Steve Salvador - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

196 days ago

Grace Mason , Suzette Schear, BRENDA JUNIEL reacted to this

Hope everyone is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries, please stay positive...... My pig valves ...Read more

Hope everyone is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries, please stay positive...... My pig valves are still functioning well. It's been 10 years now, and I'm still here. Thank you, Lord.

Wishing you all an awesome summer!! Take Care and God Bless!!

Marie Myers Always good to hear from a “long-timer” !!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

1292 days ago

Timothy Andre reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... everything looks good, it's been 7 years...pig ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... everything looks good, it's been 7 years...pig valves still holding up ...lol ya'll have an awesome summer !! Take Care and God Bless !!

Rose Madura So glad your valve is still going strong. It's good to hear!

Good to hear from you and you are doing well. Continued good health and May you also have an awesome ... Read more

Good to hear from you and you are doing well. Continued good health and May you also have an awesome summer. God bless

Timothy Andre Happy 7th Anniversary Steve!! That's great news. God Bless you too

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

1648 days ago

Adam Pick, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .pig valves still holding up ...lol ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .pig valves still holding up ...lol

Marie Myers Always good to hear from a long-timer! Wishing you many more healthy years!

Wishing you many more healthy years. God bless you

Adam Pick Congrats Steve! Great to hear that your pig valve is doing great! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.c ... Read more

Adam Pick Congrats Steve! Great to hear that your pig valve is doing great! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/pig-valve-replacement/

Pig Valve Replacements: 10 Important Facts

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning/pig-valve-replacement/

Learn 10 important facts about pig valve replacements for patients needing heart valve surgery.

Rita Savelis Happy Six! I celebrated six years with 2 mechanical valves in April. Take care.

Steve Salvador thank you for the info Adam, thank you all for the kind remarks. If I could give some advice, monitor ... Read more

Steve Salvador thank you for the info Adam, thank you all for the kind remarks. If I could give some advice, monitor your blood pressure and heart rate readings daily and keep a log. Thanks, God bless you !

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

2026 days ago

Hope everyone is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... yesterday I had a cardioversion done, ...Read more

Hope everyone is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... yesterday I had a cardioversion done, (shocked my heart back into rhythm) I went into Atrial fibrillation ( A flutter) about a month ago my heart rate was at 145 bpm. Right now heart rate is around the 70's. I was on baby aspirin 81 mg, Dr put me on Eliquis 5 mg 2x. and Metoprolol 25mg 2x. I had a Maze procedure done when they replace my Aortic & Mitral Valve. I advise to monitor your BP daily, and keep a record of it. I've notice Jan 2020 heart rate was increasing to the high 90's. I don't know how my heart went out of rhythm, that's one of the questions I need to ask on my upcoming office visit. I'm just sharing information to you all, on my life experiences, Take Care and God Bless !!

Marie Myers Hope your heart rhythm stays nice and regular!

Steve Salvador Thank you, take care and God Bless...

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

2775 days ago

Susan Lynn, Debbie Chatzky, Kelly Stoll reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... everything looks good, it's been ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... everything looks good, it's been 3 years...pig valves still holding up ...lol ya'll have an awesome summer !! Take Care and God Bless !!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

2868 days ago

Barbara Laurie, Helen Daw reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries....

pat vassalluzzo Pat Vassalluzzo. Has anyone experienced shortness breath after open heart for valve replacement. Nev ... Read more

pat vassalluzzo Pat Vassalluzzo. Has anyone experienced shortness breath after open heart for valve replacement. Never had this prior to surgery

Bonnie Stone-Hope Thanks for the message. Glad to hear you are doing so well.

