Sandy's Journal

April 13th last year I was undergoing aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic. I am better physically and don\'t even think about what we (my family) and I went through last year. Last week my Dr. said, \"wear your scare with pride.\" For those of you who are facing this, be positive and look to the future. For those of you who have been through this procedure, keep on ticking and kicking. Sandy

Today is October 13. The number 13 may set your alert level to caution but not for me. Thirteen is my lucky number. Two significant events took place on the 13th; my Bar Mitzvah at age 13 on October 13, 1956 and my Aortic Valve Replacement on April 13, 2010. These milestones are now a part of my past. After six months I feel as good or better than I did last year at this time. My exercise level is much higher than before and I am increasing reps and weights each week. Looking forward to the next six months. Sandy

Five months after surgery and all is well. Back to my regular gym and exercising at a higher level then I did before the procedure. Again, many thanks to Adam, his book and this site. I was able to give back over the last several week when an 84 year old friend went through the same valve replacement procedure at Northwestern in Chicago. It\'s a good feeling helping others going through the process and knowing the right answers because you have been there. I don\'t have any plans to climb Everest or run a marathon but it is sure good to know that the \"fix\" works. Sandy

What do winners do? They go to Disney World to celebrate. And that was the reward I gave my wife, daughter-in-law and my two grandsons for completing rehab and feeling great. Actually, D.W. last week was more brutal then my surgery. I graduated from rehab at the end of July and planned to visit my two sons and family in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale. I survived the trip in good shape and was able to keep up with my 2 1/2 old grandson. Today, I started back at my regular gym but with much caution since I did avoid anything healthy and had no planned exercise. After all this was a vacation. So, for all of you who have taken this journey with me - go out and celebrate. It was a trip. Sandy

Three months since my surgery in April at the Cleveland Clinic. The journey is so amazing that it is hard to comprehend. Yesterday I went to my cardiologist and she doesn\'t want to see me until next May, one year after my last echo. According to her my valve is working as it is suppose to and everything sounds good. I have been at Rehab for two months. Last month they let me do upper body and weight machines. It feels so good to move all my muscle groups. I have a consultation with the cardiologists at the Rehab center on Monday. They also took my blood yesterday to evaluate my cholesterol. I think my Rehab will end sooner than the 12 weeks. I want to get back to my regular exercise program at my gym. My cardiologist didn\'t think it would be a problem. Again, it is amazing what can be done to fix the heart. My only wish is that Cancer patients will get these kind of fixes soon. We lost a dear friend recently and others are suffering as well. As heart patient, we are the lucky ones. Sandy

Well, it\'s a little over 8 weeks since my surgery. Hard to believe! I am doing most everything I did before my surgery with the exception of heavy lifting. My wife imposed that restriction until they give me the go ahead for upper-body workout in Rehab. I can feel my arms, neck and upper back in need of attention. I can hardly wait to use my arms on the recumbent cross trainer. I have a 4 week evaluation on Monday and I expect the upper-body to start then. No longer holding my chest when I sneeze or cough. No pain at all. I took the dog for a two mile walk this morning. She is learning how to be a good dog and not pull me while I am learning how to get back to my normal life. Both of us seem to be on the right path. Sandy

Did I have open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve six weeks ago? It\'s hard to believe. I don\'t have much to report since everything is so good. I am into my second week of rehab and have increased my time/resistance on the equipment. I will have a full hour of exercise by the end of the week. Again, a healthy life style and positive attitude are the keys to a rapid recovery. I wish those facing this surgery and those recovering would follow in my footsteps. Sandy

Well, it\'s five weeks since my surgery and doing a little more and feeling better everyday. I started to drive over the weekend and have no discomfort turning the steering wheel or lack of attention. I drove to my first rehab session on Monday which is 21 miles via an interstate from my house. Rehab is interesting. More procedure than exercise. Questions, hook-ups, heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure and then they let you do the treadmill, bike and a recumbent thing they call a Nu Step. Then more questions, blood pressure and finally getting unhooked from the monitor. Everything needs to be recorded on my chart. I will get the hang of it eventually since I will be at Rehab 3 times a week. My scare is healing nicely and the scab is gone. I still have what I call my blow hole (the drainage tube port) but all looks good. Sandy

Interesting how Drs. can tell you that at such and such a time you will be ready to do this or that. Well, today is 4 weeks since my surgery and I am on schedule. I\'ve given up my heart pillow, pain meds, supplemental vitamins and I am ready to start rehab. I would guess my incision is about 90 to 95% healed. No pain in movement and I started to get my own breakfast and do some light things around the house. I told Nancie that she can chauffeur me around till Friday. I will drive this weekend. I feel good but great is yet to come. My walking test is tomorrow and then a baseline echo on Thursday. My internal self wants to get going. Sandy

