Tom McDonald - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

February 10, 2019

Today I am struggling to take the next steps towards the recovery side for myself, setting a meeting with my recommended surgeon and getting a surgery date. I have so much anxiety about OHS and it's on my mind constantly.

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John Morales Tom you are not alone I have my date of Feb 20th and am petrified im trying to stay positive and take comfort form all out heart warriors who have gone before ... Read more

John Morales Tom you are not alone I have my date of Feb 20th and am petrified im trying to stay positive and take comfort form all out heart warriors who have gone before us we can do this , we have no other choice all the best.

Rich Krakowski Hang in there guys. We were all in the same position. Then you have the surgery, 6 months goes by and it will just be a blip

Bob Fessler Believe me, it is not as bad as you imagine. The pain at the hospital was totally contained. All is well for me and it will be for you.

Tom McDonald Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I really need that right now. I'm just very overwhelmed with everthing ahead of me. Can I ask anyone who is willing ... Read more

Tom McDonald Thank you all for the words of encouragement. I really need that right now. I'm just very overwhelmed with everthing ahead of me. Can I ask anyone who is willing to comment, what specific questions should I be asking my potential surgeon?

Judy S You should find out the number of surgeries like yours that he/she has performed and what then outcomes were. You should also check outcomes at the sts.org ... Read more

Judy S You should find out the number of surgeries like yours that he/she has performed and what then outcomes were. You should also check outcomes at the sts.org website (Society of Thoracic Surgeons). You want to find out what experience he has with bicuspid aortic valve replacement—is there an option for repair vs Replacement? While you indicate mechanical would be the solution, that would mean you would be on permanent blood thinners. There’s a new tissue valve that is supposed to last longer. Find out about that option. See also what the size of the valve would be so that later you could have a TAVR replacement option. Will he be be taking care of you post surgery? After all those questions are answered, you’ll get a sense if this is a person you feel comfortable and can trust. In the end, that will give you piece of mind.

Civita Fahey Tom, what you are feeling is very normal and we were all there once. I know its hard to feel now that you will be fine, because before I had my surgery, I appreciated ... Read more

Civita Fahey Tom, what you are feeling is very normal and we were all there once. I know its hard to feel now that you will be fine, because before I had my surgery, I appreciated all the wonderful words of encouragement I got from everyone here, but then at times I would start thinking, what if I'm the 1% that doesn't survive, and what if this or that happens? the stress and anxiety that I had before surgery was probably the worst I've had in my life, but as Judy said, ask all the questions she suggested and then anything else that matters to you, I wanted to know if I could get back to my normal exercise routine and could I be "normal" at 56 again. Talking to your surgeon will put you at ease, they have done this type of surgery for over 50 years and to them its routine.. they do many per day.. the hospital staff will also put you at ease when you have your pre op, they are caring and understanding of your anxiety and fear. OHS is no walk in the park, but it was so much less than my imagination feared. I personally had no pain, just exhaustion for a few weeks, and then got tired easily, for a while. But remember think positively, try some motivational tapes and you will get through this. I looked at it this way, if the Lord wanted something to happen to me, he wouldn't have give n me the opportunity to fix it.. my prayers go out to you.. but you go this.

Dan Baltazor It's a very emotional hard walk. I felt so much better after the first meeting with my surgeon. I'm praying the same for you.
https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2016/12/18/questions-before-dr-accola/ ... Read more

Rob Sparling Tom, you are normal. You are working to own your future, start by owning the date that becomes the tipping point for all things. I was on the phone with my ... Read more

Rob Sparling Tom, you are normal. You are working to own your future, start by owning the date that becomes the tipping point for all things. I was on the phone with my surgeon’s scheduling nurse and she had me all teed up for an October procedure when she asked “can I put you on hold, I may have an opening in September”. I was petrified but took it and it was the best decision of my life. (Besides marrying my wife.) Walk into this knowing you can infect people and your surgical team with optimism, take stock of their skills and merge the two forces while praying your ass off. (We will be doing the same!)

Update posted on...

February 3, 2019

I'm so thankful I found this site. I know that I'm not alone in my journey. God bless you all!

Like | Bradley Dunn, Susan Lynn, Sara Colosimo and 5 others like this

Bradley Dunn Welcome

Great site and info.

Journal posted on February 2, 2019

This site is very informative and is helping ease some of the anxiety I'm feeling, with facing OHS. Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support.

Like | Mava Reif, Dan Baltazor likes this

Susan Lynn Welcome, Tom! You've come to the right place!

