Hi all! Long time no post and planning to post from shortly after surgery to now over the weekend. Today, at 10 weeks from sternotomy, wondering if anyone ...Read more
Hi all! Long time no post and planning to post from shortly after surgery to now over the weekend. Today, at 10 weeks from sternotomy, wondering if anyone has experienced mental fog, causing some attention to detail issues and blur when thinking outside focus. I excelled at these skills and critical thinking before bicuspid failure and surgery so will they return? I work in a high mental demand role and mental fog is very disturbing. Has anyone experienced this symptom? Is this anesthesia lingering, my beta blocker medication, or just my recovering and mental fog will clear at 3 - 6 months after surgery?
Susan Lynn Deb - Mental fog is a common complaint. It could be the anesthesia, the beta blockers, or somethi... Read more
Susan Lynn Deb - Mental fog is a common complaint. It could be the anesthesia, the beta blockers, or something called 'pump head.' Most surgeons and cardiologists will deny it exists. Hope you feel better with some time. I tried to 'exercise' my mind by engaging in activities like writing and puzzles, in addition to the demands of my job, and it seemed like it improved. But to this day, I think my memory has been impacted. I'm still on beta blockers, so that may be the explanation. Please keep us posted.
Deb Michalowski Hi DeWayne! Thanks for asking. Aside from the mental fog, I am doing great. Started Cardiac Rehab ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Hi DeWayne! Thanks for asking. Aside from the mental fog, I am doing great. Started Cardiac Rehab this week and finding it is a peace of cake but very reassuring.
Deb Michalowski Hi Susan! Thanks for confirming that you have experienced this as well. My condition isn't major bu ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Hi Susan! Thanks for confirming that you have experienced this as well. My condition isn't major but I am not my prior self. The doctor at Cardiac Rehab advised me to contact both my PHP and my cardiologist to explain my symptoms. Will post what I find out if common.
Learn important facts and research about Pumphead symptoms after heart surgery due to the heart-lung machine from Dr. Junaid Khan, heart surgeon.
Deb Michalowski Thanks Susan! I read the article. I have an appointment with my PCP next Friday and am notifying my ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Thanks Susan! I read the article. I have an appointment with my PCP next Friday and am notifying my cardiologist today via the online portal. Really appreciate the information.
J Alexander Lassally Was going to say Pumphead is the expression. Some say it is a "thing," others not. I hope things imp ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally Was going to say Pumphead is the expression. Some say it is a "thing," others not. I hope things improve. I think it is definitely going to improve. There are some studies suggesting mental acuity impacted for time after surgery. How is the pain and physical strength bit.... ?
Marie Myers I felt mentally slowed for the first couple weeks post op. As time went on, I felt like I got back to ... Read more
Marie Myers I felt mentally slowed for the first couple weeks post op. As time went on, I felt like I got back to my preop self. Beta blockers affect some people like that; luckily I have been tolerating beta blockers well for the last 6 years. Keep us posted on what the docs say.
Deena Elani Didn't have pump head, but can say that I had "floaters" in my eyes for the very first time. - withi ... Read more
Deena Elani Didn't have pump head, but can say that I had "floaters" in my eyes for the very first time. - within 7 days post surgery. And....for the first time didn't pass my eye exam months later.
Rose Madura Thankfully I didn't have much fog or pump head. Maybe a little. Have always had floaties and they go ... Read more
Rose Madura Thankfully I didn't have much fog or pump head. Maybe a little. Have always had floaties and they got way worse after my surgery. Hang in there Deb. Your body went through hell and back and it just takes time to get back to 100%.
Rita Savelis Cognitive change might be a kinder term than pumphead or fog. It takes some time to feel "normal" aga ... Read more
Rita Savelis Cognitive change might be a kinder term than pumphead or fog. It takes some time to feel "normal" again , recovery is tiring, and tiring also for your brain. It is good to talk about this subject and to be vocal with your doctors. Some of the meds you are on (betablockers?) could be contributing. Thank you for being honest. Wishing you the best.
Deb Michalowski J Alexander - Thanks for info. Optimistic mental fog will dissipate. No pain and physical strength ... Read more
Deb Michalowski J Alexander - Thanks for info. Optimistic mental fog will dissipate. No pain and physical strength is improving. Went to Zumba twice and will again tonight after green light from Cardiac Rehab if take is slow. I am holding myself back (body and mind want to do more) in class while making sure heart rate (Apple watch) doesn't go over 135. Looking forward to getting my resting heart rate back to the 60s.
Deb Michalowski Marie - seeing my PCP on Friday and looking forward to what he suggests.
Deb Michalowski Deena - no floaters and hope your floaters are gone.
Deb Michalowski Rose - appreciate that it takes time to get to 100%
Deb Michalowski Rita - appreciate the feedback. Since resting heart rate needs time to get to my pre -aortic stenosi ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Rita - appreciate the feedback. Since resting heart rate needs time to get to my pre -aortic stenosis in the 60s through exercise, maybe exercise will also help my mind and clear the fog.
Abhishek Sharma Same with me but it will goes over time .. try to do some mental exercise like reading books etc.. ho ... Read more
Abhishek Sharma Same with me but it will goes over time .. try to do some mental exercise like reading books etc.. hope u will recover soon.
I’m back. Well nearly
back, but certainly well enough to post.
Open Heart Surgery was a success on Thursday afternoon, August 31st ...Read more
I’m back. Well nearly
back, but certainly well enough to post.
Open Heart Surgery was a success on Thursday afternoon, August 31st
and feeling great on Day 13, Wednesday, September 13th (having the
day of the month equal to the days since surgery makes day calculation easy).
Recounting the day of surgery, I
clearly recall being rolled from the operation preparation room to the
operating room, chatting with the OR nurse on the way, and joking with the OR
Team before the mask was positioned on my face and I was out.
