Susan Lynn  Thanks, Ana. It's so important to be confident in your surgeon, team, and facility. It makes "game day" much less stressful! All the best this week! We'll be here cheering for you!

Susan Lynn  Yes, Theresa! I was completely amazed at the advancements. Good luck! It's stressful, but you can do this! ❤

Susan Lynn  Marjorie - My PCP was the one who has monitored my platelet count over the years. I was just below the normal range, but I don't know the exact number. I think your physicians are being proactive - I wouldn't worry. It's better to get to the bottom of it. Stay positive - you'll be just fine. ❤

Marjorie Murphy  Thank you Susan. I really appreciate the positive comments. I trying to keep positive flowing. 🙏🏻

Susan Lynn  Marjorie - Even rock stars like you can feel anxious once in awhile. You can handle anything - you're a heart warrior! Please keep us posted.

Susan Lynn  Tim - Thank you very much for your message and beautiful compliment. I sincerely appreciate it.

The people on this site are very important to me. I am only too happy to send an encouraging word or two to those facing surgery or in recovery. Believe me, I wasn't nearly as brave as most of these heart warriors. If I can make someone feel a little more confident than I know their journey will be a bit easier.

I hope this site and the support of everyone here help you navigate your path ahead. Please be assured, we'll be right beside you every step of the way. Wishing you all the best. ❤

Susan Lynn  Don - You have exhibited tremendous strength and perseverance. I can't imagine what multiple surgeries are like. I do know that the determination that got you to this point will sustain you through whatever challenges are ahead. Keep the faith - you have so many good things yet to enjoy! Stay focused on your goal. ❤

Susan Lynn  Don - You're absolutely welcome. I know you've had a difficult time and I appreciate you sharing your story. We can all relate to the ups and downs associated with diagnosis and OHS. Many heart warriors are benefiting by your participation on this site. Hang in there! I hope your procedure today gets you on the path to good health. We'll be there every step of the way. ❤

Susan Lynn  Darren - I am sorry to read about the challenges you're having with your recovery. Have you considered getting another opinion? I know that complications can occur, but I would still be interested in having a fresh set of eyes evaluate your symptoms. Once they're able to address them, you'll be back to the active lifestyle you've enjoyed. I wish you the best - please keep us posted on your progress.

Darren Ketchley  Thanks susan i am seeing a consultant on the 18th. I will definatley keep you posted. On reflection i wonder if minimal invasive surgery would have been better for me OHS is such a massive thing....take care.

Susan Lynn  Darren - I often wonder why some people develop post-op complications, while others don't. I left the hospital on many medications - some ended after a week, a month, three months and the two my cardiologist prescribed even longer. I don't know if that regimen makes a difference or if it's just that every heart and procedure are unique.
I don't know that the minimally invasive entry would have made much difference since the heart repair is the same once they get in there.
I do hope you get some answers because that's a long time to endure these symptoms especially when you felt so well before surgery. Stay positive - I'm sure they'll get to the bottom of it. ❤

Susan Lynn  Lisa and Glen - I spoke to surgeons who did full sternotomy, mini-sternotomy, full robotic, and mini-thoracotomy (which is the procedue I had). Actually, something the robotic surgeon said to me was impactful - he made it clear that it was only the entry that was different, the surgery itself is pretty much the same. He further said, "Sometimes you want to get in and get out. In a year, it won't matter what entry was used." That being said, I eliminated full robotic because it can take hours longer to perform - I wanted to keep surgical and bypass time to a minimum.

One surgeon mentioned that he performed mini-sternotomies because he personally never perfected the technique of the mini-thoractomy. He also had very high praise for the surgeon I was also considering. I sincerely appreciated his honesty.

As I mentioned on one of your previous posts, I was concerned about approaches to extubation, volume of repairs, experience, and the facility itself. My selected physician and hospital consistently came out on top for those measurements.

Finally, while aesthetics were secondary, I wasn't excited about the sternum cut and resulting scar. My surgeon hid my small incision on the side of my right breast and hid the bypass access in the crease above my right thigh. In addition, because I didn't have a sternum entry, I had no driving restrictions and no issues with chest pain, raising my arms, etc.

