The surgery went very well, and Dr. Sandhu and his surgical team were able to repair the valve and I did not require a valve replacement. The first day post-op ...Read more
The surgery went very well, and Dr. Sandhu and his surgical team were able to repair the valve and I did not require a valve replacement. The first day post-op was a little rough. Breathing was difficult and the chest tubes didn’t help. I was up and walking the next day and it felt good to finally stretch.
I found it most comfortable to sit/lay in the chair instead of the bed. Breathing in the bed, for me, was difficult and labored. Plus, the chair allowed me to easier control my body position. I only wish I would have brought a neck travel pillow as my neck was (and still is) pretty sore.
I was amazed how much better I felt each day. The ICU staff at Northwestern Medicine were all top notch their support and encouragement helped considerably.
I was walking without assistance on day four (4) and was cleared for discharge on day five (5). It’s great to be home and even though it hasn’t even been one (1) week since my surgery, I can’t believe how good I feel.
I cannot thank my wife enough for the support and caregiving during this time. I know it takes a toll on her, but she has remained strong and positive.
There is a lot more recovery/rehabilitation still in my future, but I am ready to start this new life chapter.
As always, to be continued…
Great news Steve. Continued good health and God bless you
Dorothea Mansdorfer Awesome Steve... we're running on the same schedule and I was watching to see how you did. The worst ... Read more
Dorothea Mansdorfer Awesome Steve... we're running on the same schedule and I was watching to see how you did. The worst pain for me was in my shoulder blades. Some of the nurses said that was from my arm being above my head during surgery. My incision in under my breast. They gave me a heating pad type thing that helped with the shoulder pain.
Lisa Coombe Don’t rush it and take each day as it comes, I was told by some ladies here the first 2 weeks are t ... Read more
Lisa Coombe Don’t rush it and take each day as it comes, I was told by some ladies here the first 2 weeks are the toughest and once past that it gets better. Welcome to recovery
Joseph Heinzmann Been down your road (1/12/21 surgery). Anything I can do to help, just ask.
Ginny Turner Great update, Steve! Glad to hear you’re doing so well and hope you feel stronger each day. Thanks ... Read more
Ginny Turner Great update, Steve! Glad to hear you’re doing so well and hope you feel stronger each day. Thanks for the neck pillow tip, too.
The wait is almost over. I am more anxious than anything. I thought over and over, what else must I get done before the surgery. Quite frankly, nothing. ...Read more
The wait is almost over. I am more anxious than anything. I thought over and over, what else must I get done before the surgery. Quite frankly, nothing. I had my COVID test this morning, so back on house arrest. Trying not to dwell on the surgery, but really focusing more on the recovery. I trust my Surgeon, his staff, the Hospital and everyone else that will aid/assist in my surgery and recovery. Time to let them do their job.
If I don't make another journey post before I head off of surgery, I want to thank everyone for your Stories, words of encouragement and, as I have said before, the strength to not fear this condition, but rather embrace, accept, and overcome. The more people that I talk to, the more I have come to realize heart disease affects just about everyone (in some form or another).
To everyone here on HeartValveSurgery.com, Stay Strong! To those reading my Story and new to this site, please know that you are not alone and gain strength and knowledge (as I did ) from the outstanding people on this site.
Not sure who originally said (wrote) this but...Did you ever wonder why the rear-view mirror is so small and the windshield so big? It's because you should focus on what's ahead of you and not behind. Keep Moving Forward!
As always, to be continued....
Lauren R Best of luck Steve! The only thing you can control is finding the best surgeon for you, and then trus ... Read more
Lauren R Best of luck Steve! The only thing you can control is finding the best surgeon for you, and then trust them to take care of you. You will be on the road to recovery soon!
Rose Madura Steve, you have a wonderful way with words. Keep writing! Best wishes on your surgery and Godspeed!
Cameron Peek Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.
Susan Lynn All the best, Steve! You've got this! ❤
Wes Edens You’ll do great! And you have a bunch of new friends here waiting to hear how well everything went. ... Read more
Wes Edens You’ll do great! And you have a bunch of new friends here waiting to hear how well everything went. I like your attitude!
Deena Elani Steve, you’ve done all your “homework”. A+!! Things will happen quickly now and you will be i ... Read more
Deena Elani Steve, you’ve done all your “homework”. A+!! Things will happen quickly now and you will be in recovery before you know it. You are young and will rebound incredibly fast, Godspeed.
Ginny Turner Every good wish and prayer, Steve! You're in great hands and will be on the road to recovery soon!
Patsy Stewart You are so close…and with such a great attitude!! I’ll keep you in my thoughts tomorrow, and wi ... Read more
Patsy Stewart You are so close…and with such a great attitude!! I’ll keep you in my thoughts tomorrow, and will be praying for a successful surgery. You’ve got this! Go, Steve! ~❤️
Holly Wale Steve, Good luck to you! Will be praying and thinking about you.
