Sue's Heart Valve Journal

Sandy Laine  Hello, Sue - I had an ascending aortic aneurysm, and now I have a dacron tube! I, however, also now have a bovine valve (doc said the calcified bicuspid valve ... Read more

Sandy Laine  Hello, Sue - I had an ascending aortic aneurysm, and now I have a dacron tube! I, however, also now have a bovine valve (doc said the calcified bicuspid valve would cause problems before too long - so fix it all at once). Thanks to this site, and especially Marie, I realized I did not have to go with the surgeon I was initially referred to - where they actually shut off blood flow to the brain for up to 30 minutes (or so), and was able to find one where the time without blood flow to the brain is a minute or less. The blood flow to the brain is reduced during that time, so you will likely be cooled down so your brain NEEDS less oxygen, I was fortunate enough to be part of a study on what the best temperature to cool you to during this operation is. (Results not yet in.)
I would be happy to give you any info I can, and this is getting wordy - so if you would rather to to e-mail - I can be reached at sandylaine59@gmail.com.
All the best to you!

Catie B  My surgery addressed an aortic aneurysm that included part of the hemi-arch. Also replaced stenotic aortic valve and enlarged aortic root.

I hope everything ... Read more

Catie B  My surgery addressed an aortic aneurysm that included part of the hemi-arch. Also replaced stenotic aortic valve and enlarged aortic root.

I hope everything goes extremely well for you, Sue.

Anna Jones  HaHa, I asked the same question! You are not going to have to worry about a bowel movement as you will be given a drug to paralyze you, so that you don't flinch ... Read more

Anna Jones  HaHa, I asked the same question! You are not going to have to worry about a bowel movement as you will be given a drug to paralyze you, so that you don't flinch during surgery. This will have the effect of paralyzing all of you and you will not be able to go potty and will not feel the need.

What no one tells you is that it is going to take DAYS before you are able to have a bowel movement and if you aren't lucky, and if you let down your guard, after the surgery you will be given a laxative. And this laxative is going to be so powerful that when they wheel you out of your room to do whatever tests they want to perform, that is the exact moment you are going to need the bathroom and have no control whatsoever.

So, don't worry. Eat a nice dinner. And if a nurse asks you after the surgery if you need a laxative... just say no :-)

Phyllis Petersen  Hahaha! I didn't feel like having a glass of wine with dinner the night before surgery but tasted my sister's glass and it was delicious. The pre-op nurse asked ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  Hahaha! I didn't feel like having a glass of wine with dinner the night before surgery but tasted my sister's glass and it was delicious. The pre-op nurse asked me why I didn't have a glass. As long as you're honest about any alcohol intake, which needs to be taken into account for anesthesia, they can handle it. I didn't even think about the bathroom issues. The food after surgery is bland, so treat yourself to a really good dinner the night before.

Rita Savelis  Eat what you want! Bowel movements won't be an issue until a few days after surgery when nurses begin to ask if you've had one. As long as you start getting ... Read more

Rita Savelis  Eat what you want! Bowel movements won't be an issue until a few days after surgery when nurses begin to ask if you've had one. As long as you start getting up and moving around a bowel movement will happen but it may take a few days/a week. Your whole system will be traumatised by OHS or any surgery so BMs can take some time to happen as your intestines wake up. But it is important that they do. Nurses will hassle you and you may get a mild laxative (if you want). I certainly don't remember anything as drastic as Anna describes.... You really should only be taking a very mild laxative unless your body really has some issues with movements. But, I imagine some hospitals (and nurses) want you out fast so they maybe force the issue. I also say no to laxatives and even lie about having had a BM because I personally know from lots of personal hospital experience that it will happen (for me) when it happens. But not sooner. However, impacted bowels do happen. This is why everyone asks you too many questions about BMs in hospital. But it is definitely the NORM that it will take days before you have normal movement again. Sorry, if I've given too much info about this sensitive subject!:)

Mark Wilbur  Sue, remember to use whatever meditation techniques you can muster. It may not "cure" your anxiety, but it may help to reduce it. Picture your anxiety as ... Read more

Mark Wilbur  Sue, remember to use whatever meditation techniques you can muster. It may not "cure" your anxiety, but it may help to reduce it. Picture your anxiety as some sort of angry animal that you're holding onto. Then picture yourself turning it loose and letting it run away. Imagery sometimes helps. Peace.