The next thing I remember is waking
up in the recovery room with severe pain in my right shoulder. My research called that “referred pain” from
air trapped in my chest (I experienced this in my c-section with the birth of
my oldest son).
Thankfully, they were able to
remove the intubation tube in the recovery room before I awoke (so my breathing
and lungs were good), and as a result, I was able to talk easily without any
discomfort, but the pain from the shoulder was acute.
From the nurse's timeline, they
then moved me to the ICU, and Greg joined me about 2 to 2 ½ hours after surgery
ended. Although I was conversant, the
early moments were of course foggy. Greg told me he left at around 10 PM that
night after being allowed in the room at 7 PM.
Not a lot was said. I was in and out of sleep of course.
The next morning, I started
walking the halls with the aid of a walker and a nurse pulling the stand with
all my tubes and wires. I remember my legs shaking and telling the nurse, but
she said it was okay even though I was within the first 24 hours of surgery. They
also gave me two breathing devices (spirometers) to practice ten times four
times a day each and told me I must walk four times a day.
Both my surgeon, Dr. Riley and my
cardiologist, Dr. Klassen visited me in ICU and were happy with my recovery
progress. Dr. Riley was excited he was able to insert a size 25 Inspiris Reilia
Aortic Valve for the valve in valve replacement valve capability in 15 - 17
years. A 220 lb. man could use this size, so he was happy that he was able to
get it to fit well during the surgery.
Although the first few days I was alert, I also still had the lingering effects
of the surgery. For instance, I found out yesterday, I responded to her text on
September 1 (the first day after surgery). I had no recollection of doing that
(and really had limited desire to even look at a phone, or talk to anyone other
than nurses, and Greg/sons).
Despite the brain fog, and since I
was doing so well otherwise (vitals, eating, and walking, etc.) in ICU, they
moved me to the Cardio wing on Saturday afternoon, September 2nd,
after the nurses removed the bulk of my wires and tubes.
I asked a nurse in the cardio wing
what was the culture of their area, and she told me it was like “boot camp.” While there, they taught me how to shower
with the incision. I was required to sit in recliner during the day and move to
bed in the evening. I don’t know if by design, but they stripped the bed of
linens during the day, making wanting to lie down (vs reclining), not possible
or desirable.
Each walk (4 per day), the nurses
encouraged me to go farther and farther.
Mind you, we are talking about a hall at first which turned into a loop
around the halls by the time I was discharged.
I will admit that I did not want
to do the final walk the first few days of recovery (usually around 7 PM), but
the nurses insisted I try. After each walk,
it was an invitation to take a long nap. The 2nd night, Greg said he
left before 8 PM after my final walk and put in my newly made bed. That pattern continued during my hospital
stay.
Walking further, eating more, having clear lungs, a steady heart rate, lower
blood pressure, and a “can do” attitude, they sent me home on Labor Day,
September 4th a day earlier than expected.
I was greeted at home by two of my
three sons (my other son who coaches college football could not join). A nurse, Savannah, followed us home to
observe my recovery areas at home, help Greg with the pill box that he now needed
to manage, and start the routine we would take in documenting my vitals each
day. She even went to the pharmacy to pick
up a few prescriptions.
The first three days at home were
the most challenging – which took me to the end of the first week. However, it
seemed that each day I felt a new part of my body/senses turning on. The first was my taste and smell. On Wednesday night, I could feel my brain
“reboot”. That night, I had the most vivid dreams (has anyone else have that
experience?)
By Day 8, Friday, September 8th, I was starting to walk outside and was
able to stay up the entire day, sleeping from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. (normal sleep is
7.5 hours per night). I started to feel refreshed from sleeping
versus tired from sleeping (did anyone also have that
sensation?).
Over the last two days, Greg and I walked over 20 minutes in my neighborhood
(.9 miles), which is a milestone that enables me to drop the three additional planned
walks. I walk around the house or on errands each day as well. So, I am not
idly sitting still. I have also started to add more normalcy. I am
communicating with others more. I will say that until the last few days, the
desire to log on to the computer or even look at my phone was non-existent.
Talking was hard enough.
I feel that I am 80% of my recovery and will find out more at both my doctor’s
appointments (surgeon and cardiologist) tomorrow. Also, I will start cardio
rehab with orientation tomorrow afternoon.
Anyway, sorry for the delay in my
posting, but I want all to know that I am so thankful for all the thoughts and
prayers over the last 13 days. I really
did feel the impact from all the love and support. Special thanks and love to Greg who was the
most amazing caregiver in helping me through the whole journey, with more, yet
less harsh, to come.
For those who read this and are awaiting your
surgery, if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them for you, and
please know I will be praying for you too.
Deb Michalowski Working at my personal computer from the comfort of the couch.
Susan Lynn Deb - Thank you for the detailed recap - I know the folks in the waiting room will enjoy reading suc... Read more
Susan Lynn Deb - Thank you for the detailed recap - I know the folks in the waiting room will enjoy reading such a success story as much as us seasoned heart warriors. It sounds like your procedure, hospital stay, and recovery (so far) are going exactly as planned! Continue your walking and resting. You'll be back to your regular routine in no time!
Valerie Allen You look great, Deb! To be successfully on the other side of this must be wonderful!! I will be askin ... Read more
Valerie Allen You look great, Deb! To be successfully on the other side of this must be wonderful!! I will be asking questions, for sure. Tell me, given that the next few days were hard, would you have chosen to stay that extra day (or two) in the hospital? Just curious. Congrats!!
Melinda Donahue I am so happy for you and so happy to see how wonderful you look. I waited every day for your post.... Read more
Melinda Donahue I am so happy for you and so happy to see how wonderful you look. I waited every day for your post. You look great. May you continue to get well quickly and feel your very best.
