Wendell Scott - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

33 days ago

Susan Lynn, Deena Z, Jared Stanley reacted to this

For anyone approaching surgery or recovering from it, keep your goals in mind. I had my aortic valve replaced two years ago and have had great results. ...Read more

For anyone approaching surgery or recovering from it, keep your goals in mind. I had my aortic valve replaced two years ago and have had great results. Recently, I biked my age and for anyone keeping score that's 64 miles for this years trip around the sun. Do the work and stay diligent. There are days when you feel less great than other days. Do what you can and keep improving, getting stronger and challenging yourself.

Susan Lynn I love an inspiring story! Thanks, Wendell!

John Cook Nice & congratulations. Today was my 14-week anniversary. I ran and speed walked 2.7 miles on m ... Read more

John Cook Nice & congratulations. Today was my 14-week anniversary. I ran and speed walked 2.7 miles on my treadmill this morning. Pre-surgery me could have gotten at least 3.5 miles in the same amount of time.

I’m working on getting back to where I was but at least it doesn’t feel like I’m on a mission anymore. I’m finally at a place where I can enjoy exercising again.

Rose Madura Wendell, what a great update. Very inspiring! 👍💪

Wendell Scottposted an update

610 days ago

General population question: Has anyone taking a statin experienced any periodic dizziness symptoms? I occasionally experience intense dizziness for 10-30 ...Read more

General population question: Has anyone taking a statin experienced any periodic dizziness symptoms? I occasionally experience intense dizziness for 10-30 seconds. Sometimes when walking, others when sitting and most recently when I was working out on my bike (inside). The unpredictable nature of the occurrences has made me unwilling to risk riding outside due to the risk. Any perspectives or comments would be appreciated.

Marie Myers I have read that dizziness is listed as a possible side effect of statins, but personally I have not ... Read more

Marie Myers I have read that dizziness is listed as a possible side effect of statins, but personally I have not experienced it. Have you have an ear-nose -throat doc weigh in on that symptom? It could be vertigo caused by the inner ear crystals. Also, do you monitor your blood pressure? Low BP could possibly cause dizziness as can irregular heart rhythms. Hope you get an answer soon!

Michele Renee Yes, I took a statin for a few weeks after surgery and was waking up so dizzy and nauseous. My doctor ... Read more

Michele Renee Yes, I took a statin for a few weeks after surgery and was waking up so dizzy and nauseous. My doctor took me off of it and now I feel so much better! I know there are alternatives for statins.

Wendell Scottposted an update

654 days ago

Rose Madura, Grace Mason , Valerie Allen and 2 others reacted to this

I'm seven months post Aortic valve replacement surgery today. Made good progress so far, working out on my bike at about 90% of pre onset levels and feeling ...Read more

I'm seven months post Aortic valve replacement surgery today. Made good progress so far, working out on my bike at about 90% of pre onset levels and feeling good overall. If you're facing this surgery and have concerns about your post surgical exercise abilities, I think there is cause for optimism, at least based on my outcome. Have patience and keep working gradually. Happy to answer any questions.

Rose Madura Great to hear and good advice as well! ❤️‍🩹👍

Abhishek Sharma I m 3 month post AVR. Feeling great. 90% recovered. Key to recovery is being active all the time. Mor ... Read more

Abhishek Sharma I m 3 month post AVR. Feeling great. 90% recovered. Key to recovery is being active all the time. More you walk and do light exercise more you feel better.. good luck

John Foreman Wendell that’s good to know. I’m having my aorta valve and my mitral valves replaced on January 1 ... Read more

John Foreman Wendell that’s good to know. I’m having my aorta valve and my mitral valves replaced on January 18th. I’ve been trying to walk almost daily. Lost 20 pounds and drink way more water and eat healthier. How long after your surgery did you go back to work? Thanks

Ana Brusso Great post Wendell and congratulations on your seventh month anniversary.

Valerie Allen I’m glad you are doing so well!

Sue Maize That’s great news Wendell! I’m also trying to lose some weight and walk as far and as long as I c ... Read more

Sue Maize That’s great news Wendell! I’m also trying to lose some weight and walk as far and as long as I can while I can—greatly encouraged by your success!

Greg Lewis Thanks Wendell! Great encouragement!

Wendell Scott I don't work for pay (I work for my wife!). But I do woodworking and project work as I want to. I f ... Read more

Wendell Scott I don't work for pay (I work for my wife!). But I do woodworking and project work as I want to. I finally got back in my shop 3 months after my surgery. 1/2 days at first and then longer as I felt like I was ok doing it.

Wendell Scottposted an update

820 days ago

I'm almost 2 months into healing from my Aortic Valve replacement. I've had hiccups twice during this time, each incident lasting for 3+ days. While not ...Read more

I'm almost 2 months into healing from my Aortic Valve replacement. I've had hiccups twice during this time, each incident lasting for 3+ days. While not continuous over the 3+ days, its wearing me out trying to relax or sleep with the constant irritation. Is this a problem anyone else has experienced and if so, what have you found works to alleviate or stop the issue?