The biggest thing, which to me was minor, was that I had some numbness and tingling from the nerves regenerating. The reason this procedure is virtually painless is that the surgeon deadens the nerves in that area during the surgery. In the name of full disclosure, I have heard that people can have numbness and tingling for years after this procedure. I'm 15 months post op and I feel fine.

It's a very individual choice. I'm certain you will make the one that's right for you. Get the best repair you can. That's what is most important.

Lisa & Glen Smith  Thanks Susan
I am struggling with my surgeon selection. The one I was referred to is good for my area and with volume, but not the volume as in other cities, institutions. I am paralyzed with fear that I am making the wrong decision.

Susan Lynn  Lisa - if you would like to chat, please send me your email and I'll forward my phone number to you. Sometimes you just need to talk with someone who's been in your shoes. 👠👠

Ricky Stutts  Lisa, Dr. Joseph Lamelas just returned to Miami. My surgery for AVR & ascending Aorta repair all performed mini thoracotomy. All went remarkably well. Back to work at office 1 week after surgery. Houston lost a great surgeon.

Richard Buckley  I debated both methods and had mini thoracotomy in September. I'm pleased with results. I do have minor numbness around incision but it's improving. Gather info and make a choice. Each would work out. Maybe base it on your comfort with surgeon.

Lisa & Glen Smith  Susan, my email is Lisajo52@hotmail.com
I'm getting another surgeons opinion today although my minimally invasive is scheduled for next week.
This Dr. today has a lot of positive patient feedback from this site. He is a few hours drive from my home. Not sure if he does the minimally invasive though.

Susan Lynn  You can do anything, Diane! And - Arnold would be thrilled someone who is so deserving is quoting him! ❤💛💚💙🧡💜

Susan Lynn  Debbie - We're all in this together! I'm so glad that I could return some of the support and inspiration that the folks on this site have extended to me. I'm always here for you! ❤

John Isham  I honestly did not know that was an option. I don’t believe it was where I had my Cath done. The Cath was a piece of cake =.painless but I was sedated and preferred it that way because I am a guy and guys are “big babies” when it come to pain !

Susan Lynn  Rich - I had mine done through my wrist. There was a bit of a warm sensation in my arm when the dye was injected, but it only lasted a minute or two and it was tolerable. My cardiologist and I chatted through the whole thing while he intermittently gave instructions to the radiology tech to snap some pictures of my heart. I didn't want to be groggy if I didn't need to be. I had the procedure just after 4:00 p.m. and was leaving the hospital around 6:15 p.m. Make the decision that's right for you. Best of luck! ❤

Susan Lynn  Rich - Just an fyi - the nurses prep you for cath entry through the groin as a Plan B just in case there are any issues with wrist entry.

Jill McDonald   Rich,
I too had my cath as was awake. I was talking to the folks doing the procedure. Lots of big screens and could see the cath going in on the screen. They did not go through the wrist; mine was through the groin. I did feel the warm sensation like Susan said above. Since they went through the groin recovery was a bit more lengthy due to driving and such because of the groin entry. But definitely tolerable.

John Morales  I am having my TEE and Cath next Tuesday , not really looking forward to the TEE as I've had that before a while ago. But I guess these test give them all the information to do the surgery properly and minimize some of the risk

Susan Lynn  Congratulations on your 6 week anniversary! 🥂🍾 I'm sure the news about your mv regurgitation was a surprise, Some mv repair people still have small leaks after surgery - no worries. Plus, there are so many advances in cardiac surgery, I think even minimally invasive procedures will soon be replaced by trans-vascular ones. I hope that I am a one-time heart warrior. I had a good experience, but once was enough. All the best to you, Charles! ❤

Susan Lynn  John- It honestly was so much easier than I ever imagined. I did ask the anesthesiologist to give me something to prevent nausea - since I hadn't had general anesthesia in decades, If you'd like to chat, please send me your email and I'll send you my contact info. Sometimes it helps to talk it through. I'm happy to discuss with you! 😁

Susan Lynn  Hello, Jill! I'm so happy that I can help!
Congrats on your clear arteries. I also didn't have any blockages. I didn't take a beta blocker in advance of surgery, but I did take metoprolol for quite awhile afterward. My surgeon put me on it for three months, I was off for about two weeks, and my cardiologist put me back on it. I took it until I switched cardiologists in August who said he didn't see any reason to continue. I believe I was initially taking 25 mg once a day, then 12.5 once a day. I was feeling a little lightheaded upon standing and was glad to end it, but I definitely think it does something to prevent afib.
Just an fyi - I took several different drugs, post-operatively. Some were discontinued in a week, some in a month, and then finally the metoprolol.
Overall, surgery and recovery were waaaaaay easier than I ever anticipated. You'll be just fine. Follow the instructions of your medical team and walk as much as you can. You'll feel great before you know it!
All the best, Jill.