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb  i hear you. I am following not far behind you on 9/24. It still doesn't seem real. Thankfully they have been perfecting these surgeries. We are fortunate ... Read more

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb  i hear you. I am following not far behind you on 9/24. It still doesn't seem real. Thankfully they have been perfecting these surgeries. We are fortunate that they are able to help us. Be strong. Hugs

Meredith Bray  Excellent question! i didn't think to ask that before my surgery. I wore my glasses until I was rolled away from my family to the prep room. My husband held ... Read more

Meredith Bray  Excellent question! i didn't think to ask that before my surgery. I wore my glasses until I was rolled away from my family to the prep room. My husband held my glasses while I was in surgery. I must have been wearing them when I woke up the first time - I could see the clock on the wall, it was 2:30. When I was "presentable" but not yet awake, they let my husband in to see me - I was still hooked up to the ventilator, and out cold. He left my glasses with my nurse. So I guess my nurse must have put them on me, probably after they took the breathing tube out.
-Meredith
Holiday, FL

Anna Jones  You will need a long cord to plug in your cell phone. You may want slippers. I brought a lot of things but all I really used was the cell phone cord. The ... Read more

Anna Jones  You will need a long cord to plug in your cell phone. You may want slippers. I brought a lot of things but all I really used was the cell phone cord. The hospital will provide rubber soled socks for you to wear when you are walking. They will give you hospital gowns to wear. Most of us wear two to cover us front and back when we walk. Other than that you will be watching TV and breathing into your incentive spirometer, sleeping, or sitting up in a chair to eat. I didn't need a book. The hospital provided toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap, shampoo, hand lotion. I brought chapstick but forgot to use it.

Thomas Brusstar  And on clothes to go home in, just remember you might gain about ten pounds in water weight from all the IVs. I did. Something comfortable, like sweats, might ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar  And on clothes to go home in, just remember you might gain about ten pounds in water weight from all the IVs. I did. Something comfortable, like sweats, might be good to go home in. I'm predicting you won't be comfortable pulling on your "skinny jeans" on the day of discharge....

Judy S  I would wear something comfortable for admission that will be equally comfortable for discharge. I brought a robe to put over the hospital gown for walking ... Read more

Judy S  I would wear something comfortable for admission that will be equally comfortable for discharge. I brought a robe to put over the hospital gown for walking the halls. I also brought flip flops because I hate those hospital socks! Dry shampoo can be helpful as well as a lip balm with a little color for when you have visitors. I brought makeup but didn’t use it. Deodorant and toothbrush/toothpaste I brought but used what the hospital had. I didn’t have the attention span for a book, but I definitely used my iPad. Ear buds are good too. I bought an incision shield but haven’t used it. I took it out of the original plastic, but if you would like it, I could mail it to you. I bought it at the last minute but never needed it in the end.

Willie Radl  i think Anna and Judy cover the key points...you don't need a lot. If you have a smart phone or tablet a long power cord would be nice. I had to keep bothering ... Read more

Willie Radl  i think Anna and Judy cover the key points...you don't need a lot. If you have a smart phone or tablet a long power cord would be nice. I had to keep bothering the nurses to plug mine in for me but it was manageable. My room was very quiet but earplugs may be good if you get put in a noisy area. I didn't have an incision shield and don't think I would have used one, I didn't have much discomfort near the incision. Not sure what a heart hugger is but you will probably get a pillow at the hospital to use when coughing. I accidentally coughed once without it and learned very quickly that was a bad idea....keep it close by.