Pamela Gregory I slept in a recliner for months because I could not get comfortable in bed. I also got a temporary s ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I slept in a recliner for months because I could not get comfortable in bed. I also got a temporary sleep aid to help.

Rose Madura Maybe get in a car with a 16 year old. That might scare them away. Seriously though, when they last ... Read more

Rose Madura Maybe get in a car with a 16 year old. That might scare them away. Seriously though, when they last that long, you may want to confer with your doctor. Please keep us posted.

Pamela Gregory Sorry I read this the other day early (before coffee) and didn't see the hiccups part! I did not hav... Read more

Pamela Gregory Sorry I read this the other day early (before coffee) and didn't see the hiccups part! I did not have that. Hopefully it has resolved its self.

Wendell Scottposted an update

858 days ago

What guidance have cardiologists offered on the durability of bovine/swine valves and how durability might be impacted by endurance sports? I'm a former triathlete ...Read more

What guidance have cardiologists offered on the durability of bovine/swine valves and how durability might be impacted by endurance sports? I'm a former triathlete and still ride (when healthy) 200+ miles per week and lift weights. I don't want to give up these activities, but realize 4-5 hours on the bike may not be the best option. Any input would be great.

Barry Brasseaux Hi Wendell. I came close to getting a bovine valve in 1988 at age 26 but opted to get a mechanical v ... Read more

Barry Brasseaux Hi Wendell. I came close to getting a bovine valve in 1988 at age 26 but opted to get a mechanical valve that is still working like new today. I am also very active at age 61 now and have competed in triathlons, cycling, running events without issues. Yes, being on Warfarin is a concern and I am cautious but I am living my life the way I want to live it, happy and healthy. I know it is a difficult decision and a personal one but wanted to give you another perspective. All the best Wendell.

Rose Madura Wendell, I was 59 and got a bovine valve. I'm far from an athlete and thrilled that I rode bikes tod ... Read more

Rose Madura Wendell, I was 59 and got a bovine valve. I'm far from an athlete and thrilled that I rode bikes today for 13 miles. But I believe the prosthetic valves such as mine can last 15+ years for someone my age. Maybe longer. But the valve decision is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. My advice is always to do your research and make a decision and go for it and don't look back. It will be the right decision for you. God bless you and please keep us updated.

Wendell Scott Appreciate the feedback. I had my bovine valve installed earlier this month. I followed up with t ... Read more

Wendell Scott Appreciate the feedback. I had my bovine valve installed earlier this month. I followed up with the surgeon and his take is exercise, even up to 3-4 hours, would not impact the durability of the valve. That was good news. I've pretty much written off this year, but am still deciding how to go forward. I really like riding outside, but after nearly 40 years of unbelievable good luck with no major crashes or injuries, I sometimes wonder if my luck is being stretched. I don't know many riders who've been riding that long who haven't had a major incident.

Wendell Scottposted an update

862 days ago

I'm one week post bicuspid valve replacement surgery. Since I got home, I've tried the bed, couch one and couch two. I've also tried mixing bed and couch ...Read more

I'm one week post bicuspid valve replacement surgery. Since I got home, I've tried the bed, couch one and couch two. I've also tried mixing bed and couch on the same night. Thus far, I cannot find a comfortable way to sleep throughout the night without my back and torso becoming fatigued due to not being able to shift and micro-adjust.

What input can anyone offer that successfully helped them? Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Rose Madura Hi Wendell. I would sleep in bed with lots of pillows and after a couple hours would wake up and go ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Wendell. I would sleep in bed with lots of pillows and after a couple hours would wake up and go downstairs to the recliner for some more sleep. Then, I would nap during the day. It's tough now for you but it will get better as time goes on.

Wendell Scott Thanks. I just borrowed a recliner so hopeful with another option available that I'll find somethin ... Read more

Wendell Scott Thanks. I just borrowed a recliner so hopeful with another option available that I'll find something that works. Today, I napped before lunch and I have to believe that was last nights deficit playing out.

Pamela Gregory Glad you are in the recovery phase Wendell! I found that the recliner was the only way I could sleep ... Read more

Pamela Gregory Glad you are in the recovery phase Wendell! I found that the recliner was the only way I could sleep for months. It kept me on my back and slightly propped up and for me was way more comfortable than bed

Ana Brusso I used a wedge and then lots of pillows and as Rose said I also napped during the day. Get sleep wher ... Read more

Ana Brusso I used a wedge and then lots of pillows and as Rose said I also napped during the day. Get sleep where you can Wendell, it will get better. Congratulations on your successful surgery.