Deb Michalowski Valerie - Thanks! For the continued hard days at home, I definitely preferred being at home, not at ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Valerie - Thanks! For the continued hard days at home, I definitely preferred being at home, not at the hospital. Doctors were easy to contact from home when we had questions.
Ana Brusso You look great and happy to be home. Continued good health and recovery Deb. God bless you
DeWayne Adamson Thank you for the details! You'll love the folks at Honor Heath rehab. Continue to heal and enjoy you ... Read more
DeWayne Adamson Thank you for the details! You'll love the folks at Honor Heath rehab. Continue to heal and enjoy your new health!
Deb Michalowski Thanks Ana and DeWayne - appreciate the encouragement and best wishes. Looking for cardio rehab at Ho ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Thanks Ana and DeWayne - appreciate the encouragement and best wishes. Looking for cardio rehab at Honor Health and heard they are great!
Carolyn Gonzalez Hi Deb, I’m so glad your recovery is going so well! You look great! Thank you so much for all the d ... Read more
Carolyn Gonzalez Hi Deb, I’m so glad your recovery is going so well! You look great! Thank you so much for all the details. I find it so helpful as I prepare for my surgery in a few weeks.
Tom Everson That is a great summary of your experiences. It will sure help future patients
Rich Butela Glad to hear everything went so well and you're on the road to recovery
Rose Madura I was thinking about you today and wondering how you were doing. All sounds textbook and your recap w ... Read more
Rose Madura I was thinking about you today and wondering how you were doing. All sounds textbook and your recap was very good. Continued good health and recovery to you!
Rita Savelis Thank you for your detailed update. There is no reason to apologize for a "delayed" update. Geez. Who ... Read more
Rita Savelis Thank you for your detailed update. There is no reason to apologize for a "delayed" update. Geez. Who wrote the rule about immediately posting? You needed to concentrate on recovery, getting over your exhaustion. There is always time to post weeks later. I had no desire to communicate after surgery. Most of what you experienced is normal. However, it is pretty amazing to feel "refreshed" on day 8 after sleeping. More power to you. I think it took 6 weeks for me to feel refreshed. Vivid dreams are common as is not remembering things or remembering things that may or may not have happened. Going home from hospital can be hard. A shock. Then you get used to it. Everything happens as it will happen. Happy that you are feeling better.
Robert DeVita That recap should be read by all who are going in for SAVR ! Great job and thank you !!
Juli Gorence Fernandez Oh Deb, I have been thinking about you and I am so glad you are doing better. Did you go with the bio ... Read more
Juli Gorence Fernandez Oh Deb, I have been thinking about you and I am so glad you are doing better. Did you go with the biological tissue valve? There isn't a day gone by where I didn't stop thinking how you were doing. I haven't set a date for my surgery yet but soon. I am still terrified and educated me more on Stenosis of the Aorta valve replacement.
Deb Michalowski Carolyn and juli - Best of luck in your upcoming surgeries and I will be praying and thinking of you... Read more
Deb Michalowski Carolyn and juli - Best of luck in your upcoming surgeries and I will be praying and thinking of you when you have surgery and your recovery. Glad the details were helpful. Julie - Yes went with the biological tissue valve, called Inspiris Reilia Aortic Valve which is a bovine valve. To keep from feeling terrified, I educated myself, asking question of my doctors to fill in the gaps. I also made a vision board with photos of family and inspirations of courage, you got this and Deborah the warrior. I am so thankful for the vision board as it really inspired me before and after the surgery and the doctors and nurses enjoyed it. Take care!
Deb Michalowski Sean, Tom, Rich, Rose, Rita, Robert, and Ann - Thank you so much! I appreciated the SAVR sharing's ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Sean, Tom, Rich, Rose, Rita, Robert, and Ann - Thank you so much! I appreciated the SAVR sharing's of others and was happy to share!
Surgeon office said I am doing fantastic. Returning to work 9/28, 4 weeks from surgery, and will start off part time for a couple of weeks. Feeling great and strong, and will work hard to not over do.
Grace Mason Looking great Deb! I am inspired, and looking forward to day 13
Jerry Brown Glad to hear your recovery is going well Deb! Not at all surprising you are making such great progres ... Read more
Jerry Brown Glad to hear your recovery is going well Deb! Not at all surprising you are making such great progress. We have missed you and look forward to having you back.
Delise Becker Wow! You look fabulous, Deb! So glad to hear that you are doing well in your recovery efforts. Thank ... Read more
Delise Becker Wow! You look fabulous, Deb! So glad to hear that you are doing well in your recovery efforts. Thank you for sharing your journey, especially your hospital stay and your first days home. Your experience will help many of us.
Today's the day! All packed and ready to go! Enjoy the last days to have fun and relax a bit. Felt more calm yesterday than the day before the postponed ...Read more
Today's the day! All packed and ready to go! Enjoy the last days to have fun and relax a bit. Felt more calm yesterday than the day before the postponed surgery. Thanks to Grace's post on what to bring. Other things to add is that should not bring any lip balm with petroleum as it is flammable around oxygen. Also found out not to get color in my hair after 4 weeks before surgery as the chemicals in the anesthesia and medication mix poorly with the ammonia in the hair color. Both were points I was glad to hear about in my preparation. Off I go! I've got this!
Haley Johnson Thoughts and prayers for you today!!!!
Just spoke with the doctor..everything went well with Deb’s surgery. .
Dr Riley was very pleased with her aorta vitals and what he was able to accomplish for lifetime management . So thankful to Dr Riley and his team!
She will be heading to ICU when stable and will be sedated for 5 or so hours in ICU. They will let anesthesia to wear off.
I will get to see her in about an hour and can’t wait. I also look forward to starting the next steps on her road to recovery.