It seems like a life time ago that I was wheeled into the OR but it has only been 3 weeks. I can feel that I am making progress and I am finally weening my self off of the pain meds. We went to the cardiologist yesterday. She along with everyone else say I look good. My BP and heart are good and my chest is healing well. She wants me to stay away from coffee and booze at least for another couple of weeks. I have an echo scheduled for the 13th so that they have a new baseline at the NM Heart Institute. She also referred me to Cardio Rehab. We went and registered. They will be getting my medical records from the Cleveland Clinic and their Dr. will look them over. I maybe in the program as soon as next week. I can\'t wait to start even though I have been walking regularly. I keep thinking how lucky I am. I think of those out there going through the procedure and wish the best for all. Remember everyone is unique and recovery depends on your body. Sandy

Well, it\'s not that easy. The weather has not be cooperating with my walking outside, so I decided to do the treadmill. I started slow on the advise of Nurse Nancie. Twice a day for 15 minutes at about 1.2 mph. It does feel good to work at something that will help me get back on track. Went to my Primary Care Physician on Wednesday only to be told to take it easy. She took a good deal of time explaining why my body needs to catch up with my new heart. I have been experiencing some peripheral movements in my eyes which is normal. I am still on the pain meds and need to address that with the cardiologist on Monday. So for now it is take it easy but keep on moving. Sandy

Well, I knew that recovery would be a challenge but had no idea how my body would deal with it. It\'s been great being home in my own bed, eating good food and seeing the sunshine. What I didn\'t expect that just \"being\" would be exhausting. I didn\'t think sitting in a chair and watching a two hour movie would tire me out. I didn\'t think talking with friends for a few minutes would tire me out. All these simple activities have to be calculated into the recovery. The weather turned nice so we decided to start walking at least twice a day. Sounds good and I was eager to begin. I think I told those who know our house that we have a short 50\' drive that is a hill. My goal was to walk down and then up again. A somewhat easy task. Doing that was easy but I was tired. I also added an additional 300\' to this task on Sunday. Well, today I am paying the price. Although I had a good nights sleep last night I am tired today. I don\'t have the desire to walk outside now but I will try later if my body wakes up. I guess this is a balancing act and right now the wire is really shaky. Taking the pain meds every 4 hrs. is a big help. Oh, by the way, I had an experience on Friday that kind of hit me hard. Caffine must be a killer on my heart. Not realizing that, I had two cups of coffee on Friday morning that sent me to bed with my heart racing a mile a minute. I could feel the bed rocking and rolling. I since stopped that and am drinking decaf green tea. I plan on discussing this with my Dr. on Wed. Sandy

Yesterday, April 21st, was travel day from Cleveland to Albuquerque and then a short 30 minute drive home. I had anticipated that this day would put me to the test. It did without question. Even though everything went according to plan it was extremely trying. The Southwest people were great with wheel chairs every step of the way. The longest walk was from the plane door to the first row, a shorter walk to the bathroom. We had to change planes in St. Louis, again it was smooth. That leg to Albuquerque was the challenge. I was pushing my pain meds farther then I should have which was not a good idea. I wanted to wait until I got home. I was exhausted and my breathing and heart rate let me know it. Plants, balloons, cards, and food were here when we got home. I was really touched. Today, after getting a decent nights sleep in my own bed was wonderful. I am so much better and happy to be here. Nurse Nancie is up on the meds and talking to the pharmacy and Dr. I don\'t know how one can get through this without love and friendship. Oh, by the way, when do you feel you can give up the heart pillow? I think I must be experiencing my childhood again. I carry the thing around with me all the time. I guess it is like a security blanket. For those that are reading my journal, in the hospital they give you this stuffed heart pillow to help with coughing, etc. I\'ve become attached to it. Sandy

It\'s hard to believe that one week ago I was in surgery. I have a new aortic valve and a new lease on life. I am very fortunate since I don\'t have multiple issues with my heart and find that I am relatively healthy. I found that you can\'t push yourself more than your body will allow. Your body is unforgiving. I found that taking it slow and easy is the best policy. As everyone said here, some days are good some days are not so good. You don\'t realize that even talking can take its toll on your strength. We travel home to Albuquerque tomorrow. Not looking forward to the trip but anxious to get home and see the puppy. Sandy

The sun came out, the rain stopped and the temp got to 60. Nancie and I walked twice today. OK, it was slow with lots of stops along the way. The air smelled great and the sun on my face was wonderful. I\'ve been trying to prolong my pain meds but I am not a hero. Even though I am not in much pain when I am lying still, my body is sore. I am taking everything much slower and trying to build myself up in anticipation of the flight home on Wednesday. Sandy