Received a call from Dr. Sandhu's office and they had to push my surgery one (1) day - it's now on 10/5/21. At least it wasn't longer. The insurance pre-authorization ...Read more
Received a call from Dr. Sandhu's office and they had to push my surgery one (1) day - it's now on 10/5/21. At least it wasn't longer. The insurance pre-authorization didn't arrive in time. Pretty much the story of my life. I knew I should have called the insurance company to ensure everything was good to go. Very frustrating, but looking at the positive, it's only one more wake up...
Question: I called the insurance company to escalate the authorization and stayed on the phone with them until it was done. However, they only authorized a five (5) day hospital stay. Is this duration typical for mitral valve repair with a sternotomy?
There's always drama in my life, and that's why I say...
As always, to be continued....
Sorry Steve, you will get it done at the right time. It’s a bummer but you said it is only one day. ... Read more
Sorry Steve, you will get it done at the right time. It’s a bummer but you said it is only one day. Can’t help you with mitral valve because mine was aortic valve replacement and I only stayed in the hospital 4 and one half day. You’ll be just fine, still in my prayers.
Deena Elani Hey Steve, frustrating! So.. I had a mitral valve repair, full sternum cut, and stayed six nights. ... Read more
Deena Elani Hey Steve, frustrating! So.. I had a mitral valve repair, full sternum cut, and stayed six nights. I had no complications, but I was 63 yrs old; and the older you are, the slower the recovery. You look quite younger, so 5 days is probably reasonable.. That said, I would talk to the hospital’s billing office, about the five days, because there are medical reasons that can be documented to assure reimbursement for additional days, if needed. The billing office is used to doing this all-the-time. (I worked in health care reimbursement, so not “just sayin”.)
GARY STANKO I had mitral valve repair in 2017 at Mayo Clinic Rochester. They performed the full sternotomy. I w ... Read more
GARY STANKO I had mitral valve repair in 2017 at Mayo Clinic Rochester. They performed the full sternotomy. I was 67 and out after 5 nights. Pain was minimal, only used tylonel but pretty weak for a while. Did stairs once a day so didn't need the fancy recliner I bought to sleep in. Drain holes took some time to heal. Did the rehab after a month.
Lisa Coombe I waited 8 months for my operation it’s now been 4 months since I had surgery. Your day will come
Rose Madura My insurance company did the same but if you need to stay longer the doctor contacts the insurance co ... Read more
Rose Madura My insurance company did the same but if you need to stay longer the doctor contacts the insurance company to add more days. I think it's typical to start out ot five days. Godspeed!
Steve Miller Thank you everyone for the feedback. I greatly appreciate it. BTW - Dr. office call today and co ... Read more
Steve Miller Thank you everyone for the feedback. I greatly appreciate it. BTW - Dr. office call today and confirmed they received the authorization, so good to go on 10/5/21.
It's one week prior to surgery and still feeling ready. I agree with everyone, and the wait is hard. My research has slowed down a little, as I think I was ...Read more
It's one week prior to surgery and still feeling ready. I agree with everyone, and the wait is hard. My research has slowed down a little, as I think I was overdoing it. Some might say a little obsessed.
I am still working from home and let my company know that as of 9/30/21, I'll be shutting down the phone and computer to focus on the surgery and recovery.
Northwestern Medicine called this morning to go over the remaining testing (blood work, EKG, etc.), review medical history and the upcoming surgery, and schedule another COVID test. Even though I have had the date on my calendar since it was scheduled, the reality is setting in. I think I have everything covered and not quite sure want to do now (besides wait). At least the weather is nice in Illinois so I can still get outside and enjoy.
This week will be focused on spending time with family (as much as I can given COVID) and playing with the dogs. I'll be taking it easy as I don't want to do anything to jeopardize the surgery (looks like building the shed will have to wait).
I continue to be inspired by those whom have had mitral valve repair/replacement, especially those of recent surgeries, and gain strength from the stories.
As always, to be continued....
Richard Munson Piece of cake. You will be shed building in no time.
You got this Steve. You will be in good hands with your surgeon and his team and God guiding them. We ... Read more
You got this Steve. You will be in good hands with your surgeon and his team and God guiding them. We will be here waiting for you in recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️
Thomas Brusstar Mitral repairs are easy! I let Northwestern fix me 3 years ago, and I'm still good. I have a 3-year ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Mitral repairs are easy! I let Northwestern fix me 3 years ago, and I'm still good. I have a 3-year echo checkup next month. Last year this time the repaired valve still had zero leakage. The earlier you catch this and fix the plumbing, the better for your heart and all the organs around it. Just relax and let the process of getting ready take over. I went in on a Tuesday morning and was home for dinner Friday. You'll be amazed at how fast your body recovers!
