So okay I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary October 4th...and now I'm sitting on our new boat getting prepared for a one year sabbatical sailing journey. ...Read more
So okay I'm coming up on my 2 year anniversary October 4th...and now I'm sitting on our new boat getting prepared for a one year sabbatical sailing journey. M y heart feels fine and I've been working hard in the Florida sun...the new porcine aortic valve ticking along. I can say I'm truly blessed not to have had any complications and post surgery concerns. My surgery was a bit difficult as at the end the doc was not too pleased that my heart would not stop 'bleeding' which added 90 minutes to the procedure which when on for nearly 8 hours. Go figure after all of that a very good recovery and back to normal and even maybe beyond normal. This year I turn 60 and feel fine. You can follow our adventures on the Facebook page sailing Caribbean style.
LINDA ROBERTS So happy your recovery has gone well. Wow, your one year sailing journey sounds wonderful! Enjoy!
27 weeks (190 days) So I'm back to work now about a couple of weeks. Its not that I could have not been working but I had to secure a position :-) ...Read more
27 weeks (190 days) So I'm back to work now about a couple of weeks. Its not that I could have not been working but I had to secure a position :-) The surgery was a resounding success and I've made steady recovery ever since. I went to rehab for a few weeks but then ran into some insurance issues. All that is resolved now and I okay. Still taking about for medications that will fall off in about a year. I think there was one point about 20 weeks that I really felt I could do anything, to be honest I've not been pushing it too much. The LOML Beth has been a total angel supporting my recovery and being there for me. I also lost a bit of weight due to the fact that I stopped eating wheat. While I was in the hospital Beth checked out a book called Wheat Belly, we've been wheat free ever since and have not missed it one bit. I lost 44 lbs so far...and its easy! In any case this is my update and I hope things continue to go well for me.
Phyllis Petersen I had been off wheat for awhile, but have let it creep back in. I'm planning now to get off it again, ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I had been off wheat for awhile, but have let it creep back in. I'm planning now to get off it again, as I've been noticing some digestive issues since eating it regularly again. It's good to hear that you're progressing well. Keep up the great work!
Catie B Great to hear how well you are doing, Tom. Congrats on your recovery, returning to work, and the weig ... Read more
Catie B Great to hear how well you are doing, Tom. Congrats on your recovery, returning to work, and the weight loss!
Lilly Black Tom, congratulations on the successful journey, but the weight loss is just icing on the cake (wheat- ... Read more
Lilly Black Tom, congratulations on the successful journey, but the weight loss is just icing on the cake (wheat-free cake). That's great! Happy for you!
Tom Dadisman Thanks all for the good word. I will be most curious to hear how each of you are doing. I am aga ... Read more
Tom Dadisman Thanks all for the good word. I will be most curious to hear how each of you are doing. I am again doing very well and have nothing to complain about. I'm always wondering when I may get off some of the meds I'm on but I guess there is no rush.
Its been 11 weeks and I feel fine. I'm walking each day and feeling great. I tried the cardio-rehab for a couple of weeks and was encouraged with the heart ...Read more
Its been 11 weeks and I feel fine. I'm walking each day and feeling great. I tried the cardio-rehab for a couple of weeks and was encouraged with the heart monitoring, blood pressure etc. Mr surgeon Dr Kevin Miller advised me that by the end of the year i should be doing about anything I want to. I feel as if my strength is improving each day. I see now the biggest set back has been my overall physical conditioning, my muscles are weaker without my near daily workouts which I'm starting up soon. While I was in the hospital I was able to read a book Beth checked out of the hospital library. Tho book I called Wheat Belly...its written as a discussion of the lack of benefits of eating wheat. Beth and I decided to try this idea...no more wheat. I've been amazed the first five weeks or so I dropped 25 lbs, feel great and despite not eating wheat I'm never hungry, and don't have any cravings for what uses to be all my favorites. I eat more veggies and fruit and have a more steady feeling during the day. My exercise is easier than ever, no pain, shortness of breath or any symptoms at all. My chest muscles get tight once in a while, but every aspect if my health is good. My 8 and a quarter inch long scar is fading fast my drain tube wounds are nearly invisible now. I must say all the apprehension and worry about this surgery now seems all for not. Merry Christmas to all.