. I am sure Deb will continue to be an advocate for all of you who are going through the same process. All our prayers are with you . As so many said to Deb, “You can do this” and you can. I will share my thoughts on caregiving.
Thank you for your prayers and support. They were priceless! And thank you Adam Pick of course. You make it all happen here!
PS below is how she looked just before going in for surgery. Did she look worried? She is a warrior and I love her to the ends of the universe and back!
Ana Brusso Great post Greg and grateful that everything went well for Deb. God bless both of you 🙏❤️
Rose Madura So wonderful to hear! She is smiling because she knew she could do it and was ready to get it behind ... Read more
Rose Madura So wonderful to hear! She is smiling because she knew she could do it and was ready to get it behind her.
Jerry Brown Thanks Greg for the update. So happy to hear the surgery went well. Around here we've started using ' ... Read more
Jerry Brown Thanks Greg for the update. So happy to hear the surgery went well. Around here we've started using 'Deb' as a verb. We all want to Deb like Deb! She's amazing!
Greg Michalowski 😄 Thanks Jerry Brown. Deb certainly is grateful for all your support too. . .
Cathleen Weed So happy for you and Deb! She will rehab really well with her positive attitude
Deena Elani Awesome!! All fixed up! What a great feeling and every day from hereon will get that much better. ... Read more
Deena Elani Awesome!! All fixed up! What a great feeling and every day from hereon will get that much better. And I love the idea of bringing your "vision collage" to the hospital. Love helps the healing.:)
Grace Mason Thanks for update Greg! Glad to hear Deb is doing well Thanks for the lip balm tip Deb. Hadn't read... Read more
Grace Mason Thanks for update Greg! Glad to hear Deb is doing well Thanks for the lip balm tip Deb. Hadn't read anything about that
Was literally typing "Today's the Day" and get a call from Dr. Riley's office saying that he had an emergency this morning and my surgery has been pushed to ...Read more
Was literally typing "Today's the Day" and get a call from Dr. Riley's office saying that he had an emergency this morning and my surgery has been pushed to Thursday at 1 p.m. now. Starting back medication and carrying on the relaxation (Movie Theater, Pool, maybe walk around Scottsdale Fashion Square, ... will make this fun - lemonade from lemons) and prep for Thursday now. At least my vision board is done - things that over-achievers do. But I am praying for the person and their family with the emergency and I hope they all do well.
Rose Madura Deb, I also went through a postponement and it threw me for a loop! Focus on the positive and do som ... Read more
Rose Madura Deb, I also went through a postponement and it threw me for a loop! Focus on the positive and do something totally relaxing. Thursday will be here soon enough. Godspeed!
Deb Michalowski Rose - thanks so much! Agree, but more time to pray, be positive and have relaxing fun.
Matthew Malooly a nursing strike started a week before my surgery was scheduled. I ended up being one of the only pa ... Read more
Matthew Malooly a nursing strike started a week before my surgery was scheduled. I ended up being one of the only patients that didn't need rescheduling, but we didn't know for sure surgery was happening at all until the day before we flew out. Not easy to deal with. But bonus days don't come easy in life. I hope you can find time for thoughtful relaxation and some memory making.
Greg Michalowski Deb... the Warrior. B-Positive : ) You Got This....too.
Ana Brusso Great attitude Deb, I went through a postponement also and everything went well. You will do well. Gr ... Read more
Ana Brusso Great attitude Deb, I went through a postponement also and everything went well. You will do well. Great collage. 🙏❤️
STEPHEN MORRIS I feel bad when I hear surgery was cancelled. But I was the recipient of emergency surgery and other ... Read more
STEPHEN MORRIS I feel bad when I hear surgery was cancelled. But I was the recipient of emergency surgery and other people's surgery got cancelled...my surgery took twice as long as expected and I even think some who showed up for surgery that day did not get their surgery. Without the surgery I probably wouldn't be here today.
Clifford Teoh Hang in there, Deb! My husband's surgeon just stopped by to confirm tomorrow morning's surgery. You ... Read more
Clifford Teoh Hang in there, Deb! My husband's surgeon just stopped by to confirm tomorrow morning's surgery. Your surgery will be behind you soon enough.
Susan Lynn Wow! That's the spirit, Deb! It's happened to a few heart warriors on this site, but you'll just ... Read more
Susan Lynn Wow! That's the spirit, Deb! It's happened to a few heart warriors on this site, but you'll just have to wait until Thursday to be our next rock star! Stay positive! We'll be waiting for you!
Pamela Gregory I love your board!!! This will all be behind you before you know it.
Deb Michalowski To all - Thanks for the well wishes and confirmation that emergencies happen. Thank you Stephen for ... Read more
Deb Michalowski To all - Thanks for the well wishes and confirmation that emergencies happen. Thank you Stephen for sharing how you were the recipient of emergency and are here with us today - thank goodness!
Shifting to the wonder of emergency surgery and the many lives saved, thanks to it. Waiting is extremely minor in comparison. I have more time to prepare, my surgeon is more experienced, but more important than all of this: the potential for a life to be saved was made with the hopeful outcome of that heart patient is here with us today. I feel fortunate to have the real opportunity to be a part of this situation.
Adam Pick Love the picture! And, the attitude. Yes! You got this Deb! If you need anything, please let me know... Read more
Adam Pick Love the picture! And, the attitude. Yes! You got this Deb! If you need anything, please let me know!
Robert Miller I wish you all the best!!! You will be in good hands. Recovery is hard but I never felt as safe as wh ... Read more
Robert Miller I wish you all the best!!! You will be in good hands. Recovery is hard but I never felt as safe as when I went in for surgery and after surgery. You have all these great people caring for you.