Out of the hospital mid-day and walking up the steps to my bedroom in the evening. I think I must have slept last night. Took an ambient, didn\'t move at all and was downstairs for breakfast by 7:00 Am. This is exceptional and not the norm. I have been told by doctors and family that I am in very good health, which is hard to believe since I am not a health nut or exercise freak. I have been obese most of my life and never really took care of myself. When I moved to New Mexico I was over 200 lbs. (5\' 10\") and my exercise program consisted of moving food from the plate to my mouth. Seven years ago my wife and I joined a gym, started to eat healthy and hoped for the best. My primary care physican told me to walk the dog and I did just that. We are fortunate to have a beautiful area to walk and my beloved Jordan (black lab) and I would walk 3 to 3.5 miles daily. I called her my personal trainer. She passed in August and that put the brakes on the walking. Now, we have a new dog and my goal is to start walking as soon as I can with her. The message here is, if you are not in good shape, you have the power to change. Time is on your side - start now and you will be better off for the rest of your life. Sandy

Everyone taking care of me in Step Down was great. They never touched me or gave me anything without asking for my full name and birthdate. It was kind of a joke since I was in the military and it was akin to asking for name, rank and serial number. Never had to wait for meds, etc. The care was exceptional. If it sound like I am selling the Cleveland Clinic, you are right. If you are fortunae to have good insurance and can afford the additional travel expense, this is the place that is rated #1 in the country for heart surgery. I was born here in Cleveland and my brother and his family live about 15 minutes from the main hospital campus. That is where we are now until Wednesday when we leave to go home to Placitas, NM. I will post pictures of my private room with a view of Cleveland. No, I am not special, all rooms in the cardiac step down are private. Sandy

I got out of ICU before lunch and was transported to the 6th floor Step Down Unit. That was less than 24 hours after the opreration. When my wife talked to Dr. Gillinov after surgery he told her that my native aortic valve (the valve that I was born with) was small, which probably contributed to the deteriation. So, he enlarged my aorta with peracarduim tissue to give me a 23mm Edwards bovine valve. When I talked with Dr. Gillinov later that day, he said that the valve should never be a problem. He said it was a simple plumbing job, minimally invasive with a beautiful 3\" cut. Sandy

Tuesday, April 13th was a long rainy day in Cleveland. I was not as lucky as Fran Z to have an early call, I reported at 10:00 Am. Surgery started about 2:30 PM. The first pre-op room was probably the worst part of the procedure was when the nurse hit my nerve in my left hand putting in an IV port. At 11:30 AM they took me up to the pre-op adjacent to the OR. For those of you that have been through the new Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute at the CC will understand about the 52\" HDTV in this little space. No movies or entertainment unless you consider vitals entertaining. I am sure they were pumping me with all kinds of drugs through those IV ports. I think there were at list 4 ports. The only thing I can remember was being wheeled into the OR and looking at the big round lights that looked like the Starship Enterprise. That was it until I heard a nurse in ICU saying they were taking out the breathing tube. My family came in to see that I was OK. I guess I slept without a problem until Wednesday. Sandy

Dear Family and Friend, I apologize for not updating my journal since we had problems at the Clinic with my computer/comcast/T-mobile, etc. Therefore, I will send several updates to fill you all in on what I now call \"The Miracle on 93rd Street.\" Sandy

Everything is in place. Met with the anesthesiologist and Dr. Gillinov yesterday. My wife and I are very confident after talking over the procedure with him. So, let\'s get this show on the road. See you all on the other side. Sandy

After a wonderful family weekend, we are off to see the Anesthesologist and Dr. Gillinov today. The boys came in over the weekend and we had a great time with my brother and his family. We ate large quantities of bad food in preparation for the long dry spell. Yesterday, we went to my brother\'s lake house in Ashtabula, Oh and relaxed in the sun. I am more relaxed than I anticipated. Everyone at the Clinic told me that Dr. Gillinov is a great guy and will make me feel even more confident. We are looking forward to our meeting. Sandy

A long day at the Clinic. The angiogram kept me flat on my back for over 4 hours but the results were very positive. My aortic valve is really bad but I only have 30% blockage in two arteries which is a non-issue for the surgery. So it looks like a minimally invasive surgery for Tuesday. We will find out for sure on Monday when we talk with Dr. Gillinov. My family is extremely happy and so am I. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend before the big day. Sandy