Steve Farthing Tom, Thanks for the update. I'm seeing Dr. Kevin Miller in Feb and appreciate any comments any of hi ... Read more
Steve Farthing Tom, Thanks for the update. I'm seeing Dr. Kevin Miller in Feb and appreciate any comments any of his patients have. Sounds like you have had an excellent experience and recovery.
Maggi Turner An interesting post Tom - my surgery for AVR is on 10th January and I had wondered about giving up wh ... Read more
Maggi Turner An interesting post Tom - my surgery for AVR is on 10th January and I had wondered about giving up wheat afterwards and seeing if I felt better for doing so. Keep up the good work.
Phyllis Petersen I've been trying to give up wheat, but it has been hard. Pizza is usually my downfall, although most ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen I've been trying to give up wheat, but it has been hard. Pizza is usually my downfall, although most places I go have gluten-free crust, which of course is wheat-free. I do find when I'm not eating it I have fewer bloating problems and other inflammation goes down too. Good luck in your recovery. Are you no longer doing the cardiac rehab?
Tom Dadisman I'm no longer in rehab formally but I'm doing a lot of work at home! I feel great.
Tom Dadisman Dr Miller and his staff are excellent and my surgery at St Joseph's was far better than expected. I ... Read more
Tom Dadisman Dr Miller and his staff are excellent and my surgery at St Joseph's was far better than expected. I would choose this facility over Cleveland Clinic any day.
Phyllis Petersen Not sure why you say that. I had a great experience at Cleveland Clinic. There are many great hospita ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Not sure why you say that. I had a great experience at Cleveland Clinic. There are many great hospitals and surgeons. My choice to travel was based on being eligible for robotic MVr, which was not available at this time here. If I had to have full OHS, I would have considered my local university hospital where my sister is a cardiac nurse. Interestingly, the manager of the hospital's wellness center, where I do cardiac rehab, was sent out to CC to study their methods. He came back impressed and with many good ideas for improving our center.
Its been a full 10 days since I was in the middle of an 8 hour surgery which turned out to be sightly complicated with a 3x CABG. It was determined as a ...Read more
Its been a full 10 days since I was in the middle of an 8 hour surgery which turned out to be sightly complicated with a 3x CABG. It was determined as a result of my pre-surgical cath lab that 3 right arterial occlusions each 40-60 blocked should be bypassed. This is a straight forward procedure but did add some time. My surgeon uses laproscopic techniques to harvest leg veins so that wound was minimal and has not been a problem. my other wounds, the sternotomy and drainage ports are healing very well. I'm feeling great I can walk stairs and have good energy awake at 6-7am and up till 10. The few symptoms I'm having might be related to the post-op meds I'm on...all new to me. My surgeon believes in a year of metoprolo tartrate 50mg 2x day, alsdo Plavix 75mg, Lipitor 20mg, and Cozaar 25mg. I'm also taking Lasix 20mg and potassium chloride, only for 7 days. I can say it does seem as if my surgery has gone well, I have the Medtronic freestyle tissue valve with full aortic root and a dacron aorta which looks like a 27mm diameter vacuum cleaner hose. So far the ole heart now dubbed Wilbur has been ticking away like a clock, ole squeaky is for now retired!
Corey Sines Great to hear Tom things are going well! Hope ol' Wilbur keeps working hard for you. ;-)
Amy Steele Glad to hear from you Tom! So glad your recovery is going so well. I too went with the Medtronic Fr ... Read more
Amy Steele Glad to hear from you Tom! So glad your recovery is going so well. I too went with the Medtronic Freestyle tissue valve with full aortic root and dacron aorta. I hadn't thought of naming my new, improved heart... I'll have to ponder that for a bit... My cardiologist's first words after taking a listen after my surgery were, "very quiet." I haven't ever heard that from anyone listening to my heart.
Tom Dadisman thanks everyone for the nice wishes...so my surgery was Oct 4, i still cant believe it really happene ... Read more
Tom Dadisman thanks everyone for the nice wishes...so my surgery was Oct 4, i still cant believe it really happened. I have not had any complications that im aware of. My first appoint with the surgeon is the 10th. Im eating well and decided to eliminate wheat from my diet...well actually Beth read a book called Wheat Belly and it made sense. I feel great...the only small issue might be the side effect on the new meds they have me on....he what are ya gonna do!
