is informative and has been really helpful for me while I advocate for my father who had a stroke recently. I wake up feeling good and so very thankful every day (no bs here, every single morning), with my champion, David, by my side. Thanks again to him for keeping up with me, my journal and reaching out to you guys for support. I am convinced your thoughts and prayers brought me back home. 106 Days of Hospital Life. Retrospective highlights. Re-learning to sit up. Re-learning roll over. Re-learning to stand. Re-learning to walk. Constant companions: Ice Chips,Spoon & Yonker. Spectacular hallucinations Heparin shots in the belly Delcolax: Wow, that was fast! Ever changing Nursing staff Explaining history of events over and over and over. Sponge baths: brrrrr Tape glue everywhere Vicky the wound care nurse: The BEST! Ticket to Ride on Steam. How can you ruin scrambled eggs? Joining Facebook. puuhleeese shut off that alarm! Day 86: First shower Day 106: Home. The journey back to 'normal' began.

👍 Kathleen F., Pat Bluemel and reacted to this

Clare Auten

Wow. Robin I remember your journey so well and prayed for you everyday. So glad life is mostly normal for you. So good to see an update from you. Take care!

Rhonda Rawles

Wow, I do remember your story very well. Both you and I had very non traditional recoveries and extended hospital stays, only my hospital stay was about half of yours. I'm very fortunate to be here today and try to live every day remembering how blessed I am. It is... Read more.

Barbara Wood

That was an adventure! So good to hear that you are doing well!

Pat Bluemel

I remember reading the updates from David back when, what an experience, so glad to read your update!

Catie B

My word, what an ordeal! Good to read your update and know that things are better.

Barbara Laurie

Hi Robyn, I'm sorry I missed your story Heart sister! What an ordeal! My husband Dave and I marvel, since my stay of 100 days was plenty for me!! I was sedated for over two weeks and I understand learning to move again, so very hard. I used to joke... Read more.

Robyn Tatu posted a photo

10 years ago (April 6, 2016)

👍 Kelly Weisgarber reacted to this

Robyn Tatu

Wow. That's picture is a little big. I wanted to share the scar because I am actually really proud of it. But I wasn't aware it was going to be so very-in-your-face! Today is the 1st Birthday of my pig valve! I have not written in a while but I... Read more.

Christine Oliva

I got one those too! I'm nearly 6 months out and yea I would like a smaller scar, but I am feeling great. Today one of my coworkers was looked at me with a huge smile and said "Christine you look great, even younger, your checks are such a great... Read more.

Anonymous

Be proud of your scar. Christine- I have been told the same thing about my coloring. People keep telling me I have rosy cheeks now. Best wishes to you both.

Kelly Weisgarber

So great to hear you're doing well! Thanks for sharing ❤️

Robert Osmachenko

Always thinking about you Heart Sister! Things are looking good now but I see the history of the battles you were fighting. Talk soon.

Robyn Tatu posted a photo

10 years ago (November 28, 2015)

👍 Meredith Bray, Jeanette Davidson and reacted to this

Robyn Tatu

THANKFUL Thanks to all of our Heart Valve family for their support earlier this year. Your good wishes, posts, and prayers helped David thorough a horrible time - I know they helped me get to this Thanksgiving. I saw my surgeon on Tuesday who broke up with me. He says... Read more.

Meredith Bray

Yay! While my experience was much more textbook than yours, I still don't fail to be amazed at science and faith working together. So MUCH to be thankful for this year!

Tammy Pilcher

Wow Robyn! You look great! It is so amazing how far your recovery has come, heart sister. Prayers were answered! God bless y'all! Psalm 28:7

Clare Auten

It is great to see you and hear from you. I think of you often. Glad the break up with your surgeon is a good thing. :). Take care. Clare

Terrie Syvertsen

Just look at the smiles on those two beautiful/handsome faces. The look says it all. Very thankful to see you both looking so great! Happy Holidays......

Kelly Weisgarber

So good to see you! Happy thanksgiving to you both!

Eddie Patton

You look great Robyn.

Enrique K

Looking good Robyn!

Christine Pittelli

Robyn - you look wonderful - and David too! Both of you are truly blessed. The power of prayer and love....it can do amazing things.

Gerald Schaffer

Robyn, your story was inspirational for me. To see how well you fought through all your adversities gave me confidence going into my surgery. I glad to hear you're well enough to start cardiac rehab.