Stephen's Journal

My surgery was successfully completed last Thursday and my recovery is going very well. I can only applaud the fine staff and my surgeon, Dr. Knight. My surgery was Thursday afternoon and I was released from the hospital Sunday morning. I had no concerns that I was being released too soon. While in ICU Friday morning, I over heard some staff discussing that they needed an ICU bed for an emergency and was anyone ready to move to the recovery floor. My nurse said that I was and I actually walked from ICU to the step down unit. She could tell I didn't think that was something I thought I was ready for, but she gave me a pep talk and we were off. I don't think anyone expected I would make it all the way and they were prepared with a wheel chair and 3 nurses / techs. I just kept on shuffling and pretty soon I was in my chair in my room. I was lucky to not have symptoms from my insufficient valve and I chose to continue to do my cardio routine right up until my wife and I left for Rochester. I also have no other health issues and I attribute those two factors to my quick recovery (so far). Dr. Knight told me I wouldn't need any narcotic pain killers after they removed my drains, and he was right on. I am still taking Tylenol all day, but actually forgot for a few hours this afternoon and took a while to notice it. I think I am really close to only using Tylenol at night, because I am little less comfortable lying down than upright. There is a bit of a problem getting my Warfarin dose and INR correct. My INR has remained quite low on the dosage I left the hospital with. My doctor has made adjustments and I get another blood test tomorrow and we will see where we are at. The clicking... well I never heard it while I was in the hospital. My nurses did, but I did not. As soon as I was home where it is quiet, I could hear it. There were times that it really started freaking me out and I had to do some active relaxation techniques. That seems to be behind me now and I am sure I grow totally used to it, as others have. Surgery during this COVID-19? Well, I was really, really worried how this would go with my wife and I being separated the whole time. Thursday morning, getting dropped off was the worst. My wife had a 1 hour drive to where she was staying and I was really worried about it. It all worked out fine and the hospital staff kept her apprised of my status so that she was comfortable with what was going on. I got to talk to her Thursday night sometime, although I don't recall much of it. The hospital is doing all they can to work within these pandemic requirements and they did a good job. I would say that the hospital was noticeably quieter and I bet not having visitors was part of that. Thanks to everyone for your support!

I have decided to go with the ON-X valve. Given the relatively low recommended INR required with this valve, I think the risk of Warfarin is lower than the risk associated with potentially 2 or 3 more surgeries to replace a tissue valve. My surgeon tells me that they are starting trials on one of the other anti-coagulants and that perhaps in 4 or 5 years, I could change over to that.

My aortic valve replacement is scheduled for May 7. I just found out that no visitors are allowed in the hospital due to COVID, so my wife has to sit hours away at home! Its tempting to cancel and wait it out, but that really isn't a good idea I guess.