Lisa Guinan We all learned a lot from this site at some point. We’re anxious to answer any questions you have.

Here's my newest picture!

February 1, 2019 Like | Susan Lynn, Greg Costeens, Greg Costeens and 3 others like this

Update posted on...

February 1, 2019

I'm new here, I'm 52 years old and I've been diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis. I have been doctoring / monitoring yearly at the Mayo Clinic since, for symptoms I started having in 2016 when I was 50. My echo I had done in January 2019 has showed some more narrowing of the aortic valve, along with not so great results from the treadmill stress test. My cardio has suggested that I need to get valve fixed in the next 3-6 months, and has recommended a surgeon, along with some other testing prior to any surgery. I "m so overwhelmed, but I know I have to do this or I won't be around for many more years. I would have a mechanical valve put in b/c of my young age. The thought of open heart surgery scares the heck out of me and I haven't taken the next step In the process. Lots to digest.

Like | Rob Sparling and 1 other likes this

Louanna Miller Learning you need OHS is alarming. We’ve all been there and have walked the path on which you find yourself. We have made it to the other side of recovery ... Read more

Louanna Miller Learning you need OHS is alarming. We’ve all been there and have walked the path on which you find yourself. We have made it to the other side of recovery and you will too. I managed my apprehension by learning as much as I could about my heart, surgery and recovery. I researched hospitals and surgeons. I wanted to be informed. I found peace and comfort knowing that others have had the same experience and were doing much better. Find things that are comforting to you and bring you peace of mind. We are here to encourage you and share our experiences. Ask questions and learn from all of us. You’ve got this!!

Marie Myers Yes, I remember the overwhelming news that I needed open heart surgery.
This was a very helpful site for me, and I am sure you will get a lot of good info ... Read more

Marie Myers Yes, I remember the overwhelming news that I needed open heart surgery.
This was a very helpful site for me, and I am sure you will get a lot of good info also.
Just take it one day at a time and you will make it through!

Meredith Bray Welcome to the site! My BAV was discovered in 2003 and surgery was in 2014. I was 43, and got a mechanical valve. The anticipation of surgery is awful, I never ... Read more

Meredith Bray Welcome to the site! My BAV was discovered in 2003 and surgery was in 2014. I was 43, and got a mechanical valve. The anticipation of surgery is awful, I never want to go through that again. (You'll actually sleep through the surgery itself though-haha!) And the recovery won't be even half as awful as you think it will.And the more you talk to people, the more people you meet who have had heart surgery or spouses or parent or child or neighbor has had heart surgery. This is a great place to get insight about the process. I hope you ask lots of questions!

Meredith
Holiday, FL

Kathy Blank Tom- I had time to plan and prepare just like you do. The initial shock - it took me about 1 month to start taking action and move to research and preparation. ... Read more

Kathy Blank Tom- I had time to plan and prepare just like you do. The initial shock - it took me about 1 month to start taking action and move to research and preparation. Besides connecting with this amazing heart community and the resources available- The thing that brought me the most comfort and peace was consulting with several surgeons to find the best possible expert for my specific valve issue- Consulting w the surgeon early in the process can answer many questions and help you avoid unnessary tests and procedures in preparation. Also- seek out some heart warriors who have your same heart valve issue and they will be your most valuable sources of inspiration! While we may wish we didn’t have our heart valve issue- belonging to this community will help you move from fear to the path of health and healing with many other heart brothers and sisters❤️

Dan Baltazor Hi Tom. Welcome! I had my BAV replaced 11/12/18. I'm 44 years old. I'm doing really good on the recovery side and so will you. This site is amazing and you ... Read more

Dan Baltazor Hi Tom. Welcome! I had my BAV replaced 11/12/18. I'm 44 years old. I'm doing really good on the recovery side and so will you. This site is amazing and you will find so much inspiration from ALL the Heart Warriors here.

Vicki Zimbric I know how much there is to grasp. I had my Mitral Valve repair 2 weeks ago and I’m still trying to digest ‘what have I got myself into’?!!

Rob Sparling Tom, I was 50 years old with a bicuspid aortic valve. I’ve since upgraded. Please read my journal and scroll back to Sept 24-26th specifically. See my post ... Read more

Rob Sparling Tom, I was 50 years old with a bicuspid aortic valve. I’ve since upgraded. Please read my journal and scroll back to Sept 24-26th specifically. See my post in the surgeon section for Dr Gosta Pettersson. No matter what you choose you will be living a full and new life if you and your team are aligned and prepared! Don’t be afraid. Be resolute! Stare this down and get ready to extend your life! ❤️💪