Jerry Brown Absolutely love seeing you Deb (and Greg :-) relaxing as you head into the weekend. You have many, ma ... Read more
Jerry Brown Absolutely love seeing you Deb (and Greg :-) relaxing as you head into the weekend. You have many, many caring folks pulling for you. Enjoy the weekend and crush this surgery next week. As so many have said, YOU GOT THIS DEB!
Michael Solis Being well versed and prepared is essential to the process. I had my aortic valve replaced as well as ... Read more
Michael Solis Being well versed and prepared is essential to the process. I had my aortic valve replaced as well as double bypass surgery on 5 15 23. Back to work part time after 6 weeks. Three months post surgery I am feeling much better. Be patient - recovery takes time - but it does happen !
Grace Mason What a great way to relax beforehand. The pool looks wonderful in this heat!
Deena Elani Goooooo Deb. Thinking of you. Hold this great pic nearby, because it will be cool to post another ... Read more
Deena Elani Goooooo Deb. Thinking of you. Hold this great pic nearby, because it will be cool to post another one a couple months or so after your surgery! Nice way to relax. Floating, being submerged, in water has to be meditative. As Adam also knows so well too.
Debra Keife And the pool will be your best friend post surgery once the incision is healed. I do water aerobics 3 ... Read more
Debra Keife And the pool will be your best friend post surgery once the incision is healed. I do water aerobics 3 times per week. The best cardio workout! I am 2 years post surgery and feel good. Best well wishes on your surgery.
Deb Michalowski Thank you so much to all - Susan, Adam (love the pic - saved to my photos), Robert, Jerry, Michael, G ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Thank you so much to all - Susan, Adam (love the pic - saved to my photos), Robert, Jerry, Michael, Grace, Deena, and Debra! I am really getting psyched to get this done on Monday and start the good work to breathe like I have never done before on the other side! I got this!
Juli Gorence Fernandez You got this Deb! I will be thinking of you. You are going to kick ass.
Amy Ames Yay Deb! It sounds like you are in good hands and so many of us are praying for you to have a success ... Read more
Amy Ames Yay Deb! It sounds like you are in good hands and so many of us are praying for you to have a successful surgery and gentle and speedy healing process. You are not alone, we love you so much! 🩷
Decided to update "My Story" to include from first discovered to present, and make it a living document until I am beyond recovery, especially now that I am ...Read more
Decided to update "My Story" to include from first discovered to present, and make it a living document until I am beyond recovery, especially now that I am within days of my sternotomy. Will post on "My Journal" when I make a major update like today.
My story begins when I was in my mid to late forties and I first became aware of my heart condition. Before this time, I had consistently had normal to low blood pressure with little above normal. But that changed when I discovered my blood pressure had risen and was quite erratic, plus I was having heart palpitations. My GP referred me to my cardiologist, Dr. Kevin Klassen, and that is when I found out I had a bicuspid aortic valve. Had annual echocardiograms until he felt we could move to every two years due to my consistency with the echo results. But in October 2022, I had my first echo with stenosis present and that was the start of the road to surgery.
Met with Dr. Klassen in May 2023 to discuss where I was 6 months after my stenotic aortic valve echo and how my fatigue and memory issues (not directly a symptom, but symptom of considerably less energy/fatigue) could be early symptoms. My 5/26 echo was scheduled then and did not qualify me for surgery, but the 6/30 echo with contrast at HonorHealth (HH) Shea Hospital did, but it was borderline. On 7/17 I had a cardiac catheterization to see if I had any blockages, and while having none, it did confirm my qualification for surgery.
For every meeting with doctors and preadmission, I brought 10-17 questions and my last 4 weeks blood pressure log. I am thankful I prepared for each session as there are many factors needing clarification I addition to the questions you think of when you are in the consultation.
Met with Dr. Robert Riley and his team of four for over an hour on Tuesday 7/25 and it was an outstanding consultation. I feel extremely comfortable with his team after the genuinely open conversation. They heard me loud and clear that I want to have my surgery to replace my stenotic bicuspid aortic valve as soon as possible because I am physically uncomfortable with the symptoms as well as mentally frustrated with feeling this way along with the wait. At this time, my CT scan was ordered for 8/11.
When Dr. Riley's office contacted me with my surgery date of 8/28, I was thankful, but frustrated that I would have to wait another month and began the process of getting a second opinion. After watching the Heart Valve Surgery 8/27 webcast on "The Lifetime Management of Heart Valve Disease" I became aware of the capabilities of a "center of excellence" or a hospital tied with a university, hearing Dr. Johnston's story. Using the surgeon finder tool, I was able to find two doctors in the Los Angeles area to pursue, with LA being an hour plane ride, 6 hours’ drive in car, and home to two of my three sons and their family.
USC Keck Medical Center called me the morning after my submittal on Heart Valve Surgery.com Surgeon finder and my support coordinator told me they could arrange for a sooner surgery than 8/28, but I would need to meet with Dr. Baker the following Tuesday, 8/8. Dr. Baker opened with “How about Adam Pick and Heart Valve Surgery.com that he started. What a resource to patients like you.” I felt like I was in a special club as I was meeting with the chief cardiac surgeon at Keck. Dr. Baker had all my test information and told me that I would need to have the sternotomy to limit the risk of aortic aneurism and the risk of a calcification on my valve coming loose and causing a stroke. I agreed that this was reasonable and asked for when I could have surgery. "How about next Thursday, 8/17" and I almost fell out of my chair. I moved forward with this surgery option analyzing the multiple factors between the doctors and recovery details. But I could not make my decision until my meeting with Dr. Riley to find out about the CT Scan findings and my surgery type.
Met with Dr. Riley and his team for over an hour on Tuesday 8/15 to discuss the CT scan finding and his determination for my surgery type. He explained that I will have the sternotomy due to the small size of my aortic valve and aortic root, drawing a picture to illustrate the capabilities open to him with open heart surgery.
