tim's Journal

Little excited, little nervous...flying to Cleveland tomorrow morning for my 4 month follow up with my surgeon. I've been feeling great so hopefully everything is still nice and tight with no leaks and healing well.

I am 3 days shy of being at 10 weeks. I'm getting back into the swing of things. Started back to work this week and they have let me sort of come in later and leave early when I want so that i don't over do it my first week back. Not to mention I've got a pretty easy job that all I do is sit at my desk and work on a computer. I've noticed a little soreness in my chest but I'm guessing its from moving my arms more while working. I'm sleeping longer at night and eating a little more than I was before. I still hear the thump of my heart in my ear when i lay my head either to the right or left. Hopefully this will get better or i will get more use to it. Again i think after the repair and as the heart heals it seems to beat stronger than before. so things are going good.....

Ok I am 7 weeks and 2 days after surgery. I don’t hear my valve as much and resting heart rate is in the low 70’s to mid 60’s compared to 90’s after surgery. Still a little painful to cough and sneeze. Still sleeping a few hours at a time. I’ve got a question for all the fellow heart warriors. After surgery and weeks later do you or did you notice your appetite is not the same? I have found myself not eating as much since surgery compared to before. Just curious if anyone else has experienced the same. Thanks and take care!

Well tomorrow will mark 6 weeks for me and I’m celebrating by having my ICD swapped out at 6:30 am. It Still hurts to cough or sneeze and I’ve noticed more pain around my collar bone area than my chest. I too have felt my heart beat “stronger or harder” and I hear my On-X valve tick. Guess if it’s ticking all is good! Have been sleeping in the bed the last 3 weeks but propped up to make it easier getting in and out. Also only sleeping a few hours at a time then awake for a few then back asleep. This website has been great to share stories and compare what we each have gone through on our journeys and I appreciate everyone who comments and shares their experiences. Thank you Adam for creating this site and to all its members for being a part of it too. Take care all!

Where to start? First off sorry for not updating sooner but this has not been easy or typical. Some may remember my surgery date was July 30th at Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Roselli. Was supposed to be replacement of my bicuspid valve and replacement of my aorta due to dilation if needed. Estimated time of 5 hours for surgery. First off I am so thankful for the professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, all the doctors, ICU doctors and nurses for the care they provided to me. And a HUGE thank you for Dr. Roselli and his talents as an awesome surgeon as if it were not for him, his team and the ICU doctors I’m not sure I’d be here! My surgery lasted 10 hours, he found my old VSD repair was badly calcified so he fixed it, he found two other holes in my heart, one between my ventricle and pulmonary artery and the other between my two atria. My valve size was only 18 to 19 mm which is very small so Dr Roselli had to enlarge that to put in a 25mm OnX valve in and also replaced a section of my aortic root. This took a severe toll on me and I was in the ICU for 7 days and shortly after I was first brought up they thought I was going to have to go back due to bleeding, but they put in an extra chest tube in the ICU which helped and took care of it and help stablize me. I went to the step down after the 7 days and was discharged 3 days later. Stayed a few days then had a follow up then flew home. I’ve had good days and bad, been in and out of Afib and the last few days I’ve felt better and have slept in my bed propped up and out of the recliner. This has been tough and I’m sure my situation isn’t the norm. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I also want to add if anyone has doubts about where to go, the Cleveland Clinic should be on their list. They are truly exceptional and I am so thankful for their dedication to what they do!

Nice flight from Knoxville to Cleveland via Delta, gotta love em. Called CC and my surgery is set at 5:15 so thankfully I’ll be checked and back as quick as possible to let these gifted people work their magic on me. Thanks all for the messages, your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

as my surgery date of July 30th is quickly approaching i find myself second guessing my valve choice. Has anyone else done this and made a last minute change? My initial choice is the Inspiris Resilia valve as if a second valve will be needed then TAVR would be the way to replace it. It's a new valve and most studies are very good for longevity, durability and less calcification compared to other tissue valves. Dr. Roselli even said that he would put the biggest valve he can in me so that the next one can be a valve in a valve by TAVR. But then I've been reading about the On-X mechanical valve and that has me thinking that this may be a "one and done" solution. Anyone who would like to share their choice and/or experience with either of these would greatly be appreciated. thanks

Went to Cleveland Clinic last week for my pre-op and to meet Dr. Roselli. All i can say is I truly believe that this is the best place for me and that i picked a great surgeon for the best possible outcome. Dr. Roselli is very down to earth, does not rush, answers all questions, addressed all concerns and gave advice too. I am so thankful for finding this website, it has truly helped obtain information to help make tough decisions a little easier. I am also thankful for everyone who shares their stories as it helps inspire others who are going through these tough times too . So thank you all for sharing and i will try my best to do the same. I go back to CC on the 29th and surgery is set for the 30th.

have a date set for OHS on 7/30/19 to replace my bicuspid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm. i go on 7/12/19 to meet Dr. Roselli at the Cleveland Clinic. I'm scared but i truly believe he is the best man for the job to provide me the best possible outcome considering my previous corrective surgeries. I have done a lot of reading and research and again, i think he is the best choice for me. I would love to hear anyone who has met him, had him as their surgeon and anyone who has used the Cleveland Clinic as their hospital. Please feel free to comment and share any knowledge you may have as i would greatly appreciate it thanks