This is Beth, updating the community on my beloved Tom... After nearly 8 hours in surgery, Tom is resting relatively comfortably with a reported pain level ...Read more
This is Beth, updating the community on my beloved Tom... After nearly 8 hours in surgery, Tom is resting relatively comfortably with a reported pain level of 3 (thx to the dilotid). His surgical team of 11were WONDERFUL. I really appreciated how one of the surgical nurses would call me every 1.5 - 2 hours just to give me a status update. Thank God the surgery went smoothly. All in all, Tom received a major overhaul, a CABG, a quadruple. I'll let Tom explain to you further in a future update, as he is much better equipped for that. The only "problem" with the whole surgery was when his heart seeped blood a little longer than expected which caused a slight delay in stitching him back up. The doctor rectified this by administering extra blood and platelets. As I write this, sitting in the ICU room beside him, I am so happy that we got through the "big day", the day we've been dreading. I know there will be challenges ahead but it sure feels good to have the surgery in our rear view mirror. Thank you to everyone who offered well wishes and prayers. We felt all the love and I'm sure it helped.
Wanda Mroz Prayers for quick and uneventful healing.💞🙏🏻
Phyllis Petersen Thanks for the update. Prayers for an easy recovery.
Ellen Leng Praise be and keep up the boring recovery!
Corey Sines Wonderful news! Praying for Tom and you..
Craig Gay So glad the surgery went well and they have his pain managed. Hang in there Beth, I know it's not eas ... Read more
Craig Gay So glad the surgery went well and they have his pain managed. Hang in there Beth, I know it's not easy having your loved one go thru this. Hugs, Yvonne
Tom Dadisman Tom here,day 3 post surgery, feeling okay. My surgery took about 8 hours and a couple of hours recov ... Read more
Tom Dadisman Tom here,day 3 post surgery, feeling okay. My surgery took about 8 hours and a couple of hours recovery. Just as described i woke on a ventilator, it was a strange feeling but the focus of the evening was to relax and not panic...that was accomplished easily as i believe i was restrained, but didn't push the answer to that question. ICU was not bad and the nursing staff was beyond exceptional. I also was presented with a few videos of the case. I know now that the surgery was had perfect timing. My aorta was weaker than expected and the valve very stiff. In any case I can't thank the staff enough, they did and continue to provide an excellent effort. My sweet Beth has been here every step of the way, I can't emphasize enough how valuable her support and love has been. She continues her tireless effort to make my stay at the hospital as great as it can be, she has slept over each night and has taken breaks to drive home fr a few hours each afternoon. To give you and idea about how I feel it has taken me about 30 minutes to write this update and I'm starting to feel tired. Many thanks to each of you who have written and trust e I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. TOM
Phyllis Petersen Good to see you able to post, even if it exhausts you. Keep up the good work and have a speedy and un ... Read more
Phyllis Petersen Good to see you able to post, even if it exhausts you. Keep up the good work and have a speedy and uneventful recovery.
Beth has created salmon on the cedar plank, Brussel sprouts and squash. I'm all set to report for surgery at 6am, surgery at 8:30...hey what are ya gonna ...Read more
Beth has created salmon on the cedar plank, Brussel sprouts and squash. I'm all set to report for surgery at 6am, surgery at 8:30...hey what are ya gonna do! ;-)
Ellen Leng Sounds like a wonderful meal...it's all gonna be fine.
I met with my surgeons office on Thursday and had a good physical and talk with his PA who has been doing this for many years. My doctor was in an all day ...Read more
I met with my surgeons office on Thursday and had a good physical and talk with his PA who has been doing this for many years. My doctor was in an all day surgery and that actually pleases me. I have looked at the idea that the more surgeries your doctor does and his hospital see's the better off you are are, after all if he's 'practicing' the more practice the better. :-) I am set now with the type of valve I'm getting and with my idea that technology will continue to advance I've selected the Medtronic Freestyle valve, which includes an integral aortic root and seems to have good durability. In any case we shall see on Tuesday.