We arrived in Cleveland yesterday in the rain. The flight was a little stressful with anticipation of what\'s to come. Today was filled with tests, tests, and more tests. The \"Factory\" as the NM cardiologist called it was warm and friendly. People are helpful and ready to assist you at every turn. Didn\'t feel like a number today. My ah-ha moment came when I was talking to a young lady and asked her why she was here. She had a heart transplant 2 years ago after the birth of her first child. She is now 27 and comes for regular check-ups. Kinda makes my operation seem like a piece of cake. I\'ve learned a lot more about my physical condition today. My cholesterol levels are the best I\'ve ever had especially my HDL at 55 and my LDL at 84. The EKG did tell me that I am skipping a beat. At this point we are looking at a minimally invasive (3 in) procedure. However, if I do have blockage it will be the full blown procedure an 8/9 in cut. Nancie and I have decided to stay at the Suites Hotel after I am released from the hospital before we return to NM. Although it is nice at my brothers, it is not convenient because the bedrooms are all up stairs. I\'ve been told that I will be sleeping a lot at that time and it will be best for all of us. So, angiogram tomorrow and then a weekend of fun with my sons/daughter-in-law and the rest of the Gilberts. We will meet Dr. Gillinov on Monday afternoon. Then the surgery Tuesday. Best to all Sandy

The journey to Cleveland begins in about 24 hrs. but with a minor bump in the road. Sunday night my wife came down with stomach flu. This was not a good sign since I also felt sick but didn\'t experience the discomfort my wife was having. I don\'t know if both of us are just on the edge and more stressed than ever. I am fine today and we will be in Cleveland tomorrow. Thursday and Friday are filled with tests and of course an angiogram to determine the damage to my heart. Once this is done we will meet with Dr. Gillinov on Monday to find out if we go full bore or minimal. The Grand Opening is Tuesday. Hopefully, the angiogram will not deter me from having a stressless weekend. My two boys and daughter-in-law will be coming in this weekend. We are all staying at my brother\'s house and may spend the weekend at his lake house about 2 hrs. from Cleveland. I will keep everyone updated until Monday, then the boys will take over. Sandy

This week a funny thing happened on the road to surgery. Robin Williams was on the Daily Show talking or more like funning about his valve replacement surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Mr. Energy didn\'t miss a beat, his humor and antics are still top notch. A very good sign for us that are getting ready for surgery. I decided to take Robin along with me on my heart journey so I bought his album, \"Weapons of Self-Destruction\" for my iPod. He does a bit about his heart surgery that cracks me up. Laughter is good. Also, had an evening with a friend that is about 17 weeks post a repaired mitral valve and a Maze procedure. It was good talking to him and his wife. He\'s a retired Doc and his insights went right along with Adam\'s Book. In 5 days we will be off for Cleveland. The nerves are edgy and the mind does not focus well but I am still positive with a bit of excitement about the journey. Sandy

As I get closer to my surgery date (April 13), I have been thinking about my good fortune. Yes, I am going to have open heart surgery and I\'ve never had a broken bone in my life. Yes, I will be in some discomfort and won\'t be back to normal for some weeks. Yes, there might be some major changes in my life that may be difficult to over come but I am lucky! I\'ve had friends and family die before their time of slow insidious diseases without the benefit of medical intervention to make them better. Just this morning, a young neighbor (much younger than me) died of a massive heart attack. I have a second chance and I\'ve also been able to call some of the shots regarding where and who does my surgery. So, take heart (pun intended) that heart valve surgery patients are really lucky. We have been given a second chance. Sandy

I got the call Tuesday afternoon only a week since the Cleveland Clinic received all my paperwork. I have been scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, April 13th. The downside, according to the nurse, is the weekend between test and surgery. I could have scheduled for a month or so down the road but once you make your mind up, take action. I actually consider the weekend break as positive. I grew up in Cleveland and my brother and his family live in the east suburbs. My two sons from Florida and a daughter-in-law will come to town for the weekend and as I call it, \"The Grand Opening.\" So, it will be one big family reunion. It\'s interesting that putting a date to the event makes it really real. The emotions are a little on edge knowing the time is near and we are both trying to go about our business without dwelling too much on what\'s to come. Thanks for listening. Sandy

Adam thanks for giving us so much. It\'s obvious that the book is here to help patients going through the surgery but I got to tell you, loved ones are the beneficiaries. Once you know what you are going to go through, try to tell you loved one the facts without the emotions. My wife is reading the book and I know it has opened her eyes to this event in our lives. She is a great caregiver but armed with Adam\'s information she will be the best. I am already getting, \"Adam said this or that.\" Thanks again, Sandy

I just started my journal and already I have two friends going through the surgery with Dr. Gillinov. How lucky can one be under the circumstances. Fear of the unknown plays a silly game with you mind, so first-hand feedback is invaluable. Please keep me posted so that I can be there with all you brave souls. Thanks Sandy