Rita Savelis  Any old pillow works as a" heart hugger". Save your money. Wear loose clothing and no bra and you'll be fine with no incision guard. In fact you probably have ... Read more

Rita Savelis  Any old pillow works as a" heart hugger". Save your money. Wear loose clothing and no bra and you'll be fine with no incision guard. In fact you probably have everything you need - old comortable loose clothing. I was too exhausted in hospital to look at anything like tv, book, computer, phone. Nice to have a break from all that. A t-shirt and loose sweats are good. Hospitals aren't vacations spots so you can look a mess and it's really okay. Also, they will provide what you need.

Sue Waterworth  The time will go by in a flash, and soon you'll be in the healing phase. I'm into my 6th week post-op, and I can't believe it's that long ago - seems like just ... Read more

Sue Waterworth  The time will go by in a flash, and soon you'll be in the healing phase. I'm into my 6th week post-op, and I can't believe it's that long ago - seems like just a few days since I was in ccu. Mind you, I'm supposed to be going to cardio rehab today, and motivation seems to have gone out the window...it's raining and freezing cold here, and, being a 'smart-arse' I've elected to catch the bus instead of organizing a lift. Think I'll succumb to sloth, and give it a miss...just this once!

MARIE PICUN  Hi ,Sue. I been in the waiting room for about Two years. Now it is time for me to fix my Aortic heart valve. Going this Monday for the Cath test on right and ... Read more

MARIE PICUN  Hi ,Sue. I been in the waiting room for about Two years. Now it is time for me to fix my Aortic heart valve. Going this Monday for the Cath test on right and left Valve. We will both get through this. Thank God for this website. Our brothers and sisters heart warriors here are wonderful in helping the onces coming up for surgery. We can call Adam Pick the chief, for having this website for us

Joey Hardee  Hey Sue - One day I will be 4 weeks away as well. So thankful the imaging technology has advanced to the point it has so a diagnosis and solution can be provided. ... Read more

Joey Hardee  Hey Sue - One day I will be 4 weeks away as well. So thankful the imaging technology has advanced to the point it has so a diagnosis and solution can be provided. For most of my life, they "didn't know for sure" what caused my murmur. Now we know. Its wonderful we can get fixed! Technology has also advanced to the point we can go through this with the support of others through this site! (Thanks Adam)...I will be praying you are better than ever soon after your surgery!

Susan Lynn  Maryann - I was terrified of waking up with the breathing tube, as well. I reminded the anesthesiologist that the approach to early extubation was one of ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Maryann - I was terrified of waking up with the breathing tube, as well. I reminded the anesthesiologist that the approach to early extubation was one of the primary reasons I selected the surgeon and his team. I also said unless they wanted a reenactment of Linda Blair from The Exorcist, they better get that tube removed ASAP! I had it removed expeditiously and i don't remember a thing!

Diane Maher  Hi Sue....the video is called What Can Heart Valve Surgery Patients Expect. I too was really impressed with his comments about the advantages of keeping a ... Read more

Diane Maher  Hi Sue....the video is called What Can Heart Valve Surgery Patients Expect. I too was really impressed with his comments about the advantages of keeping a recovery progress log....something I know will work for me❤️

Anna Jones  Hi Sue Tom,

I also had my angiogram through the groin. It was a very easy and pain-free test. I was brought in in the morning. I had a chest x-ray and some ... Read more

Anna Jones  Hi Sue Tom,

I also had my angiogram through the groin. It was a very easy and pain-free test. I was brought in in the morning. I had a chest x-ray and some blood tests. Then I was wheeled into the cath lab. The lab is cold. They put me on a warming pillow which felt heavenly because I like warmth. They gave me a shot to relax me. They shaved me. About a second later they said I was all done and wheeled me back to the waiting area where I lay in bed for a few hours until I was allowed to go home. I asked for a sandwich while I was laying around because I got hungry. I think the worst part was taking the bandage off the next day. Hopefully the prednisone will keep your allergies under control. Make sure the doctor is aware of it.

Steve Farthing  Did not have any problem going up and down stairs afterwards. But they may keep you for a couple of hours after to make certain the artery is sealed depending ... Read more

Steve Farthing  Did not have any problem going up and down stairs afterwards. But they may keep you for a couple of hours after to make certain the artery is sealed depending on what method they use to close it. Be sure to mention if you are scared or anxious so they can take the edge off of that.

