Ruth's Journal

Successfully had aortic valve and root replacement 1 year and 3 months ago. I went and had my scheduled echo last week and my cardiologist said all is fine and I won't have to see him for 2 years! I am so thankful! Blessings to all.

Today marks 1 year since my aortic valve and root replacement. Time seems to be flying by. I'm most thankful for my successful surgery and sometimes forget I even had it. It's truly amazing how advanced OHS has become. For those getting ready to have surgery, I want you to know my prayers are with each and everyone of you. I know without the Lord though it might have been different for me but He truly gave me the peace and strength needed to venture through. To God be the Glory!

My prayers go out to all those with upcoming surgeries and those that are recovering. My heart goes out to all of you. Keep busy and try not to let all those negative thoughts consume you. Waiting really is the worst part of it all so try to keep busy and focus on other things. You'll be amazed how well you will feel once you are fully recovered. One day at a time and lean on the Lord Jesus! He will be with you and give you peace that surpasses understanding.

This is me and my surgeon, Dr. Kushagra Katariya. He is indeed a great surgeon and I would recommend him to anyone. A while back someone from the Tucson, AZ area was looking for a good surgeon so here he is. He is with Pima Heart in Tucson, AZ.

I'm praying for all going into surgery soon, Paul, Ruth, Christie, Inh and Doran. I pray God's perfect peace be upon you and that He guides the surgeon's hands for a successful and complete operation. Bless you all.

Listening to my improved heart with my daughters stethoscope! She says it sounds 100% better!

We're going home!! After 1 week in the hospital Ruth is going home. That darn A-fib made her stay longer but better to be safe than sorry! She is absolutely elated to go home and take a real shower. She is such a trooper a d did so very well!

20 hours post on and my mom Ruthie is doing fabulous! Today's goal is to control blood pressure and pain, get her swan catheter removed and walk the halls! Thanks for all of your continued prayers and support. ♡- Christine

Hello Heart Family,
This is Christine, Ruthie's daughter. My best friend went into surgery at about 0930 this morning. I spoke with the CT surgeon beforehand and he still wasn't sure if he was going to replace her aortic root which mad me nervous. I didn't want her to end up back in the OR in a year. We decided it was in God's hands. Well, about 2 hours into surgery the OR nurse came out and told me he was replacing both. This was a huge relief but also made me even more anxious because of the higher risk for a post on stroke. It is now 1830 and she is in ICU (has been for 4 hours). Surgery went alot faster than I thought it would. She is still intubated which I know she is not happy about. I spoke with every doctor and every nurse about her anxiety about the tube. Her nurse is working on getting it out. She is just too drowsy still. She looks comfortable, I got a couple smiles out of her which made me relax. So far so good and I can breathe a little easier. I can't thank you all enough; her heart brothers and sisters for your support and encouragement you have given her and ME!! She tells me stories all the time about you kids and how well you have done. I'm an ICU registered nurse and see this kind of stuff all the time, but man does it feel like a ton of bricks when it's your most favorite person. This site has educated her to no end and I am so proud of her for it. Thats the biggest advice for those of you having surgery soon, educate yourselves!!! Thank you for all of the prayers as well. My mom and I were at such peace this morning. Praise God. Lastly, to John Schutte, Lisa Heinen, Gram Peku, and Susan Kotansky you all are in my prayers as well as my mom's. I pray that God guides your surgical teams, gives you peace, and that you heal beautifully. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart to my mom's new and improved heart!

Well the time has come for me to depart my home and head to Tucson, AZ. It's about an hour and half drive. My surgery takes place Tuesday unless something changes (got a voicemail and it was my surgeon's office saying there is a change to my scheduled surgery), I couldn't get back with them since no one was there this weekend. I don't know if she means changed time-wise or a different day. Then she said the doctor needed for me to have a carotid test??? I know that mean the arteries in my neck. I had a ct scan Friday so I'm wondering if there was a finding that prompts him to want this test. I will leave it all in the Lord's hands. I covet all your prayers and from the bottom of my "heart" I thank God for each and everyone of you. Even though I didn't pipe in on some of your post, I have been watching and praying. Your shared stories and your support have given me strength to face the inevitable. Will keep you all posted and would hope that my experience will vastly help whoever follows. Blessing to all... especially to Adam Pick who was Picked by God to help so many people.....