Lisa Coombe The final few weeks before surgery is the hardest, by time my surgery day came up I was excited that ... Read more
Lisa Coombe The final few weeks before surgery is the hardest, by time my surgery day came up I was excited that the day finally arrived. Today I have come a long way since my surgery
Best thing I can say, take each day as it comes after surgery and my favourite “you got this”
Susan Lynn Steve - I had minimally-invasive mitral valve repair. Every part of the process was doable and I onl ... Read more
Susan Lynn Steve - I had minimally-invasive mitral valve repair. Every part of the process was doable and I only had a bit of discomfort - not pain. Waiting was the worst part! You'll be just fine!
Scott Kinghorn Best of luck You'll do great. The waiting is truly the hardest part.
Phyllis Petersen Find something really enjoyable to get in the right frame of mind before surgery. I went for a lovely ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Find something really enjoyable to get in the right frame of mind before surgery. I went for a lovely dinner with my sister the night before. Focus on what you'll be doing once you're feeling better. The stats are very much in your favor!
Received a call yesterday from Dr. Sandhu's office and my surgery has been scheduled for October 4, 2021. Completed my Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound this ...Read more
Received a call yesterday from Dr. Sandhu's office and my surgery has been scheduled for October 4, 2021. Completed my Carotid & Vertebral Ultrasound this morning and should have the results in 1-2 days.
Mixed emotions on the upcoming surgery. I still feel I am ready, as I knew the date was forthcoming, but I guess the reality has hit that this is really happening.
Feeling well, and I will continue to work (from home) as long as possible. Work helps pass the time and keeps my mind busy. I just wish I could stay more physically active, as I hate to "sit around". Taking regular walks with the dogs helps.
I apologize if I am sharing to much, but I am inspired by all the stories here. I hope that by documenting my journey will help the next person.
As always, to be continued....
Adam Pick Step by step Steve... You are doing all the right things. Great job! Thoughts are with you! Again, ... Read more
Adam Pick Step by step Steve... You are doing all the right things. Great job! Thoughts are with you! Again, you are in great hands with Dr. Sandhu!
Rose Madura Documenting your journey is not only therapeutic, but it helps others. Best wishes for a successful ... Read more
Rose Madura Documenting your journey is not only therapeutic, but it helps others. Best wishes for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery.
Deena Elani Getting there, Steve!! You’re young and probably going to have minimally invasive (?), so recovery ... Read more
Deena Elani Getting there, Steve!! You’re young and probably going to have minimally invasive (?), so recovery will be faster and easier than most.
(I had full sternum cut for my mitral valve.). Know that It will be less painful than you probably are imaging; the odds are so in your favor; and you will leave the hospital walking on your own. To be continued…😎
Susan Lynn Steve - The thought of heart surgery is intimidating, but the only thing you have to focus on is rela ... Read more
Susan Lynn Steve - The thought of heart surgery is intimidating, but the only thing you have to focus on is relaxing - everything will be handled for you. When you wake up after surgery, you'll be surprised that it's over! It feels like one minute has elapsed! These cardiac professionals have every step so perfected, the discomfort for the patient is minimal. Recovery is different for everyone, but a few weeks make a big difference. Enjoy the anesthesia and look forward to joining the recovery club! We'll be here to welcome you!
Ginny Turner Hi Steve, hi there from another mitral valve patient. My surgery will be in January...when you'll alr ... Read more
Ginny Turner Hi Steve, hi there from another mitral valve patient. My surgery will be in January...when you'll already be back on your feet and doing great! Will be thinking of you next week and as you recover.
Today, I met with Dr. Sandhu and Michelle and both were great people. They answered all my questions and further explained the repair procedure. Based on ...Read more
Today, I met with Dr. Sandhu and Michelle and both were great people. They answered all my questions and further explained the repair procedure. Based on the testing/imaging so far, Dr. Sandhu is confident my mitral valve is a repair and not a replacement. I do not have a surgery date yet, but should have one by the end of the week.
At this moment, I think I am ready for the surgery. I continue to research and read other people's stories, which all keep my spirits high. I am certain there are going to up/downs along this journey, but I have a fantastic wife, kids, and family to support me along the way.
This is a great community and I can't say enough praise about everyone here on HeartValveSurgery.com. Thank you to all the members and Adam for this very inspirational and educational site.
As always, to be continued....
I live in Illinois (NW Suburbs of Chicago) and my surgical consult is not until September 8th. I am concerned with COVID and not being able to schedule the ...Read more
I live in Illinois (NW Suburbs of Chicago) and my surgical consult is not until September 8th. I am concerned with COVID and not being able to schedule the surgery quickly. Anyone that has or is having mitral valve repair surgery in Illinois experience(ing) any delays?