Decided to go with Dr. Riley as I preferred being discharged to home instead of to a hotel. Also, the number of days between the surgeries was only eleven, so it became not as significant of a matter to stay with my later one in Scottsdale. Dr. Riley stated my recovery could be 3-5 weeks and I might be able to start back to work in three weeks if I initially worked part time to build up my stamina.
Tomorrow, 8/24 is my Pre-Admission Testing at HH Shea. I understand I will get a big binder with information for my surgery. Planning to bring my questions and list of what to bring to the hospital (thank you Grace!). I just found out that a friend of mine from Mesa just had his sternotomy at USC Keck but with Dr. Starnes (1-2% worldwide population have bicuspid aortic valve). Heard from PCP office that the first 3 days are the worst and to make sure I have my medication every 6 hours - set an alarm. Now I am researching helpful tips for Greg, my husband, for while I am at the hospital and when I come home.
Thanks to Heart Valve Surgery.com and Adam Pick for this amazing resource and community!
What Deb has found through this journey, and what works for her is the more you know, the less anxiety you have. Her summary here is complete and IT IS her story. Will it be the formula for everyone? Maybe not, but if knowledge is power, it is a good roadmap to follow.
What Deb has found through this journey, and what works for her is the more you know, the less anxiety you have. Her summary here is complete and IT IS her story. Will it be the formula for everyone? Maybe not, but if knowledge is power, it is a good roadmap to follow.
I thought I would follow up with thoughts as a caregiver.
As her caregiver, I supported her decisions along the way. That is not to say, I may have given a "different view" at times (and may have influenced her), but ultimately, I felt it was important to defer to Deb. She is the one directly impacted by the "heart ache" ; ) Being supportive is the generally speaking, the best can do. PS friends she had also provided that sort of guidance as well).
What is also an observation from a caregivers view is having this surgery takes a toll both physically and mentally (there is no way around it). The waters are rocky along the way.
Yes, the advances in cardiac surgery is huge, and our confidence in the surgery team and overall heart surgery is high. Yes, there also are the success stories and well meaning intentions that "so and so had the same surgery and feels so much better now, so don't worry about it".
However, when you are suddenly tired and not sharp, when you can't do things or perform at the levels of last year, last month or even last week, it is not easy. It still is heart surgery and we all know the importance of that organ.
So as a caregiver, or even friend, giving a hug can go a long way. Listening helps as well. Putting yourself in the shoes may not a great idea. Interject thoughts, but be sure to do more listening and deferring.
Also, finding a routine that makes the time to surgery go by is important.
I must say, the series "Suits" with its 43 minute episodes and 9 seasons (with no commercials) provided a distraction each night. I would recommend it.
Christina On the Coast and Christina Country was another series of shows that we watched on Max (especially with no commercials) that gave home design ideas, and entertainment.
Going in the pool at the end of the day before dinner (we are blessed to have a pool) was a great distraction, that calmed, allowed discussion as well. We had a drink and just floated. If something was needed to be said about the surgery, etc, it was a safe, calm place to do it. We had one sobbing moment in the pool where it hit us both. We both needed to do it.
We also had a mother dove nest and hatch two tranches of baby doves on a ledge of a support pole by our pool. We became attached to them, and they to us. They stared at us feet away from them in the pool. We stared at them. When the babies hatched, we watched them grow and not long thereafter, leave the nest. We watched as they hung out together, and explore their new world, and then go off. Yes, there was some clean up under their nest, but doves are a symbol for peace, and it is our belief that they were sent from God to provide just that to both of us.
We also watched quail parents (mother and father) tending to their young. One day, the mother hopped on a ledge by our pool and the tiny babies all followed to the wall. The mother encourage them to jump up. They looked up and said "No way", and turned back to go back in the bush they were sheltering. The mother came back down and pushed them back to the wall, where the lil ones did the same thing. Ultimately, the mother gave up. As parents, don't we do the same thing?
It's been the best of times. It's been the worst of times, but that's life and it's been ok. We have grown.
This site has been great for Deb too. She love community and this site provide community.
Anyway, to all that read Deb's views and my view, I hope you benefit from our story. Peace be with you all (without peace we have nothing), prayers to you for a safe journey both physically and emotionally.
Thanks to Adam Pick and all the doctors and nurses who provide your own support. Understand you are not alone. It might not be easy, but I truly hope at the end you can make a positive out of the negative.
Deb Michalowski Greg - Love your post and so helpful to fellow caregivers!
Grace Mason Deb you will do great. I will be thinking of you on your big day
Renee Leunig Good Luck to you Deb. This website made all the difference for me. Sounds like you have prepared your ... Read more
Renee Leunig Good Luck to you Deb. This website made all the difference for me. Sounds like you have prepared yourself. I’ll be keeping an eye out for updates. May the angels be watching over you 😇
Pamela Gregory Sending my very best thoughts and prayers to you Deb! Your husband Greg sounds amazing and for me su... Read more
Pamela Gregory Sending my very best thoughts and prayers to you Deb! Your husband Greg sounds amazing and for me support before and after surgery was one of the most important things. I think you have a pretty great support set up for you
Delise Becker Lifting you up in prayer, Deb, and you, too, Greg. Hope all goes well tomorrow, and I'll be thinking ... Read more
Delise Becker Lifting you up in prayer, Deb, and you, too, Greg. Hope all goes well tomorrow, and I'll be thinking of you on the 28th.
Valerie Allen Prayers and best wishes to you, your family and team.
Deb Michalowski Thanks to all for the prayers, thinking of me and Greg, and the best wishes! We've got this!
Clifford Teoh Hi Deb, my husband will be having his surgery the day after yours and I'm praying for the both of yo... Read more
Clifford Teoh Hi Deb, my husband will be having his surgery the day after yours and I'm praying for the both of you!
