steve godbey - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update

Journal posted on April 27, 2021

It has been a long time since logging in.

After my aorta replacement in April 2018, I developed atrial flutter and had an ablation in February 2019. All went well for the next few years then on March 8, 2021 I returned to Cedars and Dr. Shehata to have a pacemaker put in, I was having erratic heart beats, sometimes too low and feeling dizzy. It has been 7 weeks now and I am feeling great, I should be able to return to golf in the next two weeks.

On a side note I have an employee who had heart issues and was going to have open heart surgery. I gave him the book that Adam Wrote which got me through my surgery.

Like | Patsy Stewart, Rose Madura, Shannon Gray and 1 other likes this

Ana Brusso Good job Steve, paying it forward. Hope your employee is doing well. So glad you are feeling much better and ready to go and play some golf. God bless you

Update posted on...

February 19, 2019

I had my aorta replaced on April 12, 2018 by Dr. Esmailian at Cedars, everything went very well and I was out of the hospital in three and one half days. I developed atrial flutter a couple of months ago and went back to my cardiologist Dr Geft at Cedars, he recommended that I see Dr. Michael Shehata who specializes in cardiac electrophysiology. I went in for an ablation on February 4th, all went well. My heart rate is back down to 61, while in flutter is my pulse rate stayed steady at 115 to 120. They doubled some of my meds and put me on a blood thinner, but they will hopefully cut everything back and stop the blood thinner in a couple of weeks. My question to anyone who is on metroplolo, does it occasionally make you dizzy?

Like | 1 person likes this

Susan Lynn Steve - I was on a very small dose of metoprolol and it made me dizzy. I especially noticed it when I got up from a reclined position quickly. I initially ... Read more

Susan Lynn Steve - I was on a very small dose of metoprolol and it made me dizzy. I especially noticed it when I got up from a reclined position quickly. I initially didn't think it was the drug, but I didn't have the issue after I stopped taking it. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be off it, soon.

steve godbey Susan, thank you!

Peter Matthews Hello Steve, I am on two metoprolol a day and Yes it can catch you out sometimes anytime of the day. I become dizzy often, but it only lasts a few seconds or so.

John Lant I have been taken Metoprolol 100mg Extended Release since my AVR in June. Yes it can make you feel light headed at times for a few seconds and then it passes.. ... Read more

John Lant I have been taken Metoprolol 100mg Extended Release since my AVR in June. Yes it can make you feel light headed at times for a few seconds and then it passes.. Maybe your cardiologist can change your meds if you tell him about your symptoms.

Barbara Wood Yes! My dose was 12.5 mg/day & it would make me dizzy...I found staying hydrated & drinking Gatorade really helped...best wishes on the ablation!

Update posted on...

September 20, 2018

23 weeks today, I am so thankful to Adam for his book and this website. I have not signed in for a couple of months now, I have been busy traveling, working and enjoying my family.

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Meredith Bray, Susan Lynn likes this

Rose Madura Glad to hear you are doing so well.

ready to travel

Journal posted on May 24, 2018

I am six weeks (today) out from surgery, I had a follow up visit with my cardiologist on Tuesday and got the clearance to travel. I am taking my family to Hawaii for a week, my children and grandchildren, a total of 16 including my wife. The photo I have on my page is from Italy a few years ago with my grandchildren. This is the reason I chose to have my surgery sooner rather than later, my goal is to see all of them graduate from college. I am doing well, sleeping on my side, pain free in my chest with a little muscle or nerve pain. Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful words and you sharing your experiences and fears. Thanks to Adam for his book, I believe it has helped thousands, I shared my copy with a woman at my country club who is contemplating surgery soon.

Blessings to all!

Like | Sandy Laine, Carolyn Newell, Rose Madura and 2 others like this

Anna Jones Have a good time in Hawaii and stay safe.

Judy Shaw Great news! Wishing you the best and hope you and your family have an awesome trip.

veronica gunthner Have a wonderful time! Happy for you.

Mark Wilbur Can you fit in a couple more? ;-)
Enjoy your time, your family... and stay away from hot lava!

Adam Pick Aloha!!!! Mahalo!!! Mahalo!!!! Mahalo!!!! You go Steve!

Post surgery

Journal posted on April 17, 2018

Everything went better and faster than i expected. We to cedars in los angeles. My surgen was dr fardad esmailian, one of the bestin the country. I git out of icu in one day and home home in five days, including surgery day. I was avlittke weird as they one by one unhooked my teathers tonthe hospital. Glad to be done withbit abd on my way to recovery.

Like | Civita Fahey, Bob Fessler, Rose Madura and 1 other likes this

Bob Fessler Glad to hear everything went well. That was my experience too. Not much pain...only discomfort. Recovery tiredness as you probably are experiencing now was ... Read more

Bob Fessler Glad to hear everything went well. That was my experience too. Not much pain...only discomfort. Recovery tiredness as you probably are experiencing now was a big surprise for me but is tolerable.

Phyllis Petersen How are you doing now that you have a few weeks under your belt?

steve godbey I am four weeks out and I feel really good. I keep catching myself sleeping on my side or stomach and that upsets me, not knowing the consequences.