Just getting home from the Tucson Area. I had a ct scan in one radiology medical facility. Went to breakfast, and then had to go the hospital where I'm actually having the surgery. I had more tests there in addition to blood drawn (I swear they are blood suckers). I feel like a pin cushion. After an xray, I received a tour of the Intensive Care Unit where I'm told I'll be spending a day or two at. I talked to a wonderful nurse there and she couldn't tell me enough on how I have one of the best surgeons. In fact other nurses in different areas of where I've been sent have told me the same about him. He is well loved for sure and that makes me happy. I asked the nurse in ICU would she let him operate her and she said indeed she would although she doesn't want to be in that condition of needing an operation. Can't say I blame her. I'm really having some emotional issues now and think I just need to have a good cry. I'm super tired and have to admit I'm really apprehensive, especially of seeing that darn breathing tube when I wake. Lord, please help me not walk in fear I pray. Praying for all of you.

I've been scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday, 29 Sep. I need all you prayer warriors to pray for me! I didn't think I would be having it this soon! Who knows, maybe I'll back out. The surgeon told me if I was his mother, he'd have me in the operating room at the very moment we were discussing things.

Well I just showered and will be departing soon to see the surgeon. Although I can drive myself, I have a beautiful friend that wants to take me. In fact, she is known for her big love in that she offers to take any friend to their appointments in Tucson which is a good 1 1/2 hour drive. I'm so thankful for her. So, today I'll know more! I just pray I don't need additional tests. Have a good day all and my prayers for all of us.

Well, I just received a call from the surgeon my cardiologist has recommended. His name is Dr. Kushagra Katariya out of Pima Heart in Tucson, AZ. Does that name ring a bell to anyone???? I looked him up and one article says he is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished cardiothoracic surgeons in the US. Sounds good but I will certainly have the questions for him. Like how many successful surgeries like mine has he had...... my heart is racing right now....

Just want all those with upcoming surgeries that I'm praying for you all. I'm praying that God's strength fills you and that you trust and lean on him for all things. May God's peace be multiplied to you!

Well, I had my cardiac cath yesterday and it revealed no blockage which I'm totally grateful for. But now my cardiologist feels I need to have surgery for my aortic valve sooner than later. He said my valve has gotten really tight and he told me I have an aortic root measuring 4.7. That was a first time hearing anything about a "root". I've had quite a few echos and was never told anything about that. Anyone that can tell me about the "root" issue, I'd really appreciate it... P.S. I think I'm still in denial about it all... Guess as my surgery date approaches, reality will hit me.

I'm scheduled for a bilateral angiogram this coming Friday. My cardiologist believes I might have some blockage and if he can, will put a stent in. He said if he can't put a stent and it requires open heart, then I'll be scheduled for that and my aortic valve would be taken care of also. He said the valve is a tad bit worse than my last echo reading so I'm praying for no blockage and if so, it can be stented and the OHS can wait! I'm not prepared for OHS at all, mentally nor physically but it is what it is. I covet all the prayer I can get. Has anyone ever had a bilateral angiogram? I've never heard of it... Blessings to all!

I haven't been posting on here but I have been keeping up with who is going into surgery and ensuring prayers are sent forth. I have a question and hopefully someone can help me. I have had no symptoms with my aortic stenosis/regurgitation but not too long ago I felt as though I was going to faint. I sort of caught myself and sat on the sofa for a bit. My chest had an intense pressure in it. I thought of going to the ER but then felt if it is necessary or do I just deal with this until my next cardiologist appointment. I feel okay at the moment but that a bit alarming for me.

I am doing well with my heart for now but I'm going through new health issues. I've had a horrible rash going on six months now which causes intense itching and it's all over my body. I've been seen by different dermatologists and now it's thought I have cancer and I'll be going through every test known to mankind to find it. My dermatologist told me in all his 35 years of practicing, I'm his 7th patient that has this rare rash called reactive perforating collagenosis. I've been keeping my eye on all your stories and have been faithful to keep you in prayers especially those on surgery day! Keep on keeping on! I would appreciate all your prayers. I'm thankful that my heart issue can wait until January of next year. God is good all the time!