Met with my surgeon, Dr. Robert Riley, today to discuss the findings from the CT scan and I will have the sternotomy on Monday, Aug 28th, due to my small aortic ...Read more
Met with my surgeon, Dr. Robert Riley, today to discuss the findings from the CT scan and I will have the sternotomy on Monday, Aug 28th, due to my small aortic valve and aortic ring. I am happy with this decision as the second opinion also had me with the sternotomy for similar reasons. My surgery will be 3 hours, 4-5 days in hospital, and incision will be 8 inches, but will only need Tylenol for pain management. Expected recovery is 3-5 weeks due to good health going into surgery and I should be able to return to work after 3 weeks if start part time for a couple of weeks.
Rose Madura Deb, all sounds great! The countdown is on!
Robert Miller Sorry for my ignorance but what exactly do you mean with "sternotomy"? It's my understanding it is op ... Read more
Robert Miller Sorry for my ignorance but what exactly do you mean with "sternotomy"? It's my understanding it is opening the entire chest (for medium sternotomy). So basically OHS. Or is there a difference between "sternotomy" and OHS?
I was writing a lot but deleted it to make it short. You might be in excellent condition but this isn't an easy thing. Yes, you probably won't need any pain medicine at all, not even Tylenol. And you probably can get back to work within 2 weeks. All of this applied to me. But you will have to deal with things like not lifting more than x pounds because your bones need 6 weeks to heal (it's just like you break your arm/leg/etc), 12 weeks to do golfing, power lifting in the gym, etc. I felt muscle stiffness from the way you are supposed to sleep. Getting in and out of bed also takes some adjustment for the first couple of weeks. My point is, OHS is not as scary as people think but don't underestimate it, either. Make sure you are prepared for time after the surgery.
Good luck for your surgery!!
Cathleen Weed Ask for a referral to a local cardiac rehab for after you go home so you can set that up ahead of ti... Read more
Cathleen Weed Ask for a referral to a local cardiac rehab for after you go home so you can set that up ahead of time. It will keep you on track with your recovery/strength/confidence.
Adam Pick Hey Deb, Great to hear you are on the path and that the second opinion provided you consensus. Agai... Read more
Adam Pick Hey Deb, Great to hear you are on the path and that the second opinion provided you consensus. Again, great job doing your research!
Greg Michalowski Full steam ahead. Thanks to the community for all the help and encouragement. Deb is grateful. ... Read more
Greg Michalowski Full steam ahead. Thanks to the community for all the help and encouragement. Deb is grateful.
Deb Michalowski Robert - Thanks for the question which I researched. Sternotomy is a type of open heart surgery. (O ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Robert - Thanks for the question which I researched. Sternotomy is a type of open heart surgery. (OHS) I agree that I will be totally consumed with recovery for the first two weeks after surgery and that is my expectation. Also came in with a list of 14 questions and one dealt with when I could return to my activities. For light gardening such as trimming roses, can start in a couple of weeks, but for singing in the choir at church and using my diaphragm (deep breathing), I need to wait for 4 weeks after surgery. For yoga, Zumba, and bicycling 11 miles round trip, I need to wait 8 weeks.
Thanks for all the great info. I am not underestimating the surgery thanks to all the feedback from the community!
Deb Michalowski Cathleen - Thanks for the recommendation. I called the cardio rehab this morning that the doctor tol ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Cathleen - Thanks for the recommendation. I called the cardio rehab this morning that the doctor told me would contact me. They explained the process and it starts with the doctor's orders. Sounds like it will be a great filler before I can start back with my own cardio program.
Deb Michalowski Adam - appreciate the encouragement and compliments on getting a second opinion. Being that I thought I would qualify for the minimally invasive surgeries due to my good health, it was interesting to find out that my small size, inside and out, would put me outside of the bell curve of the typical minimally invasive surgery candidate. Learning of the benefits of cutting through my sternum rather than threading in between my small rib cage, the sternotomy is a much better scenario all around for me. Having a second opinion to see if I could get an earlier surgery date also brought me to the same surgery type.
The reason I decided to stay with my original surgeon was that I realized that I would much prefer being discharged to recover from home rather than a nice hotel and the 11 days earlier was not as important. It was interesting to see how these factors shifted as I moved closer to my surgery date.
Deb Michalowski Adam - appreciate the encouragement and compliments on getting a second opinion. Being that I thought I would qualify for the minimally invasive surgeries due to my good health, it was interesting to find out that my small size, inside and out, would put me outside of the bell curve of the typical minimally invasive surgery candidate. Learning of the benefits of cutting through my sternum rather than threading in between my small rib cage, the sternotomy is a much better scenario all around for me. Having a second opinion to see if I could get an earlier surgery date also brought me to the same surgery type.
The reason I decided to stay with my original surgeon was that I realized that I would much prefer being discharged to recover from home rather than a nice hotel and the 11 days earlier was not as important. It was interesting to see how these factors shifted as I moved closer to my surgery date.
Thanks again Adam!
Deb
Deb Michalowski Rose - Appreciate the good wishes! I've got this!
Michael Solis Great that you are well informed as to your procedure. I had aortic valve replaced plus double bypass ... Read more
Michael Solis Great that you are well informed as to your procedure. I had aortic valve replaced plus double bypass surgery on 5/15/23. Felt much better around the 7 week mark. Best wishes and take care with your recovery.
Cathleen Weed Looking forward to hearing how much better you feel down the road!
Deb Michalowski Michael - Thanks so much for the well wishes and your story!