Phyllis Petersen Apparently, pain is subsiding nicely or you wouldn't be able to roll over. If you're worried, maybe you need to roll up a couple of large towels and put them at your sides to keep you on your back.

Thank you

Journal posted on April 6, 2018

I want to thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and advice. I am so honored to be part of such a caring and thoughtful group.

Like | Rose Madura, Gina Fiorentino, Helen Daw and 6 others like this

Update posted on...

April 6, 2018

Leaving for Scottsdale on Sunday for a few days of golf. Coming back Wednesday evening, surgery scheduled for Thursday morning at 7:10 am. I am going through a stage right now where I say to myself "I feel great, I do not need surgery" . I am wondering if anyone else experienced these thoughts?

Like | Gina Fiorentino, Phyllis Petersen, Don L likes this

Rose Madura I think it's normal to try to talk ourselves out of it. It's no picnic in the park but once it's over and you are feeling better, you'll be thankful for having the surgery. Hit them straight!

Deb Lewis I went through a period of being pretty sure it was all a mistake! It wasn’t!

Gina Fiorentino Yes, my brain was pretty sure I was fine just where I was- but when a surgeon told me where I'd likely be in 5 years (with symptoms)... I felt pretty lucky to go into this feeling fine.

Helen Daw I went for a hike two days before my surgery and could not believe that I was headed for an open heart. I felt great and practicals had no symptoms besides ... Read more

Helen Daw I went for a hike two days before my surgery and could not believe that I was headed for an open heart. I felt great and practicals had no symptoms besides the shortness of breath. So I know your feelings. I was in complete denial. But to be honest, it wasn’t bad at all. I just went for my first hike this past Sunday and felt great. Good luck!!

Barbara Wood Yes, I felt just like that...I was pretty asymptomatic too. Glad I went into it feeling good, it makes recovery easier I think!

Susan Killian I walk 10,000 steps a day, feeling fantastic but I know that valve could fail at any time. Also why wait until heart is damaged. Other than slight left atrial ... Read more

Susan Killian I walk 10,000 steps a day, feeling fantastic but I know that valve could fail at any time. Also why wait until heart is damaged. Other than slight left atrial enlargement mine is good ( mitral valve excepted).

Michael Cline I do 30 minutes a day on the elliptical and mix in some Yoga. Better to go into it feeling good and in good shape.

Michael Meyer Steve :
I found it a great idea to do something fun to take my mind off the surgery and spend some time with my family. At the point where it has been determined ... Read more

Michael Meyer Steve :
I found it a great idea to do something fun to take my mind off the surgery and spend some time with my family. At the point where it has been determined you need surgery, there is no benefit in waiting in fact there is research that a longer wait can produce some undesired results.
Michael

Meredith Bray Yes, I did. I was ready to cancel the surgery. But I kept taking naps.....so deluded myself many times.

Nervous

Journal posted on March 28, 2018

I am 15 days from surgery at Cedars Sinai, my surgeon is Dr. Esmailian, me hospital and cardiologist is St Jude in Fullerton. I chose Cedars for a second opinion and saw Dr. Geft, he confirmed the diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis and recommended I have surgery within 6 months. Because we travel so much, I thought the sooner I have the surgery the better. I also made a promise to my 8 grandchildren that I would be at all of their college graduations. I am nervous, I honestly think that the worst will be the intubation, I don't know why but that freaks me out. Your book was a great help and I am on my second read right now. Thank you all and I will check back in soon.

Like |

Gina Fiorentino Hi Steve, my thoughts are with you. I was super nervous about intubation too, but happy to report that all went smoothly. I do hear a lot of people say they ... Read more

Gina Fiorentino Hi Steve, my thoughts are with you. I was super nervous about intubation too, but happy to report that all went smoothly. I do hear a lot of people say they don't remember that moment (coming out of anesthesia), but I was anxious, and so I asked the anesthesiaologist if he would keep a close eye on me when I was waking up... which gave me a little more peace of mind. Also, my post-op discomfort was very manageable as well. Best of luck... I'm also in California (San Francisco) if you would like to chat more feel free to email me and I will share my phone number.

Willie Radl Steve, wishing you well. I have a had a few months now knowing my surgery is coming and nerves are normal. I have been doing okay, mainly because I've been ... Read more

Willie Radl Steve, wishing you well. I have a had a few months now knowing my surgery is coming and nerves are normal. I have been doing okay, mainly because I've been quite busy lately but as each day passes it all becomes more real. The more I tell people about my surgery the more I hear stories of relatives or friends that have had surgeries and live totally normal lives. We'll be okay!! I agree the intubation/post surgery period will probably be the worst but it will go by quick.

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Steve,
Have absolutely NO recollection of the intubation. It was a non-issue, so hopefully, that will be the case with you also. Post op pain was also ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Steve,
Have absolutely NO recollection of the intubation. It was a non-issue, so hopefully, that will be the case with you also. Post op pain was also not an issue.
Hope your surgery is a complete success.