Corey Sines If I were going with a Bioprosthesis, I would select a stentless design as well and one with a newer ... Read more
Corey Sines If I were going with a Bioprosthesis, I would select a stentless design as well and one with a newer anti-calcification treatment like AOA. So sounds like a good choice! Your right, all doctors are 'practicing' medicine. I guess that is why the major Heart Centers offer measurable better overall outcomes, as they 'practice' more than others, lol!
Ellen Leng Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. You'll have pain, but it is well controlled as they want yo ... Read more
Ellen Leng Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. You'll have pain, but it is well controlled as they want you to breathe! Best!
Tom Dadisman Thanks for the great advise...I do believe I will be using the stentless design. AS for ducks in a r ... Read more
Tom Dadisman Thanks for the great advise...I do believe I will be using the stentless design. AS for ducks in a row...i hope so, hey what are ya gonna do in any case...breathing is my number one goal. Thank you.
Corey Sines Yep, the Medtronic Freestyle is stentless.
I still do not have a specific surgery date (AVR) but suffice to say it is SOON! Last week my cardiologist had blood drawn and it seemed every test imaginable ...Read more
I still do not have a specific surgery date (AVR) but suffice to say it is SOON! Last week my cardiologist had blood drawn and it seemed every test imaginable was run...the summary is that it all looks good! Friday I am scheduled for a cath lab to take a closer look at my aortic valve and get some measurements. Cath labs are a big deal but the technology is straight forward and aside for a possible overnight stay in the hospital this should be easy. I'm curious if anyone else had to experience a 'cath-lab' before valve replacement surgery?
Steven Dean I had to do one. They were able to go through my wrist , which made it really easy. I was out of ther ... Read more
Steven Dean I had to do one. They were able to go through my wrist , which made it really easy. I was out of there and out enjoying s beer and dinner that day. I have heard the groin has a tougher recovery.
Tom Dadisman Hum-mm good points, I just emailed my doctor to understand if its a wrist or groin...I think I'v ... Read more
Tom Dadisman Hum-mm good points, I just emailed my doctor to understand if its a wrist or groin...I think I've just been assuming the standard procedure. Thank you for the reply! :)
Rita Savelis Doctors will usually try to enter at the wrist (or just look at it and decide whether it's a good spo ... Read more
Rita Savelis Doctors will usually try to enter at the wrist (or just look at it and decide whether it's a good spot or not) and move to the groin if they have to. Both parts of the body are usually "prepared" beforehand so that the person doing the procedure can then decide which works best for them.
You have to wait a few hours after a groin procedure, but there is usually no big "recovery" to speak of, maybe take it a bit easy afterwards... You'll have a tight bandage for a bit.
Ellen Leng Tom, I did it last week and it was pretty easy. A lot more Cardiologists are using the wrist which is ... Read more
Ellen Leng Tom, I did it last week and it was pretty easy. A lot more Cardiologists are using the wrist which is an easier recovery. However, you want your doctor to use the site they are most comfortable with! I'm sure you'll be comfy with the sedation and the recovery is pretty easy either way.
Best, Ellen
Corey Sines Done both groin and wrist. Wrist is definitely preferred of the two if they can do it. Part of the ... Read more
Corey Sines Done both groin and wrist. Wrist is definitely preferred of the two if they can do it. Part of the standard set of sets pre-valve surgery. Just be careful on the closeness of their usage of injected dye and ask them to use the minimum amount possible. Dye is rough on the Kidneys, and can induce headaches (I got one the first time, the likes and intensity I have never seen before or after in my life).
Corey Sines to clarify : Closeness meaning, such as the next day they want to do contrast dye CT or other procedu ... Read more
Corey Sines to clarify : Closeness meaning, such as the next day they want to do contrast dye CT or other procedure. Flush with lots of water directly after and within a few hours after procedure.
Catie B Wishing you well, Tom. Having my cath tomorrow. Hope everything goes smooth as silk for you!