Deb Michalowski Cathleen - Thanks so much! I am looking forward to getting on the other side of next Monday, 8/28. ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Cathleen - Thanks so much! I am looking forward to getting on the other side of next Monday, 8/28. So curious of how my breathing might change since I have been unconsciously breathing by holding my breath and taking a deep set of breaths forever, not just while in stenosis symptoms. Thinking of setting a goal of running in the Pat Tillman 4.2 mile run in Tempe, AZ in April 2024 and training for the run as a new element of my cardio plan 2.0 after Cardio Rehabilitation. I have never been able to run for long periods of time since I was under 10. Will talk it over with my cardiologist in my September appointment.
Cathleen Weed That's a great goal! I hope you get cleared for it! I have a feeling you will . Aerobic exercise has... Read more
Cathleen Weed That's a great goal! I hope you get cleared for it! I have a feeling you will . Aerobic exercise has always been cleared by my cardiologist. Anaerobic has some restrictions. They will give you an incentive spirometer at the hospital. You will LOVE it for breathing exercises . It will help you so much!
Getting a second opinion for my AVR surgery with Dr. Craig Baker at Keck Medical Center of USC and my consultation is set for the morning of 8/8. Very impressed ...Read more
Getting a second opinion for my AVR surgery with Dr. Craig Baker at Keck Medical Center of USC and my consultation is set for the morning of 8/8. Very impressed with the Surgeon Finder capabilities and got a call from Keck on Monday after submitting appointment request on Sunday, the day before. Love that Keck has a dedicated support coordinator that is so responsive by email and phone (she says when I will hear from her next and then she fulfills it) and that Dr. Baker can see me next Tuesday. Trying to find out if I can get my surgery sooner than 8/28. Fed up with the symptoms, the wait, and I want to get back to work and my life.
Amanda Ryan That’s great you were contacted the next day after your request for an appointment. My surgeon has ... Read more
Amanda Ryan That’s great you were contacted the next day after your request for an appointment. My surgeon has either his nurse or an NP or PA call me weekly for a post op follow up, just to see if I have any questions. So, I agree having a support coordinator is very important. I hope your appointments go well and you can be scheduled sooner than 8/28 for surgery.
Rose Madura Best wishes on your appointment next week. 8/28 is not that far away. It will be here sooner than yo ... Read more
Rose Madura Best wishes on your appointment next week. 8/28 is not that far away. It will be here sooner than you think.
I am soon to be 62 and excited to have my surgery date set for August 28th to replace my bicuspid aortic valve in severe stenosis. I really enjoyed meeting ...Read more
I am soon to be 62 and excited to have my surgery date set for August 28th to replace my bicuspid aortic valve in severe stenosis. I really enjoyed meeting the cardio surgeon, Dr. Robert Riley, and his team of 4 in a one hour consultation. They were all genuinely interested in getting to know me and my concerns, plus they informed me of my risk of aortic aneurism that is sometimes associated with bicuspid aortic valves. Riley also spoke of lifetime management of heart valve disease and since I am interested in the tissue valve, would like to set me up for when it is time to replace my valve again in my 70s with the "valve in a valve" opportunity. Have CT scan on 8/8 to find out more about the size and condition of my aortic root and ascending aorta to see if I would be eligible for the mini-SAVR, but happy to have any form of aortic valve replacement surgery to get a fully functioning aortic valve, like the sternotomy. I am not a fan of the stenosis symptoms, so looking forward to beyond recovery.
Ana Brusso It all sounds very positive Deb. You will do well and we will be here to welcome you into recovery ... Read more
Ana Brusso It all sounds very positive Deb. You will do well and we will be here to welcome you into recovery ❤️🩹
I am having a left heart catheter from the wrist procedure tomorrow at the hospital with a doctor from my cardiologist office to help understand my shortness ...Read more
I am having a left heart catheter from the wrist procedure tomorrow at the hospital with a doctor from my cardiologist office to help understand my shortness of breath symptom. Has anyone had this procedure before their aortic valve surgery? My consultation with the surgeon, Dr. Robert Riley, is next Tuesday, 7/25.
Brady Busch I had a cardiac catheterization before surgery,which is probably normal procedure.It seems to me,they ... Read more
Brady Busch I had a cardiac catheterization before surgery,which is probably normal procedure.It seems to me,they were measuring pressure,on either side of the aortic valve,among other things. Maybe,in your situation,they want some diagnostic information,about the left side.
Marie Myers Yup, a left heart cath is standard pre surgery workup. It was a much easier procedure than I expected ... Read more
Marie Myers Yup, a left heart cath is standard pre surgery workup. It was a much easier procedure than I expected. I did have some pretty impressive bruising from the procedure.
Pamela Gregory Yes, I was stressed but it ended up being pretty easy. They were checking for blockages in case they ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Yes, I was stressed but it ended up being pretty easy. They were checking for blockages in case they needed to fix that too.
Valerie Allen Yes, one of the battery of tests given to me for assessment.
Rose Madura I had a heart Cath before having surgery. I believe it's standard operating procedure.
Richard Munson The wrist version is the way to go if feasible. There are some people that it does not work on so the ... Read more
Richard Munson The wrist version is the way to go if feasible. There are some people that it does not work on so they go groin but not sure why. Recovery is much faster with wrist. I opted to be sedated a bit due to being wimpy but some folks here watched it on the screen.
Kimberly Eisenhut I had a right heart cath to check for pulmonary hypertension and it was no problem for me, and I was ... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut I had a right heart cath to check for pulmonary hypertension and it was no problem for me, and I was lightly sedated, but fully awake and did watch the screen also. No problem through the groin either.
Susan Lynn Had it before my mitral valve surgery. It was no problem at all. The team wants to know if you h... Read more
Susan Lynn Had it before my mitral valve surgery. It was no problem at all. The team wants to know if you have any blockages before a valve surgery. If so, they fix them while they're in the neighborhood. The whole procedure is about 20 minutes and an hour or two of waiting around to make sure your wrist is clotting before you go home. You've got this!