Rose Madura Hi Steve. I think we all worry more than necessary. It's normal. I did wake up with the breathing tube because I was having problems breathing on my own ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Steve. I think we all worry more than necessary. It's normal. I did wake up with the breathing tube because I was having problems breathing on my own at the time. At first it freaked me out but once
I was awake, the pulmonary guy came right in and they took it out. I dont remember a whole lot since I was groggy. It will probably come out before you wake. At that time, you probably won't care too much about it. You will be happy and relieved to be finished with the surgery.

Anna Jones Hi Steve, I spoke to my surgeon, Dr. Lawrie about this. I said: "I have some fear..." and he said "oh! the breathing tube. Don't worry." Haha, so we all ... Read more

Anna Jones Hi Steve, I spoke to my surgeon, Dr. Lawrie about this. I said: "I have some fear..." and he said "oh! the breathing tube. Don't worry." Haha, so we all fear it and they've heard it before.

He said this: Years ago they used a different anesthetic and it took a while for patients to go under and to wake up. So they woke up with the breathing tube and once they were awake they stayed awake.

However, now they use propofol (the drug that Michael Jackson used). He said that patients go under immediately and that they also wake up from it pretty immediately once it is turned off. So, at the proper time the anesthesiologist will reduce the propofol so that you come to, the surgeon will check your responses to squeezing his hand and some other things, and you will be asked to take a deep breath. Depending upon how much oxygen gets into your system you will be put back to sleep and the tube will be removed, or you will be woken again later and they will try again.

Helen Daw I dont even remember the tube. I was breathing on my own before I was awake. I was in your shoes 6 weeks ago and I wish I had listened to the people on the site. It wasn't that bad. Good luck

Deb Lewis I definitely feared the intubation tube pre-surgery and it came out while I was still under anthesia. I liked the suggestion of telling your anesthesiologist your fear.

Laura Jacobs As a claustophobic person, my worst fear was waking up with the breathing tube, and that was exactly what happened. You have to be breathing on your own a certain ... Read more

Laura Jacobs As a claustophobic person, my worst fear was waking up with the breathing tube, and that was exactly what happened. You have to be breathing on your own a certain length of time before they take it out. When I work up, it took a minute to force myself to close my eyes and think about something else. When I did, I started to relax and it was much easier. It turned out to be nothing to fear at all. Plan and visualize your relaxed self and go with the flow. It is not as bad as you think.

Carmel Power Hi Steve. I don’t remember them removing my breathing tube but I did wake up when I was having the TEE procedure. I was aware of them removing the tube but ... Read more

Carmel Power Hi Steve. I don’t remember them removing my breathing tube but I did wake up when I was having the TEE procedure. I was aware of them removing the tube but it wasn’t uncomfortable. All the best for your coming surgery.

Susan Killian I had one with the TEE too and remember waking up before they took it out but it did not bother me. My surgery full sternotomy for mitral valve repair is on ... Read more

Susan Killian I had one with the TEE too and remember waking up before they took it out but it did not bother me. My surgery full sternotomy for mitral valve repair is on April 11 at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh PA.

Civita Fahey I was terrified of the intubation and waking up knowing I had a tube down my throat.. I did wake up with, but, to be honest it wasn't as bad as I thought. I ... Read more

Civita Fahey I was terrified of the intubation and waking up knowing I had a tube down my throat.. I did wake up with, but, to be honest it wasn't as bad as I thought. I remember trying to swallow and felt that I couldn't, and then I heard the nurse say, cough and it will be out.. I cant tell you how much time elapsed from when I awoke and when she took it out.. so, honestly, you will be pretty drugged and you wont really notice it.. good luck!

Rita Savelis There are usually things we think will be the worst and then they aren't the worst.
There then are other things we never thought of may give us discomfort. ... Read more

Rita Savelis There are usually things we think will be the worst and then they aren't the worst.
There then are other things we never thought of may give us discomfort.
The breathing tube usually comes out while you are still asleep/sedated. It is just a precautionary measure.
There is a lot to freak out about though.
And that's what patients do.
It's the way it is.
Breathe deeply and enjoy those grandkids.

Don L The thought of it is much worse than reality in my experience. My reaction after they had me cough to take out was not bad at all. You will be happy to post the same reaction here after surgery.

steve godbey Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts, I am so pleased to be part of such a warm caring group like this.

steve godbey three weeks after surgery, I am feeling good. I do although have some discomfort in my chest when I wake up in the morning, I try my best to stay on my back ... Read more

steve godbey three weeks after surgery, I am feeling good. I do although have some discomfort in my chest when I wake up in the morning, I try my best to stay on my back all night, I catch myself on my side around 3 or 4 am. I would like to know when I can sleep on my side without consequences?

Rita Savelis You can sleep on your side when it feels okay to do so... (This is what my doctor said). It's hard to sleep on your back as we all know. But I slept on my back ... Read more

Rita Savelis You can sleep on your side when it feels okay to do so... (This is what my doctor said). It's hard to sleep on your back as we all know. But I slept on my back for so long that now, years later, it's a new sleeping position for me.... I also still find myself hugging a small pillow all night. It still feels nice to have something between my chest and the world.