I have thought about writing this post for some time and each with each successive thought I have felt great trepidation to do so. I believe placing my words ...Read more
I have thought about writing this post for some time and each with each successive thought I have felt great trepidation to do so. I believe placing my words here makes the reality of the situation all too real and the prospects of successful outcome are now a part of my everyday life. Since I've known the love-of-my-life it brings foward how much I desire to have a long and full life. Many years ago while attending school to secure my doctorate in Applied Physics I was intrigued with the prospect of becoming Medical Doctor and after much study I achieved that goal. I have never however been part and parcel to the treatment of a patient rather having more interest in the diagnostic aspects of medicine and the development of devices that would directly and positively impact patients, many in the cardiovascular surgical field. My diverse background has worked well for me over the years and especially with clinical trials of new innovative, designs and the development of new devices. The many levels of knowledge this field demands has been taxing and challenging. I have taken a few side trips into other worlds such as environmental monitoring, developing instruments to measure sub-part-per-million levels of pollutants and system analysis for the government. All that said my desire to help people endure the various medical therapies made possible and practical with new devices has been my first and best pursuit. So now comes the irony I get to participate as a patient with my surgeon likely utilizing many of the devices I developed over the years. In some time in the near future I will undergo surgery to replace by bicuspid aortic valve which was always on a path to be replaced since birth. As part of this surgery I will also have my aorta replaced as it has become damaged by the increased workload it has endured with the valve failing, or as recent theory suggests is simply part of the same physiological mechanism that causes the vale to fail. As many of you might know this is a very significant surgery...and the very thought of all the complications possible his quite sobering. I am also so very grateful that my sweet Beth has been here for me, she has come with me to each appointment starting last August, I can only hope to love her forever in a long life. I'm not a great social media person but I imagined I would share this if you ever wonder or need to think about what will or will not happen to such a patient…this time ME.
Rita Savelis Thanks for sharing Tom. Writing can be liberating. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I wish you ... Read more
Rita Savelis Thanks for sharing Tom. Writing can be liberating. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I wish you all the best.
Gerald Sushil Tom, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with Rita, writing can be liberating. I am 2 weeks pos ... Read more
Gerald Sushil Tom, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with Rita, writing can be liberating. I am 2 weeks post-op Aortic Valve replacement. I practiced Nursing for 38 years, and have had the honor o living 42 years with the love of my life, Patty. I was born with Aortic valve problem, but never stopped me from doing what I wanted...have always been very active physically. Retirement at 62 was awesome, then the slight changes started, and long story short, I needed Valve replacement. As a Nurse, my worst night mare had come true, I was now the patient! Once I let go of control , all has gone well. I wish you well in your journey.Two weeks post surgery life is once again feeling great. I send you positive thoughts and prayer for a safe and successful journey. Good Luck!
Corey Sines Tom, your lucky to have someone to go through this journey call life, it makes everything mean more ... Read more
Corey Sines Tom, your lucky to have someone to go through this journey call life, it makes everything mean more to have someone to share it with regardless of how long we have. Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery, odds are you will be fine, take some comfort in that!
Amy Dorsey Wow, thank you for sharing. You now have a unique experience of experiencing both sides of this type ... Read more
Amy Dorsey Wow, thank you for sharing. You now have a unique experience of experiencing both sides of this type of situation. From the physician to the patient! I know it is scary, but with advances in medicine, I didnt fear of what complications could arise. I was more concerned about The fear I had about my body being invaded that way and how my body would respond afterwards. But we are all different. You have found the best possible resource and support group and I hope you continue to post your journey so that we can support you even more. Best to you and your love! 💗
Barbara Laurie Thank Tom, I know from experience that, no matter the outcome, to have this love now is a powerful th ... Read more
Barbara Laurie Thank Tom, I know from experience that, no matter the outcome, to have this love now is a powerful thing. Best regards💕❤️💕
Ellen Leng Oh Tom, I recognize how writing a post on here makes it so real. And yes, as a medical professional, ... Read more
Ellen Leng Oh Tom, I recognize how writing a post on here makes it so real. And yes, as a medical professional, you are so much more aware of the complications and morbidity.
Find your best team and trust them. That is really what it comes down to.
Good luck and keep posting :)
Julie Slade Hi Tom, We decided to go with a mechanical valve and Coumadin because I'm 45 and very active, Dr. Bal ... Read more
Julie Slade Hi Tom, We decided to go with a mechanical valve and Coumadin because I'm 45 and very active, Dr. Bali felt I would need a new tissue valve in 10 yrs and that the mechanical value should last me 25 yrs. My parents are getter older and it's been very stressful for them.