Adam Pick Hey Steve, I have not heard about delays in the Chicago area. But, I am just getting off the phone wi ... Read more
Adam Pick Hey Steve, I have not heard about delays in the Chicago area. But, I am just getting off the phone with a patient in Alabama. Unfortunately, her hospital recently called her to inform her that her upcoming mitral valve repair may be postponed due to COVID hospitalizations. I would encourage you to keep in constant contact with your medical team to ensure you have a solid expectation about next steps. Thoughts are with you!
Steve Miller Appreciate the information. I will keep in touch with my team. Thank you.
Kimberly Eisenhut Steve, I am also in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but have been told I am not at the point quite ... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut Steve, I am also in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, but have been told I am not at the point quite yet to have my surgery.
Do yu go to Northwestern? If so, who are you seeing and what surgeon?
I spoke with Dr. Malaisrie a few weeks ago about my options when the time is right, and he was very helpful. If you call your surgeons office and speak to the nurse, she/he will be able to tell you how the hospital is doing as far as Covid is doing at the hospital. The surgical team head nurse is the go to person in my opinion and they are so very kind and helpful whe you have questions and cannot alwaus speak to the surgeon or cardiac specialist. Best of luck, and please keep us updated.
Thomas Brusstar Hi. I had a mitral valve repair in summer 2018. I always knew I had a mitral valve prolapse since I ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar Hi. I had a mitral valve repair in summer 2018. I always knew I had a mitral valve prolapse since I was 20, but all of a sudden it got bad, with part of the valve kind of so floppy it was torn ("flail"), and therefore severe regurgitation. It sounds like your murmur kind of sneaked up on you. But Dr. McCarthy at Northwestern downtown fixed mine. As of last fall, 2 years afterwards, my repaired mitral valve (not artificial, just my own valve fixed) was leaking zero percent, so that's all I can ask. I'll have my annual echo in October. So if they say a repair is advisable, just know that they are experts at the surgery. It's a big deal, BUT you'll do great.
Steve Miller Kimberly - Yes, I am going to Northwestern and met with Dr. Sandhu today. The consult went very well ... Read more
Steve Miller Kimberly - Yes, I am going to Northwestern and met with Dr. Sandhu today. The consult went very well and I am proceeding with the surgery. I don't have a date yet, but should have one in a day or so. It looks like the surgery will be the first week of October. I asked about COVID and potential delays, and they are not seeing any delays at the moment. I agree that the head nurse is the go to person. She was very helpful and answered (in detail) a lot of my questions. I have a great feeling about Dr. Sandhu and his team.
Steve Miller Thomas - the mitral valve condition did sneak up on me. Throughout my life, I have had numerous phys ... Read more
Steve Miller Thomas - the mitral valve condition did sneak up on me. Throughout my life, I have had numerous physicals for sports, diving, military, annual checkups, etc. and no one every noticed it. Not sure what changed, but something did. My valve is repairable and that is the direction I am proceeding. After speaking with my cardiologist and cardiac surgeons, they are all saying that this was caught at the right time (if there is such a time) and now is the time to make the repairs. Thank you for sharing your story, it helps keep my morale high.
I guess I'll start with an update.
The TEE procedure was completed on August 18, 2021 and a Coronary angiogram was completed on August 20, 2021. Still ...Read more
I guess I'll start with an update.
The TEE procedure was completed on August 18, 2021 and a Coronary angiogram was completed on August 20, 2021. Still a little sore from the angiogram. It has been initially confirmed that a mitral valve repair will be required. It appears Cardiac Surgeons are quite busy, as my first consultation is not until September 8, 2021. I am not sure how quickly this whole process takes, but I am being told that I need to have surgery as soon as possible. Feeling well and still doing research on the mitral valve repair. I have watched well over a dozen videos on the surgical procedure and doing as much research on the recovery process.
It is very empowering and encouraging to read everyone's stories, and knowing I am not alone.
As always, to be continued....
Deena Elani Steve, since you are a born and trained researcher, you are way ahead of the curve! I underwet a MV ... Read more
Deena Elani Steve, since you are a born and trained researcher, you are way ahead of the curve! I underwet a MV repair, but through the sterum because of my severe calcification on the valve. There are many, many minimally invasive repair warriors on this website to give you the pros and cons of robotic vs not. Go for it!
Steve Miller Deena, thank you. I will continue to research and this is a great site to gain insight on what to ex ... Read more
Steve Miller Deena, thank you. I will continue to research and this is a great site to gain insight on what to expect and surgery options.
Ross F Good luck on your surgery Steve. I just had my MV repair thru mini sternotomy 12 days ago, doing ok, ... Read more
Ross F Good luck on your surgery Steve. I just had my MV repair thru mini sternotomy 12 days ago, doing ok, got high and lows after OPS, but I can see recovery day by day.
Hello rehab! Bring it on.