Scott's Journal

Today make it 5 weeks since my Ross / Aortic Repair. Progressions is going well (I think). I'm walking 2 x day for 30 minutes, and that gets me just over 2k for each session. My blood pressure has been on target and to the best of my knowledge no A Fib (which I could feel in the hospital). I do have continued tightness in my chest, but I think that's mechanical, meaning the sternal healing. My one drain tube hole didn't heal right, so I have to go the local wound clinic weekly, and I have to dress the wound every other day until it closes up. Can anyone comment on the ideal of chest tightness at week 5? Scott

Today marks one month since my Ross / Aortic Repair. I’d say I’m making some good headway. I’m walking twice a day for 30 minutes, and my energy levels are pretty good. I do have a few days here and there where I generally feel a bit tired and dizzier than I’d like, but I suspect that’s mostly the side effects of some of the medications I’m on. Sleep is improving, but I think until I can sleep on my side again it will be a challenge. I tried going on my side last night, and while the sternum could take it, I found it harder to breath. I also find that that sometimes based on how I move / position my head, I can trigger some dizziness. I’m already feeling better on my walks, and on stairs than I was pre-surgery, so that has to be a good thing :). I’m hoping to make some big strides in the next couple weeks! Scott

Hi Team. Well I’m just shy of 2 weeks post Ross Procedure with a repair to my aortic aneurysm. The surgery was successful, and I was released on day 9. I’ve been home for about 5 days and things are going ok. The staff at the hospital were exceptional, and my family was super as well. While there continue to be a few bumps, nothing that wouldn’t be sorted out with a good nights sleep, which continues to elude me :). 

Tomorrow is the big day! I’m strangely calm about the procedure, which I’m sure is in part to all of the information provided by this site as well as the medical team.

I’ve set some initial small goals.

1. Wake up from surgery :)

2. Get breathing tube out.

3. Get drainage tubes out.

4. Put on underwear so I begin to feel human.

ThatS as far as I’ve gotten so far, after I meet those goals I’ll add some new ones :).


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Today I got a call that my surgery needs to be rescheduled, the surgeon has a conflict. I’m having a tough time not being frustrated. As a family we have organized our work / family lives around this date. As a small business owner, I’ve moved out 1 month of business, and now will have to move more, but I don’t have a new date yet. Argh.