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3118 days ago

Ruth Belmonte, Vanessa Corwin, Shannon Gray and 3 others reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... It's been 2 years, I stop by once ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... It's been 2 years, I stop by once in awhile looking back in here, and looking at peoples lives that are going through, I'm sorry that we all have to go through this, I don't wish this kinda stuff on anyone. Well, I'm doing okay, taking a day at a time, everything seems stable, no issues. I recently had a yearly Heart check, and everything is okay. I'm still working, doing desk duties, not sure if I want to retire as of yet, but that is another subject. There's one thing that I check all the time is my heart monitor (fitbit) and I monitor & log my blood pressure readings in the am. I try to walk on my days off, and that is my Dr's advice to me. I'm just being lazy, don't want to overwork my pig valves, that was my comment to my Doctor. He didn't like that, sooo.......I'm trying.....you all.. Take care and God Bless......... ps..Thank you Mr Adam Pick for this wonderful web site.. you eased the worries during my 1st days of turmoil !!

Laura Jacobs It is nice to hear the success stories. So glad to hear that you are doing well.

Marie Myers Good to hear a longer term report. Glad you are doing well.

Phyllis Petersen Good to hear you're doing well. As you know, you do have to keep up the exercise, although I know how ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Good to hear you're doing well. As you know, you do have to keep up the exercise, although I know how hard it is to kick in gear when you're mind and body are looking for excuses not to.

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3484 days ago

Nap Garcia reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Just looking back at past journal ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Just looking back at past journal entries, I'm doing okay, everything seems stable for now, I'm doing desk work at the present time. I'm planning on retiring next year. I could go out this year, we'll see how this year goes. No major changes in Medications, done with rehab. Dr's recommendation for me to continue exercising and start living. Seems like I'm constantly waiting for the 'hammer' to fall !! Take care all and God Bless.........

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3645 days ago

Emily Rowley and 1 other reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Merry Christmas and a Prosperous ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year !!!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3674 days ago

Emily Rowley reacted to this

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... God Bless and a wishing you all a ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... God Bless and a wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Tammy Pilcher Happy Thanksgiving, Steve! God bless you, heart brother!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3686 days ago

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Increased dosage to 5mg Amlodipine ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... Increased dosage to 5mg Amlodipine Besylate, Continued Rehab Phase 2, until 3rd week of Dec. God Bless everyone....Aloha !!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3697 days ago

anita egden and 1 other reacted to this

http://rachelwojo.com/12-bible-verses-for-when-you-feel-like-giving-up/

19 Bible Verses to Turn to When You're Close to Giving Up

http://www.blessings.com/article/1334874/xx-bible-verses-to-turn-to-when-youre-close-to-giving-up?param4=fni-ofe-ble

Sometimes you just need a little extra help to get through certain days.

Tammy Pilcher Amen. God bless you, heart brother!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3714 days ago

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .........Dr. visit this past Wedn. ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .........Dr. visit this past Wedn. I'm off of Warfarin, now on baby aspirin, 81mg. Heart rhythm ok, continuing rehab till Dec. Dr. put me on Amlodipine Besylate (2.5mg) once a day,. because of high systolic blood pressure. ......hope you all are recovering well and God Bless you !!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3747 days ago

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .......Doc got me off of Amiodarone, ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... .......Doc got me off of Amiodarone, Simvastatin, and Spironolactone. Only thing that I am taking is Warfrain and a allergy pill. Seen Doc this past week because of a very low heart rate, It was 38 when I got up from bed, and 5 mins later at 41. Told him I was light headed and felt like throwing up when I got up. Also, when I would stress my self on the treadmill, seemed like I was out of breath. Felt like I was going in and out from Afib. I'm feeling alot better now, I'll stress my heart more on the treadmill next week, ...Also Warfrain is making me lighted headed. I have an appt month. It depends on how well I do without the Amio, He told me that the Amio will stay in your system for awhile, and give it time for the Maze procedure to work. Remember now, medicines will affect people in a different way. This what I'm going through and sharing with you. ......hope you all are recovering well and God Bless you !!

Bob M I pray that your doctors will provide you with the right regimen so that the rest of your recovery wi ... Read more

Bob M I pray that your doctors will provide you with the right regimen so that the rest of your recovery will be uneventful. God bless and rise up!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3769 days ago

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries....