Jill McDonald   Thank you, Susan! I so appreciate your response. The metroprolol is exactly what they want me to take preoperatively. I have also been recommended to take baby aspirin forever due to the foreign body which I start after surgery.

Thank you, Susan!

Marie Myers  Because of my aneurysm size, I was placed on propranolol extended release by my primary when the aneurysm was first diagnosed. After surgery 7 months later, I was placed on 12.5 mg metoprolol twice a day which I still take. My surgery was 1 1/2 years ago. It is a good way to decrease the chance of afib, and I never had any side effects from taking it.

Susan Lynn  Sara - I'm so glad that my journal resonated with you. I was in your shoes this time last year and I had my share of emotional days. With your background, skills, and attitude, you will absolutely be ready when your day arrives later this month.

Trust your surgical team - they'll be doing most of the work. Keep looking ahead with your positive lenses! It will make all the difference in your experience. Great adventures and a healthy, long life await you! The power is all yours.

We'll be waiting to welcome you to recovery! All the best, Sara!

Susan Lynn  Paul - We're all in this together. I'm thrilled that something I said was helpful to you. You've made my whole day!

Meredith Geneja  Rest assured, Susan Lynn. You have helped a few of us with your input. Thank you, for your generosity of information & support. You are appreciated.

Susan Lynn  Rita - I am so sorry to hear that you're in pain. Don't give up - if your cardiologist or surgeon isn't addressing it, keep looking for a physician who will. Life is too precious to live it with pain. Keeping you in my prayers.

Susan Lynn  Thank you, Diane. I didn't realize I should be wearing a medic alert bracelet. It seems logical, though. I appreciate the information!

Susan Lynn  Thanks, Bill! Glad the questions were helpful. Please email or call if you want to chat. Congratulations on selecting your surgeon - that's a major milestone. You're going to be fine and on the road to recovery before you know it!

Susan Lynn  Thank you, Diane. I will absolutely do that this weekend. I sincerely appreciate the lovely compliment and I'm happy that you found it helpful. Please feel free to reach out to me if I can be of any assistance to you.

Debbie Chatzky  Anna, I believe they will tailor the rehab for your health needs. I am diabetic and they are doing that for me.

Susan Lynn  Absolutely, Carlie! If you want to give me your email, i can send you my phone number or write you back with the details. I can also do a Guestbook post. Whatever you prefer, I'm happy to do! 💞

Susan Lynn  Carlie - I can certainly give you more detail, but in summary, for me, recovery was all about goal setting and results-oriented thinking. Much psychology is based on the concept that, "You move toward and become like that which you think about." It's absolutely true. Focus on what you want, not what you don't want. The path to regaining your normal life will be as clear to you as it was for me. You'll know what you need to do.

It's great to read the stories of others, but you will create your own story! Resist the temptation to make generalizations about how your recovery will unfold - you can make it anything you want it to be! I hope your recovery will be even better than mine! You'll know your limitations - you'll rest when you need to, but you WILL keep moving forward.

We can't control everything that happens, but we can control what we think about and how we react to our individual circumstances. Visualize all the great adventures ahead of you for the rest of the summer and back to school in the fall. You will instinctively make the choices that will get you there when you concentrate on the destination rather than the trip! If you reach a detour, you'll get through that, too. You already possess these skills - you use them every semester!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time now or during your recovery. We all get by with a little help from our friends.

You're going to do great! I can't wait to read your updates!

Susan Lynn  Thanks for your quick reply. I had my mini-t just over six months ago. I have heard that some people have twitching or pain as nerves regenerate, but that hasn't been my experience, so far. Glad you're on the road to recovery. You should create a profile- I'm sure other heart brothers and sisters would like to communicate with you.