Wendell Scottposted an update

876 days ago

I am in the period post diagnosis but pre-surgery. Obviously, I have a ton of things in my head that I want to do, arrange, settle, etc., before the surgery ...Read more

I am in the period post diagnosis but pre-surgery. Obviously, I have a ton of things in my head that I want to do, arrange, settle, etc., before the surgery to make things easier on my wife and family. When I go to bed, these items all seem to need to be solved before I go to sleep leading to a racing mind and delayed slumber. Any sleep aids or suggestions would be appreciated. In the past, I've occasionally taken gummies or had a glass of wine, but I am avoiding these types of things in the lead up to my surgery.

Steven Weber Wendell, I’d like to help where I can. I’ve recently traveled that same road. Email me if your co ... Read more

Steven Weber Wendell, I’d like to help where I can. I’ve recently traveled that same road. Email me if your comfortable with that. sweb7632@gmail.com

Kathy Ozio Hi Wendell. I rememberwworrying about getting all my business things in line and household stuff. Med ... Read more

Kathy Ozio Hi Wendell. I rememberwworrying about getting all my business things in line and household stuff. Meditation and prayer can be very helpful. I always found it somewhat difficult, but with practice really helps. And deep breathing!! Best thing.

Susan Lynn Wendell - You're going through the hardest part of surgery right now - waiting. Don't let your 'to... Read more

Susan Lynn Wendell - You're going through the hardest part of surgery right now - waiting. Don't let your 'to do' list add to your stress. Remember, you're going to be up and walking around in a day or two after your procedure. You'll feel tired, but you'll still be able to do mostly everything for yourself. If you're accustomed to doing anything strenuous, like working in the yard or lifting anything above 5 or 10 lbs., you'll need someone to do those chores for awhile. Otherwise, you will do just fine!

Wendell Scott Thanks for the encouragement. It's a lot for someone who was just a year ago riding my bike 4-5 hou ... Read more

Wendell Scott Thanks for the encouragement. It's a lot for someone who was just a year ago riding my bike 4-5 hours on Saturday and Sunday to now facing OHS. I tell my friends I'll have the most envious scar, but I'd prefer to be riding my bike or working in my shop to spending the summer watching other people doing for me. Fortunately, I have enough support that I'm not worried about it not getting done, but like most people, I'd rather help someone than to be helped.

Rita Savelis Wine and gummies are fine. Whatever works for you. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. It's h ... Read more

Rita Savelis Wine and gummies are fine. Whatever works for you. I'm sorry that you have to go through this. It's hard, because you can't control everything and you just have to let things happen. Your wife and family will be fine. Allow them to care for you and take some of your worries. Breathe.

Grace Mason I have used melatonin for a sleep aid and antihistamines also make me really drowsy. But both also ma ... Read more

Grace Mason I have used melatonin for a sleep aid and antihistamines also make me really drowsy. But both also make me feel like I'm still feeling the effects the next morning. I was having a lot of anxiety and then anxiety about not sleeping and having to work. I spoke with my primary doc and he prescribed Ambien for me. It worked really well for me, no next morning effects and I only used it periodically until I was able to get in a calmer place in my head.

Lisa Coombe ,remember this stage very well, then I met my wonderful fiancé and he answered many of my questions ... Read more

Lisa Coombe ,remember this stage very well, then I met my wonderful fiancé and he answered many of my questions

Wendell Scottposted an update

877 days ago

Susan Lynn reacted to this

I had a heart catheterization procedure on May 24. Over the past 24 hours I've developed soreness in the arm through which the device was inserted. No swelling ...Read more

I had a heart catheterization procedure on May 24. Over the past 24 hours I've developed soreness in the arm through which the device was inserted. No swelling or other issues. Anyone have experience with this? If so, is it something I need to have checked out on an emergency basis?

Marie Myers I was fairly bruised on the arm that was used on the cardiac cath for at least a week or so. It doesn ... Read more

Marie Myers I was fairly bruised on the arm that was used on the cardiac cath for at least a week or so. It doesn’t hurt to put in a call to the doc who did the cath and explain your symptoms . Let them decide if you need to see someone.

Susan Lynn Agree with Marie. I'm sure the answering service with reach your cardiologist or his nurse.

Wendell Scott Thanks, that seems like sound advice.

Amanda Ryan I was sore in my wrist for several days after my heart catherization. It’s a good idea to let your ... Read more

Amanda Ryan I was sore in my wrist for several days after my heart catherization. It’s a good idea to let your doctor know.

Valerie Allen I had a sore wrist for at least a week.

I had a heart cath on May 25. As others have noted, my wrist was sore for about 24 hours. Nothing now ... Read more

I had a heart cath on May 25. As others have noted, my wrist was sore for about 24 hours. Nothing now. I agree to put in a call to the Doc, especially if the soreness is new.