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3796 days ago

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... ......reading posts from time to time, ...Read more

Hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... ......reading posts from time to time, checking out how this community is doing I'm struggling with heart rate issues. As I commented on my heart brothers post. I went back to work 2 weeks ago. Got a blessing from my Doc and had limitations what I can do. (sit behind a desk, haha). I'm on shift work 10 hr days, The Chief accommodated my intentions of wanting to work weekends, because of Rehab at front end of the week. I'll have a year or less, depending how well I do. If not, then it is a show stopper, not fit for duty. .....“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!” ― Sylvester Stallone,

W. Carter Steve, one of my favorite movies, "Cool Hand Luke" so you know where this is going. One of my favorit ... Read more

W. Carter Steve, one of my favorite movies, "Cool Hand Luke" so you know where this is going. One of my favorite sayings, "In Everyone's Life A Little Rain Must Fall". One of my favorite movie scenes from "The Hustler".. When Fats goes to the restroom, washes his face, straightens up, combs his hair and comes back out and beats a gloating, and drunk Fast Eddie. I can't stand whiner's. You are so right, when life knocks you down, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move on. It's not how many times you get knocked down, It's how many times you have picked yourself back up! What can I say, I came from a tough, hard headed Irish family that would go to work (manual labor) with a fever and the flu and work all day. :-)

Tammy Pilcher Steve, I hope your heart rate issues get better soon. Prayers and best wishes!

Bob M One of my favorite Vince Lombardi quote: "It's not whether you got knocked down; it's whether you get ... Read more

Bob M One of my favorite Vince Lombardi quote: "It's not whether you got knocked down; it's whether you get back up."

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3820 days ago

hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... ....1st office visit with Surgeon, ...Read more

hope every one is doing okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries.... ....1st office visit with Surgeon, sad to say, I'm back into Afib, he is increasing the Amiodarone twice daily. Was taking baby aspirin and started to bleed from my right nostril, Dr told me to stop taking the aspirin I felt good up until the news that I was in Afib, thought about entertaining the idea of me going back to work (law enforcement) told Doc, my Chief will put on Desk duties, that idea was shot down. They are hoping that the Amio will put me back into rhythm, if not then electrical cardioversion, Start rehab next week, also Doc gave me the green light to drive again. Hoping that, this community, some one has been through this, so I know what to expect. Also, I read a lot of the possibilities of what might happen...

Tammy Pilcher Prayers for you, Steve, that they can get everything worked out. God bless!

Terrie Syvertsen Steve- Afib happens to some after surgery and you are still pretty fresh from your surgery date and i ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Steve- Afib happens to some after surgery and you are still pretty fresh from your surgery date and if I understand correctly it is possible to have on and off episodes with afib for up to 3 months after surgery. I think Adam has a video
on it so please check or write to him directly. I also think others here at the community will be stepping in to share their experiences. I write today as I had afib as well as SVT's
right after leaving the hospital, the first one while home and out walking in the park for the first time. Most times the heart will reset itself and when it doesn't I have had to go to the ER to get a little medical help(medicine in IV's and it
started back up. I also wore a heart monitor for 30 days which showed a few SVT's and one afib as they went away in not too long a time as my heart and body gained strength and got over the shock of the trauma the body goes thru during the surgery itself. I am sure you will get to the bottom of your afib. I take medicine too for the SVT and one day might have an "ablation" to possibly stop the SVT's altogether. Best of luck to you and I will be saying a prayer along for your steady recovery! They WILL get to the bottom of it and work you through it.

Bradley Lum Steve - I'm 4 weeks post-op from the Ross Procedure. I was feeling some fluttering last week and doc ... Read more

Bradley Lum Steve - I'm 4 weeks post-op from the Ross Procedure. I was feeling some fluttering last week and doc says I am having afib episodes as well. He put me back on 2 doses of amiodarone and says that it should correct itself. I'm hoping so. I thought I was in the clear and now having to deal with this. I prayer both of ours goes away quickly!!