Had my semi-annual echo and all has remained the same. My cardiologist was pleased with the results and felt I can wait another year before I have another echo. I'm still in the moderate stage and it's the first time the valve didn't get worse. I'm more pleased than him! I'm praying for all those that are preparing for surgery. May God's hand rest on you and pull you through... He is more than able!

Just read this online:

Vancouver Heart Procedure Set for International Trial.

A heart procedure pioneered at Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital could allow people to avoid open-heart surgery and massively cut down on recovery times.

Called the Vancouver 3M Clinical Pathway, the procedure involves inserting a new valve into people’s hearts by way of a catheter.

According to Dr. Alexander Wood, a standard aortic valve replacement keeps a patient in the hospital for up to two weeks, and away from work for up to three months.

But the 3M Clinical Pathway, which is about to be tested in a North America-wide study of 1200 patients, takes less than an hour and has a full recovery time of under a week.

The first test took place in Vancouver today on Theresa Stickley, a sister at a Squamish monastery. The 83-year-old rejected open heart surgery, but was convinced to try the new procedure.

Awake the entire time – and watched by dozens of clinicians on livestream – Stickley was grateful for the new lease on life.

“I think I have a few years to help the sisters, help the monastery. Do some work, do some dishes,” she said.

“It’s really wonderful. It’s going to help others, and that’s the thing.

Just want all of you that are facing surgery soon, that my prayers are with you all. That means Jason, John, Bernard, Melinda and Gary will be covered. I know I have no strength of my own and will totally be depending on God's strength to get me through. Bless you all!

Friday night, gonna read my book and drink a few whiskies!

A coworker just told me she was newly diagnosed with aortic and mitral valve stenosis. I can tell she is really upset and I'm trying to calm her nerves. She was having breathing problems last week and she told me it was her asthma but now we both know what it really was. I'm so glad I can comfort and help her along this journey.

Praying for Erica and Susan this morning... May God's hand direct the surgeon's hands for successful surgeries.

I would love it if someone could share their TEE exam experience with me. It doesn't sound like something I want to do. I hate any tubes being stuck down my throat...

Well I had my yearly echo this past week and my cardiologist said he needs to repeat one in 6 months. He said my valve has pretty much stayed at 1.0 but that my mean gradient went to a 28 (don't understand much about gradients but I will find out)! I do know my first echo showed it was a 15, the second one was a 19 and now it's a 28. I believe he said they start to worry when it gets to 50. I'm reading all the journals and know who is facing surgery soon and my prayers are with you all. I thank God for this community of people.

I have a question, "Did anyone experience being awakened at night with coughing spells?" I am still in the wait and see mode so haven't been operated on. I know some of the symptoms are breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, etc. I'm scheduled for an echo on 23 May so I'll have some answers then, but I was just wondering if anyone experienced coughing bouts prior to their surgery. Thank you!

Mia again

Mia, my grandaughter, love of my life

My daughter Christina

Two years ago I was diagnosed with mild aortic stenosis and regurgitation. My heart doctor let me know what torture I would go through and advised me to lose some weight. He said I was going to need open heart surgery. I posed some questions and he seemed irritated with my asking, so I told myself once I left his office, I'd find another heart doctor. I was pretty shaken by this experience and read all I could on these two conditions. I found another doctor whom I'm very pleased with. Initially, when I saw my new doctor he told me I'd be 80 before needing surgery. I was 60 at the time and I left his office happier than a lark. He did tell me to come back after a year for a new echo and that he'd have to do one every year. Well, the year quickly flew and I went back for my echo but this time the doctor said things quickly changed. I was now at the moderate stage which he didn't think would happen. He said I would need the surgery sooner than he thought and was going to have me schedule echo's every 6 months. I really think he did that because my daughter was with me and she kept telling him about our family history of heart problems. Well, after a 6 month wait, I went for my echo and was told it had been cancelled due to my insurance company denying it. I was upset with this decision but at the same time, not surprised. I was able to see the doctor and he wasn't too happy with the insurance company's decision either. So now I'll be having my echo on 23 May 2014. So far, I don't really feel symptoms except for some tiredness. I would love for this valve to hold up another 4 years because I'll be retired then but I'm not in control of it all. I'll post once I find out where I stand in May. Thank you all for sharing your stories and journals. They are a huge help! May God bless you all!