Rose Madura  Mine was closed with a plug so I didn't have to stay too long at the hospital afterbthe procedure. My brother likened it to plumbers putty. They do give you ... Read more

Rose Madura  Mine was closed with a plug so I didn't have to stay too long at the hospital afterbthe procedure. My brother likened it to plumbers putty. They do give you something to calm you. And of course, you will let them know of allergies. I also had trouble getting the bandage off and I was very bruised and had some pain afterwards.

Sue Tom  Hi Rose. Anna also mentioned that the worst part was taking the bandage off the next day. Why was the bandage so troublesome? Was it so stuck to the skin ... Read more

Sue Tom  Hi Rose. Anna also mentioned that the worst part was taking the bandage off the next day. Why was the bandage so troublesome? Was it so stuck to the skin that skin would peel off? What remedy did you use to get bandage off? Thank you.

Judy S  Hi Sue, I had my angiogram via my wrist, and it was no problem at all. No pain and I just relaxed when I got home per their instructions. I have a tiny mark ... Read more

Judy S  Hi Sue, I had my angiogram via my wrist, and it was no problem at all. No pain and I just relaxed when I got home per their instructions. I have a tiny mark and that’s the only reminder! Hope yours goes well.

Anna Jones  Hi Sue, I started out by asking my cardiologist who he recommends. He gave me the name of a surgeon that is a 3 hour drive away in a different city. He also ... Read more

Anna Jones  Hi Sue, I started out by asking my cardiologist who he recommends. He gave me the name of a surgeon that is a 3 hour drive away in a different city. He also gave me the name of a surgeon where I live because he wanted to talk me out of the surgery and he figured his friend the surgeon was the guy to do it.... it's a long story.

I also looked at the surgeon finder on this site and picked a surgeon who was covered by my insurance and had good reviews.

I also looked at this site:  https://www.checkbook.org/surgeonratings/Heart-Valve-or-Bypass-Surgery/TX/?Page=1 You can pick your state from the column on the left and the surgeon ratings will show up for your state.

Next I called the 3 surgeons and asked if they were interested in consulting with me. All 3 agreed so I got referrals from my insurance company and sent the surgeons CDs of my heart cath and echo and medical records.

The surgeon from this site was a complete waste of my time. He had his PA tell me that it was time for surgery but he wouldn't talk to me unless I scheduled the surgery first. Then, I was told, he would meet me the day before surgery to answer any questions. I wasn't feeling comfortable with that and the hospital he operates at doesn't have a great reputation, so that made it easy to cross him off of my list.

The local surgeon spent a lot of time answering my questions. I really liked him and appreciated everything he shared with me. But when I asked him how certain he was that he could repair my valve instead of replacing it, he only gave me a 50% chance of repair. The hospital he works at also isn't nationally ranked. And add to that I got an infection at that hospital after the heart cath and I wasn't feeling confident about having surgery there.

The third surgeon is a 3 hour drive away. I drove to meet him. It took 8 hours round trip in traffic. He gave me 10 minutes of him time because he is sooooo busy. But his reviews are marvelous. He is one of those surgeons people travel from all over for. The hospital he works at is nationally ranked very highly in cardiac care. And most importantly, when I asked if he thought he could repair rather than replace the valve he seemed almost offended that I had even asked and told me that it was a near certainty. So, I had a bingo.

After that, I searched this site and found people who had been treated at the hospital I will be going to. They all gave it high marks. I also searched and found former patients who also gave him wonderful reviews.

I guess the short answer is that you interview surgeons and when you find the right one you will know it.

Brian Ballard  Hi Sue,
You will be very pleased with your surgeon choice. Dr. Castro and his team are phenomenal! Not to mention the hospital and staff. When you do schedule ... Read more

Brian Ballard  Hi Sue,
You will be very pleased with your surgeon choice. Dr. Castro and his team are phenomenal! Not to mention the hospital and staff. When you do schedule your surgery, they also have a guest house right on the premises. We utilized that for my night before surgery an then for my family to stay close post surgery. Wishing you a great outcome and a fast recovery.

Brian