Steve Salvador Thank you

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3827 days ago

hope every one is okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries....Just wanted to touch base on my Heart Journal, ...Read more

hope every one is okay with their recovering hearts, and Bless those that are having their upcoming surgeries....Just wanted to touch base on my Heart Journal, my wife and I found an indoor track that I can walk safely, the heat here is unbearable. Done 1 mile, today or this morning I'll do the same. I am a little afraid that I will go into afib, so I am taking it easy for now. I have an office visit with my doctor and will address some issues. My sleep pattern is crazy, I sleep maybe 4 hrs, then most of the time I'm cat napping. I'm trying to ween myself out of the pain meds, trying to extend it as needed. It seems like 8 hrs is the longest I can go without it. God Bless everyone

Jeanette Davidson So happy you are making steady progress! Continue to heal and get stronger! Many blessing heart broth ... Read more

Jeanette Davidson So happy you are making steady progress! Continue to heal and get stronger! Many blessing heart brother!❤️

Tammy Pilcher Sounds like good progress, Steve! Take it easy and don't over do it. It takes time, but you'll get ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Sounds like good progress, Steve! Take it easy and don't over do it. It takes time, but you'll get there. God bless you!

Kyle Väth Keep it up Steve!

Steve Salvador thanks

Steve Salvadorposted an update

3834 days ago

Praying for the success of today's surgeries as well as the ones that are recovering. God Bless

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3837 days ago

Mary K, Linda McHugh reacted to this

....home on the 11 th, surgery went well, with no complications. Went back on A fib, fri., put on Amiodarone for now. They held me for couple of days to get ...Read more

....home on the 11 th, surgery went well, with no complications. Went back on A fib, fri., put on Amiodarone for now. They held me for couple of days to get the PT/INR levels to be correct. had to be at least between 2 and 3. Right now on warfarin, 1mg. Dr told me that I will be thinner for a couple of months. I had a excellent team of nurses and esp Dr. Salley in keeping me alive. Doing my walks and exercises, I've noticed, when walking arms swing to the side, not forcefully, I can hear my sternum grinding. I wonder if Dr tied me up tight, lol.I'll mentioned that on my office visit.Other than that I sill have pain, from 1-10 a 5. Anyone that is going through an open heart surgery you will be fine. Like everything else, you are in Good Hands with the Lord PS; aortic and mitral valve replacement, with Maze procedure done, Porcine

Mary K Welcome back, thanks for the update. The grinding part gave me the willies, but I am sure that this t ... Read more

Mary K Welcome back, thanks for the update. The grinding part gave me the willies, but I am sure that this too shall pass.

Looking forward to being on the Other Side club with you.

Elaine Foster Good news Steve, it's all downhill from here! TAke it a day at a time, and don't overdue it. I didn ... Read more

Elaine Foster Good news Steve, it's all downhill from here! TAke it a day at a time, and don't overdue it. I didn't experience the the grinding part, but just keep in mine it takes a good 3 months for the sternum to heal. God Bless you.

Tammy Pilcher Yay Steve! So happy for you! Yes, "you are in Good Hands with the Lord!" Amen!

Gerald Schaffer Congrats on a successful surgery. Hopefully your recovery goes just as smooth. Keep up the good work. ... Read more

Gerald Schaffer Congrats on a successful surgery. Hopefully your recovery goes just as smooth. Keep up the good work.

Jim Kelly-Evans I was on amio for three months...didn't bother me. 1 mg of Warfarin seems like a really small dose... ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans I was on amio for three months...didn't bother me. 1 mg of Warfarin seems like a really small dose...I was on eight mg. Wishing you a bump-free recovery.

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3849 days ago

John Noriega reacted to this

up early this am, 1 hr drive to hospital. Hope everyone is doing well. God Bless Isaiah 41:10

Tim Goff good luck today Steve we will be thinking of you

Lynn understock GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Lora Lee Peterson Prayers for you today!

John Noriega Perfect Scripture! Onward &Upward!

Tammy Pilcher Praying for you, Steve! God bless you!

Steve Salvadorposted an update

3852 days ago

Nancy D reacted to this

2 days and a wake up ...Church this morning, will be praying for all of us...

Eddie Patton Good luck, hope surgery is uneventful and recovery is quick.

