Tony Vester - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2843 days ago

I suddenly realized today that I am just 14 days away from my surgery date! Things have been moving fast, faster than I thought! Kim stopped yesterday and ...Read more

I suddenly realized today that I am just 14 days away from my surgery date! Things have been moving fast, faster than I thought! Kim stopped yesterday and picked up gym trunks and pajamas for me. A very good friend has secured a power lift chair for my use and is going to deliver it on Oct 27th. I am alternately excited and apprehensive about the surgery. I have a great deal of faith and respect in my cardiologists from St. Vincent Carmel Heart Hospital. My surgeon, Dr. David Heimansohn, is highly regarded and was very matter of fact when we met to discuss the procedure. He recommended the tissue valve for my aortic replacement and he is going to repair my mitral valve. My primary cardiologist is Dr. James Hermiller and he told me I couldn't be in better hands for the surgery. I really look forward to having some stamina and not being winded all the time. I think (my wife doesn't always agree with me), that I have a pretty high pain tolerance and am hoping to recover without too much dependence on the drugs. I have a lot of people praying for me and I can always use more! Surgery is on All Saints Day and have been told that is a good omen.

Ruth Howell I understand your apprehension. My surgery was in 2011 and I asked my doctor and anesthesiologist to ... Read more

Ruth Howell I understand your apprehension. My surgery was in 2011 and I asked my doctor and anesthesiologist to please put me to sleep as soon as I was on the table waiting. They were very cooperative and did just that, and I greatly appreciated not having to wait in a state of anxiety. I also took 5 mg. of Xanax (with my surgeon's permission) that morning. As it turned out, I had to wait about 5 hours before my surgery, so I was glad to be asleep.

I did my recovery on nothing more than extra strength Tylenol. The only pain I had was in my upper back. it's more about feeling exhausted during the recovery and building your stamina and strength back. Best of luck. I had a very difficult repair, and I'm 70 and still here.

Wendy Evans Ruth, thanks for sharing.

Rose Madura Hi Tony, I totally understand about being apprehensive and excited all at the same time. Your strong ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Tony, I totally understand about being apprehensive and excited all at the same time. Your strong faith will pull you through. Praying for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. I did pain Meds only for a few days after I was home. I hate being on them so Tylenol extra strength worked well after a while - even at times in the hospital. Please keep us updated.

Cara Noble I had my mitral valve repaired there in 2011. The staff was great.
Wishing you the best.

Tony Vester Thank you everybody for your support. I am now 8 days and counting. Some of the apprehension has st ... Read more

Tony Vester Thank you everybody for your support. I am now 8 days and counting. Some of the apprehension has started to subside. It's pretty much in God's hands now.

Tony Vesterposted a journal

2850 days ago

Making sure my insurance documents are in order. Trying to find a lift chair for after surgery. Letting my customers know how to order merchandise during ...Read more

Making sure my insurance documents are in order. Trying to find a lift chair for after surgery. Letting my customers know how to order merchandise during my recovery. Letting family and friends know what's going on.