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3854 days ago

hope everyone here is doing okay, I remember saying, everyday you will get better, you will be able to do more. Time heals...I've noticed on the right side ...Read more

hope everyone here is doing okay, I remember saying, everyday you will get better, you will be able to do more. Time heals...I've noticed on the right side of the web page shows upcoming surgeries, I never see or haven't been looking hard enough to see if they have gotten out of surgery okay. I'll make sure, I'll post something that I made it okay...4 days and a wake up, God Bless !

Lora Lee Peterson Good luck, Steve!

Tammy Pilcher Praying for you, Steve! You'll do great!

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3857 days ago

8 days till surgery. Hope you all had a great weekend.

Mary K Sending prayer for you, Steve. Especially prayers for comfort, security and ease.

Steve Salvador Thank you Mary

Praying for you to be filled with His Peace, as you approach your surgery date.
John 14:27
Hope your ... Read more

Praying for you to be filled with His Peace, as you approach your surgery date.
John 14:27
Hope your weekend was good, as well.

Steve Salvador Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not y ... Read more

Steve Salvador Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Thank you

:-) That is the scripture I took with me the morning of surgery to meditate on.

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3861 days ago

can't sleep, a lot on my mind. reading, thinking...Should be sleeping, then I'll be thinking instead of sleeping..

Lora Lee Peterson I know how you feel, Steve. I have many days and nights like that, even though I know that this surg ... Read more

Lora Lee Peterson I know how you feel, Steve. I have many days and nights like that, even though I know that this surgery is a gift, and will save my life so I can see my Grandson grow up, God willing, of course. But at midnight, when the house is quiet and dark, and I'm having a moment, I guess I'm not thinking about that. I'm wasting my life worrying. Crazy, huh, but it's the way humans are made, I guess.

Steve Salvador Thanks Lora

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3862 days ago

got the call, surgery will be on 3rd Jun, show time 0800am. Aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair

Tammy Pilcher You'll soon have a fixed heart! Prayers for June 3rd! You're going to do great! God bless you!

Steve Salvador Thank you

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3863 days ago

Ericka Carlson reacted to this

I guess it's time to call the Dr. and find out when they will schedule the surgery......

Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Steve! You can do this!

Steve Salvador Thanks Tammy

Steve Salvadorposted a journal

3864 days ago

Steve Salvador reacted to this

Glad to find this site, I have been reading and enjoying the success stories you all have been through. I will be soon having an valve and maze procedure, I ...Read more

Glad to find this site, I have been reading and enjoying the success stories you all have been through. I will be soon having an valve and maze procedure, I just completed a heart cath, with no blockages. They told me in the next 24 hrs I will be hearing from my surgeon about the upcoming surgery. I am afraid, and I have a strong Church support group that is praying that everything will goes well.

Terrie Syvertsen Steve-welcome to the community and it is good that your cath went well! There are many people here wh ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Steve-welcome to the community and it is good that your cath went well! There are many people here who will be able to help you as you are beginning this journey and by your date for surgery I believe you will hear from enough people where your fear(which is common under these circumstances)will hopefully grow less and less as you ready yourself for the big day. Ask any questions freely as you couldn't meet a better and experienced group of Heart Brothers and Heart Sisters who have shared the same experiences with their heart issues. Take care and look forward to see your path unfold!

Henry Boehringer Sound just like me, it will all work out. Ask about the tricuspid , I understand that a repair of the ... Read more

Henry Boehringer Sound just like me, it will all work out. Ask about the tricuspid , I understand that a repair of the mitral may impact the tricuspid somehow and it should be looked at the same time. Can't hurt to throw it out there.

Adam Pick Hey Steve, Great to have you here! I hope the website and the people can help you along this journey. ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Steve, Great to have you here! I hope the website and the people can help you along this journey. If you're interested, we recently launched a new Afib and Valve education center that might be helpful for you. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/atrial-fibrillation/

Atrial Fibrillation & Heart Valve Patient Education Center

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/atrial-fibrillation/

Learn important facts about atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease and the Maze Procedure from leading doctors and patient success stories.

Steve Salvador Thank you for the posts